Closure device for connecting two assemblies
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2022830875
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-02-28
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-08
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Locking device for connecting two assemblies
[0002] Description
[0003] The invention relates to a locking device for connecting two assemblies to one another according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0004] Such a closure device comprises a first closure part assigned to a first of the assemblies, which first closure part has a housing part, a plug-in opening arranged on the housing part, at least one first engagement projection, and an adjustment element adjustably arranged on the housing part. The closure device further comprises a second closure part assigned to a second of the assemblies, which second closure part has an engagement element with at least one second engagement projection. To close the closure device, the engagement element can be inserted into the plug-in opening along a closing direction. In a closed position, the at least one first engagement projection engages with the at least one second engagement projection to hold the first closure part and the second closure part against one another in the opposite direction to the closing direction. To open the closure device, the first closure part and the second closure parts can be separated from one another.
[0005] Such a locking device is intended to provide a reliable, firm, and resilient hold between the locking parts in the closed position, connecting the associated assemblies and mechanically holding them together. The locking device should be easy to handle, allowing for convenient closing and reopening.
[0006] Such a locking device can be used, for example, on a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle or a bicycle, to connect assemblies to one another. For example, such a locking device can be used to attach an assembly to a bicycle frame.
[0007] For example, in the locking device, it is desirable that the locking parts are held together in a vibration-proof and rattle-free manner in the closed position, although it should be noted that mechanical manufacturing tolerances may exist. During operation, a firm, essentially play-free connection between the locking parts should be created to enhance user comfort.
[0008] In a closure device known from DE 10 2018 123 026 A1, closure parts are attached to closure elements arranged on a base body to close the closure device. Locking sections are arranged on the closure elements and the closure parts, which mechanically engage with each other in the closed position of the closure device, creating a positive connection. The closure device of DE 10 2018 123 026 A1, for example, implements a closure for the straps of a stroller or a child seat.
[0009] WO 2020 / 216955 A1 describes a locking device for connecting two assemblies to each other, comprising a first locking part with a locking piece and a first magnetic element, and a second locking part with a locking receptacle and a second magnetic element. In addition, the locking device comprises a locking mechanism arranged on the second locking part, which has a locking element and an actuating mechanism operatively connected to the locking element. In a closed position, the locking element can be brought into operative connection with the locking piece to prevent a positive engagement between locking sections of the first locking part and the second locking part.
[0010] WO 2010 / 084191 A1 describes a closure device in which a connecting module with a locking piece can be attached to a spring locking element of another connecting module. The spring locking element is rotatably mounted on the other connecting module such that opening of the closure device can be prevented by rotating the spring locking element.
[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a locking device which is easy to handle and which, in a closed position, enables the locking parts to be held together reliably, with high load capacity and as free from play as possible.
[0012] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.
[0013] Accordingly, the plug-in opening, viewed along a plane perpendicular to the closing direction, is delimited by at least one delimiting section such that the engagement element for closing the closure device can be inserted into a space delimited by the at least one delimiting section. An active section of the adjustment element is arranged outside the space in the first position to enable insertion of the engagement element into the space.When the first closure part and the second closure part are placed against one another, the adjusting element can be transferred from the first position into the second position, so that in the second position the active section, viewed along the plane perpendicular to the closing direction, is arranged within the space in order to establish or secure the engagement between the at least one first engagement projection and the at least one second engagement projection for holding the first closure part and the second closure part against one another in the opposite direction to the closing direction.
[0014] The closure device has two closure parts that can be attached to one another along the closing direction to close the closure device. The closure device can be designed as a purely mechanical closure device, in which the closure parts are held together in the closed position by mechanical engagement of the closure parts. However, the closure device can also be designed as a mechanical-magnetic closure device, in which the closure parts are magnetically attracted to one another along the closing direction to close and are preferably held together both mechanically and magnetically in the closed position.
[0015] The first closure part comprises a housing part, at least one first engagement projection, and an adjustment element adjustably arranged on the housing part. The second closure part, in contrast, comprises an engagement element with at least one second engagement projection. In the closed position, the engagement projections engage with one another such that the closure parts are held against one another in the opposite direction to the closing direction.
[0016] The plug-in opening is delimited by at least one delimiting section, viewed along a plane perpendicular to the closing direction, such that a space is formed within the plug-in opening into which the engagement element can be inserted to close the closure device. The delimiting section can be formed, for example, by a circumferential, for example circular, edge that defines the plug-in opening. However, delimiting sections can also be formed, for example, by one or more projections that project radially inward from a circumferential edge and thus define a space into which the engagement element can be inserted to close the closure device. For example, two opposing delimiting sections delimit the space, wherein the engagement element can be inserted between the opposing delimiting sections to close the closure device.
[0017] The space is formed in a projection plane perpendicular to the closing direction. The engagement element can be inserted into the space in the closing direction in order to establish or secure engagement between the engagement projections by rotating the adjustment element on the housing part of the first closure part after insertion.
[0018] The adjustment element has an active portion that, in the first position of the adjustment element, is located outside the space and thus does not further restrict the space available for inserting the engagement element. Thus, in the first position of the adjustment element, the active portion does not prevent the engagement element from being inserted into the space formed within the plug-in opening.
[0019] In order to establish or secure the engagement between the engagement projections, the adjusting element can be rotated from the first position into the second position after the engagement element has been inserted into the plug-in opening, whereby the engagement element is fixed within the plug-in opening. In the second position, the active section is located radially inside the space and is thus operatively connected to the engagement element, so that the adjusting element acts on the engagement element to establish the connection or at least acts on the engagement element in such a way that the engagement of the engagement projections is secured. In one embodiment, the space formed within the plug-in opening has a center. The adjusting element can be rotated about an axis of rotation eccentric to the center between the first position and the second position relative to the housing part of the first closure part.The adjusting element is designed, in the second position, via the active section, to establish or at least secure the engagement between the at least one first input projection and the at least one second engagement projection for holding the first closure part and the second closure part against one another in the opposite direction to the closing direction. The adjusting element can be rotated eccentrically relative to the plug-in opening on the housing part of the first closure part. In the first position, the adjusting element enables the closure parts to be placed against one another in the closing direction. In the second position, the adjusting element is rotated on the housing part in such a way that the engagement between the engagement projections is established or at least secured by the action of the active section on the engagement element, and the closure parts are thus held against one another in the closing direction.
[0020] If the space is delimited by two opposing boundary sections, the center is located midway between the boundary sections. If the space is delimited by the circular opening (viewed in a plane perpendicular to the closing direction) of the plug-in opening, the center is defined by the center point of the circular opening. Generally, the center is defined by the point that lies in the geometric center of the area into which the engaging element can be inserted to close the locking device.
[0021] The at least one first engagement projection can be arranged on the adjustment element, for example, on a collar portion of the adjustment element. In this case, the active portion is formed by the engagement projection, which, upon adjustment of the adjustment element, is rotated into the space and thus brought into engagement with the engagement projection on the engagement element, thus establishing the connection between the closure parts.
