Connecting apparatus

Abstract

A connecting apparatus includes a first connecting part, which has a first basic body and at least one engagement protrusion arranged rigidly on the first basic body, and a second connecting part, which is attachable to the first connecting part in a closing direction and which has a second basic body with an engagement portion arranged rigidly on the second basic body. The first connecting part has a first magnetic device and the second connecting part has a second magnetic device. The first magnetic device and the second magnetic device interact in a magnetically attracting manner along the closing direction to assist the attachment of the first connecting part and the second connecting part to each other. The first connecting part has a blocking portion which is designed, in the connected position, to interact with the second connecting part in order to block the engagement of the engagement portion with the at least one engagement protrusion counter to an engagement direction. In the connected position, the second connecting part is rotatable about the closing direction with respect to the first connecting part. In the event of rotation, the engagement of the engagement portion with the at least one engagement protrusion and the blocking of the engagement by the blocking portion remains.

Claims

1. A connecting apparatus, comprising a first connecting part, which has a first basic body and at least one engagement protrusion arranged rigidly on the first basic body, and a second connecting part, which is attachable to the first connecting part in a closing direction and which has a second basic body with an engagement portion arranged rigidly on the second basic body, wherein the engagement portion can be brought along an engagement direction which is different from the closing direction into engagement with the at least one engagement protrusion of the first connecting part such that, in a connected position of the first connecting part and the second connecting part, the engagement portion is in engagement with the at least one engagement protrusion of the first connecting part, wherein the first connecting part has a first magnetic device and the second connecting part has a second magnetic device, wherein the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device interact in a magnetically attracting manner along the closing direction to assist attachment of the first connecting part and the second connecting part to each other, wherein the first connecting part has a blocking portion which is arranged rigidly on the first basic body and which is designed, in the connected position, to interact with the second connecting part in order to block the engagement of the engagement portion with the at least one engagement protrusion counter to the engagement direction, wherein, in the connected position, the second connecting part is rotatable about the closing direction with respect to the first connecting part and, in an event of rotation, the engagement of the engagement portion with the at least one engagement protrusion and blocking of the engagement by the blocking portion remain, and wherein the second connecting part is tiltable with respect to the first connecting part in order, for separating the first connecting part and the second connecting part from each other, to remove the blocking counter to the engagement direction and to permit disengagement of the engagement portion and the at least one engagement protrusion.

2. The connecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting part, for tilting relative to the first connecting part, can be lifted off the first connecting part counter to the closing direction on a side facing away from the at least one engagement protrusion.

3. The connecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting part has an actuating portion which is actuable for tilting the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part.

4. The connecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion extends circumferentially about the closing direction.

5. The connecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the engagement portion is formed rotationally symmetrically with respect to the closing direction.

6. The connecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second basic body of the second connecting part has a base portion which forms the engagement portion or with respect to which the engagement portion is spaced apart along the closing direction.

7. The connecting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the base portion has an edge portion and the first connecting part has a support portion formed rigidly on the first basic body, wherein, in the connected position, the edge portion of the base portion is supported on the support portion for load absorption along the engagement direction in addition to the engagement of the engagement portion and the at least one engagement protrusion.

8. The connecting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the support portion, as viewed along the closing direction, is spaced apart from the at least one engagement protrusion.

9. The connecting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the support portion, as viewed along the engagement direction, is spaced apart from the at least one engagement protrusion.

10. The connecting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the support portion is formed by a surface portion which is directed parallel or obliquely to the closing direction.

11. The connecting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first basic body has a positive locking portion on which the base portion lies in the connected position of the first connecting part and the second connecting part in order to counteract tilting of the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part.

12. The connecting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, for tilting the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part, the base portion can be tilted with respect to the first connecting part about a tilting axis perpendicular to the closing direction and to the engagement direction.

13. The connecting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first basic body has an entry opening in which a portion of the base portion enters when the second connecting part is tilted in the closing direction relative to the first connecting part.

14. The connecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting part has a blocking element, which is arranged rigidly on the second basic body, for interaction with the blocking portion of the first connecting part.

15. The connecting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, in the connected position, the blocking element is rotatable about the closing direction relative to the blocking portion of the first connecting part, wherein, in the event of rotation, the blocking of the engagement of the engagement portion with the at least one engagement protrusion remains.

16. The connecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one engagement protrusion has a sliding slope which extends obliquely to the closing direction and is designed to guide the second connecting part, during attachment to the first connecting part, along the closing direction on the at least one engagement protrusion in such a manner that the second connecting part is offset with respect to the first connecting part counter to the engagement direction and, as a result, is guided past the at least one engagement protrusion and, after it moves past, the engagement portion can be brought in the engagement direction into engagement with the at least one engagement protrusion.

17. A webbing fastener comprising the connecting apparatus according to claim 1.

18. The webbing fastener according to claim 17, further comprising a strap or belt which is connected to the second connecting part, wherein the strap or belt is connected fixedly and nonadjustably to the second connecting part.

19. The webbing fastener according to claim 18, wherein the first connecting part has two engagement protrusions which are spaced apart from each other in such a manner that, in the connected position of the first connecting part and the second connecting part, the belt or strap can be guided through between the engagement protrusions.

20. An object fastening device for fastening an object to an assembly, comprising the connecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the object is arranged on one of the connecting parts and the other of the connecting parts is arranged on the assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The concept underlying the solution will be discussed in more detail below on the basis of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus.

(3) FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of the connecting apparatus.

(4) FIG. 2B shows the exploded view in a different perspective illustration.

(5) FIG. 3A shows a separate view of a first connecting part of the connecting apparatus.

(6) FIG. 3B shows a different view of the first connecting part.

(7) FIG. 4A shows a top view of the first connecting part.

(8) FIG. 4B shows a view of the first connecting part from below.

(9) FIG. 4C shows a sectional view along the line G-G according to FIG. 4B.

(10) FIG. 5A shows a view of a second connecting part with a belt or strap arranged thereon.

