Connecting Device

Abstract

Provided is a connecting device includes a first connecting part which includes a first base body and at least one engagement protrusion arranged rigidly on the first base body, and a second connecting part, which can be attached to the first connecting part in a closing direction and includes a second base body with an engagement section arranged rigidly on the second base body. The first connecting part includes a first magnetic device and the second connecting part includes a second magnetic device. The first magnetic device and the second magnetic device interact in a magnetically attracting manner along the closing direction to support the attachment of the first connecting part and the second connecting part to one another. The first connecting part includes a blocking section which is configured to cooperate with the second connecting part in the connected position.

Claims

1. A connecting device, comprising a first connecting part which comprises has a first base body and at least one engagement protrusion arranged rigidly on the first base body, and a second connecting part which can be placed against the first connecting part in a closing direction and comprises a second base body with an engagement section arranged rigidly on the second base body, wherein the engagement section is engageable along an engagement direction different from the closing direction (X) with the at least one engagement protrusion of the first connecting part, so that in a connected position of the first connecting part and the second connecting part the engagement section is engaged with the at least one engagement protrusion of the first connecting part, wherein the first connecting part comprises a first magnetic device and the second connecting part comprises a second magnetic device, wherein the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner to support the attachment of the first connecting part and the second connecting part to one another along the closing direction, wherein the first base body comprise a positive-locking section against which the second base body abuts 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, wherein the second base body in the connected position abuts against the first base body in a first region and does not abut against the first base body in a second region adjoining the first region in the engagement direction, so that, viewed along the closing direction, a free space is formed between the first base body and the second base body, and a third region, which is adjacent to or spaced from the second region in the engagement direction, is supported on the positive-locking section.

2. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein, in a loaded state, when loaded as intended, a load force acts on the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part at least with a directional vector component in the engagement direction.

3. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of: the second base body is configured to approach the first base body with the second region and/or the third region in the closing direction while reducing the free space when the first connecting part and the second connecting part are tilted relative to one another, and the first base body comprises a plunge opening into which the third region of the second base body plunges when the second connecting part is tilted relative to the first connecting part in the closing direction.

4-5. (canceled)

6. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of: the positive-locking section is formed by a step on which the second base body rests in the connected position, the positive-locking section is formed by a surface section directed perpendicularly or obliquely to the closing direction, the positive-locking section, viewed along the closing direction, is spaced apart from the at least one engagement protrusion, and the positive-locking section, viewed along the engagement direction, in spaced apart from the at least one engagement protrusion.

7-9. (canceled)

10. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the first base body comprises a support section rigidly formed on the first base body, wherein, in the connected position, the second base body is supported on the support section for receiving a load in the engagement direction.

11. The connecting device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of: the support section is curved in an arcuate manner around the closing direction, the support section, viewed along the closing direction, is spaced apart from the at least one engagement protrusion, the support section, viewed along the engagement direction, is spaced apart from the at least one engagement protrusion, and the support section is formed by a surface section which is directed parallel or obliquely to the closing direction.

12-14. (canceled)

15. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting part is twistable about the closing direction with respect to the first connecting part in the connected position and the engagement of the engagement section with the at least one engagement protrusion is maintained in the event of a twisting.

16. (canceled)

17. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting part comprises a blocking section which is arranged rigidly on the first base body and is configured to interact with the second connecting part in the connected position in order to block the engagement of the engagement section with the at least one engagement protrusion against the engagement direction, wherein the second connecting part is tiltable relative to the first connecting part in order to release the blocking against the engagement direction in order to separate the first connecting part and the second connecting part from one another and to enable the engagement section and the at least one engagement protrusion to be disengaged.

18. The connecting device according to claim 17, wherein the second connecting part comprises a blocking element arranged rigidly on the second base body for cooperating with the blocking section of the first connecting part.

19. The connecting device according to claim 18, wherein at least one of: the blocking element, in the connected position, is twistable about the closing direction relative to the blocking section of the first connecting part, wherein, in the event of a twisting, the blocking of the engagement of the engagement section with the at least one engagement protrusion is maintained, the first base body comprises a recess which is determined at least in sections by the blocking section, wherein the blocking element is arranged in the recess in the connected position so that the engagement of the engagement section with the at least one engagement protrusion is blocked, and the blocking section comprises a run-up slope, wherein the run-up slope is configured to provide a sliding guide for the blocking element against the engagement direction when the second connecting part is tilted relative to the first connecting part.

20-21. (canceled)

22. The connecting device according to claim 17, wherein at least one of: the second connecting part can be lifted off the first connecting part for tilting relative to the first connecting part on a side facing away from the at least one engagement protrusion in the opposite direction to the closing direction, and the second connecting part comprises an actuating section which can be actuated by a user for tilting the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part.

23-24. (canceled)

25. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement section extends circumferentially around the closing direction.

26. (canceled)

27. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the second base body of the second connecting part comprises a base section which forms the engagement section or to which the engagement section is spaced along the closing direction.

28. The connecting device according to claim 27, wherein at least one of: the second base body comprises a pin element protruding from the base section along the closing direction, on which the engagement section is arranged and to which the engagement section protrudes along the engagement direction, the base section protrudes radially beyond the engagement section with respect to the closing direction, the base section is disc-shaped, and the base section comprises an edge section, wherein, in the connected position, the edge section of the base section is supported on the positive-locking section.

29-32. (canceled)

33. The connecting device according to claim 27, wherein at least one of: the base section forms a base surface and the first base body forms a bottom surface, wherein the base surface in the connected position faces the bottom surface along the closing direction, and for tilting the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part, the base section can be tilted about a tilting axis perpendicular to the closing direction and to the engagement direction relative to the first connecting part.