[0022] The at least one first engagement projection can, however, also be arranged, for example, on the housing part, wherein upon rotation of the adjusting element into the second position, the engagement element of the second closure part, with the at least one second engagement projection arranged thereon, is moved into engagement with the at least one first engagement projection on the housing part of the first closure part, or the engagement of the engagement projections is at least secured. In this case, the active portion is formed, for example, by a collar portion of the adjusting element, which, upon adjustment of the adjusting element, comes into operative connection with the engagement element and thereby presses the engagement element transversely to the closing direction into engagement with the engagement projection on the housing part or at least locks the engagement element such that the engagement projections cannot disengage.In this case, the active section formed by a collar section can, for example, have a wedge shape. When the adjusting element is rotated, the active section runs onto the engagement element and thereby presses the engagement element transversely to the closing direction, so that the engagement projection of the engagement element engages with the engagement projection on the housing part. If the engagement projections have already engaged, for example, due to magnetic interaction without the action of the adjusting element, the adjusting element can lock the engagement element with the collar section at least to such an extent that the engagement of the engagement projections is secured.
[0023] In one embodiment, the adjusting element has a base and a collar portion rigidly formed on the base and protruding from the base along the closing direction. The base forms a body of the adjusting element and can, for example, provide a surface extending substantially perpendicular to the closing direction, which provides a contact surface for the engagement element of the second closure part in the closed position. The collar portion protrudes from the base along the closing direction and can, for example, provide a circumferentially closed wall or a circumferentially open wall in the manner of a C-ring on the base, within which the engagement element of the second closure part is received in the closed position.
[0024] A receptacle for the engagement element can be created via the collar portion. For example, in the second position of the adjusting element, the collar portion can be used to block opening of the closure device by a relative movement of the closure parts in a plane perpendicular to the closing direction, so that in the second position, the adjusting element prevents opening of the closure device, and the closure device can only be opened once the adjusting element on the first closure part has been moved back to the first position.
[0025] The collar section can, for example, form the active section and can be designed such that when the adjusting element on the housing part is rotated from the first position into the second position, the collar section acts on the engagement element and presses it transversely to the closing direction into engagement with an engagement projection on the housing part. In one embodiment, the collar section can provide a guide surface over which the engagement element is guided along the closing direction when inserted into the plug-in opening. The collar section can, for example, be arranged in alignment with the plug-in opening in the first position of the adjusting element such that the engagement element is inserted into the plug-in opening and guided along the collar section along the closing direction, such that the engagement element can be inserted into the plug-in opening in a reliable and comfortable manner.
[0026] The engagement element of the second closure part is formed, for example, by a rigid pin. The at least one second engagement projection protrudes radially from the pin in order to establish a connection between the closure parts in the closed position by engaging with the at least one first engagement projection of the first closure part.
[0027] In one embodiment, the at least one first engagement projection is arranged on the collar portion. The engagement projection is preferably rigidly formed on the collar portion. The collar portion is also rigid and connected to the rigid base, so that the adjustment element as a whole is designed as a substantially rigid part that is not elastically deformable under normal loading.
[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one first engagement projection projects transversely to the closing direction from the collar portion and preferably projects radially inward in order to establish a connection between the closure parts in the closed position via the engagement with the at least one second engagement projection of the engagement element of the second closure part.
[0029] The at least one first engagement projection and the at least one second engagement projection preferably each form an undercut. The undercut is not necessarily formed by surfaces oriented perpendicular to the closing direction. Rather, surfaces of the undercut can also extend obliquely to the closing direction. The undercut of the respective engagement projection is formed in that the engagement projection protrudes transversely to the closing direction, and movement of the closure parts along the closing direction is blocked by the engagement of the engagement projections in one another, so that the closure parts are held together along the closing direction in the closed position of the closure device - optionally with the additional blocking effect of a blocking element.The at least one first engagement projection and the at least one second engagement projection preferably engage one another in a form-fitting manner in the closed position. The locking parts are thus held together by the shape of the engagement projections. The form-fitting connection can be established solely via the engagement projections. In another embodiment, however, the form-fitting connection can also be achieved by the engagement of the engagement projections and an additional locking effect, for example, via the adjusting element, such that the engagement projections can slide away from one another along the closing direction after the locking effect is released.
[0030] In one embodiment, the plug-in opening is formed by a circular opening on one side of the housing part, to which the second closure part is attached to close the closure device. The center of the plug-in opening generally corresponds to the (geometrically determined) center point of the plug-in opening. Once the engagement element is inserted into the plug-in opening, the engagement element (e.g., rotationally symmetrically shaped) is received concentrically in the plug-in opening.
[0031] In one embodiment, the housing part can have a bearing opening for rotatably supporting the adjustment element on the housing part about the rotation axis. The adjustment element is received in the bearing opening and can be rotated on the housing part about the associated rotation axis, which is eccentric to the center of the plug-in opening.
[0032] The connection between the closure parts is established via the eccentrically adjustable adjustment element. If the at least one first engagement projection is arranged on the adjustment element, for example on a collar section of the adjustment element connected to a base, the at least one first engagement projection - in one embodiment - is arranged outside the plug-in opening in the first position, viewed along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In the first position, this enables the engagement element of the second closure part to be inserted into the plug-in opening of the first closure part. In the second position, in contrast, the at least one first engagement projection projects into the region of the plug-in opening and thereby engages with the at least one second engagement projection on the engagement element of the second closure part, such that in the second position the closure parts are held against one another along the closing direction.By eccentrically rotating the adjusting element on the housing part of the first closure part, the engagement projection is thus moved relative to the plug-in opening in order to enable insertion of the engagement element of the second closure part into the plug-in opening in the first position of the adjusting element, but in the second position, by projecting into the area of the plug-in opening, to establish the engagement between the closure parts and thus to fix the closure parts to one another.
[0033] The adjustment of the adjustment element from the first position to the second position can be done manually by a user, for example. When closing the closure device, the adjustment element on the first closure part is preferably in the first position. Once the closure parts have been placed against one another, the user moves the adjustment element from the first position to the second position in order to pretension the closure parts towards one another along the closing direction. This results in a two-stage closing process in which the closure parts are first placed against one another by the user and, after placing them, the adjustment element on the first closure part is adjusted to complete the connection between the closure parts.
[0034] However, the adjustment of the adjustment element from the first position to the second position can also be carried out automatically, for example, in that the adjustment element is spring-loaded, for example, on the housing part of the first closure part in the direction of the second position and when the closure parts are placed against one another, the adjustment element is released in such a way that the adjustment element moves automatically from the first position to the second position.
[0035] In one embodiment, the first closure part and the second closure part can only be attached to one another in the first position of the adjusting element to close the closure device. The adjusting element must therefore be brought into the first position on the first closure part to enable the closure parts to be attached to one another. By moving the adjusting element on the first closure part from the first position to the second position, the connection between the closure parts is then completed by the adjusting element in the second position creating a preload between the closure parts along the closing direction and preferably also blocking opening of the closure device.