(11) FIG. 5B shows a different view of the second connecting part with the belt or strap arranged thereon.

(12) FIG. 6A shows a view of the second connecting part from below.

(13) FIG. 6B shows a top view of the second connecting part.

(14) FIG. 6C shows a sectional view along the line I-I according to FIG. 6B.

(15) FIG. 7A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the production of the connection of the connecting parts.

(16) FIG. 7B shows a sectional view along the line B-B according to FIG. 7A.

(17) FIG. 8A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the further closing.

(18) FIG. 8B shows a sectional view along the line C-C according to FIG. 8A.

(19) FIG. 9A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the further closing.

(20) FIG. 9B shows a sectional view along the line D-D according to FIG. 9A.

(21) FIG. 10A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the further closing.

(22) FIG. 10B shows a sectional view along the line E-E according to FIG. 10A.

(23) FIG. 10C shows a sectional view along the line L-L according to FIG. 10A.

(24) FIG. 11A shows a view of the connecting apparatus in a connected position of the connecting parts.

(25) FIG. 11B shows a sectional view along the line J-J according to FIG. 11A.

(26) FIG. 11C shows a sectional view along the line K-K according to FIG. 11B.

(27) FIG. 11D shows a sectional view along the line F-F according to FIG. 11B.

(28) FIG. 12A shows a top view of the connecting apparatus in a position of the second connecting part rotated in relation to the first connecting part.

(29) FIG. 12B shows a side view of the arrangement according to FIG. 12A.

(30) FIG. 12C shows a sectional view along the line N-N according to FIG. 12A.

(31) FIG. 12D shows a side view of the connecting apparatus obliquely from the rear.

(32) FIG. 12E shows a top view of the connecting apparatus.

(33) FIG. 12F shows a sectional view along the line M-M according to FIG. 12E.

(34) FIG. 13A shows a view of a second connecting part, according to another exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus.

(35) FIG. 13B shows a different perspective view of the second connecting part.

(36) FIG. 14A shows a view of the second connecting part from below.

(37) FIG. 14B shows a top view of the second connecting part.

(38) FIG. 14C shows a sectional view along the line E-E according to FIG. 14B.

(39) FIG. 15A shows a view of a first connecting part to which the second connecting part according to FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14A-14C is attachable.

(40) FIG. 15B shows a different view of the first connecting part.

(41) FIG. 16A shows a view of the first connecting part from below.

(42) FIG. 16B shows a top view of the first connecting part.

(43) FIG. 16C shows a sectional view along the line F-F according to FIG. 16B.

(44) FIG. 17A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the closing.

(45) FIG. 17B shows a sectional view along the line A-A according to FIG. 17A.

(46) FIG. 18A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the further closing.

(47) FIG. 18B shows a sectional view along the line B-B according to FIG. 18A.

(48) FIG. 19A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the further closing.

(49) FIG. 19B shows a sectional view along the line C-C according to FIG. 19A.

(50) FIG. 20A shows a view of the connecting apparatus in a connected position of the connecting parts.

(51) FIG. 20B shows a sectional view along the line D-D according to FIG. 20A.

(52) FIG. 20C shows a sectional view along the line G-G according to FIG. 20B.

(53) FIG. 20D shows a sectional view along the line H-H according to FIG. 20B.

(54) FIG. 21 shows a view of a different exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus.

(55) FIG. 22A shows a perspective exploded view of the connecting apparatus.

(56) FIG. 22B shows a different exploded view of the connecting apparatus.

(57) FIG. 23A shows a separate view of a first connecting part of the connecting apparatus.

(58) FIG. 23B shows a different view of the first connecting part.

(59) FIG. 24A shows a top view of the first connecting part.

(60) FIG. 24B shows a view of the first connecting part from below.

(61) FIG. 24C shows a sectional view along the line F-F according to FIG. 24B.

(62) FIG. 25A shows a view of a second connecting part of the connecting apparatus.

(63) FIG. 25B shows a different view of the second connecting part.

(64) FIG. 26A shows a view of the second connecting part from below.

(65) FIG. 26B shows a top view of the second connecting part.

(66) FIG. 26C shows a sectional view along the line G-G according to FIG. 26B.

(67) FIG. 27A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the closing.

(68) FIG. 27B shows a sectional view of the connecting apparatus along the line A-A according to FIG. 27A.

(69) FIG. 28A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the further closing.

(70) FIG. 28B shows a sectional view along the line B-B according to FIG. 28A.

(71) FIG. 29A shows a view of the connecting apparatus during the further closing.

(72) FIG. 29B shows a sectional view along the line C-C according to FIG. 29A.

(73) FIG. 30A shows a view of the connecting apparatus in a connected position of the connecting parts.

(74) FIG. 30B shows a sectional view along the line O-O according to FIG. 30A.

(75) FIG. 30C shows a sectional view along the line A-A according to FIG. 30B.

(76) FIG. 30D shows a sectional view along the line Q-Q according to FIG. 30B.

(77) FIG. 31A shows an exploded view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a connecting apparatus.

(78) FIG. 31B shows a sectional view of the connecting apparatus during the closing, corresponding to the sectional view according to FIG. 29B.

(79) FIG. 31C shows a sectional view of the connecting apparatus in a connected position of the connecting parts, corresponding to the sectional view according to FIG. 30B.

(80) FIGS. 32 to 58 show views of different possible uses of the connecting apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(81) In an exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12F, a connecting apparatus 1 has a first connecting part 2 (what is referred to as a female part) and a second connecting part 3 (what is referred to as a male part) which is to be attached to the first connecting part 2.

(82) The connecting parts 2, 3 can generally be attached to each other along a closing direction X, the connecting parts 2, 3 each having a magnetic device 21, 31 in the form of a permanent magnet (or alternatively firstly in the form of a permanent magnet and secondly in the form of a magnetic armature) which interact in a magnetically attracting manner and draw the connecting parts 2, 3 toward each other along the closing direction X.

