Closure device having an actuating element

Abstract

A closure device is provided. The closure device includes a first closure element, a second closure element, which can be arranged on the first closure element in a fixing direction and which is connected to the first closure element in a closed state, and at least one actuating element, which is movably arranged on the second closure element. The at least one of the closure elements has a receptacle into which the other closure element can be shoved at least partially. The second closure element in the closed state is held on the first closure element via the actuating element and for this the second closure element interacts with the actuating element, while in an unloaded state the second closure element can be loosened from the first closure element by activating of the actuating element.

Claims

1. A closure device comprising: a first closure element, a second closure element, which can be arranged on the first closure element in a fixing direction and which is connected to the first closure element in a closed state, and at least one actuating element, which is movably arranged on the second closure element, wherein at least one of the closure elements has a receptacle into which the other closure element can be shoved at least partially, wherein the second closure element in the closed state is held on the first closure element via the actuating element and for this the second closure element interacts with the actuating element such that, in a loaded state, when a force is acting on the second closure element relative to the first closure element along the fixing direction, the actuating element is firmly connected to the first closure element and holds the second closure element on the first closure element, while in an unloaded state the second closure element can be loosened from the first closure element by activating of the actuating element, wherein the actuating element has two locking segments, which are spatially separated from each other and at least partly elastic, and an actuating segment connecting the locking segments to each other, and the actuating element bears with the locking segments against the first closure element, in order to hold the second closure element on the first closure element, and the locking segments can be loosened together from the first closure element by activating the actuating element on the actuating segment to spread apart the locking segments, and wherein in the connected state of the two closure elements, the at least two locking segments joined together by the actuating segment inside the receptacle respectively bear against a retaining segment of the first closure element, extending inside the receptacle, in order to hold the second closure element on the first closure element.

2. The closure device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the closed state in a loaded state the actuating element is held at its locking segment by friction and/or positive locking on the retaining segment of the first closure element.

3. The closure device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two locking segments of the actuating element are arranged between at least two edge segments of the second closure element, which are spaced apart transversely to the fixing direction and are shoved into the receptacle of the first closure element or border on the receptacle.

4. The closure device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a retaining segment, against which a locking segment bears in the closed state, extends lengthwise and/or centrally within the receptacle.

5. The closure device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking segments bear against a common retaining segment of the first closure element.

6. The closure device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking segments each bear against one of at least two retaining surfaces of the retaining segment in order to hold the second closure element on the first closure element.

7. The closure device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a friction locking or snap connection between the actuating element and the first closure element is locked in the loaded state of the second closure element, but can be released in the unloaded state of the second closure element.

8. The closure device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an actuating segment of the actuating element defines a grip opening, which can be grasped in order to activate the actuating element.

9. The closure device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating element has more than two spatially separated locking segments, each of which lie against a retaining segment of the first closure element in order to hold the second closure element via the actuating element on the first closure element.

10. The closure device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locking segments are provided on the actuating element staggered apart in a circumferential direction about the fixing direction.

11. A closure device comprising: a first closure element, a second closure element, which can be arranged on the first closure element in a fixing direction and which is connected to the first closure element in a closed state, and at least one actuating element, which is movably arranged on the second closure element, wherein the second closure element in the closed state is held on the first closure element via the actuating element and for this the second closure element interacts with the actuating element such that, in a loaded state, when a force is acting on the second closure element relative to the first closure element along the fixing direction, the actuating element is firmly connected to the first closure element and holds the second closure element on the first closure element, while in an unloaded state the second closure element can be loosened from the first closure element by activating the actuating element to spread apart the actuating element, wherein the actuating element in the closed state is held by an at least partly elastic segment on the first closure element, wherein the second closure element has a connecting segment, which joins together the second closure element and the actuating element, so that when a force is acting on the second closure element the connecting segment acts on a segment of the actuating element such that the connecting segment presses the segment of the actuating element against a retaining segment of the first closure element in order to hold the second closure element on the first closure element, and wherein the connecting segment is connected by a first film hinge to the second closure element and by a second film hinge to the actuating element.

12. The closure device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connecting segment is formed in pressure stable manner between the film hinges.