34. (canceled)

35. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one engagement protrusion comprises a sliding slope which extends obliquely with respect to the closing direction and is configured to guide the second connecting part along the closing direction on the at least one engagement protrusion when it is placed against the first connecting part in such a way that the second connecting part is displaced opposite to the engagement direction with respect to the first connecting part and thereby moved past the at least one engagement protrusion and, after moving past in the engagement direction, the engagement section can be brought into engagement with the at least one engagement protrusion.

36. A strap fastener, comprising a connecting device according to claim 1.

37. The strap fastener according to claim 36, comprising a strap which is connected to the second connecting part.

38. The strap fastener according to claim 37, wherein at least one of: the strap is fixedly and non-adjustably connected to the second connecting part, and the first connecting part comprises two engagement protrusions which are spaced apart from one another in such a way that the strap can be guided-through between the engagement protrusion in the connected position of the first connecting part and the second connecting part.

39. (canceled)

40. An object fastening device for fastening an object to an assembly, comprising a connecting device 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

[0114] The idea underlying the disclosure will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures:

[0115] FIG. 1 shows a view of a non-limiting embodiment of a connecting device according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0116] FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of the connecting device;

[0117] FIG. 2B shows the exploded view in a different perspective;

[0118] FIG. 3A shows a separate view of a first connecting part of the connecting device;

[0119] FIG. 3B shows another view of the first connecting part;

[0120] FIG. 4A shows a top view of the first connecting part;

[0121] FIG. 4B shows a view of the first connecting part from below;

[0122] FIG. 4C shows a sectional view along line G-G as shown in FIG. 4B;

[0123] FIG. 5A shows a view of a second connecting part with a strap arranged on it;

[0124] FIG. 5B shows another view of the second connecting part with the strap arranged on it;

[0125] FIG. 6A shows a view of the second connecting part from below;

[0126] FIG. 6B shows a top view of the second connecting part;

[0127] FIG. 6C shows a sectional view along line I-I as shown in FIG. 6B;

[0128] FIG. 7A shows a view of the connecting device when connecting the connecting parts;

[0129] FIG. 7B shows a sectional view along line B-B as shown in FIG. 7A;

[0130] FIG. 8A shows a view of the connecting device during further closing;

[0131] FIG. 8B shows a sectional view along line C-C as shown in FIG. 8A;

[0132] FIG. 9A shows a view of the connecting device during further closing;

[0133] FIG. 9B shows a sectional view along line D-D as shown in FIG. 9A;

[0134] FIG. 10A shows a view of the connecting device during further closing;

[0135] FIG. 10B shows a sectional view along line E-E as shown in FIG. 10A;

[0136] FIG. 10C shows a sectional view along line L-L as shown in FIG. 10A;

[0137] FIG. 11A shows a view of the connecting device in a connected position of the connecting parts;

[0138] FIG. 11B shows a sectional view along line J-J as shown in FIG. 11A;

[0139] FIG. 11C shows a sectional view along line K-K as shown in FIG. 11B;

[0140] FIG. 11D shows a sectional view along line F-F as shown in FIG. 11B;

[0141] FIG. 11E shows the sectional view according to FIG. 11B, in an enlarged view;

[0142] FIG. 12A shows a top view of the connecting device in a position of the second connecting part twisted relative to the first connecting part;

[0143] FIG. 12B shows a side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 12A;

[0144] FIG. 12C shows a sectional view along the line N-N according to FIG. 12A;

[0145] FIG. 12D shows a side view of the connecting device obliquely from behind;

[0146] FIG. 12E shows a top view of the connecting device;

[0147] FIG. 12F shows a sectional view along line M-M as shown in FIG. 12E;

[0148] FIG. 13A shows a view of a second connecting part, according to another non-limiting embodiment of a connecting device according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0149] FIG. 13B shows another perspective view of the second connecting part;

[0150] FIG. 14A shows a view of the second connecting part from below;

[0151] FIG. 14B shows a top view of the second connecting part;

[0152] FIG. 14C shows a sectional view along line E-E as shown in FIG. 14B;

[0153] FIG. 15A shows a view of a first connecting part against which the second connecting part according to FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14A-14C can be placed;

[0154] FIG. 15B shows another view of the first connecting part;

[0155] FIG. 16A shows a view of the first connecting part from below;

[0156] FIG. 16B shows a top view of the first connecting part;

[0157] FIG. 16C shows a sectional view along line F-F as shown in FIG. 16B;

[0158] FIG. 17A shows a view of the connecting device during closing;

[0159] FIG. 17B shows a sectional view along line A-A as shown in FIG. 17A;

[0160] FIG. 18A shows a view of the connecting device during further closing;

[0161] FIG. 18B shows a sectional view along line B-B as shown in FIG. 18A;

[0162] FIG. 19A shows a view of the connecting device during further closing;

[0163] FIG. 19B shows a sectional view along line C-C as shown in FIG. 19A;

[0164] FIG. 20A shows a view of the connecting device in a connected position of the connecting parts;

[0165] FIG. 20B shows a sectional view along line D-D as shown in FIG. 20A;

[0166] FIG. 20C shows a sectional view along line G-G as shown in FIG. 20B;

[0167] FIG. 20D shows a sectional view along line H-H as shown in FIG. 20B;

[0168] FIG. 21 shows a view of another non-limiting embodiment of a connecting device according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0169] FIG. 22A shows a perspective exploded view of the connecting device;

[0170] FIG. 22B shows another exploded view of the connecting device;

[0171] FIG. 23A shows a separate view of a first connecting part of the connecting device;

[0172] FIG. 23B shows another view of the first connecting part;

[0173] FIG. 24A shows a top view of the first connecting part;

[0174] FIG. 24B shows a view of the first connecting part from below;

[0175] FIG. 24C shows a sectional view along line F-F as shown in FIG. 24B;