(83) It should be noted that the attachment of the connecting parts 2, 3 may also be possible in a direction deviating from the closing direction X, for example directed obliquely to the closing direction X. The magnetic devices 21, 31 interact in a magnetically attracting manner along the closing direction X and draw the connecting parts 2, 3 toward each other along the closing direction X.

(84) As can be seen from the exploded views according to FIGS. 2A and 2B and the separate views according to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4A-4C, the first connecting part 2 has a basic body 20 which forms a receiving opening 23 for receiving the second connecting part 3. On the basic body 20 there is arranged a webbing receptacle 22 in the form of a web and an adjoining opening, to which a belt or strap 5 can be fastened or is fastened. On a side facing away from the receiving opening 23, the basic body 20 forms a fastening opening 25 for receiving the magnetic device 21.

(85) The receiving opening 23 is formed as a depression on the basic body 20. Inside the receiving opening 23 there is formed a bottom surface 230 in the form of a flat surface which extends perpendicular to the closing direction X and with which the second connecting part 3 can be brought into planar contact upon insertion into the receiving opening 23 in order to produce a connection of the connecting parts 2, 3.

(86) A recess 231 in the form of a depression is formed in the bottom surface 230, in which recessas will also be described belowin the connected position of the connecting elements 2, 3 a blocking element 303 on a base portion 300 of the second connecting part 3 engages.

(87) The receiving opening 23 is bounded at a front end by a support portion 233 serving as a support and load absorption for the second connecting part 3 in the connected position. An entry opening 232 is formed between the support portion 233 and the bottom surface 230 and serves to facilitate the production of the connection and the separation of the connecting parts 2, 3 by an edge portion 305 of the base portion 300 of the second connecting part 3 being able to enter the entry opening 232 during the production of the connection and also during the separating of the connection, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 10B and will also be described below.

(88) The entry opening 232 is formed as a depression relative to the bottom surface 230 and adjoins the bottom surface 230 in such a manner that the entry opening 232 is positioned between the support portion 233 and the bottom surface 230. At the transition between the entry opening 232 and the bottom surface 230, a beveled transition surface 237 is formed which serves as a guide for the second connecting part 3 for producing the connection and during the separation of the connection.

(89) On the rigidly formed basic body 20 there are arranged engagement protrusions 240, 241 which are formed rigidly with the basic body 20 on two lateral, raised portions 242, 243 and whichas viewed along a vertical direction H pointing along the closing direction Xare positioned above the bottom surface 230 and serve to produce a positive locking or non-positive locking connection between the connecting parts 2, 3 in the connected position. The engagement protrusions 240, 241 are spaced apart from each other along a transverse direction Q. The engagement protrusions 240, 241 together form an engagement device 24 which permits a positive locking or non-positive locking engagement with the second connecting part 3. As will also be explained below, in the connected position, the base portion 300 of the second connecting part 3 with an engagement portion 341 formed thereon is received between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and the bottom surface 230 and, in addition, is supported at a front edge 305 on the support portion 233 such that the connecting parts 2, 3 are thereby held securely and reliably on each other.

(90) Sliding slopes 244, 245 are formed on the engagement protrusions 240, 241, the sliding slopes being inclined obliquely to the vertical direction H and bringing about sliding of the second connecting part 3 counter to an engagement direction Y when the connecting parts 2, 3 are attached to each other along the closing direction X.

(91) The recess 231 is delimited laterally by arcuate boundary walls 236 which together realize a blocking portion of the first connecting part 2 and are oriented perpendicular to a bottom of the recess 231 and also to the bottom surface 230. The boundary walls 236 extend in the form of an arc of a circle about a central axis B of the recess 231, which axis is oriented along a normal direction N of the bottom surface 230.

(92) A run-on slope 235 is formed between the boundary walls 236, the run-on slope being arranged on the recess 231 to the rear of the support portion 233 and providing a sliding surface in order to facilitate sliding of the blocking element 303 into the recess 231 and also release of the blocking element 303 from the recess 231.

(93) The bottom surface 230 extends flat along a plane perpendicular to the normal direction N.

(94) As is apparent from the exploded views according to FIGS. 2A and 2B and the separate views according to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6A-6C, the second connecting part 3 is connected fixedly to a strap or belt 4. The second connecting part 3 has a basic body 30 on which the strap or belt 4 is arranged fixedly and non-adjustably by the strap or belt 4 lying in a webbing receptacle 32, which is formed between a base portion 300 and a fastening portion 301, and is thereby arranged fixedly on the basic body 30.

(95) The basic body 30 can be formed in one piece and integrally, for example, with the base portion 300 and the fastening portion 301, by means of plastics injection molding, wherein the strap or belt 4 is insert molded in sections and is therefore connected fixedly and non-adjustably to the basic body 30.

(96) The base portion 300 has a circular-cylindrical basic shape and, on a side facing the first connecting part 2 (during the production of the connection), forms a base surface 302 which extends flat and, when the second connecting part 3 is attached to the first connecting part 2, enters into contact in a planar manner with the bottom surface 230 in the receiving opening 23.

(97) From the base surface 302, there protrudes a cross-sectionally circular blocking element 303 which is concentric with respect to the circular-cylindrical base portion 300 and serves for engaging in the recess 231 on the bottom surface 230 of the basic body 20 of the first connecting part 2.

(98) A fastening opening 35 which serves for receiving the magnetic device 31, for example in the form of a permanent magnet, of the second connecting part 3 and within which the magnetic device 31 is fastened is formed within the blocking element 303.

(99) The base portion 300 forms an engagement device 34 of the second connecting part 3 with an engagement portion 341 which serves for interaction with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 of the engagement device 24 of the first connecting part 2 and passes under the engagement protrusions 240, 241 during the production of the connection such that a positive locking or non-positive locking connection is produced between the connecting parts 2, 3.

(100) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the engagement portion 341 is formed by an encircling edge of the base portion 300, which edge protrudes radially in relation to the fastening portion 301 and thus forms an undercut via which the engagement portion 341 can be brought into engagement with the engagement protrusions 240, 241, which likewise form undercuts, of the first connecting part 2 in order to connect the connecting parts 2, 3 to each other.