13. The closure device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connecting segment between the film hinges is provided with a cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical segment.

14. A closure device comprising: a first closure element, a second closure element, which can be arranged on the first closure element in a fixing direction and which is connected to the first closure element in a closed state, and at least one actuating element, which is movably arranged on the second closure element, wherein the second closure element in the closed state is held on the first closure element via the actuating element and for this the second closure element interacts with the actuating element such that, in a loaded state, when a force is acting on the second closure element relative to the first closure element along the fixing direction, the actuating element is firmly connected to the first closure element and holds the second closure element on the first closure element, while in an unloaded state the second closure element can be loosened from the first closure element by activating the actuating element to spread apart the actuating element, wherein the actuating element in the closed state is held by an at least partly elastic segment on the first closure element, and wherein a guide element, which is led in at least one guide, which bounds an activating path of the actuating element on the second closure element for the releasing of the second closure element from the first closure element.

15. The closure device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the guide element is connected to the actuating element and the guide is formed on the second closure element.

16. The closure device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the guide element is connected to the second closure element and the guide is formed on the actuating element.

17. The closure device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the guide element on the second closure element dictates an activating direction of the actuating element for the releasing of the second closure element from the first closure element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further benefits and features of the present invention shall be made clear in the following description of sample embodiments with the help of the figures.

(2) There are shown:

(3) FIGS. 1A-1F, a first sample embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with several locking segments of an actuating element, which in a closed state bear against a common retaining segment which extends inside a receptacle of a first closure element;

(4) FIGS. 2A-2C, individual views of the second closure element with the actuating element in different positions of the actuating element;

(5) FIGS. 3A-3B, different views of the closure device in a closed state and under loading;

(6) FIGS. 4A-4B, different views of the closure device with activated actuating element in an unloaded state, so that the second closure element can be released from the first closure element;

(7) FIGS. 5A-5F, different views of a second sample embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a modified actuating element, having a smaller number of connecting segments, each of which is connected to the actuating element and the first closure element;

(8) FIGS. 6A-6C, individual views of the second closure element of the closure device of FIGS. 5A-5F with the actuating element in different positions of the actuating element;

(9) FIGS. 7A-7B, different views of the closure device of FIGS. 5A-5F in a closed state and under loading;

(10) FIGS. 8A-8B, different views of the closure device of FIGS. 5A-5F with activated actuating element in an unloaded state;

(11) FIG. 9, a third variant of a closure device according to the invention with an actuating element with three locking segments, which are arranged in a circumferential direction about a fixing direction, respectively staggered by 120 in relation to each other, and which bear against a retaining segment situated radially inward between them for the holding of the second closure element on the first closure element;

(12) FIGS. 10A-10D, in different views, a fourth sample embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a first closure element, on which a stiffening element is arranged, and a second closure element, which is partly shoved into a receptacle of the first closure element, in an unconnected state of the two closure elements;

(13) FIGS. 11A-11D, views of the fourth sample embodiment corresponding to FIGS. 10A to 10D in a closed state and thus in a connected state of the two closure elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(14) The enclosed FIGS. 1A to 9 show different variants of closure devices according to the invention, each of them implementing the features of the appended claims.

(15) FIGS. 1A to 4B show a first sample embodiment of a closure device 1 according to the invention with a first closure element 2 and a second closure element 3 which can be arranged thereon. The second closure element 3 is in a closed state connected to the first closure element 2 as shown in FIGS. 10, 1F and 3A-3B. The closure device 1 here has an actuating element 4 with two opposing, elastically fashioned locking segments 41a, 41b, which in a closed state bear against a weblike retaining segment 24 of the first closure element 2 extending within a receptacle 20 in order to hold the second closure element 3 on the first closure element 2.

(16) The two locking segments 41a and 41b, each formed with a wavy inner contour are joined together by an actuating segment 40, defining a grip opening 400. The second closure element 3, in order to close the closure device 1, is introduced along a fixing direction E partly into the receptacle 20, so that the locking segments 41a, 41b of the actuating element 4 are received in the receptacle 20 in a closed state, but the actuating segment 40 with the grip opening 400 lies outside the receptacle 20 on the outside for the activating of the actuating element 4.