[0176] FIG. 25A shows a view of a second connecting part of the connecting device;

[0177] FIG. 25B shows another view of the second connecting part;

[0178] FIG. 26A shows a view of the second connecting part from below;

[0179] FIG. 26B shows a top view of the second connecting part;

[0180] FIG. 26C shows a sectional view along line G-G as shown in FIG. 26B;

[0181] FIG. 27A shows a view of the connecting device during closing;

[0182] FIG. 27B shows a sectional view of the connecting device along line A-A as shown in FIG. 27A;

[0183] FIG. 28A shows a view of the connecting device during further closing;

[0184] FIG. 28B shows a sectional view along line B-B as shown in FIG. 28A;

[0185] FIG. 29A shows a view of the connecting device during further closing;

[0186] FIG. 29B shows a sectional view along line C-C as shown in FIG. 29A;

[0187] FIG. 30A shows a view of the connecting device in a connected position of the connecting parts;

[0188] FIG. 30B shows a sectional view along the line OO as shown in FIG. 30A;

[0189] FIG. 30C shows a sectional view along line A-A as shown in FIG. 30B;

[0190] FIG. 30D shows sectional view along line Q-Q as shown in FIG. 30B;

[0191] FIG. 31A shows an exploded view of another non-limiting embodiment of a connecting device according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0192] FIG. 31B shows a sectional view of the connecting device during closing, corresponding to the sectional view shown in FIG. 29B;

[0193] FIG. 31C shows a sectional view of the connecting device in a connected position of the connecting parts, corresponding to the sectional view according to FIG. 30B; and

[0194] FIGS. 32 to 58 show views of different possible uses of the connecting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0195] In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12A-12F, a connecting device 1 comprises a first connecting part 2 (so-called female part) and a second connecting part 3 (so-called male part) to be placed against the first connecting part 2.

[0196] The connecting parts 2, 3 can generally be placed against one another along a closing direction X, wherein the connecting parts 2, 3 each comprise a magnetic device 21, 31 in the form of a permanent magnet (or alternatively in the form of a permanent magnet on the one hand and a magnetic armature on the other) which cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner and pull the connecting parts 2, 3 towards one another along the closing direction X.

[0197] It should be noted that the connecting parts 2, 3 can also be positioned in a direction that deviates from the closing direction X, for example obliquely to the closing direction X. The magnetic devices 21, 31 cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner along the closing direction X and pull the connecting parts 2, 3 towards one another along the closing direction X.

[0198] 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 comprises a base body 20 which forms a receiving opening 23 for receiving the second connecting part 3. A strap receptacle 22 in the form of a web and an opening adjoining it, to which a strap 5 can be attached or is attached, is arranged on the base body 20. On a side facing away from the receiving opening 23, the base body 20 forms a fastening opening 25 for receiving the magnetic device 21.

[0199] The receiving opening 23 is formed as a recess on the base body 20. Within the receiving opening 23, a bottom surface 230 is formed in the form of a flat surface extending perpendicular to the closing direction X, with which the second connecting part 3 can be brought into flat contact when inserted into the receiving opening 23 to establish a connection between the connecting parts 2, 3.

[0200] A recess 231 in the form of a depression is formed in the bottom surface 230, into whichas will be described below-a blocking element 303 engages on a base section 300 of the second connecting part 3 when the connecting parts 2, 3 are in the connected position.

[0201] The receiving opening 23 is delimited at a front end by a support section 233, which serves as a support and load-bearing means for the second connecting part 3 in the connected position. An plunge opening 232 is formed between the support section 233 and the bottom surface 230, which serves to facilitate the establishment of the connection as well as the separation of the connecting parts 2, 3 in that an edge section 305 of the base section 300 of the second connecting part 3 can be plunged in the plunge opening 232 when the connection is established and also when the connection is separated, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 10B and will be described below.

[0202] The plunge opening 232 is formed as a recess relative to the bottom surface 230 and adjoins the bottom surface 230 in such a way that the plunge opening 232 is located between the support section 233 and the bottom surface 230. At the transition between the plunge opening 232 and the bottom surface 230, a inclined transition surface 237 is formed, which serves as a guide for the second connecting part 3 for establishing the connection in the same way as when disconnecting the connection.

[0203] On the rigidly formed base body 20, engagement protrusions 240, 241 are arranged on two lateral, raised sections 242, 243 rigidly formed with the base body 20, which-viewed along a height direction H pointing along the closing direction Xare located above the bottom surface 230 and serve to establish a positive or force-locking connection between the connecting parts 2, 3 in a connected position. The engagement protrusions 240, 241 are spaced apart from one another along a transverse direction Q. The engagement protrusions 240, 241 together form an engagement device 24, which enables positive or force-forming engagement with the second connecting part 3. As will be explained below, the base section 300 of the second connecting part 3 is received in a connected position with an engagement section 341 formed thereon between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and the bottom surface 230 and is also supported at a front edge 305 on the support section 233, so that the connecting parts 2, 3 are held together securely and reliably thereabove.

[0204] Sliding slopes 244, 245 are formed on the engagement protrusions 240, 241, which are inclined obliquely to the height direction H and cause the second connecting part 3 to slide against an engagement direction Y when the connecting parts 2, 3 are placed against each other along the closing direction X.

[0205] The recess 231 is laterally bounded by arcuate boundary walls 236, which together implement a blocking section of the first connecting part 2 and are aligned perpendicular to a bottom of the recess 231 and also to the bottom surface 230. The boundary walls 236 extend in a circular arc around a central axis B of the recess 231, which is directed along a normal direction N of the bottom surface 230.