(101) A process of connecting the connecting apparatus 1 is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 7A to 11D.

(102) The connecting parts 2, 3 are attached to each other generally along the closing direction X, along which the magnetic devices 21, 31 interact in a magnetically attracting manner and therefore draw the connecting parts 2, 3 toward each other in a magnetically attracting manner. The connecting parts 2, 3 can be brought toward each other here by hand, with, after a certain approximation, the magnetic attraction force automatically draws the connecting parts 2, 3 into engagement and thus brings about production of the connection of the connecting apparatus 1. An imprecise attachment of the connecting parts 2, 3 to each other is therefore sufficient, with the connection then being produced very substantially automatically.

(103) If the connecting parts 2, 3 are brought toward each other, as is apparent from FIGS. 7A and 7B, the base portion 300 of the basic body 30 of the second connecting part 3 passes from above along the closing direction X into contact with the engagement protrusions 240, 241, as is apparent from FIGS. 8A and 8B. Owing to the inclined sliding slopes 244, 245 formed on the engagement protrusions 240, 241, the base portion 300 slides here along a sliding direction A on the engagement protrusions 240, 241, with the base portion 300 being able to enter into contact by way of a rear edge 304, which can be seen in FIG. 8B, with the bottom surface 230 in the receiving opening 23 of the first connecting part 2 and thereby sliding in a guided manner along the bottom surface 230 without the blocking element prematurely interlocking.

(104) When the base portion 300 has slid along the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and the base portion 300 has therefore passed the engagement protrusions 240, 241 in the closing direction X, the engagement portion 341, which is formed on the encircling edge of the base portion 300, now slides, assisted by the magnetic attraction of the magnetic devices 21, 31, into engagement in an engagement direction Y with the engagement protrusions 240, 241, as is apparent from FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10A, 10B. This movement (approximately) along the engagement direction Y is undertaken with magnetic assistance, with a load force (introduced via the strap or belt 4) additionally being able to assist the engagement operation.

(105) When the engagement portion 341 has moved into engagement in the engagement direction Y with the engagement protrusions 240, 241, the blocking element 303 slides into the recess 231 in the receiving opening 23 of the first connecting part 2, as is apparent in the transition from FIGS. 10A, 10B to FIGS. 11A-11D.

(106) In the connected position which is apparent in FIGS. 11A-11D, the blocking element 303 lies in the recess 231, and the base portion 300 lies by means of the base surface 302, which is formed thereon, in a planar manner on the bottom surface 230 within the receiving opening 23 of the first connecting part 2, as is apparent in particular from the sectional view according to FIG. 11B.

(107) In the connected position, the base portion 300, by means of a (front) edge portion 305, faces the support portion 233 and lies supported against the support portion 233. If a force is introduced into the second connecting part 3 via the strap or belt 4, this force is absorbed and conducted away by the supporting contact of the base portion 300 on the support portion 233.

(108) As is apparent from FIGS. 11C and 11D, the support portion 233 is curved arcuately here about the closing direction X, in accordance with the curvature of the circular-cylindrical base portion 300, such that there is contact along an arcuate support line or support surface between the edge portion 305 on the base portion 300 and the support portion 233.

(109) The support portion 233 is arranged here with a central portion, as viewed along the transverse direction Q, between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and, at the central portion, is spaced apart along the engagement direction Y from the engagement protrusions 240, 241. The support portion 233 extends in an arcuate manner here, in the cross-sectional plane according to FIG. 11D, to under the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and beyond the latter such that a planar support is provided for the base portion 300 centrally between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and also directly in the region of the engagement protrusions 240, 241.

(110) In the connected position, the strap or belt 4 is arranged on the connecting part 3 approximately level with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 on the connecting part 2 or below the engagement protrusions 240, 241. This has the effect that strap or belt forces introduced via the strap or belt 4 cannot tilt the connecting part 3 in the receiving opening 23 or can produce only a small tilting moment, with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 securing the position of the connecting part 3 on the connecting part 2, in particular along the vertical direction H.

(111) In the connected position and in the event of load effects between the connecting parts 2, 3, the strap or belt 4 lies between the raised portions 242, 243 and is therefore arranged between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 such that the engagement protrusions 240, 241 provide support which is symmetrical with respect to the strap or belt 4 when force is introduced via the strap or belt 4.

(112) In the connected position, the magnetic devices 21, 31 interact in a magnetically attracting manner and therefore hold the connecting parts 2, 3 in the connected position.

(113) In addition, owing to the engagement of the blocking element 303 in the recess 231, a tangential displacement of the connecting parts 2, 3 with respect to each other counter to the engagement direction Y is blocked. In the connected position, the blocking element 303 lies in the recess 231 in such a manner that the blocking element 303 is received between the boundary walls 236, which realize the blocking portion, and is in blocking contact with the arcuate blocking walls 236 such that the blocking element 303 cannot be moved with respect to the boundary walls 236 counter to the engagement direction Y.

(114) Owing to the rotationally symmetrical shape of the blocking element 303 and the circular-cylindrical shape of the base portion 300, the connecting part 3 in the connected position can be rotated along a circumferential direction U (see FIG. 1) about any desired angle about an axis of rotation R within the receiving opening 23 of the connecting part 2, while maintaining the connecting engagement between the connecting parts 2, 3 and also the blocking of the blocking element 303 in the recess 231.

(115) This rotatability also permits the connecting parts 2, 3 to be attached to each other in any desired rotational position, wherein, in the event of loading via the strap or belt 4, the connecting parts 2, 3 are aligned with respect to each other in such a manner that the strap or belt 4 comes to lie between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and therefore the connecting part 3 is supported symmetrically on the connecting part 2. Owing to the rotatability, the connecting parts 2, 3 can be attached in a position-tolerant manner to each other, which makes the production of the connection simple and comfortable.

