Closing apparatus with two closure parts which can be connected to a housing module

Abstract

A locking device (1) comprises a first locking part (3) having a first plug-in section (31) and a first magnet arrangement (35), a second locking part (4) having a second plug-in section (41) and a second magnet arrangement (45), and a housing module (2) having two plug-in openings (200, 201), a third magnet arrangement (25), and an actuating assembly (28). To connect to the housing module (2), the first locking part (3) with the first plug-in section (31) can be inserted into one of the plug-in openings (31, 41) by magnetic attraction of the first magnet arrangement (35) to the third magnet arrangement (25), and the second locking part (4) with the second plug-in section (41) can be inserted into one of the plug-in openings (31, 41) by magnetic attraction of the first magnet arrangement (35) to the third magnet arrangement (25), and are positively connected to the housing module (2) in a closed position.The actuating assembly (22) can be actuated to release the first locking part (3) and the second locking part (4) from the housing module (2). The first locking part (3) and the second locking part (4) can be inserted into each of the plug-in openings (200, 201).

Description

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

[0002] Such a locking device comprises a first locking part having a first plug-in section and a first magnet arrangement, and a second locking part having a second plug-in section and a second magnet arrangement. A housing module comprises two plug-in openings, a third magnet arrangement, and an actuating assembly, wherein, for connection to the housing module, the first locking part and the second locking part can each be inserted into one of the plug-in openings with their respective plug-in sections. This occurs under magnetic attraction between the first magnet arrangement and the third magnet arrangement, and vice versa, so that the attachment of the locking parts to the housing module is magnetically assisted. In a closed position, the locking parts are positively connected to the housing module and thus held in place by the housing module.The actuating assembly can be used to release the first and second locking parts from the housing module, so that the locking parts can be removed from the housing module and the locking device can thus be opened.

[0003] Such a fastening device can be used, for example, as a buckle on a stroller or a child car seat. A multi-strap connection can be provided via such a fastening device, for example, by connecting several straps to each other via the fastening parts and the housing module.

[0004] CN 204763740 U describes a buckle for a child car seat in which fastening parts can be attached to a base part and interact magnetically with the base part. In the closed position, the fastening parts are locked to the base part via sliding elements.

[0005] Another design of a child seat buckle is known from GB 2433546 A.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a locking device that is easy to handle, enables a secure and reliable connection in the closed position, and is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0007] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0008] A locking device comprises a first locking part having a first plug-in section and a first magnet arrangement, a second locking part having a second plug-in section and a second magnet arrangement, and a housing module having two plug-in openings, a third magnet arrangement, and an actuating assembly. For connection to the housing module, the first locking part with the first plug-in section can be inserted into one of the plug-in openings by magnetic attraction of the first magnet arrangement to the third magnet arrangement, and the second locking part with the second plug-in section can be inserted into one of the plug-in openings by magnetic attraction of the second magnet arrangement to the third magnet arrangement. In a closed position, they are positively locked to the housing module, and the actuating assembly can be actuated to release the first locking part and the second locking part from the housing module.The actuating assembly is designed to have an active element with ramps that, when the actuating assembly is actuated, deflect force onto the first plug section and the second plug section to assist in releasing the first plug section and the second plug section.

[0009] The locking device can be combined with the aspects and different designs described above, so reference should be made to the preceding explanations in this regard.

[0010] The actuating element can, for example, be rigidly connected to the actuating element of the actuator assembly and is moved in the actuation direction when the actuator assembly is actuated. An operative connection with a locking element can be established via the actuating element, so that when the actuator assembly is actuated in the actuation direction, the locking element moves together with the actuating element in the same actuation direction. Because the actuating element has chamfered edges, it acts on the plug-in sections of the locking parts attached to the housing module in such a way that they are forced out of the plug-in openings in the opposite direction to their respective closing direction. This assists in releasing the locking device when the actuator assembly is actuated by pushing the locking parts out of the plug-in openings in the opposite direction to their respective closing direction.The locking parts can therefore be easily removed from the housing module when the actuating assembly is activated.

[0011] The ramps can also be firmly connected to the actuating element or be formed by elastically deformable elements that are gradually pre-tensioned during the actuation of the actuating element and, from a predetermined point of actuation, push the locking parts out of the plug openings.

[0012] In one embodiment, a strap attachment point for securing a strap is provided on both the first and second locking parts. A strap attachment point can also be provided on the housing module, so that three straps can be connected to each other via the first locking part, the second locking part, and the housing module.

[0013] Additionally, a strap attachment element with a further strap connection for attaching another strap can be arranged on the first locking part and / or on the second locking part (each). Such a strap attachment element can, for example, be arranged on a body of the respective locking part by the body extending through an opening in the strap attachment element. Such an arrangement of the strap attachment element on the associated locking part can allow for a releasable hold of the strap attachment element on the locking part, whereby, in the closed position of the locking device, the strap attachment element is firmly connected to the housing module via the locking part.

[0014] If each of the two closure parts has a strap attachment element with a further strap attachment, then five straps can be connected to each other via the closure device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the actuating assembly comprises a locking element having locking sections which, in the closed position, are positively connected to the first plug-in section of the first locking part and to the second plug-in section of the second locking part, wherein the actuating assembly has an actuating element that can be actuated by a user, wherein the locking element is moved together with the actuating element when the actuating element of the actuating assembly is actuated and is adjustable relative to the actuating element when the first locking part and the second locking part are inserted into each of the plug-in openings.