[0206] A run-up slope 235 is formed between the boundary walls 236, which is arranged at the rear of the support section 233 at the recess 231 and provides a sliding surface in order to facilitate the sliding of the blocking element 303 into the recess 231 and also the release of the blocking element 303 from the recess 231.

[0207] The bottom surface 230 extends flat along a plane perpendicular to the normal direction N.

[0208] The second connecting part 3 is fixedly connected to a strap 4 as shown in the exploded views according to FIGS. 2A, 2B and the separate views according to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6A-6C. The second connecting part 3 comprises a base body 30, on which the strap 4 is fixedly and non-adjustably arranged, in that the strap 4 is located in a strap receptacle 32 formed between a base section 300 and a fastening section 301 and is thereby fixedly arranged on the base body 30.

[0209] The base body 30 can, for example, be formed in one piece and integrally with the base section 300 and the fastening section 301 by plastic injection molding, with the strap 4 being overmolded in sections and thus firmly and non-adjustably connected to the base body 30.

[0210] The base section 300 has a circular cylindrical basic shape and forms a base surface 302 on a side facing the first connecting part 2 (when the connection is made), which base surface is flat and comes into contact with the bottom surface 230 in the receiving opening 23 when the second connecting part 3 is attached to the first connecting part 2.

[0211] A blocking element 303, which is concentric with the circular cylindrical base section 300 and circular in cross-section, protrudes from the base surface 302 and serves to engage in the recess 231 on the bottom surface 230 of the base body 20 of the first connecting part 2.

[0212] A fastening opening 35 is formed within the blocking element 303, which serves to receive 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.

[0213] The base section 300 forms an engagement device 34 of the second connecting part 3 with an engagement section 341, which serves to cooperate with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 of the engagement device 24 of the first connecting part 2 and, when the connection is made, plunges under the engagement protrusions 240, 241 so that a positive or force-locking connection is made between the connecting parts 2, 3.

[0214] In the embodiment shown, the engagement section 341 is formed by a circumferential edge of the base section 300 which protrudes radially with respect to the fastening section 301 and thus forms an undercut via which the engagement section 341 can be brought into engagement with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 of the first connecting part 2 which also form undercuts in order to connect the connecting parts 2, 3 to one another.

[0215] FIGS. 7A, 7B to 11A-11D show a connection process of the connecting device 1.

[0216] The connecting parts 2, 3 are generally attached to each other along the closing direction X, along which the magnetic devices 21, 31 cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner and thus pull the connecting parts 2, 3 towards one another in a magnetically attracting manner. The connecting parts 2, 3 can be brought closer together manually, whereby the magnetic attraction force automatically draws the connecting parts 2, 3 into engagement from a certain proximity and thus establishes the connection of the connecting device 1. An imprecise placing of the connecting parts 2, 3 against each other is therefore sufficient, wherein the connection is then established largely automatically.

[0217] If the connecting parts 2, 3 are brought closer together, as can be seen from FIGS. 7A and 7B, the base section 300 of the base body 30 of the second connecting part 3 comes into contact with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 along the closing direction X from above, as can be seen from FIGS. 8A, 8B. Due to the inclined sliding slopes 244, 245 formed on the engagement protrusions 240, 241, the base section 300 slides along a sliding direction A on the engagement protrusions 240, 241, wherein the base section 300 can come into contact with the bottom surface 230 in the receiving opening 23 of the first connecting part 2 with a rear edge 304, as shown in FIG. 8B, and thereby slides along the bottom surface 230 in a guided manner without the blocking element becoming prematurely caught.

[0218] Once the base section 300 has slid off the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and the base section 300 has thus passed the engagement protrusions 240, 241 in the closing direction X, the engagement section 341 formed on the circumferential edge of the base section 300 now slides into engagement with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 in an engagement direction Y, assisted by the magnetic attraction of the magnetic devices 21, 31, as can be seen from FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10A, 10B. This movement along (approximately) the engagement direction Y takes place in a magnetically assisted manner, wherein an additional load force (introduced via the strap 4) can support the engagement.

[0219] When the engagement section 341 moves in the engagement direction Y into engagement 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 can be seen in the transition from FIGS. 10A, 10B to FIGS. 11A-11D.

[0220] In the connected position shown in FIGS. 11A-11E, the blocking element 303 is located in the recess 231 and the base section 300 is located with the base surface 302 formed thereon flat against the bottom surface 230 within the receiving opening 23 of the first connecting part 2, as can be seen in particular from the sectional view according to FIG. 11B.

[0221] In the connected position, the base section 300 faces the support section 233 with a (front) edge section 305 and rests against the support section 233 in a supporting manner. If a force is introduced into the second connecting part 3 via the strap 4, this force is absorbed and dissipated by the supporting contact of the base section 300 on the support section 233.

[0222] As can be seen from FIGS. 11C and 11D, the support section 233 is curved in an arcuate manner around the closing direction X, corresponding to the curvature of the circular cylindrical base section 300, so that there is contact along an arcuate support line or surface between the edge section 305 on the base section 300 and the support section 233.

[0223] The support section 233 is arranged with a central section, viewed along the transverse direction Q, between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and is spaced at the central section along the engagement direction Y from the engagement protrusions 240, 241. The support section 233 extends in the cross-sectional plane according to FIG. 11D in an arcuate manner to below the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and beyond, so that a planar support for the base section 300 is provided centrally between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and also directly in the region of the engagement protrusions 240, 241.

[0224] In the connected position, the strap 4 on the connecting part 3 is arranged approximately at the height of the engagement protrusions 240, 241 on the connecting part 2 or below the engagement protrusions 240, 241. This has the effect that strap forces introduced via the strap 4 cannot tilt the connecting part 3 in the receiving opening 23 or can only generate a low 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 height direction H.