(116) As is apparent from FIGS. 10A-10C, the base portion 300 by means of a front edge portion 305 passes under the engagement protrusions 240, 241 when sliding into the entry opening 232 which is formed in a recessed manner both with respect to the bottom surface 230 and with respect to the recess 231. Entry of the edge portion 305 into the entry opening 232 can make it possible for the blocking element 303 to slide into the recess 231 and for the engagement of the engagement portion 341, which is formed on the base portion 300, with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 to be produced. In addition, the angular range of an opening force, which is applied to the actuating portion 40 (tab) can be increased and jamming of the edge portion 305 during the opening prevented.

(117) In the connected position, the front edge portion 305 of the base portion 300 then rests on a positive locking portion in the form of a step 234, which is formed between the entry opening 232 and the support portion 233 and is positioned level with the bottom surface 230, as is apparent in particular from FIG. 11B. By contact of the base portion 230 on the step 234, the connecting part 3 is additionally supported against tilting with respect to the connecting part 2.

(118) The positive locking portion can alternatively also be formed, for example, by a notch or the like on the support portion 233, in which the base portion 300 engages by means of the edge portion 305 and is thereby supported on the support portion 233 against tilting, which is associated with a movement of the edge portion 305 on the support portion 233 downward in the closing direction X.

(119) By means of the positive locking portion in the form of the step 234, in the connected position according to FIGS. 11A to 11D, in particular tilting in the event of loading on the strap or belt 4 is counteracted. In the connected position, the second connecting part 3 thus rests with its basic body 30 in a first region, formed by the rear region (with respect to the engagement direction Y), on the bottom surface 230 of the basic body 20 of the first connecting part 2. In a second region adjoining the engagement direction Y, formed by the region above the entry opening 232, the second basic body 30 of the second connecting part 3, by contrast, does not lie against the first basic body 20 of the first connecting part 2. The second basic body 30 rests on the step 234 by means of a third region which adjoins the second region in the engagement direction Y and is formed by the front edge portion 305 of the base portion 300, and therefore, in the connected position, a support is provided in the manner of a two-point support, with a clearance provided in between in the region of the entry opening 232.

(120) In the loaded position, the base portion 300 is loaded with the front edge portion 305 against the support portion 233 and therefore kept in contact with the step 234 in a self-reinforcing manner.

(121) If the connecting parts 2, 3 are to be separated from each other, the movement sequence according to FIGS. 7A to 11D proceeds substantially conversely. In particular, in order to separate the connecting parts 2, 3, a user can grasp an actuating portion in the form of a tab 40 (formed by a protruding portion of the strap or belt 4) on a rear side of the connecting part 3 facing away from the engagement protrusions 240, 241, and can thereby lift the connecting part 3 at its rear end from the bottom surface 230 and therefore tilt the connecting part 3 with respect to the connecting part 2 out of the connected position according to FIGS. 11A-11D in such a manner that the base portion 300 slides by means of the front edge portion 305 from the step 234 and the blocking element 303 is lifted out of the recess 231, as is apparent from FIGS. 10A and 10B. In this way, the blocking between the connecting parts 2, 3 counter to the engagement direction Y is removed, and therefore the connecting part 3 can be pulled out of engagement from the connecting part 2 counter to the engagement direction Y and the connecting parts 2, 3 can therefore be released from each other.

(122) The tilting is undertaken here in a tilting plane which is directed perpendicular to the bottom surface 230, namely is spanned by the closing direction X and the engagement direction Y. The tilting takes place here approximately about a tilting axis K (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) in such a manner that the connecting part 3 carries out a pivoting movement in the tilting plane perpendicular to the tilting axis K and therefore the blocking element 303 is lifted out of the recess 231 such that the connecting parts 2, 3 can be moved counter to the engagement direction Y with respect to each other and can therefore be separated from each other.

(123) If, in particular when the connecting apparatus 1 is not loaded, the connection of the connecting parts 2, 3 is to be released, the connecting parts 2, 3 are tilted with respect to each other and in particular also moved counter to the engagement direction Y with respect to each other such that the front edge portion 305 (forming the third region) of the base portion 300 slides from the step 234 and enters the region of the entry opening 232, as is apparent from FIG. 10B. The positive locking portion created by the step 234 therefore does not counteract tilting (any longer), and therefore the connecting parts 2, 3 can be comfortably and simply separated from each other during tilting via the actuating portion 40.

(124) FIGS. 12A to 12F show the connecting apparatus 1 in a rotated position of the second connecting part 3 relative to the first connecting part 2. The second connecting part 3 can be attached here to the first connecting part 2 in a (any desired) rotated position, and, in any desired rotational position, the engagement portion 341 of the second connecting part 3 can be brought into engagement with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 of the first connecting part 2. In the connected position, the second connecting part 3 is rotatable along a circumferential direction U about the axis of rotation R relative to the first connecting part 2 with the engagement of the engagement portion 341 with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 being maintained and with engagement of the blocking element 303 in the recess 231.

(125) Under load, if, in the connected position of the connecting apparatus 1, strap or belt forces act between the straps or belts 4, 5, the strap or belt 4 lies between the engagement protrusions 240, 241, as is apparent from FIG. 1. In this case, the engagement protrusions 240, 241 are arranged to the side of the strap or belt 4, and therefore the strap or belt 4 extends between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 (as viewed along the transverse direction Q pointing from the engagement protrusion 240 to the engagement protrusion 241).

(126) If, by contrast, as is apparent from FIGS. 12A to 12F, the second connecting part 3 is rotated along the circumferential direction U about the axis of rotation R with respect to the first connecting part 2, the strap or belt 4 can extend beyond one of the engagement protrusions 240, 241, with flexible, flexurally slack deformation of the strap or belt 4, as is apparent in particular from FIGS. 12B and 12D. During the rotation, the strap or belt 4 slides onto one of the engagement protrusions 240, 241 (depending on the direction of rotation) and is thereby deformed such that the strap or belt 4 can be moved beyond the respective engagement protrusion 240, 241.