(17) The positive locking connection of the locking segments 41a and 41b with the retaining segment 24 occurs by way of two positive locking regions 41.1a, 41.2a and 41.1b, 41.2b, which border on a concave bulge on each of the locking segments 41a or 41b, as well as two pairs of lateral convex thickenings on the retaining segment 24. Thanks to the several (at present: two) lateral thickenings in succession along the retaining segment 24, several (at present: two) detent positions are defined, in which the second closure element 3 is held on the first closure element 2. If the second closure element 3 were shoved far enough into the first closure element 2, the elastic locking segments 41a and 41b will snap into the retaining segment 24. Then a pair of lateral thickenings of the retaining segment 24 is partly enclosed in opposing concave bulges by the positive locking regions 41.1a and 41.2a or 41.1b and 41.2b.

(18) It should be pointed out once more that, of course, instead of a pair of lateral thickenings to define a detent position on the retaining segment 24 one can also provide a single encircling thickening, such as a locking catch, or another geometry extending in a pattern on the retaining segment 24. A geometry extending as a pattern on the retaining segment can be formed, for example, by projecting spherical surfaces or spherical shells, especially by microspheres. It is fundamentally conceivable in this context to provide segments which extend at least partly contrary to the fixing direction E and thus contrary to the loading direction, so that this produces at least one undercut, and when the two closure elements 2 and 3 are connected as intended at least one locking segment 41a, 41b engages behind the retaining segment 24.

(19) The locking segments 41a, 41b are arranged centrally between two elongated insert segments 30a and 30b of the second closure element 3, fashioned as stirrup arms, which define the edge segments of the second closure element 3. The insert segments 30a and 30b surround the actuating element 40 in a U shape by an end of the second closure element 3 which joins them together. On these insert segments 30a and 30b are formed moreover two spaced-apart connecting segments 5a, 5b and 5c, 5d. The connecting segments 5a, 5b and 5c, 5d are joined to their insert segment 30a or 30b by film hinges 53. Moreover, the connecting segments 5a to 5d which have a cylindrical segment with an elliptical base surface are each connected by another film hinge 54 to the respective opposite locking segment 41a, 41b.

(20) The connecting segments 5a to 5d, which look like lenses here, are configured and oriented such that, when a force F.sub.B is acting on the second closure element 3, the respective connecting segments 5a, 5b and 5c, 5d press the locking segments 41a, 41b against the retaining segment 24 of the first closure element 2 in order to hold the second closure element 3 on the first closure element 2. The connecting segments 5a to 5d are connected by the film hinges 53 and 54 at places staggered from each otherin terms of the fixing direction Eto an insert segment 30a or 30b and the neighboring locking segment 41a or 41b. Since the film hinges 53 and 54 furthermore each extend along the major axis of the elliptical base surface of the connecting segments 5a to 5d, the connecting segments 5a to 5d thus in the unloaded state of the actuating element 4 extend at an inclination to a direction of extension of the locking segments 41a and 41b, coinciding with the fixing direction E. In the unloaded state, therefore, each major axis of the elliptical base surface of a lens-shaped connecting segment 5a to 5d extends at an acute angle of less than 90, such as an angle in the range of 45 to 80, especially around 70, to the fixing direction E, so that the major axis each time extends from the insert segment 30a or 30b, to which a connecting segment 5a to 5d is linked, diagonally in the direction of the actuating segment 40 of the second closure element 3. The major axes of the connecting segments 5a, 5b and 5c, 5d are oriented in pairs parallel to each other. In this way, the actuating element 4 in the region of its locking segments 41a, 41b can be spread open by pulling on the actuating segment 40 opposite the fixing direction E and thus a connection with the retaining segment 24 is easily released.

(21) The actuating element 4 with its locking segments 41a and 41b is configured such that it can interlock with the retaining segment 24 of the first closure element 2, and thanks to the interaction of the second closure element 3 with the actuating element 4 in a loaded state, for example when a tensile force F.sub.B is acting on the second closure element 3, the actuating element 4 is firmly connected to the first closure element 2 at its retaining segment 24 by positive locking and friction locking. Consequently, in other words, a tensile force F.sub.B acting on the second closure element 3 under load is diverted into a retaining force to secure the positive locking and/or friction connection between the locking segments 41a, 41b and the retaining segment 24.