[0225] In the connected position and with load effects between the connecting parts 2, 3, the strap 4 is located between the raised sections 242, 243 and is thus arranged between the engagement protrusions 240, 241, so that the engagement protrusions 240, 241 create a support symmetrical to the strap 4 when force is applied via the strap 4.

[0226] In the connected position, the magnetic devices 21, 31 act together in a magnetically attracting manner and thus hold the connecting parts 2, 3 in the connected position.

[0227] Due to the engagement of the blocking element 303 in the recess 231, tangential displacement of the connecting parts 2, 3 against the engagement direction Y relative to one another is also blocked. In the connected position, the blocking element 303 is located in the recess 231 in such a way that the blocking element 303 is received between the boundary walls 236 implementing the blocking section and is in blocking contact with the arcuate boundary walls 236, so that the blocking element 303 cannot be moved relative to the boundary walls 236 against the engagement direction Y.

[0228] Due to the rotationally symmetrical shape of the blocking element 303 and the circular cylindrical shape of the base section 300, the connecting part 3 can be rotated in the connected position along a circumferential direction U (see FIG. 1) within the receiving opening 23 of the connecting part 2 by any angle about an axis of rotation R, while maintaining the connecting engagement between the connecting parts 2, 3 and also the blocking of the blocking element 303 in the recess 231.

[0229] This twistability also allows the connecting parts 2, 3 to be placed against each other in any rotational position, whereby when a load is applied via the strap 4, the connecting parts 2, 3 are aligned with each other in such a way that the strap 4 comes to rest between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and the connecting part 3 is thus supported symmetrically on the connecting part 2. Due to the twistability, the connecting parts 2, 3 can be placed against each other with positional tolerance, which makes it easy and convenient to make the connection.

[0230] As can be seen from FIGS. 10A-10C, when the base section 300 with a front edge section 305 slides under the engagement protrusions 240, 241, it plunges into the plunge opening 232, which is recessed with respect to both the bottom surface 230 and the recess 231. By plunging the edge section 305 into the plunge opening 232, the blocking element 303 can slide into the recess 231 and the engagement of the engagement section 341 formed on the base section 300 with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 can be established. In addition, the angular range of an opening force applied to the actuating section 40 (tab) can thus be increased and jamming of the edge section 305 during opening can be prevented.

[0231] In the connected position, the front edge section 305 of the base section 300 then rests on a form-fitting section in the form of a step 234 formed between the plunge opening 232 and the support section 233 and located at the level of the bottom surface 230, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 11B. By placing the base section 230 against the step 234, the connecting part 3 is additionally supported against tilting relative to the connecting part 2.

[0232] Alternatively, the positive-locking section may also be formed, for example, by a notch or the like on the support section 233, in which the base section 300 engages with the edge section 305 and is thereby supported on the support section 233 against tilting associated with a downward movement of the edge section 305 on the support section 233 in the closing direction X.

[0233] In the connected position according to FIGS. 11A to 11E, the positive-locking section in the form of the step 234 counteracts, in particular, tilting when a load is applied to the strap 4. Thus, in the connected position, the second connecting part 3 with its base body 30 rests with a first region 300A, formed by the rear section (with respect to the engagement direction Y) and the blocking element 303, on the bottom surface 230 of the base body 20 of the first connecting part 2 and is located in the recess 231 (see FIG. 11E). In contrast, in a second region 300B adjoining in the engagement direction Y, formed by the section above the plunge opening 232, the second base body 30 of the second connecting part 3 does not rest against the first base body 20 of the first connecting part 2. With a third region 300C adjoining the second region 300B in the engagement direction Y, formed by the front edge section 305 of the base section 300, the second base body 30 rests on the step 234, so that in the connected position a support in the manner of a two-point support is created, with a free space created between them in the region of the plunge opening 232.

[0234] In the loaded position, the base section 300 is loaded with the front edge section 305 against the support section 233 and thus held in self-reinforcing contact with the step 234.

[0235] If the connecting parts 2, 3 are to be separated from each other, the movement sequence according to FIGS. 7A, 7B to 11A-11D is essentially reversed. In particular, to separate the connecting parts 2, 3, a user can act on an actuating section in the form of a tab 40 (formed by a protruding section of the strap 4) on a rear side of the connecting part 3 facing away from the engagement protrusions 240, 241, thereby lifting the connecting part 3 at its rear end from the bottom surface 230 and thus tilting the connecting part 3 from the connected position according to FIGS. 11A-11D in such a way that the base section 300 with the front edge section 305 slides off the step 234 and the blocking element 303 is lifted out of the recess 231, as can be seen in FIGS. 10A and 10B. In this way, the blocking is released against the engagement direction Y between the connecting parts 2, 3, so that the connecting part 3 can be pulled out of engagement from the connecting part 2 against the engagement direction Y and the connecting parts 2, 3 can thus be released from each other.

[0236] The tilting takes place in a tilting plane that is perpendicular to the bottom surface 230, i.e. is spanned by the closing direction X and the engagement direction Y. The tilting takes place approximately about a tilting axis K (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) in such a way that the connecting part 3 performs a pivoting movement in the tilting plane perpendicular to the tilting axis K and thus the blocking element 303 is lifted out of the recess 231, so that the connecting parts 2, 3 can be moved relative to each other against the engagement direction Y and thus separated from each other.

[0237] If, in particular when the connecting device 1 is unloaded, the connection of the connecting parts 2, 3 is to be released, the connecting parts 2, 3 are tilted relative to each other and in particular also moved relative each other against the engagement direction Y, so that the front edge section 305 (forming the third region 300C) of the base section 300 slides off the step 234 and plunges into the region of the plunge opening 232, as can be seen in FIG. 10B. The positive-locking section created by the step 234 thus does not (or no longer) counteract tilting, so that the connecting parts 2, 3 can be conveniently and easily separated from one another via the actuating section 40 in the event of tilting.