[0016] The locking sections of the locking element, for example in the form of undercuts, serve to lock the plug-in sections to the housing module in the closed position, so that the plug-in sections cannot be removed from the housing module contrary to their respective locking direction, at least not without actuating the actuating assembly. In the closed position, the plug-in sections are thus locked to the actuating assembly, whereby actuating the actuating assembly releases the positive locking connection and the plug-in sections can thus be removed from the housing module.

[0017] The locking element can be adjusted by actuating the actuating assembly, so that the locking sections can be disengaged from the first plug section and the second plug section.

[0018] The actuating element can, for example, be in the form of a push button, which a user can actuate to activate the actuating assembly. When the actuating element is actuated, the locking element is adjusted together with the actuating element and is thus operatively connected to it. Due to a spring preload in the actuating assembly, the actuating element and the locking element can be reset together in the opposite direction of actuation after actuation has occurred, so that the actuating element and the locking element return to a starting position in which they can be locked together with the locking parts when inserted into the housing module.The locking element can be adjusted independently of the actuating element and moved relative to the actuating element when the locking parts are inserted into the plug openings of the housing module, so that the plug sections of the locking parts can, for example, run onto the locking sections of the locking element and engage with the locking sections in a form-fitting manner.

[0019] The actuating element can also be divided into two parts, each requiring a user to operate it. This division allows the locking element (for example, in the form of a rocker switch) to be actuated in such a way that the locking parts can be released separately and independently from the housing module. Actuating one part of the actuating element thus releases the locking element, unlocking the plug-in section of the corresponding locking part.

[0020] In one embodiment, the actuating element can be locked via a locking device. In a locked position, the locking device secures the actuating element against the housing module. The locking device can be unlocked to move the actuating element towards the housing module for adjusting the locking element.

[0021] In one embodiment, the locking element is spring-loaded against a housing section of the housing module via a first spring element. The actuating element, on the other hand, is spring-loaded against the housing section of the housing module via a second spring element, wherein the first and second spring elements have different spring constants. Both the first and second spring elements can, for example, be designed as compression springs, so that when the actuating element is actuated in the actuating direction, both the first and second spring elements are compressed. The first spring element can be designed to be softer than the second spring element by having a lower spring constant.The second spring element, via which the actuating element is spring-loaded relative to the housing section, can be designed with a comparatively large spring constant, so that the spring preload of the actuating element relative to the housing via the second spring element is greater than the spring preload of the locking element relative to the housing via the first spring element.

[0022] In this way, the locking element can be spring-loaded in a comparatively soft manner relative to the housing, while the actuating element is pre-loaded in a comparatively hard manner relative to the housing via the second spring element.

[0023] When the actuating element is used to adjust the locking element to release the locking components, the actuating element and the locking element move together, so that the preload force of the spring elements must be overcome jointly. The preload force (determined in particular by the constant spring rate of the second spring element) can be dimensioned such that the actuating element can only be operated to release the locking device by overcoming a sufficient force, preferably dimensioned so that, for example, a child cannot easily operate the actuating element. In this way, the safety against unintentional, unauthorized release of the locking device is increased.

[0024] When the locking components are attached, the locking element can be moved independently of the actuating element, contrary to the spring preload of the first spring element. Due to the soft spring preload of the first spring element, the locking element can be deflected relatively easily. This allows the locking components to be attached with magnetic assistance via the magnetic arrangements. Because of the soft spring preload, the attachment of the locking components and their engagement with the locking element can be achieved automatically through magnetic attraction, with the locking element deflecting automatically due to this magnetic attraction.

[0025] In one embodiment, the locking element can be made in one piece. For example, the locking element can have two first locking sections that are connected to the first plug-in section when the locking device is in the closed position, and also two second locking sections that are connected to the second plug-in section in the closed position.

[0026] Alternatively, the locking element can also be multi-part. For example, the locking element can be formed by two halves. It is conceivable that each half forms a locking section for connecting to one of the plug-in sections. However, it is also conceivable that each half forms, for example, two locking sections for connecting to both the first plug-in section and the second plug-in section.

[0027] If the locking element is designed in multiple parts, each part of the locking element can be operatively connected to the actuating element and thus be movable by the actuating element.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first locking part and the second locking part can be inserted into each of the openings, for example.

[0029] Because the first and second locking parts can be inserted into either of the slots, they can be identical. This simplifies manufacturing and thus reduces production costs, while also offering variable usability and ease of handling.

[0030] In one embodiment, the third magnet arrangement, with a pole of the same type, points towards both the first and second insertion openings. The third magnet arrangement is magnetically attracted to the first magnet arrangement of the first locking element and to the second magnet arrangement of the second locking element. When the first and second locking elements are attached to the housing module, the first and second magnet arrangements each point, for example, with a pole of the same type, towards the third magnet arrangement. Because the third magnet arrangement points with poles of the same type towards the locking elements, identical locking elements with the same magnet arrangements can be inserted into both insertion openings, attracting each other magnetically with the third magnet arrangement of the housing module.

[0031] The third magnetic arrangement can point with a single magnetic pole towards each of the closure parts, for example with a north pole, whereby in this case the first magnetic arrangement of the first closure part and the second magnetic arrangement of the second closure part each point with a south pole towards the third magnetic arrangement and thus interact magnetically attractively with the north pole.