(22) By grasping the grip opening 400 and pulling on the actuating segment 40, the locking connection between actuating element 4 and the first closure element 2 is easily released and thus the second closure element 3 is separated from the first closure element 2 contrary to the original fixing direction E. By pulling on the actuating element 4, due to the elasticity of its locking segments 41a and 41b and the linkage of these locking segments 41a, 41b to the insert segments 30a, 30b via film hinges 53, 54, a spreading of the actuating element 4 is achieved especially in the region of the locking segments 41a, 41b, that is, the locking segments 41a, 41b are further distanced from each other. In this way, the connection of the locking segments 41a, 41b with the retaining segment 24 of the first closure element 2 is separated. In other words, an activating force F.sub.L exerted on the actuating element is diverted into a release force for releasing a positive locking and/or frictional connection between the locking segments 41a, 41b and the retaining segment 24.

(23) The actuating element 4 is arranged movable inside the second closure element 3 such that the activating of the actuating element 4 for the releasing occurs precisely in an activating direction (by applying an activating force F.sub.L) in which the second closure element 3 is also moved for the separation from the first closure element 2. Accordingly, an intuitive unlocking of the closure device 1 occurs, in that the second closure element 3 inserted into the first closure element 2 is pulled in the same direction as the actuating element 4 relative to the second closure element 3.

(24) An activating path of the actuating element 4 for the release is limited here by end stops 34a, 34b formed on the second closure element 3. In this way, when the actuating element 4 is activated, one can avoid an excessive and thus damaging loading of the actuating element 4 along the fixing direction E, as well as that of the film hinges 53, 54. The end stops 34a and 34b can furthermore limit a movement of the actuating element 4 when the second closure element 3 is shoved into the first closure element 2 when the actuating element comes into contact with the retaining segment 24 via its locking segments 41a and 41b, which retaining segment projects in the receptacle 20 in the manner of a web in the fixing direction E. Thus, also when the closure device 1 is being closed the end stops 34a and 34b prevent an excessive and thus damaging loading of the actuating element 4 along the fixing direction E. Thus, it is ensured that no failure of the film hinges 53, 54 will occur when the closure device 1 is opened and closed as designed.

(25) Components to be coupled by the closure device 1, such as belts, cables or leashes, can be fastened on fixing segments 21 and 31 of the closure elements 2 and 3. The fixing segments 21 and 31 extend essentially transversely to the fixing direction E at one end of the respective closure element 2 or 3. The end stops 34a and 34b for limiting the activating path for the actuating element 4 are each formed in proximity to an (upper) region of the insert segments 30a, 30b at which the insert segments 30a and 30b are joined together by the end of the second closure element 3 which is provided with the fixing segment 31.

(26) For easier opening and closing of the closure device 1, grip surfaces 32a and 32b are provided on lengthwise sides of the second closure element 3. These grip surfaces 32a and 32b are provided with a ribbed or roughened surface. In this way, the second closure element 3 can be firmly grasped and held between the fingers of one hand.

(27) In order to facilitate the snapping of the actuating element 4 in the retaining segment 24 when the closure device 1 is closed, running surfaces 410a and 410b are provided at the free ends of the locking segments 41a, 41b. These running surfaces 410a, 410b encourage a continual spreading of the actuating element 4 when shoving the second closure element 3 into the first closure element 2 when the running surfaces 410a, 410b slide along the thickening of the retaining segment 24.

(28) FIGS. 5A to 8B illustrate a second variant of a closure device 1 according to the invention. In contrast with the previously explained sample embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 4B, the actuating element 4 in particular of a second closure element 3 is modified here with its locking segments 41a and 41b so that only just one detent position is dictated here in concert with a retaining segment 24 of a first closure element 2. The locking segments 41a and 41b each have only a single convex positive locking region 41.2a or 41.2b with running surface 410a or 410b at a concave bulge. By means of these positive locking regions 41.2a and 41.2b, the actuating element 4 can engage behind the retaining segment 24 in the region of a pair of lateral convex thickenings, in order to hold the second closure element 3 on the first closure element 2. Accordingly, the number of connecting segments 5b, 5d which connect the locking segments 41a and 41b to the insert segments 30a and 30b, fashioned as stirrup arms, is also reduced.

