Buckle with latch and actuating lever

Abstract

A buckle for holding together a first object and a second object, which may be separate objects or different parts of a single object of use, e.g. a container part and a lid part of a backpack, the buckle comprising a first buckle portion (1) attachable to the first object (01) and comprising a locking structure (3); a second buckle portion (10) attachable to the second object (O2) and comprising an opening (12) for inserting the locking structure (3) in an insertion direction (Z); a latch (20) which is arranged on the second buckle portion (10) so as to be movable in a locking direction (X) transverse to the insertion direction (Z) into locking engagement with the locking structure (3) and against the locking direction (X) out of locking engagement with the locking structure (3); and a lever (30) which is pivotably arranged on the second buckle portion (10); wherein the lever (30) is coupled to the latch (20) so that a pivotal movement of the lever (30) is converted into a translational movement of the latch (20) into or, preferably, out of the locking engagement with the locking structure (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a buckle for holding together a first object and a second object, which may be separate objects or different parts of a single object of use, e.g. a container part and a lid part of a backpack or end portions of a belt.

[0002] For example, EP 3 858 182 B1 discloses a buckle for releasably connecting a first and a second object. The buckle comprises a locking structure and several latches which can be brought into locking engagement with the locking structure to connect the objects. The latches are part of an integrated ring-shaped linkage, which can be elastically deformed by pressing against the linkage on both sides in order to release the latches from the locking engagement with the locking structure by this deformation, so that the objects can be released from each other. The linkage is a complex structure with several functional parts that are connected by elastic structural parts to enable relative movement.

[0003] EP 3 788 903 B1 discloses buckles each comprising a locking structure and a latch which can be brought into locking engagement to connect two objects, as for example end portions of a belt or a container part and a lid part of a backpack. Some of the buckles comprise a pivotable lever for releasing the locking engagement. In some embodiments, the latch is elastically deformable so that it can engage and disengage from the locking structure. In other embodiments, the latch is pivotably arranged to engage and disengage from the locking structure. The latch can be an integral part of the lever or be connected to the lever via a pivot joint.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a buckle with a locking structure and a latch which can be easily and reliably engaged and disengaged.

[0005] It is desirable to simplify geometric features of structural parts of a buckle to facilitate their manufacture and / or increase their reliability.

[0006] A basic subject of the invention is a buckle for holding together a first object and a second object, which may be separate objects or different parts of a single object of use, e.g. a container part and a lid part of a backpack. The buckle comprises a first buckle portion attachable to the first object and a second buckle portion attachable to the second object. The first buckle portion comprises a locking structure and the second buckle portion comprises an opening for inserting the locking structure in an insertion direction. The buckle furthermore comprises a latch and a lever. The latch is arranged on the second buckle portion so as to be movable in a locking direction transverse to the insertion direction into locking engagement with the locking structure and in an unlocking direction, i.e. against the locking direction, out of the locking engagement with the locking structure. The lever is pivotably arranged on the second buckle portion and coupled to the latch so that a pivotal movement of the lever is converted into a translational movement of the latch in the locking direction and into the locking engagement with the locking structure or, preferably, in the unlocking direction (against the locking direction) and out of locking engagement with the locking structure. The lever may comprise a lever arm that forms a handle accessible from the outside for manually operating the lever.

[0007] The lever may be pivotable in relation to the latch. Although the latch is coupled to the lever, it is not simply dragged by the lever. Rather, the rotational movement of the lever may be converted into a translational movement of the latch, preferably into a purely translational movement of the latch, by means of the coupling. The latch may advantageously be arranged in such a way that it moves in and out of the locking engagement in a plane that extends transverse to the direction of insertion. The lever may be pivotably arranged on the second buckle portion about a pivot axis transverse to the locking direction and / or transverse to the insertion direction.

[0008] The term "opening" is broadly defined. It may be a local opening at a front side, for example in a front end wall, of the second buckle portion. This front side or front end wall, if a front end wall is present, faces the first buckle portion. In such embodiments, the locking structure is inserted through the local opening on the front side to come into locking engagement with the latch. Alternatively, the second buckle portion may be open at the front face, i.e. have no front end wall there. In such designs, the second buckle portion can have one or more structures that project towards the first buckle portion, e.g. over the latch, and form the opening. For example, the second buckle portion can have a peripheral wall that surrounds the opening over at least part of the periphery of the opening.

[0009] A latch that performs a translational movement transverse to the direction of insertion into and out of the locking engagement, preferably a straight or linear translational movement, allows the locking engagement to be made and released securely, even after many locking and releasing operations. The latch is less susceptible to material fatigue than an elastic latching element. It can advantageously be a rigid body that does not deform under the forces acting on it during normal handling of the buckle. If tilting movements of the latch are avoided or any tilting forces that do occur are kept to a minimum, wear associated with friction is also avoided or reduced. A translationally movable latch can have a very simple geometry. For example, it can be designed as a plate or rod. It only needs to form an abutment for the locking structure to lock the locking structure and be designed to couple with the lever in order to convert the pivoting movement of the lever into the translational movement of the latch.

[0010] The lever may be a rigid body. It may comprise separately molded parts which are joined together or, as preferred, be formed in one piece by primary molding. In particular, it may be a molded plastic part. It may be part of a coherent larger structure that fulfills functions other than that of the lever. Preferably, however, the lever is a single part that only fulfills the lever function.

[0011] The latch may be a rigid body, as mentioned above, and may in particular be a molded plastic part. It may be a single part that only fulfills the latch function. Preferably, however, the latch is part of a coherent larger structure that fulfills one or more further functions. As also mentioned above, the latch may have an overall plate-like shape.