[0032] Alternatively, the third magnetic arrangement can also provide a pole arrangement in which, for example, a north pole and a south pole (and possibly further poles) are arranged one above the other or next to each other. In this case, the first and second locking parts with the same pole arrangement point towards the third magnetic arrangement, i.e., they have the same arrangement of magnetic poles arranged one above the other or next to each other, so that the locking parts interact magnetically with the housing module.

[0033] It is also conceivable that the first and second locking parts have opposite poles pointing towards the third magnetic arrangement and therefore (at least magnetically) cannot be inserted into both openings, but only interact magnetically with the third magnetic arrangement when they are inserted into one assigned to the respective locking part.

[0034] The third magnet arrangement can consist of one or more permanent magnets. In this case, the first and second magnet arrangements of the first and second locking parts can also consist of one or more permanent magnets, or alternatively, of a magnetic armature made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0035] The third magnet arrangement can alternatively be formed by a magnetic armature. In this case, the first magnet arrangement of the first locking part and the second magnet arrangement of the second locking part are each formed by one or more permanent magnets.

[0036] In the closed position, the third magnetic arrangement is positioned between the first and second locking parts such that the first locking part is located on one side of the third magnetic arrangement, and the second locking part is located on the other side of the third magnetic arrangement. The third magnetic arrangement is thus positioned centrally between the insertion openings, allowing the locking parts to be brought close to the third magnetic arrangement from both sides, with the third magnetic arrangement magnetically attracting the first magnetic arrangement of the first locking part and the second magnetic arrangement of the second locking part.Due to the interaction of the third magnet arrangement with the magnet arrangements of the closure parts, the attachment of the closure parts to the housing module is magnetically supported, so that the closing of the closure device can preferably take place largely automatically, creating a positive locking connection of the closure parts with the housing module.

[0037] In one embodiment, the third magnet arrangement is located on the actuating assembly and is thus adjusted together with the actuating assembly when the latter is actuated. This allows the magnet arrangement to be adjusted relative to the locking parts and the magnet arrangements attached to them when the actuating assembly is actuated to release the locking parts from the housing module. This weakens the magnetic attraction between the third magnet arrangement and the locking parts, thereby facilitating the removal of the locking parts from the housing module.

[0038] The third magnet arrangement can be fixed to the actuating assembly, for example, the actuator, and thus move uniformly with the actuator when the actuator is actuated. However, the third magnet arrangement can also be (only) operatively connected to the actuator and, for example, rotated around an axis when the actuator is actuated, such that the poles of the magnet arrangement reverse, thereby, for example, converting a magnetic attraction with the locking elements into a magnetic repulsion.

[0039] When the third magnet arrangement is adjusted relative to the locking components, the magnetic attraction can potentially even transform into a magnetic repulsion due to a so-called edge effect. Magnetic repulsion occurs when magnets with opposite poles, magnetically attracting each other in the closed position, are moved tangentially with their opposing pole faces relative to each other when opening. If the magnets have at least approximately the same pole shape (i.e., the faces of the opposing poles are essentially the same shape) and the magnets are moved a certain distance relative to each other along the opening direction, e.g., approximately their width (measured in the opening direction) or slightly less than their width, while the pole faces are held parallel to each other (so that the magnets are, for example,(approximately edge to edge), a magnetic repulsion occurs between the magnets, which reaches a maximum with further displacement and then slowly decreases.

[0040] The locking parts can be guided on the housing module via suitable guide devices, which facilitates the attachment of the locking parts to the housing module and also prevents the locking parts from tilting relative to the housing module when the actuating assembly is operated to release the locking parts.

[0041] In one embodiment, the housing module comprises a housing on which the actuating assembly is adjustably mounted. The actuating assembly can be adjusted in an actuation direction towards the housing module to release the first and second locking parts. This can be achieved, for example, by a user pressing the actuating assembly into the housing, similar to a push button. Actuating the actuating assembly releases the positive locking connection between the housing module and the locking parts, allowing the locking parts to be removed from the housing module and thus opening the locking device.

[0042] In one embodiment, the actuating assembly is spring-loaded against the housing in the opposite direction to the actuation direction. Actuation of the actuating assembly thus occurs against the spring force provided by the spring preload, for example, by one or more spring elements. After actuation, the actuating assembly is returned to a starting position by the spring preload. In this position, when the locking parts are reattached to the housing module, the locking parts engage with the housing module, and the locking device can thus be closed again.

[0043] In one embodiment, the spring force provided by the spring preload exceeds a predetermined minimum force. The underlying principle is that opening the locking device, for example, when used as a buckle on a stroller or child seat, should only be possible for specific users, such as adults, while children should not be able to easily open the locking device. Actuating the actuating assembly should therefore require a minimum force that a child cannot readily exert. This minimum force can be set by dimensioning one or more spring elements that provide the spring preload of the actuating assembly. For example, the minimum force can be equal to or greater than 5 Newtons, preferably equal to or greater than 10 Newtons, more preferably equal to or greater than 20 Newtons, or even equal to or greater than 50 Newtons.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first locking element with the first plug-in section and the second locking element with the second plug-in section can each be inserted into one of the plug-in openings along a closing direction for connection to the housing module. The closing direction is, for example, perpendicular to the direction of actuation, whereby the closing directions along which the locking elements can be plugged into the plug-in openings may lie in a common plane or even be collinear but oriented in opposite directions to each other.For example, the plug-in openings on the housing module are formed on diametrically opposite sides of the housing module, so that the locking parts with their plug-in sections can be plugged into the housing module on the opposite sides in order to lock with the housing module, whereby the attachment of the locking parts takes place under magnetic attraction of the magnetic arrangements of the locking parts with the magnetic arrangement of the housing module.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first plug-in section and the second plug-in section each have a locking head for creating a positive-locking connection with the housing module. The locking head can have at least one ramp extending obliquely to the closing direction and obliquely to the actuation direction, which can be designed so that, when the respective plug-in section is inserted, the locking head engages an associated locking section on the housing module, thus creating a positive-locking connection between the plug-in section and the housing module.