[0036] In another embodiment, however, it may also be possible to attach the closure parts in the second position of the adjustment element. In this case, the adjustment element can be designed to be elastic, for example, entirely or with a section of it, in order to deflect transversely to the closing direction when the closure parts are attached to one another, thus enabling the closure parts to be attached to one another.
[0037] In one embodiment, the adjusting element is designed to exert a prestressing force on the engagement element in the second position along the closing direction. The adjusting element can be moved to a first position on the housing part, in which the closure parts can be placed against one another. Once the closure parts have been placed against one another, the adjusting element can be adjusted on the first closure part to thereby create a prestressing force between the closure parts, which acts along the closing direction and thus prestresses the closure parts relative to one another along the closing direction.
[0038] In particular, by providing a preload force, a substantially play-free, rattle-free hold of the closure parts in the closed position can be achieved. Thus, by preloading the closure parts in the second position along the closing direction via the adjusting element, any axial play along the closing direction, which may be caused, for example, by manufacturing tolerances, can be compensated for, and the closure parts are held firmly and substantially play-free along the closing direction. During operation of the closure device, the hold of the closure parts to one another can be improved in this way, whereby, in particular, susceptibility to vibration can be suppressed.
[0039] The adjusting element is preferably rotatable about a rotational axis relative to the housing part, which axis extends along the closing direction (parallel to the closing direction). In the first position, the adjusting element assumes a first rotational position on the housing part. In the second position, the adjusting element is rotated on the housing part to create a preload between the closure parts along the closing direction in the second position.
[0040] In one embodiment, the adjusting element is axially adjustable on the housing part (in addition to being rotatable). In the first position, the adjusting element assumes a first axial position relative to the housing part and, in the second position, a second axial position relative to the housing part which is different from the first axial position and offset along the closing direction. By adjusting the adjusting element on the housing part, the adjusting element is thus adjusted axially on the housing part along the closing direction in order to thereby create a preload between the closure parts. By axially adjusting the adjusting element, the adjusting element can, for example, create a tensile effect or a compressive effect on the engagement element of the second closure part along the closing direction in order to thus create a preload between the closure parts.
[0041] For example, the adjusting element can exert a pulling action on the engagement element in the closing direction. If at least one first engagement projection formed on the adjusting element engages with the at least one second engagement projection on the engagement element, a pulling action can be exerted on the engagement element upon axial adjustment of the adjusting element on the housing part of the first closure part in the closing direction, so that the engagement element is pulled (further) in the closing direction into engagement with an associated plug-in opening on the housing part of the first closure part.
[0042] Alternatively, preload can also be applied to the engagement element in a direction opposite to the closing direction. For example, the adjustment element can exert a pressure effect on the engagement element in a direction opposite to the closing direction. To do this, the engagement element can, for example, press against the engagement element with its base. If the engagement element is adjusted axially against the closing direction on the housing part of the first closure part during adjustment from the first position to the second position, the engagement element presses against the engagement element with its base, thus preloading it relative to the housing part in a direction opposite to the closing direction.
[0043] In one embodiment, the first closure part has a run-on element arranged on the housing part with a first frame section, and the adjustment element has a run-on section with a second frame section. When the adjustment element is adjusted, the first frame section slides on the second frame section for axial adjustment of the adjustment element. If the adjustment element on the housing part of the first closure part is adjusted, e.g. rotated, the adjustment element thus runs with its run-on section onto the run-on element on the housing part, thereby causing an axial adjustment of the adjustment element on the housing part, in order to thereby cause an axial preload between the closure parts when transferred to the second position.
[0044] The overrun element is preferably connected to the housing part in a rotationally fixed manner. The overrun element can be formed integrally with the housing part or attached to the housing part as a separate element. However, when the adjustment element is adjusted relative to the housing part, the overrun element is not moved in the adjustment direction but remains rotationally fixed to the housing part.
[0045] In one embodiment, the first closure part and / or the second closure part have an elastic element that can be elastically deformed along the closing direction. If the elastic element is arranged on the first closure part, the overrun element is supported relative to the housing part, for example along the closing direction, via the elastic element. The elastic element is elastically tensioned when the adjusting element is adjusted, thereby creating an elastic prestressing force between the closure parts. By being moved into the second position, the adjusting element can load the engagement element of the second closure part, for example in the closing direction in the direction of engagement with a slot on the first closure part, whereby the elastic element is elastically deformed and thus tensioned, thereby creating an elastic prestressing force between the closure parts.
[0046] The elastic element can be formed, for example, by an element made of an elastomeric material, for example, in the form of an O-ring. In another embodiment, the elastic element can be formed, for example, by a mechanical spring element, for example, made of spring steel or a plastic material, such as a disc spring.
[0047] The elastic element can be formed as a separate element or can be formed integrally with the overrun element or the housing part or also with a housing of the second closure part.
[0048] In one embodiment, the first closure part has an actuating element that can be actuated to adjust the adjustment element between the first position and the second position. The actuating element can, for example, be movable linearly along the actuating direction relative to the housing part and is thus designed in the manner of a slider or push-button that can be adjusted linearly by a user. The actuating element can be used to adjust the adjustment element on the housing part by a user manually actuating the actuating element and thereby, after the closure parts have been placed against one another, moving the adjustment element from the first position to the second position or, conversely, to release the closure device, moving the adjustment element from the second position to the first position.In one embodiment, the first closure part has a drive element operatively connected to the adjustment element, which is designed to introduce an adjustment force into the adjustment element upon actuation. The drive element can be provided in addition to the actuation element. However, the drive element can also be provided without an additional actuation element and can be actuated by a user, for example, manually, by a user engaging the drive element to thereby introduce an adjustment force into the adjustment element, in particular to transfer the adjustment element from the first position to the second position or vice versa, from the second position to the first position.
[0049] The drive element can, for example, be rotatably mounted on the housing part of the first closure part. The drive element can, for example, be designed in the manner of a gear that meshes with the adjusting element, so that a rotational movement of the drive element is introduced into the adjusting element, thereby moving the adjusting element between the first position and the second position.
[0050] In one embodiment, the drive element has a first toothed section that meshes with a toothed section of the actuating element. In this case, an additional actuating element is provided that can be actuated to adjust the drive element. The actuating element meshes with the drive element, so that upon a (linear) movement of the actuating element, the drive element is rotated on the housing part.
[0051] In one embodiment, the drive element—in addition to or alternatively to the first toothed section—has a second toothed section that meshes with a toothed section of the adjustment element. An adjustment force is thus introduced into the adjustment element via the toothed engagement of the second toothed section with the toothed section of the adjustment element, so that upon a (rotational) movement of the drive element, the adjustment element is adjusted on the housing part.