[0012] The latch may comprise a recess and be coupled to the lever in the recess, i.e. the force for moving the latch into or preferably out of the locking engagement is applied to the latch in this recess. The recess may be formed as a pocket, groove or other depression or also as a passage. In particular, the lever may engage into the recess and be directly coupled to the latch there, for example by means of an abutment contact. By applying the force to move the latch in the recess, tilting moments can be advantageously kept small or avoided altogether.

[0013] The first buckle portion may comprise the locking structure and a base, and in particular consist of these two structures. The base may be configured to be attached to the first object. The base may be shaped as a plate, disk or other planar or slightly curved member. The locking structure may project from the base in the direction of insertion. The locking structure may be in the form of a column. The base and locking structure may be formed integrally, for example as a molded integral plastic structure.

[0014] The locking structure can comprise a lateral projection on an outer surface, which may project only to one side locally or preferably around the entire outer circumference of the locking structure. The projection and the latch engage behind each other in the locking engagement such that the latch blocks movement of the first buckle portion relative to the second buckle portion against the insertion direction and locks the first buckle portion to the second buckle portion.

[0015] The lever may be coupled to the latch via one or more coupling elements. However, a direct coupling of lever and latch is preferable. The lever may be coupled directly to the latch by contact, preferably by abutment contact, to exert a force on the latch during the pivoting movement in this contact. Advantageously, the lever and the latch are separate parts, coupled only by contact. Alternatively, they may be co-molded and connected by a flexible film link or the like to allow for relative movement as per the coupling.

[0016] The lever may exert a pushing or pulling force on the latch during the pivoting movement. The lever may be coupled to the latch so that the lever presses against the latch. The lever may press against the latch in the locking direction to move the latch into locking engagement with the locking structure. Preferably, however, the lever presses against the latch in the unlocking direction to move the latch out of the locking engagement with the locking structure.

[0017] The lever may comprise a first lever arm, which forms a handle and projects to one side of a pivot axis of the lever, and a second lever arm, which projects to another side of the pivot axis and is in engagement with the latch, preferably in abutment contact, and thereby coupled to the latch. In particular, the lever can be designed as a two-arm lever. The first lever arm and the second lever arm may include an angle smaller than 180° or smaller than 150°. The two arms may include the angle in section planes parallel to the insertion direction and / or parallel to the locking direction.

[0018] The buckle may comprise a return spring for exerting a return spring force on the latch. The return spring force may act against a movement in the unlocking direction or alternatively in the locking direction. The latch and the return spring may be arranged such that the latch is movable out of locking engagement against the return spring force, i.e. the spring is tensioned by the movement of the latch out of locking engagement with the locking structure. Alternatively, the latch and the return spring may be arranged in such a way that the latch is movable into locking engagement against the return spring force. In this case, the return spring is tensioned by the movement of the latch into the locking engagement.

[0019] The latch and the return spring may advantageously be formed in one piece, for example as an integrally molded plastic structure. In principle, however, they can also be produced separately, for example as separately molded plastic parts. If they are produced separately, the return spring can be made of spring steel, while the latch is a molded plastic part. In embodiments as an integrally molded structure and also as separate parts, the return spring may advantageously act on the latch directly or instead via one or more intermediate transmission members.

[0020] The return spring may act as a tension spring and / or compression spring. For example, it can be designed as a coil spring. Preferably, the return spring comprises one or more elastically deformable strips and the respective strip undergoes an elastic bending deformation when the latch moves out of the locking engagement with the locking structure and / or when the latch moves into the locking engagement. The respective strip may extend in a single or multiple curvature in the locking direction and in a lateral direction which is transverse to the locking direction and to the insertion direction. The respective strip may be formed in one piece with the latch. It may protrude from the latch.

[0021] The second buckle portion may comprise a housing forming the opening through which the first buckle portion can be inserted with the locking structure leading and can be brought into the locking engagement upon insertion. The opening may be provided at a front side of the housing in a housing bottom or a housing front end wall.

[0022] The second buckle portion may comprise a latch holder which positions the latch in the housing and to which the latch is movably connected via a linkage structure, which is flexible to allow the latch to move into and out of the locking engagement relative to the latch holder. The linkage structure may advantageously form the return spring.

[0023] The latch holder may be formed separately from the housing of the second buckle portion. The latch holder can be arranged in or on the housing and positioned relative to the housing in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner. It can be joined to the housing in a material-locking manner. In expedient embodiments, it is positioned relative to the housing only by positive locking with one or more housing structures. In alternative embodiments, the latch holder is formed integrally with the housing, i.e. it is an integral housing structure.

[0024] The lever may pivotably be supported by the housing of the second buckle portion. In preferred embodiments, however, in which the latch holder is a structure formed separately from the housing, the lever is pivotably supported by the latch holder. The lever may form a pivot joint with the housing or preferably with the latch holder. The latch holder or the housing can form a bushing or a shaft or shaft journals of the pivot joint and the lever can form the matching counterpart, i.e. the shaft or shaft journals or the bushing.

[0025] The latch holder may comprise a center section, a left side section extending from the front portion at a left side of the opening and a right side section extending from the center section at a right side of the opening. In a plan view of the opening, the center section and the side sections may together form a horseshoe or "U". The lever may form the pivot joint with the left side section and / or the right side section. The latch holder may be elastically deformable so that the side sections can be bent elastically towards and away from each other and the distance between the two free ends of the side sections can be changed. This makes it easier to create a pivot joint at the free ends of the side section by spreading the two side sections apart elastically and positioning the lever relative to the latch holder. The pivot joint engagement is set when the latch holder returns to its original shape.