(127) As is apparent from FIG. 1, for example, together with FIG. 6C, the strap or belt 4 emerges from the fastening portion 301 above the base portion 300 on an outlet line 306 which is curved in accordance with the cylindrical shape of the fastening portion 301. On the far side of the outlet line 306, i.e. outside the fastening portion 301, the strap or belt 4 is not connected here to the base portion 300 in the region of the protruding edge portion forming the engagement portion 341, but rather can be moved freely in relation to the base portion 300 and in particular lifted off from the base portion 300, which permits the deformation of the strap or belt 4 for smoothly sliding onto the engagement protrusion 240, 241 during the rotation of the connecting part 3 relative to the connecting part 2.

(128) The outlet line 306 is offset radially inward in relation to the end-side edge portion 305 of the base portion 300 and therefore spaced apart radially from the edge portion 305. The strap or belt 4 therefore emerges from the fastening portion 301 along a line set back in relation to the edge portion 305.

(129) From the position according to FIGS. 12A to 12F, the connecting part 3 can also be rotated even further. In principle, the connecting part 3 can be rotated about any desired angle with respect to the connecting part 2.

(130) Under load between the straps or belts 4, 5, the connecting parts 2, 3 move automatically back into the position according to FIG. 1.

(131) The attachment or release of the connecting part 3 to or from the connecting part 2 is also basically possible in any desired rotational position.

(132) In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 12F, the connecting apparatus 1 realizes a webbing fastener via which straps or belts can be connected to each other. In the connected position, a load direction determined by the straps or belts is directed substantially along the engagement direction Y.

(133) In another exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 13A to 20D, the connecting apparatus 1 is configured as an object fastening device and serves for fastening an object to an associated assembly. The object can be arranged here, for example, on a (second) connecting part 3 or integrated in the connecting part 3. In this way, for example, an electrical or electronic device, for example a communication device, a light or the like, can be arranged on an associated assembly, for example on a helmet or another item of sports equipment.

(134) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the (second) connecting part 3 is formed rotationally symmetrically and forms a base portion 300 which is arranged on a basic body 30 and has a circular-cylindrical shape, as is apparent from FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14A-14C. A base surface 302 from which a cross-sectionally circular blocking element 303 which is concentric with respect to the base surface 302 protrudes is formed on an underside of the base portion 300.

(135) A fastening opening 35 for receiving a magnetic device 31 is formed on a housing portion which is raised in relation to the base portion 300.

(136) The (second) connecting part 3 according to FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14A-14C can be attached to a (first) connecting part 2 which is illustrated in FIGS. 15A, 15B and 16A-16C and which has a basic body 20 on which a bottom surface 230 is formed which extends in a planar and flat manner on a side of the basic body 20 facing the connecting part 3 (when the connecting parts 2, 3 are attached to each other) and with which the base surface 302 on the base portion 300 of the connecting part 3 enters into contact in a planar manner when the connecting parts 2, 3 are connected to each other.

(137) As has been explained with reference to the exemplary embodiment described above, a recess 231 which serves for receiving the blocking element 303 of the connecting part 3 is formed in the bottom surface 230. In addition, the bottom surface 230 is adjoined by an entry opening 232 which is placed between the bottom surface 230 and a support portion 233 formed in a front region of the basic body 20.

(138) Engagement protrusions 240, 241 which are formed rigidly with the basic body 20 and are arranged above the bottom surface 230, as viewed along a vertical direction H, are arranged on raised portions 242, 243. In the connected position of the connecting parts 2, 3, an engagement portion 341, which is formed by an encircling, radially protruding edge of the base portion 300 of the connecting part 3, is received between the bottom surface 230 and the engagement protrusions 240, 241.

(139) At the rear of the bottom surface 230, the basic body 20 forms a fastening opening 25 in which a magnetic device 21 for magnetically interacting with the magnetic device 31 of the connecting part 3 is arranged.

(140) The operation to connect the connecting parts 2, 3, illustrated in FIGS. 17A, 17B to 20A-20D, proceeds as has been described previously for the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 12A-12F.

(141) Thus, the connecting parts 2, 3 are brought toward each other, for example, along a closing direction X which is directed along the vertical direction H, as is apparent from FIGS. 17A and 17B. The magnetic devices 21, 31 interact here in a magnetically attracting manner and draw the connecting parts 2, 3 toward each other along the closing direction X such that the connecting part 3 runs onto the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and slides off at rear ends 246, 247 of the engagement protrusions 240, 241, as is apparent from FIGS. 18A and 18B. The base portion 300 enters here by means of a rear edge portion 304 into contact with the bottom surface 230 such that the connecting part 3 slides along a sliding-off direction A with respect to the connecting part 2 and the base portion 300 is therefore moved on the engagement protrusions 240, 241 until the base portion 300 can pass the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and the connecting part 3 therefore passes into the position according to FIGS. 19A, 19B with respect to the connecting part 2 and the blocking portion is held above the recess 231 such that the connecting parts 2, 3 do not prematurely interlock.

(142) If the base portion 300 has been moved past the engagement protrusions 240, 241 along the closing direction X, the engagement portion 341, which is formed on the base portion 300, slides into engagement in an engagement direction Y with the (rigid) engagement protrusions 240, 241, as is apparent in the transition from FIGS. 19A, 19B to FIGS. 20A, 20B. In the process, the blocking element 303 slides into the recess 231, with magnetic assistance by means of the magnetically attracting effect of the magnetic devices 21, 31.

(143) In the connected position according to FIGS. 20A-20D, the base portion 300 lies with the base surface 302 on the bottom surface 230 of the connecting part 2 in a planar manner. The blocking element 303 lies in the recess 231. A front edge portion 305 of the base portion 300 is in contact with the support portion 233, with the front edge portion 305 also resting on a step 234 between the entry opening 232 and the support portion 233, as is apparent from FIG. 19B. Owing to the fact that the engagement portion 341, which is formed on the base portion 300, is in engagement here with the engagement protrusions 240, 241, the connecting part 3 is held on the connecting part 2 in a positive locking or non-positive locking manner, with the position of the connecting parts 2, 3 being secured by the magnetic devices 21, 31, and, in addition, a disengagement counter to the engagement direction Y is blocked by the blocking element 303.