[0052] A status indicator can be arranged on the actuating element and / or the drive element, which indicates to the user the position of the adjustment element. Based on the status indicator, a user can thus immediately determine whether the adjustment element has been moved from the first position to the second position for closing the locking device, thus completing the closing of the locking device. The status indicator can be provided, for example, by a colored or other marking on the actuating element or the drive element.
[0053] For example, a user can be shown a colored (e.g., red) mark when the actuating element is in a position that corresponds to the first position of the adjustment element. However, after actuating the actuating element to move the adjustment element to the second position, the mark is no longer visible, allowing the user to immediately recognize that the closure device has been correctly closed and is complete.
[0054] The engaging element of the second closure part can be inserted into the plug-in opening along the closing direction to close the closure device. The plug-in opening defines a slot for receiving the engaging element of the second closure part. When the closure parts are placed against one another, the engaging element of the second closure part engages with the plug-in opening on the housing part of the first closure part, causing the engaging projections to engage with one another and thus establishing a connection between the closure parts.
[0055] The closure device is generally closed by placing the closure parts against each other along the closing direction. It is also possible to place the closure parts in a direction different from the closing direction, for example, along a direction that is diagonal to the closing direction. In a magnetically designed closure device, a magnetic attraction between the closure parts acts essentially along the closing direction, so that the closure parts are drawn toward each other along the closing direction.
[0056] The closure device can be opened by separating the closure parts from each other in a direction opposite to the closing direction. In another embodiment, the closure device can also be opened by a relative movement of the closure parts in a plane perpendicular to the closing direction. The closure device can be designed as a purely mechanical closure device. However, the closure device can also be designed as a mechanical-magnetic closure device with magnetic elements.
[0057] In one embodiment, the first closure part has a first magnetic element and the second closure part has a second magnetic element, wherein the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element interact in a magnetically attractive manner to magnetically assist the engagement of the first closure part and the second closure part for closing the closure device along the closing direction. The magnetic elements act in a magnetically attractive manner along the closing direction and thus pull the closure parts toward each other along the closing direction upon engagement, so that the closing of the closure device is magnetically assisted.
[0058] The magnetic elements of the closure parts can each be formed by a permanent magnet. Alternatively, one of the magnetic elements can be formed by a permanent magnet and the other by a ferromagnetic armature.
[0059] The magnetic element of the first closure part can be arranged on the housing part or on the adjustment element. The magnetic element of the second closure part can, for example, be arranged on the engagement element of the second closure part.
[0060] In one embodiment, the first closure part has two slots, each with at least one first engagement projection and an adjustment element that can be adjusted relative to the housing part. The second closure part, in contrast, has two engagement elements, each with at least one second engagement projection. To close the closure device, each of the engagement elements of the second closure part can be placed on one of the slots on the first closure part. In the closed position, the first engagement projections engage with the second engagement projections to hold the first closure part and the second closure part against one another in the opposite direction to the closing direction. Thus, a closure device with (at least) two slots on the first closure part is provided, so that a connection between the closure parts is established by engagement of two engagement elements of the second closure part with slots on the first closure part.Here, the adjustment elements are arranged on the housing part of the first closure part, for example, so that they can each be adjusted between a first position and a second position. The adjustment elements are each mounted eccentrically to the center of an associated plug-in opening and can thus be rotated eccentrically to the plug-in openings on the housing part. In the second position, the adjustment elements establish the engagement between the first engagement projections and the second engagement projections to hold the first closure part and the second closure part against each other in the opposite direction to the closing direction.
[0061] The adjustment elements are each designed, for example, to exert a preload force along the closing direction on an associated engagement element in the second position. The adjustment elements thus impose a preload on the engagement elements, so that the closure parts are preloaded relative to one another along the engagement direction.
[0062] In one embodiment, the adjustment elements at the slots of the first closure part are jointly and preferably synchronously adjustable via an actuating mechanism of the first closure part. The actuating mechanism can, for example, comprise a drive element, for example in the form of a gear. Upon actuation of the drive element, the adjustment elements are adjusted jointly.
[0063] In another embodiment, the adjustment elements can also be adjustable independently of one another, for example by allowing a user to act on each adjustment element independently in order to adjust the respective adjustment element without also adjusting the other adjustment element.
[0064] In one embodiment, one of the closure parts has a bearing pin, and the other of the closure parts has an engagement opening. In the closed position, the bearing pin engages in the engagement opening, thereby supporting the first closure part and the second closure part against each other. The engagement of the bearing pin with the engagement opening can provide support for the closure parts in a plane perpendicular to the closing direction.
[0065] In one embodiment, the first closure part has a first electrical contact arrangement, and the second closure part has a second electrical contact arrangement. The first electrical contact arrangement and the second electrical contact arrangement are operatively connected to one another in the closed position, such that an electrical connection is established between the contact arrangements when the closure device is in its closed position.
[0066] Each contact arrangement can have one, two, or more electrical contacts, for example, three contacts, four contacts, or seven contacts, or even a different number of contacts. The locking device thus acts as an electrical locking device, establishing an electrical connection between the associated assemblies in the closed position.
[0067] The locking device can be used to connect two components of a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle or a bicycle, for example an electric bicycle (e-bike).
[0068] The locking device can be designed in one embodiment for connecting an electrical assembly to an electric bicycle (e-bike). For example, a battery assembly, for example in the form of a so-called range extender, can be connected to a bicycle frame via the locking device.
[0069] In one embodiment, a bicycle has a locking device of the type described above, wherein the locking device is designed to connect an assembly to a bicycle frame. The assembly can, for example, be configured as a battery assembly.
[0070] Other applications are also conceivable. For example, when using the locking device on a bicycle, any component, such as a lock assembly, a container, a drinking bottle, or a piece of luggage, can be connected to a bicycle frame, handlebars, or bicycle rack via the locking device.