[0026] Advantageously, the second buckle portion comprises a guide that guides the latch into and out of the locking engagement in sliding contact. The guide may comprise one or more slideways along which the latch slides as it moves into and out of locking engagement, such as a lateral left slideway in sliding contact with a left side surface of the latch and / or a lateral right slideway in sliding contact with a right side surface of the latch and / or a front slideway in sliding contact with a front surface of the latch and / or a rear slideway in sliding contact with a rear surface of the latch. "Left" and "right" can be seen in a top view of the rear surface against the direction of insertion. The front slideway, if present, faces in the insertion direction and the rear slideway, if present, faces against the insertion direction.

[0027] In advantageous embodiments, the guide comprises the front slideway. The lever, while pivoting, may exert a force that acts on the latch against the insertion direction thereby pressing the latch against the front slideway. The front slideway supports the latch at its front surface against this force and guides the latch during its movement into and out of the locking engagement. Preferably, the front slideway supports and guides the latch over the entire range of the movement of the latch. In a modification, the guide comprises the rear slideway, and the lever, while pivoting, exerts a force that acts on the latch in the insertion direction thereby pressing the latch against the supporting rear slideway. In the modification, the rear slideway supports the latch at its rear surface against this force and guides the latch during its movement into and out of the locking engagement. The rear slideway may support and guide the latch over the entire range of the movement of the latch. A coupling in which such a force is exerted on the latch, preferably directly by the lever, may be sufficient in combination with a supporting front or rear slideway to determine the movement of the latch. However, additional guidance of the latch by a lateral left slideway and / or a lateral right slideway is preferred.

[0028] The one or more slideways may be formed by the housing of the second buckle portion or by the latch holder, or by both the housing and the latch holder. The front slideway, if present, may advantageously be formed by the housing. In particular, a front end wall of the second buckle portion may form the front slideway. Alternatively, the front slideway may be formed by the latch holder. The lateral left slideway and / or the lateral right slideway, if the respective lateral slideway is present, may advantageously be formed by the latch holder, but alternatively can also be formed by the housing. The rear slideway, if present, may advantageously be formed by the latch holder, but alternatively can also be formed by the housing.

[0029] In particular, the guide may be a linear guide. The guide can form a thrust joint with the latch, in which the latch is guided translationally into and out of the locking engagement.

[0030] The buckle may comprise magnets to assist in the positioning of the buckle portions relative to one another and / or the positioning of the locking structure with respect to the latch. In such embodiments, the first buckle portion comprises a first magnet and the second buckle portion comprises a second magnet that attract each other in the direction of insertion. Expediently, the first magnet and the second magnet are positioned so that the magnets in the insertion direction are opposite each other at a small distance or touch each other when the locking engagement is established. The first magnet can advantageously be arranged at a free end of the locking structure. For example, it can form the free end directly or be placed in a space provided in or on the locking structure in the vicinity of the free end. The second magnet may be arranged, for example, at or in a rear wall of the housing of the second buckle portion.