[0046] In one embodiment, the locking head has two ramps formed on opposite sides of the locking head. These ramps are preferably oriented in reverse to the respective closing direction, so that the locking head has a wedge shape with ramps on opposite sides.

[0047] The locking head, for example, is designed to be mirror-symmetrical about a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the direction of actuation. In general, any locking component can be designed to be essentially mirror-symmetrical about a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the direction of actuation.

[0048] According to another aspect, a locking device in a general embodiment comprises a first locking part having a first plug-in section and a first magnet arrangement, a second locking part having a second plug-in section and a second magnet arrangement, and a housing module having two plug-in openings, a third magnet arrangement, and an actuating assembly. For connection to the housing module, the first locking part with the first plug-in section can be inserted into one of the plug-in openings by magnetic attraction of the first magnet arrangement to the third magnet arrangement, and the second locking part with the second plug-in section can be inserted into one of the plug-in openings by magnetic attraction of the second magnet arrangement to the third magnet arrangement. In a closed position, they are positively locked to the housing module. The actuating assembly can be actuated to release the first locking part and the second locking part from the housing module.The design allows the first and second locking parts to be inserted into each of the openings.

[0049] The aspects described above can be freely combined with this type of locking device, so reference should be made to the preceding explanations in this regard.

[0050] In one embodiment, the actuating assembly has a locking element that forms locking sections which, in the closed position, are positively connected to the first plug-in section of the first locking part and to the second plug-in section of the second locking part.

[0051] The locking element can be adjusted by actuating the actuating assembly, so that the locking sections can be disengaged from the first plug section and the second plug section.

[0052] The actuating assembly can, for example, include an actuating element, such as a push button, which a user can actuate to activate the assembly. When the actuating element is actuated, the locking element is adjusted together with the actuating element and is thus operatively connected to it.

[0053] In one embodiment, the locking element is spring-loaded against a housing section of the housing module via a first spring element. The actuating element, on the other hand, is spring-loaded against the housing section of the housing module via a second spring element, wherein the first and second spring elements have different spring constants. Both the first and second spring elements can, for example, be designed as compression springs, so that when the actuating element is actuated in the actuating direction, both the first and second spring elements are compressed.

[0054] In one embodiment, the actuating assembly has an active element with ramps that, when the actuating assembly is actuated, redirect the force onto the first and second plug sections to facilitate their release. The active element can, for example, be rigidly connected to the actuating element of the assembly and is moved in the actuation direction when the assembly is actuated. The active element can, for example, establish an operative connection with the locking element, so that when the actuating assembly is actuated, the locking element moves together with the active element in the actuation direction.Because the actuating element has chamfered edges, it acts on the plug-in sections of the locking parts attached to the housing module in such a way that they are forced out of the plug-in openings in the opposite direction to their respective closing direction. This assists in releasing the locking device when the actuating assembly is activated, as the locking parts are pushed out of the plug-in openings in the opposite direction to their respective closing direction. The locking parts can therefore be easily removed from the housing module when the actuating assembly is activated.

[0055] The ramps can be rigidly connected to the actuating element or formed by elastically deformable elements that are gradually pre-tensioned during actuation of the actuating element and, from a predetermined point of actuation, push the locking parts out of the plug openings.

[0056] A fastening device of the described type can be used, for example, on a stroller or child car seat to fasten straps together. Such a fastening device can generally be used wherever it is necessary to fasten several components together, for example, to fasten multiple straps, bands, belts, ropes, or other elements together.

[0057] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1A An exploded view of an embodiment of a locking device; Fig. 1B Another exploded view of the locking device; Fig. 2A A top view of the locking device in a closed position; Fig. 2B Sectional view along line AA according to Fig. 2A ; Fig. 2C a sectional view along line BB according to Fig. 2A Fig. 3A: Top view of the locking device when opened; Fig. 3: Sectional view along line AA according to Fig. 3A ; Fig. 3C a sectional view along line BB according to Fig. 3A Fig. 4A: Top view of the locking device as it opens further; Fig. 4: Sectional view along line AA according to Fig. 4A ; Fig. 4C a sectional view along line BB according to Fig. 4A Fig. 5A: Top view of the locking device as it opens further; Fig. 5: Sectional view along line AA according to Fig. 5A ; Fig. 5C a sectional view along line BB according to Fig. 5A Fig. 6A Top view of the locking device in an open position; Fig. 6Bench sectional view along line AA according to Fig. 6A ; Fig. 6C a sectional view along line BB according to Fig. 6A Fig. 7A A top view of the locking device when closed; Fig. 7A Sectional view along line AA according to Fig. 7A ; Fig. 7C a sectional view along line BB according to Fig. 7A Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of magnetic arrangements of a housing module and of locking parts of the locking device; Fig. 9 shows another view of magnetic arrangements; Fig. 10 shows another view of magnetic arrangements; Fig. 11 shows a view of an embodiment of a locking device with a locking device for locking an actuating element of an actuating assembly; and Fig. 12 shows a view of another embodiment of a locking device with a locking device.