(29) Furthermore, the sample embodiment of FIGS. 5A to 8B has no inwardly projecting end stops 34a, 34b, but instead a guide element 6, which limits the activating path of the actuating element 4. The guide element 6 is connected to the actuating segment 40 and extends lengthwise. Moreover, the guide element 6 has two pin-shaped ends (guide pins), each guided movably along the activating direction of the actuating element 4 in a guide opening 36a or 36b on the second closure element 3. The guide element 6 limits the forces acting in and against the fixing direction E, as well as perpendicular to this (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing), so that the film hinges 53, 54 cannot become overloaded.

(30) The sample embodiment of FIG. 9 shows a closure device 1* in which a first closure element 2* has a centrally arranged and elongated retaining segment 24* and a second closure element 3* has three at least partly elastic locking segments arranged staggered by 120 in the circumferential direction in relation to each other about the fixing direction E. The retaining segment 24* projects centrally from an (upper) part of the first closure element 2*, serving as a base, and forms three outwardly projecting retaining webs with the shape of a star in cross section. The three locking segments, of which only two locking segments 41a, 41b can be seen in FIG. 9, lie against the retaining webs of the retaining segment 24* in locking manner in a closed state, and thus for the locking of the two closure elements 2* and 3* against each other. For this, the locking segments 41a, 41b once again have a wavy inner contour. This inner contour respectively corresponds to a wavy outer contour of a retaining web of the retaining segment 24*, so that each locking segment 41a, 41b can bear against it in positive locking and frictional locking when the second closure element 3* has been shoved far enough into the first closure element 2*.

(31) Each locking segment 41a, 41b is here too arranged with the help of two connecting segments 5a, 5b or 5c, 5d or 5e, 5f, configured identically to the preceding sample embodiments, movably on a respectively coordinated insert segment 30a, 30b, 30c of the second closure element 3*. The pressure-stable cylindrical connecting segments 5a to 5f are joined each time by film hinges 53, 54 to a locking segment 41a, 41b and an insert segment 30a, 30b, 30c.

(32) The individual locking segments 41a, 41b here as well are joined together by a common actuating segment 40* of the actuating element 4*, so that they can be brought simultaneously out of engagement with the retaining segment 24* by applying force to the actuating segment 40*. The actuating segment 40* here is configured as a disk.

(33) Also in the closure device 1* the second closure element 3* with the activating element 4* is shoved into a receptacle 20* of the first closure element 2*. In the closure device 1*, the receptacle 20* of the first closure element 2* is bordered by three arms connected to the retaining segment 24* and enclosing it. The three arms stand out like a claw from a base of the first closure element 2*. A section of belt or cable can be fastened to this base of the first closure element 2*, for example.

(34) On a base of the second closure element 3* opposite the base of the first closure element 2* in the closed state there are furthermore configured here for example three fixing segments 31a, 31b, 31c projecting outward at the side and transversely to the fixing direction E. By these fixing segments 31a, 31b, 31c, the closure element can be fixed to one or more other structural parts. The base of the second closure element 3* furthermore limits the allowable activating path of the actuating element 4, since the actuating segment 40* can be moved at most up to this base opposite the fixing direction E.

(35) Of course, the wavy contours of the locking segments 41a, 41b; 41a, 41b which make possible a positive locking between the respective locking segment and a retaining segment 24, 24, 24* are not mandatory. A pure frictional connection could also be realized here by flat and appropriately roughened surface, for example. A positive locking and/or frictional connection can also be achieved, for example, by a micro-toothing. For example, microscopic detent projections stand out on the locking segments 41a, 41b; 41a, 41b and/or a retaining segment 24, 24, 24* basically perpendicular to the direction of the force or load F.sub.B. The detent projections can have for example a rectangular, trapezoidal or semicircular cross section. Accordingly, the detent projections can be formed not only as teeth, but also by microspheres.