[0031] In the following, specific aspects of the method and system will be outlined. The reference signs and expressions set in parentheses are referring to an example embodiment explained further below with reference to figures. The reference signs and expressions are, however, only illustrative and do not limit the respective aspect to any specific component or feature of the example embodiment. The aspects can be formulated as aspects in which the reference signs and expressions set in parentheses are omitted or replaced by appropriate others. 1. A buckle for holding together a first object and a second object, which may be separate objects or different parts of a single object of use, e.g. a container part and a lid part of a backpack, the buckle comprising: 1.1 a first buckle portion (1) attachable to the first object (O1) and comprising a locking structure (3); 1.2 a second buckle portion (10) attachable to the second object (O2) and comprising an opening (12) for inserting the locking structure (3) in an insertion direction (Z); 1.3 a latch (20) which is arranged on the second buckle portion (10) so as to be movable in a locking direction (X) transverse to the insertion direction (Z) into locking engagement with the locking structure (3) and against the locking direction (X) out of locking engagement with the locking structure (3); and 1.4 a lever (30) which is pivotably arranged on the second buckle portion (10); 1.5 wherein the lever (30) is coupled to the latch (20) so that a pivotal movement of the lever (30) is converted into a translational movement of the latch (20) into or, preferably, out of the locking engagement with the locking structure (3). 2. The buckle according to the preceding aspect, wherein the lever (30) is pivotable in relation to the latch (20). 3. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) is pivotably arranged on the second buckle portion (10) about a pivot axis (Y) transverse to the locking direction (X) and / or transverse to the insertion direction (Z) 4. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) is pivotably arranged on the second buckle portion (10) about a pivot axis (Y) and is pivotable in relation to the latch (20) about the same pivot axis (Y). 5. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) is coupled directly to the latch (20) by contact, preferably by abutment contact, and exerts a force on the latch (20) in this contact during the pivoting movement. 6. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) exerts a pushing or pulling force on the latch (20) against the locking direction (X) during the pivoting movement. 7. The buckle according to any one of the aspects 1 to 5, wherein the lever (30) exerts a pushing or pulling force on the latch (20) in the locking direction (X) during the pivotal movement. 8. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) is coupled to the latch (20) so that the lever (30) presses against the latch (20) in or preferably against the locking direction (X). 9. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) is coupled to the latch (20) so that the lever (30) presses against the latch (20) against the insertion direction (Z) while pushing the latch (20) in or preferably out of the locking engagement. 10. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) is coupled to the latch (20) so that the lever (30) presses against the latch (20) in abutment contact. 11. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) comprises a lever arm forming a handle (31) that projects out of a housing (11, 15) of the second buckle portion (10) so that it is accessible from outside the housing (11, 15) for manually operating the lever (30). 12. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) is pivotably arranged on the second buckle portion (10) about a pivot axis (Y) and comprises a first lever arm (31), which forms a handle (31) and projects to one side of the pivot axis (Y), and a second lever arm (32), which projects to another side of the pivot axis (Y) and is in engagement with the latch (20), preferably in abutment contact, and is thereby coupled to the latch (20). 13. The buckle according to the preceding aspect, wherein the first lever arm (31) and the second lever arm (32) include an angle smaller than 180° or smaller than 150°. 14. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the latch (20) has an overall plate-like shape. 15. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the latch (20) comprises a recess (21), preferably a passage, and the lever (30) is coupled to the latch (20) in the recess or passage (21). 16. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) engages into a recess (21), preferably a passage, of the latch (20) against the insertion direction (Z). 17. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the second buckle portion (10) comprises a guide (27), preferably one or more slideways, such as a front slideway, which is directed against the insertion direction (Z) and supports the latch (20) at a front side, and / or a lateral left and / or a lateral right slideway, which guides / guide the latch (20) in sliding contact into and out of the locking engagement. 18. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the latch (20) moves into and out of the locking engagement in a plane (X-Y) which extends transversely to the direction of insertion (Z). 19. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the second buckle portion (10) comprises a guide (27) which forms a thrust joint with the latch (20), in which the latch (20) is guided translationally into and out of the locking engagement. 20. The buckle according to any one of the three immediately preceding aspects, wherein the latch (20) has a front surface facing against the insertion direction (Z), a rear surface (21) opposite the front surface and facing in the insertion direction (Z), a left side surface and a right side surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface (21), and the guide (27) is in sliding contact with the latch (20) along the front surface and / or the left side surface and / or the right side surface to guide the latch (20) in the locking direction (X). 21. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the latch (20) has a front surface facing against the insertion direction (Z), a rear surface (21) opposite the front surface and facing in the insertion direction (Z), a left side surface and a right side surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface (21), and wherein the second buckle portion (10) comprises a supporting front slideway which is in sliding contact with the front surface of the latch (20) and supports the latch (20) on its front surface. 22. The buckle according to the preceding aspect, wherein the lever (30) exerts a force on the latch (20) against the insertion direction (Z) during the pivotal movement thereby pressing the latch (20) against the supporting front slideway of the second buckle portion (10). 23. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the latch (20) has a front surface facing against the insertion direction (Z), a rear surface (21) opposite the front surface and facing in the insertion direction (Z), a left side surface and a right side surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface (21), and wherein the second buckle portion (10) comprises a supporting rear surface which supports the latch (20) on its rear surface and is preferably in sliding contact with the rear surface of the latch (20). 24. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, comprising a spring (26) for exerting a restoring spring force acting on the latch (20) when the latch (20) is moved out of or into the locking engagement with the locking structure (3). 25. The buckle according to the preceding aspect, wherein the latch (20) and the spring (26) are formed in one piece, for example from plastic. 26. The buckle according to one of the two immediately preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) is in pressure contact with the latch (20) when it is actuated and, in this pressure contact, forces the latch (20) out of the locking engagement against the force of the spring (26). 27. The buckle according to any one of the three immediately preceding aspects, wherein the spring (26) comprises one or more elastically deformable strips (26L, 26R) and the respective strip (26L, 26R) undergoes an elastic bending deformation when the latch (20) moves out of the locking engagement with the locking structure (3) and / or when the latch (20) moves into the locking engagement. 28. The buckle according to the preceding aspect, wherein the respective strip (26L, 26R) extends in a single or multiple curvature in the locking direction (X) and in a lateral direction (Y) which is transverse to the locking direction (X) and to the insertion direction (Z). 29. The buckle according to any one of the two immediately preceding aspects, wherein the respective strip (26L, 26R) protrudes from the latch (20) and is formed in one piece with the latch (20). 30. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the second buckle portion (10) comprises a housing (11, 15) with the opening (12) through which the first buckle portion (1) can be inserted with the locking structure (3) leading and can be brought into the locking engagement upon insertion. 31. The buckle according to the preceding aspect, wherein the second buckle portion (10) comprises a latch holder (25) which positions the latch (20) in the housing (11, 15) and to which the latch (20) is movably connected via a linkage structure (26), which is flexible to allow the latch (20) to move into and out of the locking engagement relative to the latch holder (25). 32. The buckle according to the preceding aspect in combination with aspect 24, wherein the linkage structure (26) forms the spring (26). 33. The buckle according to one of the two immediately preceding aspects, wherein the lever (30) is pivotably supported by the latch holder (25). 34. The buckle according to any one of the three immediately preceding aspects, wherein the linkage structure (26) comprises one or more elastically deformable strips (26L, 26R) connecting the latch (20) and the latch holder (25). 35. The buckle according to the preceding aspect, wherein the linkage structure (26) comprises an elastically deformable left strip (26L) connecting the latch (20) and the latch holder (25) and an elastically deformable right strip (26R) connecting the latch (20) and the latch holder (25), the left strip (26L) extending on the left side of the opening (12) and the right strip (26R) extending on the right side of the opening (12) in a plan view of the opening (12). 36. The buckle according to one of the two immediately preceding aspects, wherein the respective strip (26L, 26R) extends from the latch (20) to a region of the latch holder (25) which is opposite the latch (20) in plan view over the opening (12) in the locking direction (X). 37. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the latch holder (25) is formed separately from the housing (11, 15) and positioned relative to the housing (11, 15) in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner. 38. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, in each case in combination with aspect 31, wherein the latch (20), the latch holder (25) and the linkage structure (26) are formed in one piece from plastic. 39. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, in each case in combination with aspect 31, wherein the linkage structure (26) connects the latch (20) to the latch holder (25) movably in and against the locking direction (X). 40. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, in each case in combination with aspect 31, wherein the latch holder (25) and the lever (30) form a pivot joint (28, 35). 41. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, in each case in combination with aspect 31, wherein the latch holder (25) comprises a front portion (25F), a left leg (25L) extending from the front portion (25F) at a left side of the opening (12) and a right leg (25R) extending from the front portion (25F) at a right side of the opening (12). 42. The buckle according to the preceding aspect, wherein the left leg (25L) and the right leg (25R) each have a free end, the lever (30) forming a pivot joint (28, 35) with the left leg (25L) and / or the right leg (25R). 43. The buckle according to one of the two immediately preceding aspects, wherein the left leg (25L) and / or the right leg (25R) is / are bendable elastically away from the respective other one of the legs (25L, 25R) in a plan view of the opening (12). 44. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first buckle portion (1) comprises a base (2) and the locking structure (3) projects from the base (2) in the insertion direction (Z). 45. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the locking structure (3) comprises a lateral projection (6) and / or recess (5) behind which and / or into which the latch (20) engages in locking engagement, thereby blocking movement of the first buckle portion (1) relative to the second buckle portion (2) against the insertion direction (Z) and locking the first buckle portion (1) to the second buckle portion (2). 46. The buckle according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first buckle portion (1) comprises a first magnet (M1) and the second buckle portion (10) comprises a second magnet (M2), and wherein the first magnet (M1) and the second magnet (M2) attract each other in the insertion direction (Z) to assist in establishing the locking engagement and / or inserting the locking structure (3) through the opening (12).