[0238] FIGS. 12A to 12F show the connecting device 1 in a rotated position of the second connecting part 3 relative to the first connecting part 2. Here, the second connecting part 3 can be applied to the first connecting part 2 in (any) rotated position, and in any rotated position the engagement section 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 twistable relative to the first connecting part 2 along a circumferential direction U about the axis of rotation R while maintaining the engagement of the engagement section 341 with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and while engaging the blocking element 303 in the recess 231.

[0239] Under load, when strap forces act between the straps 4, 5 in the connected position of the connecting device 1, the strap 4 is located between the engagement protrusions 240, 241, as can be seen in FIG. 1. In this case, the engagement protrusions 240, 241 are arranged to the side of the strap 4, so that the strap 4 extends between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 (viewed along the transverse direction Q pointing from engagement protrusion 240 to engagement protrusion 241).

[0240] If, on the other hand, the second connecting part 3 is rotated along the circumferential direction U about the axis of rotation R relative to the first connecting part 2, as can be seen from FIGS. 12A to 12F, the strap 4 can extend over one of the engagement protrusions 240, 241, with flexible, flexible deformation of the strap 4, as can be seen in particular from FIGS. 12B and 12D. During twisting, the strap 4 slides (depending on the direction of rotation) onto one of the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and is thereby deformed so that the strap 4 can be moved over the respective engagement protrusion 240, 241.

[0241] As can be seen from FIG. 1, for example in conjunction with FIG. 6C, the strap 4 emerges from the fastening section 301 above the base section 300 at an exit line 306, which is curved in accordance with the cylindrical shape of the fastening section 301. Beyond the exit line 306, i.e. outside the fastening section 301, the strap 4 is not connected to the base section 300 in the region of the protruding edge section forming the engagement section 341, but can move freely relative to the base section 300 and, in particular, can be lifted off the base section 300, which enables the deformation of the strap 4 to slide onto the engagement protrusion 240, 241 when the connecting part 3 is twisted relative to the connecting part 2 in a smooth manner.

[0242] The exit line 306 is offset radially inwards with respect to the end-face edge section 305 of the base section 300 and is thus spaced radially from the edge section 305. The strap 4 thus emerges from the fastening section 301 along a line that is set back relative to the edge section 305.

[0243] From the position shown in FIG. 12A to 12F, the connecting part 3 can also be rotated further. In principle, the connecting part 3 can be rotated through any angle to the connecting part 2.

[0244] Under load between the straps 4, 5, the connecting parts 2, 3 automatically move back into the position shown in FIG. 1.

[0245] It is also possible to attach or detach the connecting part 3 to or from the connecting part 2 in any rotational position.

[0246] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 12A-12F, the connecting device 1 implements a strap fastener via which straps can be connected to each other. In the connected position, a load direction determined by the straps is directed essentially along the engagement direction Y.

[0247] In another exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B to 20A-20D, the connecting device 1 is configured as an object fastening device and is used to fasten an object to an associated assembly. The object can, for example, be arranged on a (second) connecting part 3 or integrated into the connecting part 3. In this way, for example, an electrical or electronic device, such as a communication device, a light or the like, can be attached to an associated assembly, such as a helmet or other sports equipment.

[0248] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the (second) connecting part 3 is rotationally symmetrical in shape and forms a base section 300 arranged on a base body 30, which is circularly cylindrical in shape, as can be seen from FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14A-14C. A base surface 302 is formed on an underside of the base section 300, from which a blocking element 303, which is circular in cross-section and concentric with the base surface 302, protrudes.

[0249] A fastening opening 35 for receiving a magnetic device 31 is formed on a housing section that is raised relative to the base section 300.

[0250] The (second) connecting part 3 shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14A-14C can be attached to a (first) connecting part 2 shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B and 16A-16C, which comprises a base body 20 on which a bottom surface 230 is formed, which extends flatly and evenly on a side of the base 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 comes into flat contact with the base section 300 of the connecting part 3 when the connecting parts 2, 3 are connected to each other.

[0251] As has been explained with reference to the exemplary embodiment described above, a recess 231 is formed in the bottom surface 230, which serves to receive the blocking element 303 of the connecting part 3. The bottom surface 230 is also adjoined by an plunge opening 232, which is located between the bottom surface 230 and a support section 233 formed in a front region of the base body 20.

[0252] At raised sections 242, 243, engagement protrusions 240, 241 rigidly formed with the base body 20 are disposed above the bottom surface 230 as viewed along a height direction H. In the connected position of the connecting parts 2, 3, an engagement section 341 formed by a circumferential radially protruding edge of the base section 300 of the connecting part 3 is received between the bottom surface 230 and the engagement protrusions 240, 241.

[0253] At the rear of the bottom surface 230, the base body 20 forms a fastening opening 25, in which a magnetic device 21 is arranged for magnetic interaction with the magnetic device 31 of the connecting part 3.

[0254] The connecting process of the connecting parts 2, 3, shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B to 20A-20D, is carried out as described above for the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 12A-12F.

[0255] For example, the connecting parts 2, 3 are brought closer together along a closing direction X, which is directed along the height direction H, as can be seen in FIGS. 17A and 17B. The magnetic devices 21, 31 cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner and pull the connecting parts 2, 3 towards each other along the closing direction X, so that the connecting part 3 extends onto the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and slides off at the rear ends 246, 247 of the engagement protrusions 240, 241, as can be seen in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Here, the base section 300 comes into contact with a rear edge section 304 with the bottom surface 230, so that the connecting part 3 slides along a sliding direction A relative to the connecting part 2 and the base section 300 is thus moved along the engagement protrusions 240, 241 until the base section 300 can pass the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and the connecting part 3 is thus brought into the position according to FIGS. 19A, 19B to the connecting part 2 and the blocking section is held above the recess 231 so that the connecting parts 2, 3 do not get caught prematurely.