[0058] At a Fig. 1A , 1B bis 7A-7C In the illustrated embodiment, a locking device 1 comprises a housing module 2 and two locking parts 3, 4 to be attached to the housing module 2. The locking parts 3, 4 can each be attached along a closing direction X1, X2 to a housing formed by housing parts 20, 21 of the housing module 2 and are locked to the housing module 2 in a closed position such that the locking parts 3, 4 are fixed to the housing module 2 opposite to the closing direction X1, X2.

[0059] Referring first to the exploded views according to Fig. 1A and 1BHousing part 20 of housing module 2 forms two insertion openings 200, 201 into which a closure part 3, 4 with a plug-in section 31, 41 can be inserted along the respective associated closing direction X1, X2. Housing part 21 is attached to housing part 20 and firmly connected to it, so that the insertion openings 200, 201 are bounded at the top by housing part 21.

[0060] A belt attachment 204 is formed on the housing part 20, via which a belt can be attached to the housing module 2.

[0061] The housing module 2 has an actuating assembly 28, which is formed by an actuating element 22, an active element 23 connected to the actuating element 22, and a locking element 24. The actuating assembly 28 is received in an opening 210 within the housing part 21 and can be actuated, in particular, to release the locking parts 3, 4 from the housing module 2.

[0062] The actuating element 22 can be actuated in an actuation direction B by a user acting on a surface section 220 of the actuating element 22, thereby pressing the actuating element 22 in the actuation direction B into the housing formed by the housing parts 20, 21. The actuating element 22 is guided on the housing part 21 by guide elements 221 in the form of lateral tabs projecting from the surface section 220 along the actuation direction B, by means of a web 223 engaging in corresponding recesses 211 on side surfaces within the opening 210 of the housing part 21, and thus the actuating element 22 is guided linearly along the actuation direction B to the housing part 21.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the working element 23 is firmly connected to the actuating element 22 by means of locking heads 233 being inserted into locking grooves 222 on the inside of the guide elements 221 and being locked into the end sections of the locking grooves 222.

[0064] The working element 23 has coupling elements 234 in the form of wedges on both sides of a body 230. When the actuating element 22 is actuated, the working element 23 is operatively connected to the locking element 24 via these coupling elements, by engaging engagement sections 243 on pins 240 projecting from a body of the locking element 24. When the actuating element 22 is actuated, the working element 23 thus pushes the locking element 24 in the actuation direction B, so that the locking element 24 is moved together with the actuating element 22 and the working element 23.

[0065] On the locking element 24, two locking sections 241, 242 are formed on both sides, which serve to form a positive connection with the locking parts 3, 4, as will be described below.

[0066] The actuating assembly 28 is spring-loaded against the housing part 20 of the housing module 2 by means of spring elements 26, 27. A central spring element 26 biases the assembly of the actuating element 22 and the working element 23 against the direction of actuation B towards the housing part 20, by being supported at one end against the housing part 20, extending through an opening 244 in the body of the locking element 24, and bearing against the locking element 23 at the other end. The spring elements 27, on the other hand, bias the locking element 24 against the housing part 20, by being supported on one side against the housing part 20 and on the other side within the pins 240 of the locking element 24.

[0067] While the spring element 26 has a comparatively large spring constant and thus preloads the actuating element 22 with a comparatively hard spring force against the housing part 20, the spring elements 27 can be designed to be comparatively soft with a low spring constant and thus preload the locking element 24 against the housing part 20 in a comparatively soft manner.

[0068] Within the body 230 of the locking element 23 a magnet arrangement 25 is enclosed, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed by two permanent magnets.

[0069] The locking parts 3, 4 each have a body 30, 40 on which a plug-in section 31, 41 is formed. Each plug-in section 31, 41 has two locking heads 310, 410 which form ramps 311, 312 on opposite sides (along the direction of actuation B) and serve to establish a positive locking connection with the locking sections 241, 242 of the locking element 24 when the locking parts 3, 4 are plugged in.

[0070] Two guide ribs 313 and 413 are formed laterally on each of the plug-in sections 310 and 410. These ribs serve to engage the plug-in openings 200 and 201 of the housing part 20 with their associated guide grooves 202 and 203 when the locking parts 3 and 4 are plugged in, ensuring that the locking parts 3 and 4 are guided linearly to the housing part 20 along their respective closing directions X1 and X2. Furthermore, the guide ribs 313 and 413 prevent the locking parts 3 and 4 from tilting when the actuating assembly 28 is actuated and released from the housing assembly 2.

[0071] Each locking part 3, 4 has a magnetic arrangement 35, 45 which is enclosed in the plug-in section 31, 41 and, in the illustrated embodiment, is realized by a permanent magnet.

[0072] Each closure part 3, 4 has a strap attachment 32, 42 and a handle 33, 43 for handling by a user.

[0073] Each closure part 3, 4 also has a belt attachment element 34, 44, which forms an opening 341, 441 on a body 340, 440 through which the body 30, 40 of the closure part 3, 4 engages. A fixing element 300, 400 is formed on the body 30, 40 of the closure part 3, 4 for engagement with an associated fixing recess 343, 443 within the opening 341, 441 of the belt attachment element 34, 44.