[0071] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show:
[0072] Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a
[0073] Closure device with a first closure part and a second closure part that can be attached to one another along a closing direction; Fig. 2 shows another perspective exploded view;
[0074] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the closure device before
[0075] Close;
[0076] Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the closure device before
[0077] Close, from below;
[0078] Fig. 3C is a front view of the arrangement according to Fig. 3A;
[0079] Fig. 3D is a plan view of the arrangement according to Fig. 3A;
[0080] Fig. 3E is a sectional view along the line AA of Fig. 3D;
[0081] Fig. 3F is a sectional view taken along line BB of Fig. 3D;
[0082] Fig. 3G is a side view of the closure device;
[0083] Fig. 3H is a sectional view taken along the line CC of Fig. 3G;
[0084] Fig. 3I is a sectional view taken along the line DD of Fig. 3H;
[0085] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the closure device during closing;
[0086] Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the closure device before
[0087] Close, from below;
[0088] Fig. 4C is a front view of the arrangement according to Fig. 4A;
[0089] Fig. 4D is a plan view of the arrangement according to Fig. 4A;
[0090] Fig. 4E is a sectional view along the line AA of Fig. 4D;
[0091] Fig. 4F is a sectional view taken along line BB of Fig. 4D;
[0092] Fig. 4G is a side view of the closure device; Fig. 4H is a sectional view along the line CC of Fig. 4G;
[0093] Fig. 4I is a sectional view taken along the line DD of Fig. 4H;
[0094] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the closure device during further
[0095] Closing by turning a drive element for adjusting adjustment elements of the first closure part;
[0096] Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the closure device before
[0097] Close, from below;
[0098] Fig. 5C is a front view of the arrangement according to Fig. 5A;
[0099] Fig. 5D is a plan view of the arrangement according to Fig. 5A;
[0100] Fig. 5E is a sectional view along the line AA of Fig. 5D;
[0101] Fig. 5F is a sectional view taken along line BB of Fig. 5D;
[0102] Fig. 5G is a side view of the closure device;
[0103] Fig. 5H is a sectional view taken along the line CC of Fig. 5G;
[0104] Fig. 5I is a sectional view taken along the line DD of Fig. 5H;
[0105] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the closure device in a
[0106] Closed position after turning the adjusting elements of the first locking part;
[0107] Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the closure device before
[0108] Close, from below;
[0109] Fig. 6C is a front view of the arrangement according to Fig. 6A;
[0110] Fig. 6D is a plan view of the arrangement according to Fig. 6A; Fig. 6E is a sectional view along the line AA according to Fig. 6D;
[0111] Fig. 6F is a sectional view taken along line BB of Fig. 6D;
[0112] Fig. 6G is a side view of the closure device;
[0113] Fig. 6H is a sectional view taken along the line CC of Fig. 6G;
[0114] Fig. 6I is a sectional view taken along the line DD of Fig. 6H;
[0115] Fig. 7 is a sketch illustrating a bearing opening eccentric to a plug-in opening;
[0116] Fig. 8A is a sketch showing an eccentrically mounted adjusting element in a first position;
[0117] Fig. 8B is a sketch showing the eccentrically mounted adjusting element in a second position;
[0118] Fig. 9 a view of an embodiment of a plug-in opening on the
[0119] Housing part of the first closure part;
[0120] Fig. 10A is a view showing an eccentrically mounted adjusting element in a first position relative to the plug-in opening according to Fig. 9;
[0121] Fig. 10B is a sketch showing the eccentrically mounted adjusting element in a second position relative to the plug-in opening according to Fig. 9;
[0122] Fig. 11 A is a view showing an eccentrically mounted adjusting element in a first position relative to the plug-in opening, according to another embodiment;
[0123] Fig. 11B is a sketch showing the eccentrically mounted adjustment element according to Fig. 11A in a second position relative to the plug-in opening; Fig. 12A is a view of yet another embodiment of closure parts with an electrical contact arrangement arranged thereon;
[0124] Fig. 12B is a side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 12A; and
[0125] Fig. 12C is a longitudinal sectional view through the closure device.
[0126] 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a closure device 1 having two closure parts 2, 3 which can be placed against one another along a closing direction X and are connected to one another in a closed position of the closure device 1 such that the closure parts 2, 3 are fixed to one another along the closing direction X and in particular cannot be removed from one another easily, at least not without releasing the connection, against the closing direction X.
[0127] A first closure part 2 has a housing part 20 that forms plug-in openings 200A, 200B for inserting engagement elements 31A, 31B of a second closure part 3, formed on a housing 30. The engagement elements 31A, 31B can be inserted into the plug-in openings 200A, 200B along the insertion direction X, in order to connect the closure parts 2, 3 to one another.
[0128] Within the housing part 20, adjustment elements 24A, 24B are each rotatably mounted in a bearing opening 203A, 203B, which is formed by a bearing collar 205 formed within the housing part 20. A bearing collar 205 is formed at each plug-in opening 200A, 200B to form the respectively associated bearing opening 203A, 203B for supporting the adjustment element 24A, 24B.
[0129] The adjusting elements 24A, 24B of the first closure part 2 are each formed by a base 244, from which a rigid collar portion 242 protrudes along the closing direction X. An engagement projection 243 is formed on the collar portion 242, which protrudes radially inward from the (rigid) collar portion 242.
[0130] The collar portion 242 of each adjusting element 24A, 24B forms a receptacle for receiving an associated engagement element 31A, 31B of the second closure part 3 and, in the illustrated embodiment, has a ring shape that extends circularly on the base 244. The base 244 forms a contact surface with which the respectively associated engagement element 31A, 31B of the second closure part 3 can come into contact in a closed position of the closure device 1.
[0131] The adjusting elements 24A, 24B are each rotatably mounted in the associated bearing opening 203A, 203B of the housing part 20 and can thus be rotated relative to the housing part 20. As will be explained below, the adjusting elements 24A, 24B are adjustable between a first position and a second position on the housing part 20. In the first position of the adjusting elements 24A, 24B, the second closure part 3 can be inserted with the engagement elements 31A, 31B into the plug-in openings 200A, 200B, so that the closure parts 2, 3 can be connected to one another. In the second position, the adjusting elements 24A, 24B prevent the closure device 2, 3 from opening.
[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, a bearing pin 300 is formed on the housing 30 of the second closure part 3, which, when the closure parts 2, 3 are placed against one another, engages with an engagement opening 202 on the housing part 20 of the first closure part 2. Through the engagement of the bearing pin 300 in the engagement opening 202, the closure parts 2, 3 are mounted on one another and are thereby supported in a defined position relative to one another when the closure parts 2, 3 are placed against one another.
[0133] As can be seen, for example, from Fig. 2, the engagement elements 31A, 31B are formed as pins on the housing 30 of the second closure part 3. A circumferential engagement projection 310 is formed on a shaft portion 311, which, in the closed position of the closure device 1, engages with the engagement projection 243 of the associated adjustment element 24A, 24B of the first closure part 2, so that the closure parts 2, 3 are held together in a form-fitting manner along the closing direction X via the engagement.
[0134] A drive element 26 having circumferential teeth 261 is rotatably mounted on a bearing element 204 of the housing part 20 of the first closure part 2 (which forms the engagement opening 202 in its interior). The adjustment elements 24A, 24B each have a toothed section 240A, 240B on an outer circumference of the base 244, via which the respective adjustment element 24A, 24B engages with the toothing 261 on the drive element 26. The drive element 26 is rotatably mounted on the bearing element 204 of the housing part 20 via a bearing opening 264 and protrudes outward from the housing part 20 with a grooved, circumferential actuating section 262, so that the drive element 26 can be manually actuated by a user. By rotating the drive element 26, the adjusting elements 24A, 24B can be rotated jointly and preferably synchronously on the housing part 20 between a first position and a second position.A display element 263 in the form of an indicator nose on the outer circumference of the drive element 26 shows a user in which position the drive element 26 and thus the adjustment elements 24A, 24B are located.