[0256] If the base section 300 has been moved past the engagement protrusions 240, 241 along the closing direction X, the engagement section 341 formed on the base section 300 slides in an engagement direction Y into engagement with the (rigid) engagement protrusions 240, 241, as can be seen in the transition from FIGS. 19A, 19B to FIGS. 20A, 20B. In the process, the blocking element 303 slides into the recess 231, magnetically supported by the magnetically attracting effect of the magnetic devices 21, 31.

[0257] In the connected position shown in FIGS. 20A-20D, the base section 300 rests with the base surface 302 flat against the bottom surface 230 of the connecting part 2. The blocking element 303 is located in the recess 231. A front edge section 305 of the base section 300 is in contact with the support section 233, wherein the front edge section 305 also rests on a step 234 between the plunge opening 232 and the support section 233, as can be seen in FIG. 19B. Due to the fact that the engagement section 341 formed on the base section 300 engages with the engagement protrusions 240, 241, the connecting part 3 is held on the connecting part 2 in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner, the position of the connecting parts 2, 3 being secured by the magnetic devices 21, 31 and, in addition, disengagement in the opposite direction to the engagement direction Y being blocked by the blocking element 303.

[0258] Due to the rotational symmetry of the connecting part 3, the connecting part 3 can be rotated in the connected position on the connecting part 2.

[0259] Due to the rotational symmetry, the connecting part 3 can also be arranged in any rotational position on the connecting part 2, which makes it easy and convenient to connect the connecting parts 2 and 3 to each other.

[0260] To release the connection 2, 3, the connecting part 3 can be tilted relative to the connecting part 2 in a tilting plane spanned by the closing direction X and the engagement direction Y, with the engagement section 341 formed by the edge of the base section 300 plunging into the plunge opening 232, analogously as can be seen in FIG. 19B. The blocking of the blocking element 303 in the recess 231 is thus released so that the connecting parts 2, 3 can be removed from each other.

[0261] In another exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 to 30A-30D in the form of a strap fastener, a first connecting part 2 comprises a base 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 inserting a pin element 340 formed on a base section 300 of a base body 30 of the second connecting part 3 into the receiving opening 23 and bringing it into engagement with an arcuate engagement protrusion 240 on a wall section of the receiving opening 23 of the first connecting part 2 via a circumferential engagement section 341.

[0262] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a strap 4 is firmly connected to the base body 30 of the connecting part 3 via a fastening section 301 formed on the base section 300. The base section 300 has a circular cylindrical, disk-shaped basic shape and forms a base surface 302 on a side facing the connecting part 2.

[0263] The pin element 340 protrudes from the base surface 302, which has a mushroom shape and carries the engagement section 341 extending circumferentially around the closing direction X and implementing an engagement device 34. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the engagement section 341 is thus spatially separated from the base section 300 in that the engagement section 341 is spaced apart from the base section 300 along the closing direction X.

[0264] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an inclined surface 342 in the form of a conical surface is formed on the engagement section 341, with which the engagement section 341 extends onto the engagement protrusion 240 within the receiving opening 23 when the connecting part 3 is attached to the connecting part 2, so that the connecting part 3 is displaced relative to the connecting part 2 opposite to the engagement direction Y and the engagement section 341 is moved past the engagement protrusion 240 until the engagement section 341 can be brought into engagement with the engagement section 240 in the engagement direction Y.

[0265] The connecting parts 2, 3 each have a magnetic device 21, 31 (see FIGS. 22A, 22B), which are magnetically attracted to each other along the closing direction X and thus magnetically support the positioning of the connecting parts 2, 3 in the closing direction X.

[0266] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the disk-shaped base section 300 protrudes radially beyond the engagement section 341 on the pin element 340, as can be seen in FIGS. 25A, 25B and 26A, 26B.

[0267] When the connecting parts 2, 3 are placed against each other, shown in the sequence according to FIGS. 27A, 27B to 30A-30D, the connecting part 3 is brought closer to the connecting part 2 in the closing direction X, whereby the connecting part 3 can perform a wobbling movement in such a way that first the engagement section 341 with the inclined surface 342 formed thereon comes into contact with the engagement protrusion 240 in the receiving opening 23, as can be seen from FIG. 28B, and is moved past the engagement protrusion 240 by sliding, as can be seen in the transition from FIGS. 28A, 28B to FIGS. 29A, 29B.

[0268] When the engagement section 341 has been moved past the engagement protrusion 240, the engagement section 341 comes into engagement with the engagement protrusion 240 in the engagement direction Y due to magnetic attraction between the magnetic devices 21, 31, so that the connecting parts 2, 3 come into the connected position as shown in FIGS. 30A-30D.

[0269] In the connected position, the engagement section 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 section 341 here faces a blocking section 238 in the form of a protrusion element protruding into the receiving opening 23 in the engagement direction Y. In this way, the blocking section 238 prevents a tangential movement of the pin element 340 in the receiving opening 23 against the engagement direction Y, so that the engagement between the engagement section 341 and the engagement protrusion 240 is blocked.

[0270] In the connected position, the base section has a peripheral outer edge section 305 in abutment with a support section 233 which is located in front of the engagement protrusion 240 in the engagement direction Y, as shown in FIG. 30B. A support in the engagement direction Y is thus created on the base section 300 via the support section 233, so that when a load is applied between the connecting parts 2, 3, forces along the load direction corresponding to the engagement direction Y are absorbed and dissipated at the support section 233.