[0074] The bodies 30, 40 of the closure parts 3, 4 can preferably be received in the opening 341, 441 of the associated belt attachment element 34, 44 in different positions, namely in positions rotated 180° relative to each other (with respect to the closing direction X1, X2). The bodies 30, 40 can thus be inserted into their respective associated opening 341, 441 in a mirror-image configuration.

[0075] The belt attachment element 34, 44 forms a further belt attachment 342, 442 and is detachably connected to the body 30, 40 of the locking part 3, 4, so that the belt attachment element 34, 44 can be removed, but in a closed position of the locking device 1 is firmly connected to the housing module 2 via the locking part 3, 4.

[0076] Fig. 2A-2C Figure 1 shows the locking device 1 in the closed position. In the closed position, the locking parts 3 and 4 are connected to the housing module 2, so that the straps 5 are jointly fixed to the housing module 2 and thus connected to each other at one point.

[0077] In the closed position, the locking heads 310, 410, as can be seen in particular from the sectional view according to Fig. 2C The actuating assembly 28 is visibly and positively connected to the locking sections 241, 242 of the locking element 24, so that the locking parts 3, 4 are locked to the housing module 2. In the closed position, the actuating assembly 28 is located in an upper position within the housing formed by the housing parts 20, 21, due to the spring preload of the spring elements 26, 27.

[0078] In this upper position, viewed along the actuation direction B, the magnet arrangement 25 of the actuation assembly 28 is essentially at the same height as the magnet arrangements 35, 45 of the locking parts 3, 4, as can be seen from the sectional view according to Fig. 2B The magnet arrangement 35 shows, as can be seen from Fig. 2B as can be seen, with poles of the same name (in this case the south pole S) facing outwards, with the magnetic arrangements 35, 45 of the closure parts 3, 4 each pointing with a pole of the same type (in this case a north pole N) towards the magnetic arrangement 35.

[0079] The magnetic arrangements 35, 45 of the closure parts 3, 4 are thus each magnetically attractive to the magnetic arrangement 35 of the housing module 2.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking parts 3, 4 are designed as identical parts. In particular, the locking parts 3, 4 are identically shaped at their plug-in sections 31, 41, and the magnetic arrangements 35, 45 with corresponding poles each point towards the housing module 2 (when the locking parts 3, 4 are attached to the housing module 2). This allows the locking parts 3, 4 to be inserted into each of the plug-in openings 200, 201, and each locking part 3, 4 can therefore also be inserted into the other plug-in opening 201, 200.

[0081] The design of the locking parts 3, 4 using identical parts enables easy handling and also simple manufacturing, reducing tooling costs and simplifying assembly, where no special attention needs to be paid to the correct orientation of the locking parts 3, 4.

[0082] With regard to the plug-in sections 31, 41, in particular the locking heads 310, 410, the locking parts 3, 4 are also shaped in a mirror-image manner to a mirror symmetry plane extending perpendicular to the actuation direction B, which makes it possible to attach the locking parts 3, 4 to the housing module 2 in a mirror-image manner.

[0083] Referring now to the views according to Fig. 3A-3C until Fig. 6A-6C , a user presses on the actuating element 22 to open the locking device 1, in order to push the actuating element 22 in the actuating direction B into the housing formed by the housing parts 20, 21, as is the case in the transition from Fig. 3A-3C towards Fig. 4A-4C This is evident. As a result, the working element 23 is moved together with the actuating element 22 in the actuating direction B and acts on the locking element 24, so that the locking sections 241, 242 of the locking element 24 are disengaged from the locking heads 310, 410 of the locking parts 3, 4 in the actuating direction B.

[0084] In addition, the magnetic arrangement 25, which is arranged on the actuating element 23, is adjusted in the actuation direction B and thus moved away from the magnetic arrangements 35, 45 of the locking parts 3, 4, so that the magnetic attraction between the locking parts 3, 4 and the housing module 2 is weakened (and possibly reversed due to an edge effect).

[0085] The locking element 23 has ramps 231, 232 on its sides facing the locking parts 3, 4, which serve to interact with the ramps 311, 411 on the upper side of the locking heads 310, 410 of the locking parts 3, 4 in order to move the locking parts 3, 4 out of the insertion openings 200, 201 when the actuating assembly 28 is actuated in the opposite direction to the respective associated closing direction X1, X2, as is the case in the transition from Fig. 3A-3C towards Fig. 4A-4C As can be seen, the locking parts 3, 4 are thus mechanically pushed out of the insertion openings 200, 201 by at least a certain distance when opening, so that the locking parts 3, 4, as shown in Fig. 5A-5C shown, can be easily removed from the housing module 2.

[0086] After actuation, the actuating assembly 28 is automatically returned to a starting position due to the spring preload of the spring elements 26, 27, in which the surface section 220 is substantially flush with a top surface of the housing part 21 and the locking element 24 again assumes a position in which the locking parts 3, 4 can be locked upon re-engagement with the housing module 2, as shown from Fig. 6A-6C as is evident.