(144) Owing to the rotational symmetry of the connecting part 3, the connecting part 3 in the connected position can be rotated on the connecting part 2.

(145) In addition, owing to the rotational symmetry, the connecting part 3 can be arranged on the connecting part 2 in any desired rotational position, which permits simple and comfortable connection of the connecting parts 2, 3 to each other.

(146) To release the connection 2, 3, the connecting part 3 can be tilted with respect to the connecting part 2 in a tilting plane, which is spanned by the closing direction X and the engagement direction Y, with the engagement portion 341, which is formed by the edge of the base portion 300, entering the entry opening 232, analogously as is apparent from FIG. 19B. The blocking of the blocking element 303 in the recess 231 is therefore removed, and therefore the connecting parts 2, 3 can be removed from each other.

(147) In a further exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 30D, in the form of a webbing fastener, a first connecting part 2 has a basic body 20 on which a receiving opening 23 is formed. A second connecting part 3 can be attached to the first connecting part 2 by a pin element 340, which is formed on a base portion 300 of a basic body 30 of the second connecting part 3, being inserted into the receiving opening 23 and being brought into engagement via an encircling engagement portion 341 with an arcuate engagement protrusion 240 on a wall portion of the receiving opening 23 of the first connecting part 2.

(148) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, a strap or belt 4 is fixedly connected to the basic body 30 of the connecting part 3 via a fastening portion 301 formed on the base portion 300. The base portion 300 has a circular-cylindrical, disk-shaped basic shape and forms a base surface 302 on a side facing the connecting part 2.

(149) From the base surface 302 there protrudes a pin element 340 which has a mushroom shape and carries the engagement portion 341, which extends in an encircling manner about the closing direction X and realizes an engagement device 34. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the engagement portion 341 is therefore spatially separated from the base portion 300 by the engagement portion 341 being spaced apart along the closing direction X from the base portion 300.

(150) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, there is formed on the engagement portion 341 an oblique surface 342 in the form of a conical surface, with which the engagement portion 341 runs onto the engagement protrusion 240 within the receiving opening 23, when the connecting part 3 is attached to the connecting part 2, and therefore the connecting part 3 is offset with respect to the connection part 2 counter to the engagement direction Y, and the engagement portion 341 is moved past the engagement protrusion 240 until the engagement portion 341 can be brought into engagement with the engagement portion 240 in the engagement direction Y.

(151) The connecting parts 2, 3 each have a magnetic device 21, 31 (see FIGS. 22A, 22B) which are opposite each other in a magnetically attracting manner along the closing direction X and therefore magnetically assist the attachment of the connecting parts 2, 3 in the closing direction X.

(152) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the disk-shaped base portion 300 protrudes radially over the engagement portion 341 on the pin element 340, as is apparent from FIGS. 25A, 25B and 26A-26B.

(153) When the connecting parts 2, 3 are attached to each other, illustrated in the sequence according to FIGS. 27A to 30D, the connecting part 3 is brought toward the connecting part 2 in the closing direction X, with the connecting part 3 being able to execute a wobbling movement in such a manner that first of all the engagement portion 341 comes into contact by means of the oblique surface 342 formed thereon with the engagement protrusion 240 in the receiving opening 23, as is apparent from FIG. 28B, and, by sliding off is moved past the engagement protrusion 240, as is apparent in the transition from FIGS. 28A to 29B.

(154) If the engagement portion 341 has moved past the engagement protrusion 240, the engagement portion 341 enters into engagement in the engagement direction Y with the engagement protrusion 240 because of the magnetic attraction between the magnetic devices 21, 31, and therefore the connecting parts 2, 3 pass into the connected position according to FIGS. 30A-30D.

(155) In the connected position, the engagement portion 341 on the pin element 340 is in engagement with the arcuately curved engagement protrusion 240 on the wall of the receiving opening 23. On a side facing away from the engagement protrusion 240, the engagement portion 341 here faces a blocking portion 238 in the form of a protrusion element projecting into the receiving opening 23 in the engagement direction Y. The blocking portion 238 thereby prevents a tangential movement of the pin element 340 in the receiving opening 23 counter to the engagement direction Y such that the engagement between the engagement portion 341 and the engagement protrusion 240 is blocked.

(156) In the connected position, the base portion is in contact by means of a circumferential, outer edge portion 305 with a support portion 233 which is mounted upstream of the engagement protrusion 240 in the engagement direction Y, as is apparent from FIG. 30B. Support is therefore provided on the base portion 300 in the engagement direction Y via the support portion 233 such that, in the event of loading between the connecting parts 2, 3, forces along the load direction corresponding to the engagement direction Y are absorbed and conducted away on the support portion 233.

(157) As is also apparent from FIG. 30B, a positive locking portion 234 is formed in the region of the support portion 233 in the form of a step on which the base portion 300 rests by means of the edge portion 305 in the closing direction X. Via the step, tilting of the base portion 300 and therefore of the connecting part 3 in relation to the connecting part 2 is counteracted in order to exclude an inadvertent release of the connecting parts 2, 3 under load.

(158) As is apparent from FIG. 30B together with FIG. 29B, the step 234 is adjoined by an entry opening 232 which serves to provide a clearance in which the base portion 300 can enter during tilting relative to the connecting part 2, 3, as is apparent from FIG. 29B.

(159) If the connecting parts 2, 3 are to be separated from each other, a user can pull on an actuating portion in the form of a tab 40 on the rear side of the connecting part 3 and can therefore lift the pin element 340 out of the receiving opening 23 on a side facing away from the engagement protrusion 240, as is apparent from FIG. 29B. The base portion 300 enters the entry opening 232 by means of a front region facing the support portion 233, which facilitates tilting of the connecting part 3 in relation to the connecting part 2 in order to release the connecting parts 2, 3 from each other.