(36) FIGS. 10A to 10D and 11A to 11D represent a further variant embodiment of a closure device 1 according to the invention. Here, FIGS. 10A to 10D show two closure elements 2 and 3 in an unconnected state, while FIGS. 11A to 11D show the closure device 1 in the closed state with closure elements 2 and 3 joined together, in various views.

(37) The second closure element 3 of this closure device 1 is based essentially on the second closure element 3 of the sample embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 4B, so that corresponding elements will be given the same reference numbers. Thus, the second closure element 3 of FIGS. 10A to 11D likewise has a movably mounted actuating element 4 arranged between two opposite insert segments 30a and 30b. The actuating element 4 comprises the locking segments 41a and 41b and is mounted by connecting segments 5a to 5d on the insert segments 30a and 30b such that the actuating element 4 can be spread apart when connecting the two closure elements 2 and 3 to each other and also for releasing the connected closure elements 2 and 3 from each other.

(38) Contrary to the previously explained variant embodiments, the first closure element 2 of the closure device 1 is reduced in design and does not itself form any receptacle 20 in which the actuating element 4 is received with its locking segments 41a and 41b in the connected state of the two closure elements 2 and 3. Instead, the first closure element 2 has a T shape in cross section. Thus, the first closure element 2 designed as a kind of socket wrench has a base with the fixing segment 21 and a retaining segment 24 extending vertically away from this as a kind of web with a detent region 240. In the base with the fixing segment 21 there are provided two recesses 20a and 20b for better centering of the first closure element 2 on the second closure element 3 and for limiting the degrees of freedom of the first closure element 2 relative to the second closure element 3 in the connected state. These two recesses 20a and 20b engage in the closed state of the closure device 1 with an insert segment 30a or 30b of the second closure element 3. Thus, the weblike retaining segment 24 sticks out between these two recesses 20a and 20b on the first closure part 2.

(39) The two insert segments 30a and 30b in the present closure device 1, together with the base on which the fixing segment 31 is formed, once again define a U-shaped bordered receptacle 30 on the second closure element 3, within which not only does the actuating element 4 lie, but also the first closure element 2 with its retaining segment 24 can be shoved into it upon closing of the closure device 1. In the connected state of the two closure elements 2 and 3, the retaining segment 24 thus extends centrally within a receptacle 30 of the second closure element 3 in this variant embodiment as well, in order to secure the two closure elements 2 and 3 to each other by the bearing of the locking segments 41a and 41b against the detent regions 240 of the retaining segment 24 lying between the insert segments 30a and 30b. But the difference from the previously discussed variants is that an (additional) receptacle surrounding the retaining segment 24 is not formed as well by the first closure element 2.

(40) Building on the design of a second closure element 2 according to the variant embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 4B, in order to make sure that an adequate retaining force is applied by the locking segments 41a and 41b and the insert segments 30a and 30b do not become (elastically) deformed under load, so that the first closure element 2 might be released unintentionally, the second closure element 3 in the embodiment of FIGS. 10A to 11D is stiffened in the region of its insert segments 30a and 30b.

(41) For this, a stiffening element in the form of a stiffening sleeve 7 as a separate part is shoved onto the second closure element 3 along the fixing direction E and fixed on the second closure element 3. The insert segments 30a and 30b in this way are inserted almost entirely through the stiffening sleeve 7, so that only the ends of the insert segments 30a and 30b stick out from the stiffening sleeve 7, being meant to engage with the recesses 20a and 20b of the first closure element 2. The length of the stiffening sleeve 7, moreover, is chosen such that in the mounted state it does not cover the actuating segment 40 with the grip opening 400 and thus the actuating segment 40 of the actuating element 4 is also easily accessible from the outside in the connected state of the two closure elements 2 and 3.

(42) The fixation of the stiffening sleeve 7 on the second closure element 3 is done by a snap connection. For this, first snap segments with locking catches 300a and 300b projecting slightly to the side are provided on the two insert segments 30a and 30b. These locking catches 300a and 300b formed symmetrically to each other on the two insert segments 30a and 30b snap into corresponding detent openings 70a and 70b of a second snap segment on the stiffening sleeve 7 when this is shoved as intended onto the second closure element 3. In this way, the stiffening sleeve 7 can be mounted without tools on the second closure element 2 and fixed there.