[0087] When attaching the locking parts 3, 4 to the housing module 2, as shown in the diagram... Fig. 7A-7C As can be seen, the plug-in sections 31, 41 with the locking heads 310, 410 formed on them come into contact with the locking sections 241, 242 of the locking element 24, whereby the ramps 312, 412 on the locking heads 310, 410 run onto ramps on the plug-in sections 241, 242 and thereby deflect the locking element 24 in the actuation direction B to such an extent that the locking heads 310, 410 can be moved past the locking sections 241, 242 in the respective closing direction X1, X2 and come into positive engagement with the locking sections 241, 242, as can be seen from the views corresponding to the closed position according to Fig. 3A-3C as is evident.

[0088] When the closed position is established, the locking element 24 is adjustable independently of the actuating element 22 and the working element 23, under a relative movement of the coupling elements 234 to the engagement sections 243, so that the locking element 24 can be deflected against the spring preload of the spring elements 27 and the locking parts 3, 4 with their plug-in sections 31, 41 can thus be brought into a positive locking connection with the locking element 24.

[0089] Because the spring elements 27 are designed to be relatively soft, the deflection of the locking element 24 when the locking parts 3,4 are attached can occur in a relatively smooth manner with little force, so that the magnetic attraction forces of the magnet arrangements 25, 35, 45 can automatically cause the locking element 24 to deflect when the locking parts 3,4 are attached.

[0090] Due to the design and orientation of the magnetic arrangements 25, 35, 45, the locking parts 3, 4 can each be inserted into any of the socket openings 200, 201. This is achieved, among other things, by the schematic representation in Fig. 8 It is shown that the magnetic arrangements 35, 45 on the plug-in sections 31, 41 of the closure parts 3, 4 point with like poles (in this case the north pole N) towards the magnetic arrangement 25 on the active element 23 of the housing module 2 and that each closure part 3, 4 can thus be attached to the magnetic arrangement 25 from either side, in each case with magnetic attraction between the magnetic arrangements 25, 35, 45.

[0091] In another embodiment, the magnet arrangements 25, 35, 45 can be, as shown schematically in Fig. 9 As shown, each magnetic element also has several magnetic poles N, S, which point towards a corresponding, different magnetic arrangement 25, 35, 45. Thus, in the magnetic arrangement 25 of the housing module, two magnetic poles N, S can be arranged one above the other, in which case the locking elements 3, 4 have identical magnetic arrangements 35, 45, in which (exactly opposite) magnetic poles N, S are arranged one above the other. Each locking element 3, 4 can again be inserted into each socket opening 200, 201, each under magnetic attraction to the magnetic arrangement 25 of the housing module 2.

[0092] In the embodiment according to Fig. 9 The magnetic poles N, S of the individual magnet arrangements 25, 35, 45 are arranged one above the other when viewed along the direction of actuation B. In an alternative embodiment, the magnet arrangements 25, 35, 45 can be arranged as shown schematically in Fig. 10 As shown, each locking element also has several magnetic poles N, S, which point towards a corresponding, different magnetic arrangement 25, 35, 45 and are arranged side by side along a transverse direction perpendicular to the actuation direction B and perpendicular to the closing directions X1, X2. Each locking element 3, 4 can again be inserted into each plug-in opening 200, 201, each under magnetic attraction to the magnetic arrangement 25 of the housing module 2.

[0093] Because the locking elements 3, 4 are also designed, particularly at the plug-in sections 31, 41, to be mirror-symmetrical about a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the actuation direction B, the locking elements 3, 4 can be rotated by 180° in a plane defined by the actuation direction B and the closing direction X1, X2 and inserted into the plug-in openings 200, 201 on the different sides of the housing module 2. Via the locking heads 310, 410 and the ramps 311, 312, 411, 412 formed on both sides thereon, the plug-in sections 31, 41 can interact with the ramps on the locking sections 241, 242 and with the ramps 231, 232 on the working element 23.

[0094] At a Fig. 11 In the illustrated embodiment, a locking device 29 is provided on the housing module 2. This locking device serves to lock the actuating element 22 of the actuating assembly 28 relative to the housing of the housing module 2, which is formed by one or more housing parts 20, 21, in a locked position. This prevents unintentional actuation of the actuating element 22 and also provides a child safety lock by means of a so-called 2-way release. Actuating the actuating element 22 requires two steps: first, unlocking the locking device 29 by moving a locking element 290, and second, pressing the actuating element 22.

[0095] In the embodiment according to Fig. 11 The locking device 29 is arranged laterally on an end face of the housing module 2.

[0096] In the embodiment according to Fig. 12 In contrast, a locking device 29 with a sliding locking element 290 is arranged on a top side of the housing module 2, where the actuating element 22 is also accessible.

[0097] In the embodiment according to Fig. 12 Furthermore, the actuating element 22 is divided into two actuating parts 224, 225. The actuating parts 224, 225 can be actuated separately from each other in order to release one locking part 3, 4 from the housing module 2 independently of the other locking part 4, 3. For this purpose, the respective actuating part 224, 225 is actuated, thereby moving a locking element, for example, in a rocker-like manner, so that the respective locking part 3, 4 is unlocked and thus released from the housing module 2.

[0098] In this embodiment, each actuating part 224, 225 can, for example, have a third magnetic arrangement for magnetic interaction with the respective associated locking part 3, 4.