(160) In the connected position, analogously to in the starting example according to FIGS. 1 to 12F, tilting in the event of loading is counteracted by the support against the step 234. The entry opening 232 is used here, in a region adjoining the step 234 counter to the engagement direction Y, to provide a clearance in which the base portion 300 can enter by means of its encircling edge portion when the connecting parts 2, 3 are tilted with respect to each other in order to separate the connection.

(161) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 30D, the engagement portion 341 is not formed on the disk-shaped base portion 300, but rather on the pin element 340 protruding from the base portion 300 along the closing direction X, and therefore the engagement portion 341 is spaced apart from the base portion 300 along the closing direction X and, in addition, the encircling edge portion 305 of the base portion 300 is arranged radially outside the engagement portion 241.

(162) The engagement portion 341 is therefore spatially separated from the base portion 300. In addition, the production of a positive lock or non-positive lock via the engagement portion 341 is functionally separate from the support of the base portion 300 on the support portion 233 and the positive locking portion 234. This can, for example, promote the support of the base portion 300 for load absorption on the support portion 233 and, in addition, for counteracting tilting via the positive locking portion 234 by the base portion 300 being able to provide a comparatively large lever arm in comparison to the engagement portion 341 for support purposes.

(163) In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 21 to 30D, the support portion 233 is formed rigidly on the basic body 20 of the connecting part 2 by a surface portion which extends perpendicular to a direction radial to the closing direction X and is curved arcuately about the closing direction X, as is apparent from FIG. 30B in conjunction with FIG. 24A. The positive locking portion 234 in the form of the step is likewise curved arcuately and therefore forms a support for the edge portion 305 of the base portion 300.

(164) In a modified exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 31A-31C, an arcuate support portion 233, which extends obliquely to the closing direction X, by contrast jointly carries out the function of the support portion 233 and of the positive locking portion 234 of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 21 to 30D. The obliquely extending support portion 233 of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 31A-31C forms a support for an oblique edge portion 305 of the base portion 300 of the connecting part 3, and therefore the support portion 233 is used to provide support in the engagement direction Y and also support against tilting, i.e. counter to a movement of the base portion 300 in the front region in the closing direction X.

(165) Otherwise the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 31A-31C is identical to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 21 to 30D, and therefore reference should also be made to the previous explanations.

(166) FIGS. 32-58 show exemplary uses of a connecting apparatus 1 as has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1-31.

(167) A connecting apparatus 1 can be used, for example, on a bag or a rucksack, as illustrated in FIGS. 32-39. The connecting apparatus 1 can be used here for connecting strap ends (FIGS. 32, 35, 36 and 39), for connecting straps to a bag body (FIGS. 33, 34 and 38) or for closing a cover of a bag or of a rucksack or for attaching an object to the bag or to the rucksack (FIG. 37).

(168) The connecting apparatus 1 can be used as a fastener for a shoe (FIGS. 40 and 41), as a fastener for pockets on a textile object, for example a jacket or waistcoat (FIG. 42), or as a fastener for a medical bandage (FIGS. 43-45).

(169) The connecting apparatus 1 can be used as a fastener for a belt bag (FIG. 46) or for a tool-holding belt (FIG. 47).

(170) Equally, the connecting apparatus 1 can be used as a holder for objects, in particular tools or objects, for example an electronic appliance, a light or the like, on a belt, in particular a tool belt (FIG. 48).

(171) The connecting apparatus 1 can be used as a fastener for a strap on a musical instrument, for example a guitar (FIG. 49).

(172) The connecting apparatus 1 can be used, for example, for fastening a strap to a bicycle, for example to a luggage rack or a basket on a bicycle (FIG. 50).

(173) The connecting apparatus 1 can also be used as a fastener for a helmet (FIG. 51).

(174) The connecting apparatus 1 can provide a strap fastener for tying up an object, for example a mat (FIG. 52).

(175) The connecting apparatus 1 can furthermore provide a fastener for a strap system for stowing luggage in a vehicle, for example a passenger vehicle (FIG. 53).

(176) The connecting apparatus 1 can be provided as a fastener for an adjustment system in the interior of a vehicle, for example for a sunblind (FIG. 54).

(177) The connecting apparatus 1 can provide a holder for objects on a rack, for example for keyrings on a key holder (FIG. 55).

(178) Connecting apparatuses 1 can be used as a holder for a camera, for example for connecting the camera to straps (FIG. 56).

(179) A connecting apparatus 1 can be used as a fastener for a wristwatch (FIG. 57) or a wristband (FIG. 58).

(180) In all of the applications mentioned, the rotatability of the connecting parts 2, 3 solves important aspects required by the particular application. Conventional buckles, as are frequently used for such applications, are not rotatable.

(181) Other application possibilities are conceivable and possible.

(182) The concept underlying the solution is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, but can also be realized in a different way.

(183) In particular, a connecting apparatus of the described type can be used not only as a webbing fastener for connecting basic ends or as an object fastening device. A connecting apparatus of the described type can be used for connecting entirely random assemblies to one another.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

(184) 1 Connecting apparatus 2 Connecting part (female part) 20 Basic body 21 Magnetic device 22 Webbing receptacle 23 Receiving opening 230 Bottom surface 231 Recess 232 Entry opening 233 Support portion 234 Step 235 Run-on slope 236 Blocking portion (boundary wall) 237 Transition surface 238 Blocking portion 24 Engagement device 240, 241 Engagement protrusion 242, 243 Raised portion 244, 245 Sliding slope 25 Fastening opening 3 Connecting part (male part) 30 Basic body 300 Base portion 301 Fastening portion 302 Base surface 303 Blocking element (collar) 304 Edge 305 Edge portion 306 Outlet line 31 Magnetic device 32 Webbing receptacle 34 Engagement device 340 Pin element 341 Engagement portion 342 Oblique surface (cone) 35 Fastening opening 4 Strap or belt 40 Actuating portion 5 Strap or belt A Sliding-off movement B Axis H Vertical direction K Tilting axis N Normal direction Q Transverse direction R Axis of rotation U Circumferential direction X Closing direction Y Engagement direction