(43) As is especially evident in the sectional representation of FIGS. 10D and 11D, corresponding to the sectioning lines R-R and P-P marked in FIGS. 100 and 110, the stiffening sleeve 7 in the mounted state completely encircles and surrounds the two insert segments 30a and 30b on the outside and thus makes sure that the second closure element 3 is not broadened either when the retaining segment 24 of the first closure element 2 is introduced between the locking segments 41a, 41b nor when the closure device 1 is loaded in the area of its insert segments 30a and 30b, such that the closure device 1 might not be properly closed or unintentionally be opened. Thus, it is ensured that the two closure elements 2 and 3 are held together by the positive locking and/or frictional bearing of the locking segments 41a and 41b against the retaining segment 24 received between them in the connected state and their connection can only be released under activation of the actuating element 4, as is illustrated for example in the sectional representation of FIG. 11C.

(44) Especially in the variant embodiment of FIGS. 10A to 10D and 11A to 11D it is conceivable that a second closure element 3 can be combined with different first closure elements 2 or 2. In this case, the second closure element 3 without stiffening sleeve 7 can be shoved by its insert segments 30a and 30b into a receptacle 20 formed by the first closure element 2. If a combination of the second closure element 3 with a first closure element 2 is provided, which does not itself have any receptacle 20 almost entirely enclosing the insert segments 30a and 30b, but instead is shoved by its free standing retaining segment 24 into the receptacle 30 defined by the second closure element 3, the second closure element 3 is provided with the stiffening sleeve 7 for this. In this way, a design set can be provided in a simple manner for different closure devices 1, 1, 1 in which a second closure element 3 with or without stiffening sleeve 7 can be combined with different first closure elements 2, 2 and 2.

(45) Another variant calls for the above described retaining segment 24 to be rotationally symmetrical and thus the first closure element 2 and the second closure element 3 in the closed state can be rotated against each other.

(46) All variant embodiments shown are preferably made of plastic and are distinguished, especially thanks to the pressure-stable connecting segments 5a to 5f, by easy fabrication and excellent robustness, so that they also will not fail during long-term use. Moreover, each time the activating pathway for an actuating element 4, 4, 4* is limited to an allowable degree, in order to avoid in particular an excessive strain on the film hinges 53, 54 when activating the respective actuating element 4, 4, 4*. Furthermore, all variant embodiments shown are distinguished by an intuitive operation, especially during the unlocking process, since for this an actuating element 4, 4, 4* needs to be moved in the same direction relative to the second closure element 3, 3, 3, 3* as that in which the second closure element 3, 3, 3, 3* is removed from the first closure element 2, 2, 2, 2*.

(47) Closure devices of the kind described here can be used wherever two parts need to be joined together in releasable manner. For example, such a closure device is suitable as the closure for a purse or some other container, as a retaining device or a connecting device for connecting two elements loaded by tension, such as two traction cables or belts. In a specific application, such a closure device can be used, for example, to connect a leash to a collar of a pet.

(48) Also conceivable and advantageous are such applications in which the closure device must not open up under load, such as buckles for baby carriers, closures for life jackets, and so on.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

(49) 1, 1, 1, 1* closure device 2, 2, 2, 2* (first) closure element 20, 20* receptacle 20a, 20b recess 21 fixing segment 24, 24, 24, 24* retaining segment 240, 240 detent region 3, 3, 3* (second) closure element 30 receptacle 30a, 30a, 30b, 30b, 30c insert segment 300a, 300b locking catch (1st detent segment) 31 fixing segment 31a, 31b, 31c fixing segment 32a, 32b grip surface 34a, 34b end stop 36a, 36b guide opening 4, 4, 4* actuating element 40, 40* actuating segment 400 grip opening 41.1a, 41.2a positive locking region 41.1b, 41.2b positive locking region 410a, 410b running surface 41a, 41a locking segment 41b, 41b locking segment 53, 54 film hinge 5a-5f connecting segment 6 guide element 7 stiffening sleeve (stiffening element) 70a, 70b detent opening (2nd detent segment) E fixing direction F.sub.B tensile force F.sub.L activating force