[0032] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to figures. Features disclosed there, each individually and in any combination of features, advantageously develop the subjects of the aspects and also the embodiments and aspects described above.

[0033] The figures show: Fig. 1a backpack with a buckle according to the invention, Fig. 2the buckle as such in an isometric view, Fig. 3a first buckle portion and a housing part of a second buckle portion, Fig. 4a side view and an isometric view of the first buckle portion, Fig. 5the buckle in a plan view of the first buckle portion, Fig. 6the cross-section A-A of Fig. 5, Fig. 7components of the second buckle portion, each in an isometric view, Fig. 8a lever and a latch holder in an isometric view, and Fig. 9the latch holder in a plan view.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a backpack comprising a container part as a first object O1 and a lid part as a second object O2. To close the backpack, object O1, the lid part, can be connected to object O2, the container part, by means of a buckle. The buckle comprises a first buckle portion 1, which is attached to the first object O1, and a second buckle portion 10, which is attached to the second object O2. The buckle portions 1 and 10 function as male and female connecting members. In the example, the first buckle portion 1 is the male connecting member and the second buckle portion 10 is the female member. The buckle portions 1 and 10 can be connected with a few simple hand movements by bringing the buckle portions 1 and 10 into overlap and pressing them against each other. This automatically connects the buckle portions 1 and 10 in a locking engagement.

[0035] Figure 2 shows the buckle as such, with the buckle portions 1 and 10 in locking engagement. The locking engagement can be released with a few simple hand movements by actuating a lever 30 of the second buckle portion 10. As soon as the locking engagement is released, the buckle portions 1 and 10 can be moved apart and the backpack can be opened again. A lever arm of lever 30 which functions as a handle projects freely from a housing of the second buckle portion 10.

[0036] Figure 3 illustrates the first buckle portion 1 and a first housing part 11 of the second buckle portion 10. The housing part 11 here represents the second buckle portion 10. The first buckle portion 1 comprises a base 2 and a locking structure 3 that projects from the base 2. The first buckle portion 1, relative to the housing part 11 and thus relative to the second buckle portion 10, is in a position from which it can be connected to the second buckle portion 10 simply by inserting the locking structure 3 in an insertion direction Z through an opening 12 of the second buckle portion 10. The opening 12 is provided at a front side of the second buckle portion 10, which faces the first buckle portion 1 when the buckle portions 1 and 10 have been brought into the overlap position shown, from which the connection can be made by a straight closing movement in the insertion direction Z. In the embodiment, the housing part 11 comprises a housing front end wall 13 in which the opening 12 is provided. The front end wall 13 forms a bottom of the second buckle portion 10.

[0037] Figure 4 shows the first buckle portion 1 in an isometric view and a side view. The locking structure 3 is columnar and projects from the base 2 in the insertion direction Z. The base 2 projects transversely to the insertion direction Z over a root section 4 of the locking structure 3. Due to the disc shape chosen in the example, it projects in a ring shape. The locking structure 3 includes the root section 4 and a locking projection 6 that projects transversely to the insertion direction Z. In the example, the locking structure 3 has a recess 5 in the insertion direction Z between the root section 4 and the locking projection 6, over which the locking projection 6 protrudes transversely to the insertion direction Z.

[0038] The recess 5 extends annularly around an axis parallel to the insertion direction Z, which is also designated Z in the side view. The locking projection 6 also extends annularly around the axis Z. Axis Z is a central axis of the first buckle portion 1. The first buckle section 1 may be a rotationally symmetrical body with respect to the axis Z. It may be molded in one piece from plastic.

[0039] A magnet M1 is arranged at a free end of the locking structure 3. At the free end, the locking structure 3 has an inclined surface 7 to facilitate the establishment of the locking engagement. The inclined surface 7 extends annularly around the Z-axis.

[0040] Figure 5 shows the buckle as such, with buckle portions 1 and 10 connected to each other. Figure 5 is a plan view of the buckle on the underside of the first buckle portion 1.