[0135] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the plug-in openings 200A, 200B are formed by at least approximately circular openings on an upper side of the housing part 20. The engagement elements 31A, 31B can be inserted into the plug-in openings 200A, 200B along the closing direction X in order to close the closure device 1, wherein in a closed position, engagement projections 310 on shaft sections 311 of the engagement elements 31A, 31B engage with engagement projections 243 on collar sections 242 of the adjustment elements 24A, 24B and the closure parts 2, 3 are fixed to one another along the closing direction X. To open the closure device 1, the engagement between the engagement projections 243, 310 can be released, so that the closure parts 2, 3 can be separated from one another counter to the closing direction X by removing the engagement elements 31A, 31B from the plug-in openings 200A, 200B.
[0136] Each adjustment element 24A, 24B is received in the associated bearing opening 203A, 203B of the housing part 20 via the collar section 242 and is thereby rotatably mounted on the housing part 20. As can be seen, for example, from Fig. 3H in conjunction with the sketches according to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8A, 8B, each adjustment element 24A, 24B is mounted eccentrically to the respectively associated plug-in opening 200A, 200B, so that the rotational movement of the adjustment element 24A, 24B occurs eccentrically to the plug-in opening 200A, 200B.
[0137] This is illustrated in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8A, 8B.
[0138] Thus, each plug-in opening 200A, 200B has a center M1 formed by the center point of the plug-in opening 200A, 200B. In the inserted position, the associated engagement element 31A, 31B of the second closure part 3 is inserted into the plug-in opening 200A, 200B concentrically to this center M1. The rotating mounting of the adjusting element 24A, 24B is eccentric to the center M1 of the plug-in opening 200A, 200B. Thus, the adjusting element 24A, 24B is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis M2, which is spaced from the center M1 in a plane perpendicular to the closing direction X, as can be seen from Fig. 7 and Fig. 8A, 8B.
[0139] Due to the eccentric bearing, the adjusting element 24A, 24B in its first position assumes a position relative to the plug-in opening 200A, 200B such that the engagement projection 243 does not protrude into the area of the plug-in opening 200A, 200B (viewed along the drawing plane perpendicular to the closing direction X according to Fig. 8A, 8B), as can be seen from Fig. 8A. By rotating the adjusting element 24A, 24B, the engagement projection 243 is moved relative to the plug-in opening 200A, 200B and, in the second position according to Fig. 8B, projects radially inward into the plug-in opening 200A, 200B, so that the engagement projection 243 is in engagement with the engagement projection 310 of the engagement element 31A, 31B and thus the engagement element 31A, 31B is fixed in a form-fitting manner along the closing direction X on the first closure part 2.
[0140] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment of the adjustment elements 24A, 24B is carried out manually by a user by actuating the drive element 26. In the first position (Fig. 8A), the engagement elements 31A, 31B can be inserted into the plug-in openings 200A, 200B on the housing 20. By transferring the adjustment elements 24A, 24B, a user can then lock the closure device 1, so that in the second position of the adjustment elements 24A, 24B, the engagement elements 31A, 31B are locked in the plug-in openings 200A, 200B and the closure parts 2, 3 are thus held together.
[0141] Fig. 3A-3I show the closure device 1 before closing. The closure parts 2, 3 are placed against each other along the closing direction X, so that the engagement elements 31A, 31B are inserted into the plug-in openings 200A, 200B. The adjustment elements 24A, 24B are in their first position (corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 8A).
[0142] Once the engagement elements 31A, 31B have been inserted into the plug-in openings 200A, 200B, as shown in Figs. 4A-4I, a user can rotate the drive element 26 by moving the drive element 26, for example, with their fingers. This rotates the adjustment elements 24A, 24B on the housing part 20, as shown in Figs. 5A-5I. Figs. 6A-6I show the closure device 1 in the closed position, in which the adjustment elements 24A, 24B are rotated on the housing part 20 such that the adjustment elements 24A, 24B assume the position shown in Fig. 8B and thus engage the engagement elements 31A, 31B. The closure parts 2, 3 are thus held together along the closing direction X and cannot be easily separated from each other, at least not without moving the adjusting elements 24A, 24B back into the first position.
[0143] To open the closure direction 1, the adjusting elements 24A, 24B are rotated from the second position (Fig. 20A-20I) back into the first position (Fig. 3A-3I) so that the engagement of the engagement projections 243, 310 is released and the closure parts 2, 3 can be removed from each other along the closing direction X.
[0144] The adjusting elements 24A, 24B are also adjusted axially on the housing part 20 when rotated from the first position to the second position. For this purpose, run-up sections 241 with ramp sections 245 are formed on the adjusting elements 24A, 24B, as can be seen in Fig. 2. These run-up sections 241 slide on run-up elements 23A, 23B when the adjusting elements 24A, 24B are rotated, which are integrally formed on the end faces of the bearing collars 205, as can be seen in the perspective exploded views according to Figs. 1 and 2.
[0145] As can be seen from the sectional view according to Fig. 3E, the adjusting elements 24A, 24B are axially approximated to the bearing collars 205 in their first position. Upon rotation, the run-up sections 241 with the ramp sections 245 formed thereon run onto associated ramp sections 232 on the run-up elements 23A, 23B, so that in the second position the adjusting elements 24A, 24B are axially spaced a certain distance from the bearing collars 205, as can be seen from the sectional view according to Fig. 6E.
[0146] As schematically shown in Fig. 3E, an elastic element 22A, 22B, for example in the form of an elastically deformable ring element, can be arranged on each engagement element 31A, 31B. If the adjustment elements 24A, 24B are axially adjusted upon rotation into the second position on the housing part 20, the engagement elements 31A, 31B are drawn into the plug-in openings 200A, 200B in the closing direction X, so that the elastic elements 22A, 22B come into contact with the upper side of the housing part 20 under elastic tension, thus elastically tensioning the closure parts 2, 3 relative to one another. On each run-up element 23A, 23B and the respectively associated run-up section 241, ramp sections 232, 245 are formed, which slide against each other when the adjusting element 24A, 24B is rotated and thus cause an axial change in position of the respective adjusting element 24A, 24B along the closing direction X relative to the housing part 20.In cooperation with the respective elastic element 22A, 22B, the adjusting elements 24A, 24B are adjusted in this way and cause an elastic preload on the engagement elements 31A, 31B, so that the locking parts 2, 3 are elastically preloaded relative to one another and are thus fixed relative to one another without play and rattling, compensating for manufacturing and assembly tolerances.
[0147] The first closure part 2 has magnetic elements 25A, 25B arranged on the adjustment elements 24A, 24B. On the second closure part 3, magnetic elements 32A, 32B are arranged on the engagement elements 31A, 31B. The magnetic elements 25A, 25B, 32A, 32B interact in a magnetically attractive manner and thus support the attachment of the closure parts 2, 3 to one another along the closing direction X.