[0099] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0100] A locking device of the type described can be used in particular as a closure on a stroller or a child seat, but possibly also in other applications, for example in a sports seat (rally seat) or wherever several assemblies are to be connected to each other at one point. Bezugszeichenliste

[0101] 1 Locking device 2 Housing module 20 Housing part 200, 201 Plug-in opening 202, 203 Guide groove 204 Belt attachment 21 Housing part 210 Opening 211 Recess 22 Actuating element 220 Surface section 221 Guide element 222 Detent groove 223 Web 224, 225 Actuating part 23 Working element 230 Body 231, 232 Lead-in ramps 233 Detent heads 234 Coupling element 24 Locking element 240 Pin 241, 242 Locking section 243 Engagement section 244 Opening 25 Magnet arrangement 26, 27 Spring element 28 Actuating assembly 29 Locking device 290 Locking element 3 Locking part 30 Body 300 Fixing element 31 Plug-in section 310 Locking head 311, 312 Run-up ramp 313 Guide bar 32 Strap attachment 33 Handle section 34 Strap attachment element 340 Body 341 Opening 342 Strap attachment 343 Fixing engagement 35 Magnet arrangement 4 Locking part 40 Body 400 Fixing element 41 Engagement section 410 Locking section 411,412 Ramp 413 Guide rail 42 Belt attachment 43 Handle section 44 Belt attachment element 440 Body 441 Opening 442 Belt attachment 443 Fixing engagement 45 Magnet arrangement 5 Belt B Actuation direction X1, X2 Closing direction,

Claims

1. A closure device (1), comprising a first closure part (3), which includes a first plug-in portion (31) and a first magnet arrangement (35), a second closure part (4), which includes a second plug-in portion (41) and a second magnet arrangement (45), and a housing module (2), which includes two plug-in openings (200, 201), a third magnet arrangement (25) and an actuating assembly (28), wherein for connection with the housing module (2) the first closure part (3) with the first plug-in portion (31) by magnetic attraction of the first magnet arrangement (35) with the third magnet arrangement (25) and the second closure part (4) with the second plug-in portion (41) by magnetic attraction of the second magnet arrangement (45) with the third magnet arrangement (25) can each be plugged into one of the plug-in openings (31, 41) and in a closed position are positively connected with the housing module (2), wherein the actuating assembly (28) can be actuated for releasing the first closure part (3) and the second closure part (4) from the housing module (2), characterized in that the actuating assembly (28) includes an active element (23) on which run-up slopes (231) are formed, which on actuation of the actuating assembly (28) act on the first plug-in portion (31) and the second plug-in portion (41) in a force-deflecting way in order to support releasing of the first plug-in portion (31) and of the second plug-in portion (41), wherein in the closed position the third magnet arrangement (25) is arranged between the first closure part (3) and the second closure part (4) in such a way that the first closure part (3) is arranged on a first side of the third magnet arrangement (25) and the second closure part (4) is arranged on a second side of the third magnet arrangement (25) facing away from the first side.

2. The closure device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that on the first closure part (3) and on the second closure part (4) one strap attachment (32, 42) each is arranged for fastening a strap (5).

3. The closure device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that on the first closure part (3) and / or on the second closure part (4) a strap attachment element (34, 44) with a further strap attachment (342, 344) is arranged for fastening a further strap.

4. The closure device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first closure part (3) and / or the second closure part (4) have a body (30, 40) which reaches through an opening (341, 441) of the strap attachment element (34, 44).

5. The closure device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating assembly (28) includes a blocking element (24) which includes blocking portions (241, 242), which in the closed position are positively connected with the first plug-in portion (31) of the first closure part (3) and with the second plug-in portion (41) of the second closure part (4), wherein the actuating assembly (28) includes an actuating element (22) actuatable by a user, wherein upon actuation of the actuating element (22) of the actuating assembly (28) the blocking element (24) is moved jointly with the actuating element (22) and can be adjusted relative to the actuating element (22) when the first closure part (3) and the second closure part (4) are each plugged into one of the plug-in openings (200, 201).

6. The closure device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating element (22) includes two actuating parts (224, 225), which each are associated to one of the plug-in portions (31, 41) and can be actuated in order to move the blocking element (24) for releasing the closure part (3, 4) associated to the respective plug-in portion (31, 41).

7. The closure device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by a locking device (29) for locking the actuating element (22) with the housing part (20, 21), wherein in a locked position the locking device (29) locks the actuating element (22) with the housing part (20, 41) and can be actuated for unlocking.

8. The locking device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first closure part (3) and the second closure part (4) are configured as identical parts.

9. The closure device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third magnet arrangement (25) with a like pole (N, S) each points towards the first plug-in opening (200) and the second plug-in opening (201).

10. The closure device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that on attachment of the first closure part (3) and the second closure part (4) to the housing module (2) the first magnet arrangement (35) and the second magnet arrangement (45) each point towards the third magnet arrangement (25) with a like pole (N, S).

11. The closure device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third magnet arrangement (25) is arranged on the actuating assembly (28).

12. The closure device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing module (2) includes a housing on which the actuating assembly (28) is adjustably arranged, wherein the actuating assembly (28) can be adjusted in an actuating direction (B) to the housing for releasing the first closure part (3) and the second closure part (4) from the housing module (2).

13. The closure device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the actuating assembly (28) is spring-biased against the actuating direction (B) to the housing.

14. The closure device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first closure part (3) with the first plug-in portion (31) and the second closure part (4) with the second plug-in portion (41) can each be plugged into one of the plug-in openings (200, 201) along a closing direction (X1, X2) for connection with the housing module (2), wherein the respective closing direction (X1, X2) is directed transversely to the actuating direction (B).

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