[0041] Figure 6 shows the buckle in cross-section A-A of Figure 5. In the connected state, the locking structure 3 extends through the opening 12 (Fig. 3) into a housing of the second buckle portion 10 and a locking engagement with a latch 20 of the second buckle portion 10. The latch 20 engages behind the locking projection 6 in relation to the insertion direction Z and thus blocks movement of the first buckle portion 1 against the insertion direction Z. The base 2 of the first buckle portion 1 lies flat in the insertion direction Z against a front end face of the second buckle portion 10, in the example against the front end wall 13 of the first housing part 11, whereby further movement of the first buckle section 1 in the insertion direction Z is blocked. The movement of the locking structure 3 in the insertion direction Z could also be blocked in another way, for example by the engagement of the latch 20 in the recess 5 (Figure 4) of the locking structure 3. However, blocking by the base 2 is preferred.

[0042] The latch 20 is movable into and out of the locking engagement with the locking structure 3 relative to the housing of the second buckle portion 10. The latch 20 is arranged such that it can be moved back and forth translationally in a locking direction X into the locking engagement and in an unlocking direction opposite to the locking direction X out of the locking engagement. The latch 20 may advantageously be arranged for purely translatory and / or translatory linear movement and / or movement only in a plane.

[0043] The second buckle portion 10 comprises a lever 30, which is arranged pivotably about a pivot axis Y on the second buckle portion 10 and coupled to the latch 20 such that a pivotal movement of the lever 30 is converted into a translational movement of the latch 20. The pivot axis Y may extend transversely to the locking direction X and / or transversely to the insertion direction Z. The coupling of the lever 30 and the latch 20 is advantageously realized as an abutment or stop contact of the lever 30 on the latch 20. Lever 30 and latch 20 could be coupled such that a pivoting movement of lever 30 is converted into a translational movement of latch 20 in the locking direction X and into the locking engagement with the locking structure 3. However, as preferred and shown in the example embodiment, the lever 30 and the latch 20 are coupled such that a pivotal movement of the lever 30 is converted into a translational movement of the latch 20 against the locking direction X and out of locking engagement with the locking structure 3.

[0044] The lever 30 is manually operable and comprises a first lever arm 31 which extends from the pivot axis Y to a free end and projects freely from the housing of the second buckle portion 10. The first lever arm 31 serves as a handle 31. The lever 30 comprises a second lever arm 32, which extends from the pivot axis Y to the other side and is coupled to the latch 20, thereby serving as a coupling arm 32. The coupling arm 32 engages directly with the latch 20. Advantageously, it extends from the pivot axis Y into the abutment contact with the latch 20 and serves as a pressure arm. To release the buckle portions 1 and 10, the handle 31 is actuated so that the lever 30 pivots about the pivot axis Y. When pivoting, the coupling arm 32 presses against the latch 20 in the unlocking direction (-X) and thereby pushes the latch 20 out of the locking engagement. In the locked state, the lever 30 can advantageously assume a rest position in which the handle 31 protrudes to one side from the housing of the second buckle portion 10, for example against the locking direction X, and lies flat in relation to the housing of the second buckle portion 10. The locking engagement can then be released by lifting the handle 31, whereby the lever 30 in Figure 6 is pivoted clockwise about the pivot axis Y.

[0045] In the abutment contact mentioned, the coupling arm 32 of the lever 30 is in pressure contact with a contact section 22 of the latch 20. The coupling realized by the abutment contact can only transmit compressive forces that act at least predominantly in the unlocking direction (-X). The contact section 22 faces at least predominantly in the locking direction X. The latch 20 may comprise a protrusion to form the contact section. Expediently, however, the contact section 22 is formed in a recess 21 of the latch 20. The abutment contact can be punctiform, but it is preferred that it is in the form of a line or an area. The recess 21 is provided in the rear surface of the latch 20. The recess 21 may be formed, as in the example, as a passage extending through the latch 20. The passage may extend, in particular, in the insertion direction Z.

[0046] The housing of the second buckle portion 10 can be formed in one piece or comprise two or more housing parts connected to one another. In particular, it may comprise the first housing part 11 and a second housing part 15, which are connected to each other, for example by a snap connection. The housing, here the housing parts 11 and 15 together, surrounds a cavity in which the latch 20 is movably arranged and protected. The first housing part 11 and the second housing part 15 can each be formed in one piece. Expediently, these are plastic molded parts.

[0047] The second buckle portion 10 comprises a magnet M10 that interacts with the magnet M1 of the first buckle portion 1. Magnets M1 and M2 attract each other in the insertion direction Z to assist in establishing the locking engagement and / or centering the locking structure 3 relative to the opening 12 for insertion through the opening 12. The magnet M10 can be advantageously arranged on or in the housing 11, 15 of the second buckle section 10 so that it faces the free end of the locking structure 3 in the insertion direction Z when the locking structure 3 is in the locking engagement. In the example, the magnet 10 is arranged in or on the second housing part 15 in a recess of the housing part 15.

[0048] The second buckle portion 10 comprises a latch holder 25 which positions the latch 20 in the housing 11, 15 and for this purpose comprises one or more positioning structures for a form-fitting positioning of the latch holder 25 in the housing, in the example embodiment for form-fitting positioning on the housing part 11. Although a form-fitting interaction between the latch holder 25 and the housing 11, 15 is preferred for positioning, the latch holder 25 may instead or additionally be positioned in a force-fitting manner relative to the housing 11, 15.