[0148] To close the closure device 1, the closure parts 2, 3 are placed against one another along the closing direction X. As schematically shown in Fig. 3C, the closure parts 2, 3 are assigned to different assemblies 4, 5, so that by connecting the closure parts 2, 3, the assemblies 4, 5 can be connected to one another.
[0149] A relative movement between the locking parts 2, 3 is crucial for the connection. However, it is not important whether one of the locking parts 2, 3 remains stationary during the closing process and only the other locking part 3, 2 is moved or whether both locking parts 2, 3 are moved towards each other.
[0150] For example, the closure part 3 can be fixed in a stationary manner to an associated assembly 5, for example a bicycle frame, so that by attaching the other closure part 2, the associated assembly 4 can be fixed to the assembly 5.
[0151] In the previously described embodiment, each plug-in opening 200A, 200B is circular (viewed along a plane perpendicular to the closing direction X). In this case, as shown in Fig. 8A, each plug-in opening 200A, 200B defines a space R into which the respectively associated engagement element 31A, 31B of the second closure part 3 can be inserted along the closing direction X. The plug-in opening 200A, 200B is delimited by its circumferential, round edge, which forms opposing delimiting sections A1, A2, between which the engagement element 31A, 31B can be inserted to close the closure device 1 and between which the center M1 is centrally located.
[0152] The plug-in opening 200A, 200B is not necessarily circular, but can in principle be defined by any opening cross-section.
[0153] This is illustrated in Fig. 9. For example, the plug-in opening 200A, 200B can be defined by an opening contour in which a projection 206 projects radially inward from a generally circular basic shape. The projection 206 forms a delimiting section A2, which is opposite a delimiting section A1 formed by the (otherwise) circular contour of the plug-in opening 200A, 200B, so that the engagement element 31A, 31B can be inserted into a space R located between the delimiting sections A1, A2 for insertion into the plug-in opening 200A, 200B.
[0154] The space R has a center M1 located centrally between the boundary sections A1, A2. Upon insertion into the plug-in opening 200A, 200B, the associated engagement element 31A, 31B is inserted into the plug-in opening 200A, 200B substantially concentrically to this center M1.
[0155] As shown in Fig. 10A and 10B, the adjusting element 24A, 24B is mounted eccentrically about a rotation axis M2 to the center M1. In the first position of the adjusting element 24A, 24B (Fig. 10A), the engagement projection 243 is located on the collar portion 242 below the projection 206, so that the engagement projection 243 is arranged outside the space R (viewed along the radial plane perpendicular to the closing direction X) and thus does not restrict the space R. In the second position, however (Fig. 10B), the adjusting element is rotated such that the engagement projection 243 is arranged in the region of the limiting portion A1 and projects radially into the space R. The engagement projection 243 projects into the space R and engages within the space R with the engagement projection 310 on the engagement element 31 A, 31 B.In the illustrated embodiments, the engagement projection 243 represents an active portion of the adjusting element 24A, 24B, which in the second position of the adjusting element 24A, 24B establishes the connection between the closure parts 2, 3.
[0156] However, it is also conceivable that the engagement projection 243 is not arranged on the adjusting element 24A, 24B and is adjustable together with the adjusting element 24A, 24B, but on the housing part 20, as shown schematically in Fig. 11 A and 11 B. In this case, the engagement projection 243 is formed by a projection fixedly formed on the housing part 20, which projects radially inward. In this case, an active portion 246 is formed on the adjusting element 24A, 24B, for example on the collar portion 242, which, when the adjusting element 24A, 24B is rotated, comes into operative connection with the engagement element 31A, 31B and thereby presses the engagement element 31A, 31B transversely to the closing direction X into engagement with the engagement projection 243, as can be seen in the transition from Fig. 11A to Fig. 11B. In the second position of the adjusting element 24A, 24B, the engagement element 31A, 31B (in the illustration according to Fig.1 1 B to the right) and thereby moves into engagement with the engagement projection 243 on the housing part 20. In this case, the adjusting element 24A, 24B does not itself establish the (positively locking) connection, but rather presses the engagement element 31 A, 31 B into engagement with the engagement projection 243 on the housing part 20 to establish the positively locking connection or at least secures the connection (in the event that the engagement element 31 A, 31 B has already been moved into engagement with the engagement projection 243 on the housing part 20 due to the magnetic interaction).
[0157] In the embodiments described above, the closure device 1 can be designed as an electrical closure device with electrical contacts, so that an electrical connection is (also) established when the closure parts 2, 3 are connected. This is illustrated in Figs. 12A-12C.
[0158] The embodiment according to Fig. 12A-12C corresponds functionally to the embodiment of the closure device 1 according to Fig. 1 to 8A, 8B, so that for the functional design of the closure device 1 reference is made to the preceding explanations.
[0159] In the illustrated embodiment, additional contact arrangements 28, 33 are arranged on the closure parts 2, 3, which are formed by contact elements 280, 330 on the respective housing parts 20, 30. When the closure parts 2, 3 are placed against one another along the closing direction X to close the closure device 1, the contacts 28, 33 come into electrical contact with one another, so that a (in the illustrated embodiment) two-pole electrical connection is established between the contact arrangements 28, 33. Lines 281, 331 are thus electrically connected to one another so that currents can be transmitted, for example, for the transmission of control signals or an electrical supply current.
[0160] Any number of electrical contacts 280, 330 may be provided, for example two, three, four, seven or even more contacts.
[0161] The idea underlying the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be implemented in other ways.
[0162] A locking device of the type described can be used, for example, on a vehicle, for example on a bicycle, for example an electrically driven bicycle (e-bike).
[0163] For example, a closure device of the type described can be used to connect an electrical assembly to a bicycle frame, for example to detachably connect a battery assembly to the bicycle frame.
[0164] The closure device can be designed as a magnetic closure device with magnetic elements, as in the illustrated embodiments. However, it is also conceivable to design the closure device as a purely mechanical closure device without the magnetic elements.