[0271] As can also be seen from FIG. 30B, a positive-locking section 234 in the form of a step is formed in the area of the support section 233, on which the base section 300 rests with the edge section 305 in the closing direction X. The step counteracts tilting of the base section 300 and thus of the connecting part 3 relative to the connecting part 2 in order to prevent unintentional loosening of the connecting parts 2, 3 under load.

[0272] As can be seen from FIG. 30B in conjunction with FIG. 29B, the step 234 is adjoined by an plunge opening 232, which serves to provide a free space into which the base section 300 can plunge when tilted relative to the connecting section 2, 3, as can be seen from FIG. 29B.

[0273] If the connecting parts 2, 3 are to be separated from one another, a user can pull on an actuating section in the form of a tab 40 at the rear of the connecting part 3 and thus lift the pin element 340 out of the receiving opening 23 on a side facing away from the engagement protrusion 240, as can be seen in FIG. 29B. In the process, the base section 300 plunges with a front region facing the support section 233 into the plunge opening 232, which facilitates the tilting of the connecting part 3 relative to the connecting part 2 for releasing the connecting parts 2, 3 from one another.

[0274] In the connected position, the support on the step 234 counteracts tilting under load, as in the initial example according to FIGS. 1 to 12A-12F. In this case, a free space is created via the plunge opening 232 in an area adjoining the step 234 in a direction opposite to the engagement direction Y, into which the base section 300 can plunge with its circumferential edge section when the connecting parts 2, 3 are tilted relative to each other to separate the connection.

[0275] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 to 30A-30D, the engagement section 341 is not formed on the disk-shaped base section 300, but is formed on the pin element 340 protruding from the base section 300 along the closing direction X, so that the engagement section 341 is spaced apart from the base section 300 along the closing direction X, and furthermore, the circumferential edge section 305 of the base section 300 is disposed radially outside the engagement section 241.

[0276] The engagement section 341 is thus spatially separated from the base section 300. In addition, the provision of a positive fit or force fit via the engagement section 341 is functionally separate from the support of the base section 300 on the support section 233 and the positive-locking section 234. This can, for example, favor the support of the base section 300 for load bearing on the support section 233 and also for counteracting tilting via the positive-locking section 234, in that the base section 300 can provide a comparatively large lever arm compared to the engagement section 341 for support.

[0277] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 21 to 30A-30D, the support section 233 is rigidly formed on the base body 20 of the connecting part 2 by a surface section extending perpendicular to a direction radial to the closing direction X while being arcuately curved about the closing direction X, as shown in FIG. 30B in conjunction with FIG. 24A. Similarly, the positive-locking section 234 in the form of the step is curved in an arcuate manner and thus forms a support for the edge section 305 of the base section 300.

[0278] In contrast, in a modified exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 31A-31C, an arcuate support section 233 extending obliquely to the closing direction X jointly fulfills the function of the support section 233 and the positive-locking section 234 of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 31 to 30A-30D. The obliquely extending support section 233 of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 31A-31C forms a support for an oblique edge section 305 of the base section 300 of the connecting part 3, so that both a support in the engagement direction Y and a support against tilting, i.e. against a movement of the base section 300 in the front region in the closing direction X, is created via the support section 233.

[0279] The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 31A-31C is identical to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 21 to 30A-30D so that reference should also be made to the preceding explanations.

[0280] FIGS. 32-58 show exemplary uses of a connecting device 1 as described with reference to the embodiments according to FIGS. 1-31.

[0281] A connecting device 1 can be used, for example, on a bag or a rucksack, as shown in FIGS. 32-39. The connecting device 1 can be used to connect strap ends (FIGS. 32, 35, 36 and 39), to connect straps to a bag body (FIGS. 33, 34 and 38) or to close a lid of a bag or rucksack or to attach an object to the bag or rucksack (FIG. 37).

[0282] The connecting device 1 can be used as a fastener for a shoe (FIGS. 40 and 41), as a fastener for pockets on a textile item, for example a jacket or vest (FIG. 42), or as a fastener for a medical bandage (FIGS. 43-45).

[0283] The connecting device 1 can be used as a fastener for a fanny pack (FIG. 46) or for a tool belt (FIG. 47).

[0284] The connecting device 1 can also serve as a holder for objects, in particular tools or objects, for example an electronic device, a light or the like, on a belt, in particular a tool belt (FIG. 48).

[0285] The connecting device 1 can be used as a fastener for a strap on a musical instrument, for example a guitar (FIG. 49).

[0286] The connecting device 1 can be used, for example, to attach a strap to a bicycle, for example to a luggage carrier or a basket on a bicycle (FIG. 50).

[0287] The connecting device 1 can also serve as a fastener for a helmet (FIG. 51).

[0288] The connecting device 1 can provide a strap fastener for tying up an object, for example a mat (FIG. 52).

[0289] The connecting device 1 can also provide a fastener for a strap system for stowing luggage in a vehicle, for example a car (FIG. 53).

[0290] The connecting device 1 can be used as a fastener for an adjustment system in the interior of a vehicle, for example for a sunblind (FIG. 54).

[0291] The connecting device 1 can provide a holder for objects on a rack, for example for key rings on a key rack (FIG. 55).

[0292] Connecting devices 1 may serve as a holder for a camera, for example to connect the camera to straps (FIG. 56).

[0293] A connecting device 1 may serve as a fastener for a wristwatch (FIG. 57) or a bracelet (FIG. 58).

[0294] In all the applications mentioned, the twistability of the connecting parts 2, 3 solves important aspects of the requirements of the respective application. Conventional plug fasteners or closures, which are often used for this type of application, cannot be twisted.

[0295] Other applications are conceivable and possible.

[0296] The idea underlying the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0297] In particular, a connecting device of the type described can be used not only as a strap fastener for connecting base ends or as an object fastening device. A connecting device of the type described can be used to connect any number of assemblies.