[0049] The latch 20 is movably connected to the latch holder 25 by a linkage structure 26, as seen in the Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 shows the components of the second buckle portion 10 separately from one another in isometric views. To assemble the second buckle portion 10, the latch holder 25 is positioned on the first housing part 11, the lever 20 is connected to the latch holder 25 before or after positioning the latch holder 25, and finally the second housing part 15 is connected to the first housing part. Figure 8 shows the lever 30 and the latch holder 25 with the latch 20 in an isometric view that differs from the one in Figure 7, and Figure 9 is a plan view of the latch holder 25.

[0050] The linkage structure 26 is flexible to allow the latch 20 to move relative to the latch holder 25 in and against the locking direction X and into and out of the locking engagement with the locking structure 3. The linkage structure 26 may comprise one or more deformable strips connecting the latch 20 and the latch holder 25. These strips can best be seen in Figure 9. In the example, the linkage structure 26 comprises an elastically deformable left strip 26L connecting the latch 20 and the latch holder 25 and an elastically deformable right strip 26R also connecting the latch 20 and the latch holder 25. When the second buckle portion 10 is assembled, the left strip 26L extends on the left side of the opening 12 and the right strip 26R extends on the right side of the opening 12 in a plan view of the opening 12. In the plan view, the respective strip 26L and 26R extends from the latch 20 to an area of the latch holder 25 that is opposite the latch 20 in the locking direction X via the opening 12.

[0051] The second buckle portion 10 may comprise a return spring for exerting a return spring force that opposes movement of the latch 20. The return spring force may oppose movement into the locking engagement so that the latch 20 may only move into the locking engagement against the return spring force. However, as preferred and practiced in the example embodiment, the return spring force acts on the latch 20 when the latch 20 is moved out of the locking engagement. The return spring force thus counteracts a movement out of the locking engagement, so that the latch 20 moves out of the locking engagement against the return spring force. The return force thus acts on the latch 20 in the locking direction X. The return spring may be relaxed or already preloaded when the latch 20 is in locking engagement with the locking structure 3. The return spring may comprise one or more elastically deformable strips. The respective strip may undergo an elastic bending deformation when the latch 20 moves into or, as in the example, when the latch 20 moves out of the locking engagement with the locking structure 3.

[0052] Advantageously, the linkage structure 26 can form the return spring. The linkage structure 26 is elastically deformable to fulfill the spring function. The strips 26L and 26R each extends with one or more bends in the locking direction X and in the lateral direction Y, which is parallel to the pivot axis Y, i.e. transverse to the locking direction X and to the insertion direction Z. The strips 26L and 26R are thus elastically bendable. If the latch 20 moves out of the locking engagement against the locking direction X, the strips 26L and 26R elastically bend open, causing the return spring force to build up.

[0053] The latch 20 and the linkage structure or spring 26 may be formed in one piece, for example from plastic. The respective strip 26L and 26R projects from both the latch 20 and the latch holder 25. The latch 20, the latch holder 25 and the linkage structure or spring 26 may be formed in one piece, for example from plastic.

[0054] The lever 30 can be pivotally mounted on the housing 11, 15, for example on the first housing part 11 and / or the second housing part 15. However, the latch holder 25 and the lever 30 preferably together form the pivot joint about the pivot axis Y, as can be seen from Figures 7 and 8. The latch holder 25 and the lever 30 form the interacting joint elements of the pivot joint in the form of a socket or bushing on the one hand and a shaft on the other. In the example, the latch holder 25 forms a left and a right bushing 28 and the lever 30 forms matching left and right shaft journals 35.

[0055] The latch holder 25 comprises a center section 25C, a left side section 25L, and a right side section 25R. The side sections 25L and 25R, together with the center section 25C, form a U-shaped bracket. The side sections 25L and 25R extend from the center section 25C at a left side and a right side of the opening 12. The left side section 25L and the right side section 25R each have a free end. The pivot joint with the lever 30 is formed in the end regions of the side sections 25L and 25R. The left side section 25L and / or the right side section 25R is / are bendable elastically away from the respective other one of the side sections 25L and 25R in plan view. During assembly, the joint elements 35 of the lever 30 and the joint elements 28 of the latch holder 25 can snap together by elastically bending open the side sections 25L and 25R, thereby forming the pivot.

[0056] The second buckle portion 10 comprises a guide 27 that guides the latch 20 into and out of the locking engagement in sliding contact. The latch 20 has a front surface facing against the insertion direction Z, a rear surface opposite the front surface and facing in the insertion direction Z, a left side surface and a right side surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface. The guide 27 comprises a lateral left slideway in sliding contact with the left side surface of the latch 20, a lateral right slideway in sliding contact with the right side surface of the latch 20 and a supporting front slideway in sliding contact with the front surface of the latch 20. "Left" and "right" can be seen in a plan view against the insertion direction Z. Each of the slideways is straight and extends in the locking direction X. When pivoting, the lever 30 may exert a force on the latch 20 against the insertion direction Z, thereby pressing the latch 20 against the front slideway. The front slideway of the guide 27 is formed by the front end wall 13 of the first housing part 11. Alternatively, it could also be an integral part of the latch holder 25 or it could be formed by another structure of the first housing part 11. The left and right slideways guide the latch 20 straight in and against the locking direction X. The left and right slideways are formed by the latch holder 25. In the example, the guide 27 also comprises a rear support opposite the rear surface of the latch 20. The rear support may also be in sliding contact with the latch 20. In principle, however, the rear support may serve only to prevent tilting movements of the latch 20.

[0057] Thanks to the way it is coupled to lever 30 and its translational mobility and guidance, the latch 20 as a whole may have a plate-like shape. The latch 20 also has the recess 21, in the example in the form of a passage, in which the lever 30 is coupled to the latch 20, so that tilting forces can be kept small or practically do not occur.