[0165] List of reference symbols
[0166] 1 locking device
[0167] 2 locking part
[0168] 20 Housing part
[0169] 200A, B plug opening
[0170] 202 Access opening
[0171] 203A, B bearing opening
[0172] 204 bearing element
[0173] 205 Lagerbund
[0174] 206 lead
[0175] 22A, B Elasticity element
[0176] 23A, B Overrun element
[0177] 232 Ramp section
[0178] 24A, B Adjustment element
[0179] 240A, B Gear section
[0180] 242 Rigid waistband section
[0181] 243 Effective section (engagement projection)
[0182] 244 Base
[0183] 245 Ramp section
[0184] 246 effective section
[0185] 25A, B Magnetic element
[0186] 26 Drive element
[0187] 261 Gear section
[0188] 262 riffle section
[0189] 263 Display element
[0190] 264 Warehouse opening
[0191] 28 Contact arrangement
[0192] 280 contact elements
[0193] 281 lines
[0194] 3 closure part
[0195] 30 basic bodies
[0196] 300 bearing journals
[0197] 31 A, B engagement element
[0198] 310 engagement projection
[0199] 311 shaft section
[0200] 32A, B Magnetic element 33 Contact arrangement
[0201] 330 contact elements
[0202] 331 lines
[0203] 4, 5 assemblies A1 , A2 boundary section
[0204] M1 Center
[0205] M2 rotation axis
[0206] R Room
[0207] X Closing direction
Claims
Claims 1. A locking device (1) for connecting two assemblies (4, 5) together, comprising a first locking part (2) associated with a first of the assemblies (4, 5), which has a housing part (20), a plug-in opening (200A, 200B) arranged on the housing part (20), at least one first engagement projection (243) and an adjusting element (24A, 24B) adjustably arranged on the housing part (20), and a second locking part (2) associated with a second of the assemblies (4, 5), which has an engagement element (31A, 31B) with at least one second engagement projection (310), wherein the engagement element (31A, 31B) can be inserted into the plug-in opening (200A, 200B) for closing the locking device (1) along a closing direction (X),In a closed position, the at least one first engagement projection (243) engages with the at least one second engagement projection (310) for holding the first locking part (2) and the second locking part (3) against the closing direction (X), and the first locking part (2) and the second locking part (3) are separable from each other for opening the locking device (1), characterized in that the insertion opening (200A, 200B), viewed along a plane perpendicular to the closing direction (X), is limited by at least one limiting section (A1, A2) such that the engagement element (31A, 31B) for closing the locking device (1) can be inserted into a space (R) limited by the at least one limiting section (A1, A2), wherein an active section of the adjusting element (24A, 24B) is arranged outside the space (R) in the first position to prevent insertion of the engagement element (31A; 31B). B) to allow into space (R),wherein the adjusting element (24A, 24B), when the first locking part (2) and the second locking part (3) are engaged, can be moved from the first position to the second position, such that in the second position the functional section, viewed along the plane perpendicular to the closing direction (X), is arranged within the space (R) in order to establish or secure the engagement between the at least one first engagement projection (243) and the at least one second engagement projection (310) for holding the first locking part (2) and the second locking part (3) against each other in the opposite direction to the closing direction (X).
2. Locking device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the space (R) bounded by the at least one limiting section (A1 , A2) has a center (M1 ) and the adjusting element (24A, 24B) is rotatable about a rotation axis (M2) offset to the center (M1 ) between a first position and a second position relative to the housing part (20) of the first locking part (2).
3. Locking device (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the space is limited by two opposing boundary sections (A1 , A2), wherein the center (M1 ) is arranged centrally between the boundary sections (A1 , A2).
4. Locking device (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one first engagement projection (243) is arranged on the adjusting element (24A, 24B) and is rotatable together with the adjusting element (24A, 24B) relative to the housing part (20).
5. Locking device (1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one engagement projection (243) forms the working section.
6. Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (24A, 24B) has a base (244) and a collar section (242) rigidly formed on the base (244) and projecting from the base (244) along the closing direction (X).
7. Closure device (1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the collar section (242) forms the working section.
8. Locking device (1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one first engagement projection (243) is arranged on the collar section (244).
9. Locking device (1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one first engagement projection (243) projects transversely to the closing direction (X) from the collar section (242).
10. Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first engagement projection (243) and the At least a second engagement projection (310) engages with each other in a form-fitting manner in the closed position. A locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insertion opening (200A, 200B) is formed by a circular opening. A locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (20) has a bearing opening (203A, 203B) for rotatably mounting the adjusting element (24A, 24B) on the housing part (20) about the axis of rotation (M2). A locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first locking part (2) and the second locking part (3) can be attached to each other for closing the locking device (1) exclusively in the first position of the adjusting element (24A, 24B).A locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (24A, 24B) is configured to exert a preload force along the closing direction (X) on the engagement element (31A, 31B) in the second position. A locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (24A, 24B) assumes a first axial position relative to the housing part (20) in the first position and a second axial position relative to the housing part (20) in the second position, which differs from the first axial position and is offset along the closing direction (X), in order to exert a preload force along the closing direction (X) on the engagement element (31A, 31B) in the second position.A locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first locking part (2) has a ramp element (23A, 23B) arranged on the housing part (20) with a first ramp section (232) and the adjusting element (24A, 24B) has a ramp section (241) with a second ramp section (245), wherein the first ramp section (245) slides on the second ramp section (245) when the adjusting element (24A, 24B) is adjusted axially.
17. Locking device (1 ) according to claim 16, characterized in that the ramp element (23A, 23B) is rotatably connected to the housing part (20).
18. Locking device (1) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the first locking part (2) and / or the second locking part (3) has an elastic deformable element (22A, 22B) along the closing direction (X) which is elastically deformable when the adjusting element (24A, 24B) is axially adjusted.
19. Closure device (1 ) according to claim 18, characterized in that the elastic element (22A, 22B) is formed by an element formed from an elastomeric material or a mechanical spring element.
20. Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first locking part (2) has a drive element (26) operatively connected to the adjusting element (24A, 24B), which can be actuated by a user and is designed to introduce an adjusting force into the adjusting element (24A, 24B) when actuated.
21. Locking device (1 ) according to claim 20, characterized in that the drive element (26) is rotatably arranged on the housing part (20).
22. Locking device (1) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the drive element (26) has a toothed section (261 A, 261 B) which engages with a toothed section (240A, 240B) of the adjusting element (24A, 24B).
23. Locking device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first locking part (2) has a first magnetic element (25A, 25B) and the second locking part (2) has a second magnetic element (32A, 32B), wherein the first magnetic element (25A, 25B) and the second magnetic element (32A, 32B) interact magnetically to magnetically assist the attachment of the first locking part (2) and the second locking part (3) for closing the locking device (1 ).
24. Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first locking part (3) has two slots, each with at least a first engagement projection (243) and an adjusting element (24A, 24B) rotatable to the housing part (20), wherein the second locking part (3) has two engagement elements (31A, 31B) each with at least one second engagement projection (310), wherein to close the locking device (1) each of the engagement elements (31A, 31B) of the second locking part (3) can be attached to one of the slots of the first locking part (2) and in the closed position the first engagement projections (243) engage with the second engagement projections (310) to hold the first locking part (2) and the second locking part (3) against the closing direction (X).
25. Locking device (1 ) according to claim 24, characterized in that the adjusting elements (24A, 24B) are each adjustable between a first position and a second position on the housing part (20) of the first locking part (2).
26. Locking device (1 ) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the adjusting elements (24A, 24B) are jointly adjustable via an actuating mechanism of the first locking part (2).
27. Locking device (1 ) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the adjusting elements (24A, 24B) are independently adjustable from one another.
28. Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first locking part (2) has a first electrical contact arrangement (28) and the second locking part (3) has a second electrical contact arrangement (33), wherein the first electrical contact arrangement (28) and the second electrical contact arrangement (33) are electrically contacting each other in the closed position.