[0058] At a front end with which the latch 20 comes into locking engagement with the locking structure 3, the latch 20 may have an inclined surface 23 that rises in the direction of the front end as seen from the opening 12, so that it faces against the insertion direction Z and in the locking direction X. Such a tapering of the latch 20 towards its front end facilitates the movement of the locking structure 3 into the locking engagement with the latch 20. In the course of this movement, the latch 20 yields against the return spring force of the return spring 26 while the free end of the locking structure 3 slides along the inclined surface 23.

[0059] Figure 7 also shows construction details of the two housing parts 11 and 15. When the second buckle section 10 is assembled, the housing parts 11 and 15 are pressed against each other in the insertion direction Z. In the process, detent elements 14 of the first housing part 11 engage with counter detent elements 16 of the second housing part 15. Before the housing parts 11 and 15 are connected to each other, the latch holder 25 and the lever 30, preferably the latch holder 25 with the lever 30 already mounted on the latch holder 25, are positioned on the first housing part 11. The lever 30 is, of course, mounted so that its coupling arm 32 engages with the latch 20, in the example engages in the recess 21. The slideway(s) of the latch holder 25 helps (help) to position the latch 20 and also the lever 30 relative to the latch holder 25 during assembly of the lever 30. Reference numbers:1first buckle portion30lever2base31handle3locking structure32coupling arm4root section33-5recess34-6locking projection35joint element, pivot pin7inclined surface8-M1first magnet9-M10second magnet10second buckle portionO1first object11first housing partO2second object12openingXlocking direction13front end wallYlateral directing, pivot axis14detent elementZinsertion direction15second housing part16counter detent element20latch21recess, passage22contact section23inclined surface24-25latch holder25Ccenter section25Lleft side section25Rright side section26linkage structure, spring26Lleft strip26Rright strip27guide28joint element, bushing29-

Claims

1. A buckle for holding together a first object and a second object, which may be separate objects or different parts of a single object of use, e.g. a container part and a lid part of a backpack, the buckle comprising: 1.1 a first buckle portion (1) attachable to the first object (O1) and comprising a locking structure (3); 1.2 a second buckle portion (10) attachable to the second object (O2) and comprising an opening (12) for inserting the locking structure (3) in an insertion direction (Z); 1.3 a latch (20) which is arranged on the second buckle portion (10) so as to be movable in a locking direction (X) transverse to the insertion direction (Z) into locking engagement with the locking structure (3) and against the locking direction (X) out of locking engagement with the locking structure (3); and 1.4 a lever (30) which is pivotably arranged on the second buckle portion (10); 1.5 wherein the lever (30) is coupled to the latch (20) so that a pivotal movement of the lever (30) is converted into a translational movement of the latch (20) into or, preferably, out of the locking engagement with the locking structure (3).

2. The buckle according to the preceding claim, wherein the lever (30) is pivotable in relation to the latch (20).

3. The buckle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (30) is coupled directly to the latch (20) by contact, preferably by abutment contact, and exerts a force on the latch (20) in this contact during the pivoting movement.

4. The buckle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (30) is coupled to the latch (20) so that the lever (30) presses against the latch (20) in or preferably against the locking direction (X).

5. The buckle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (30) is pivotably arranged on the second buckle portion (10) about a pivot axis (Y) and comprises a first lever arm (31), which forms a handle (31) and projects to one side of the pivot axis (Y), and a second lever arm (32), which projects to another side of the pivot axis (Y) and is in engagement with the latch (20), preferably in abutment contact, and is thereby coupled to the latch (20).

6. The buckle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (20) has an overall plate-like shape.

7. The buckle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (20) comprises a recess (21), preferably a passage, and the lever (30) is coupled to the latch (20) in the recess (21).

8. The buckle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second buckle portion (10) comprises a guide (27), preferably a slideway, such as a front slideway, which is directed against the insertion direction (Z) and supports the latch (20) at a front side, and / or a lateral left slideway and / or a lateral right slideway, which guides / guide the latch (20) in sliding contact into and out of the locking engagement.

9. The buckle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (30) is coupled to the latch (20) so that the lever (30) presses against the latch (20) against the insertion direction (Z) while pushing the latch (20) in or preferably out of the locking engagement.

10. The buckle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a return spring (26) for exerting a return spring force acting on the latch (20) when the latch (20) is moved out of or into the locking engagement with the locking structure (3), wherein the latch (20) and the spring (26) are preferably formed in one piece, for example from plastic.

11. The buckle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second buckle portion (10) comprises a housing (11, 15) with the opening (12) through which the first buckle portion (1) can be inserted with the locking structure (3) leading and can be brought into the locking engagement upon insertion.

12. The buckle according to the preceding claim, wherein the second buckle portion (10) comprises a latch holder (25) which positions the latch (20) in the housing (11, 15) and to which the latch (20) is movably connected via a linkage structure (26), which is flexible to allow the latch (20) to move into and out of the locking engagement relative to the latch holder (25), wherein the linkage structure (26) preferably forms the spring (26) of claim 9.

13. The buckle according to the preceding claim, wherein the lever (30) is pivotably supported by the latch holder (25).

14. The buckle according to any one of the two immediately preceding claims, wherein the linkage structure (26) comprises one or more elastically deformable strips (26L, 26R) connecting the latch (20) and the latch holder (25).

15. The buckle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first buckle portion (1) comprises a first magnet (M1) and the second buckle portion (10) comprises a second magnet (M2), and wherein the first magnet (M1) and the second magnet (M2) attract each other in the insertion direction (Z) to assist in establishing the locking engagement and / or inserting the locking structure (3) through the opening (12).

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