Abstract:
A plug-in lock ( 1 ) for connecting flexible and/or rigid line elements ( 43, 44 ) with a plug-in part ( 11 ) and a receiving part ( 12 ), whereby a positive-locking connection ( 14 ) is provided for transmitting a tensile force for establishing a detachable connection of the plug-in part ( 11 ) to the receiving part ( 12 ). In order to prevent an unintentional detaching of the connection of the plug-in part ( 11 ) from the receiving part ( 12 ) even at high tensile forces and at the same time to make possible a simple operability and cost-effective manufacture, the plug-in lock has a securing device ( 13, 25 ) separate from the positive-locking connection ( 14 ) for preventing an unintentional detaching of the positive-locking connection ( 14 ). The securing device ( 13, 25 ) has an actuating mechanism ( 33 ) for detaching the securing device ( 13, 25 ).

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Patent Application DE 10 2013 000 590.6 filed Jan. 16, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention pertains to a plug-in lock for connecting flexible and/or rigid line elements, especially of an animal tether, with a plug-in part and a receiving part, whereby a positive-locking connection is provided for transmitting a tensile force for establishing a detachable connection of the plug-in part to the receiving part. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Such a plug-in lock is known from DE 11 2008 000 099 T5. In this case, the connection is established by means of holding heads arranged at flexible arms, which are associated with the plug-in part and lock in mounts of the receiving part. 
         [0004]    The drawback in this case is that the flexible arms have a small cross section, on the one hand, for providing a spring mounting and, on the other hand, must absorb the entire tensile force in case of a tensile load of the plug-in lock. Thus, the flexible arms must perform a dual function. There is the risk in this case that, because of the elastic design of the flexible arms necessary for detaching the locking connection, these buckle or are broken under a sufficient tensile force, such that the plug-in part is unintentionally detached from the receiving part. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Therefore, a basic object of the present invention is to further develop a plug-in lock of the type mentioned in the introduction, such that an unintentional separation of the connection of the plug-in part from the receiving part is prevented even at higher tensile forces, whereby simple operability and cost-effective manufacture are made possible at the same time. 
         [0006]    A basic object of the present invention is accomplished by a plug-in lock of the type mentioned in the introduction, whereby a securing means that is separate from the positive-locking connection is provided for preventing an unintentional detaching of the positive-locking connection, whereby the securing means has an actuating mechanism for detaching the securing means. 
         [0007]    It is advantageous in this case that a separate securing means is provided in addition to the positive-locking connection. The securing means preferably establishes a connection between the plug-in part and the receiving part. The risk of an unintentional separation of the connection of the plug-in part to the receiving part can be markedly reduced as a result of this. The separate securing means is preferably used as an additional locking connection to prevent an unintentional detaching of the connection, which is especially positive locking, of the plug-in part to the receiving part. The securing means is especially used exclusively for securing the positive-locking connection to prevent an unintentional separation of the positive-locking elements establishing the positive-locking connection. Herein, the securing means preferably does not take up any forces that form during a tensile load of the plug-in lock. All forces or a large part of the forces during a tensile load of the plug-in lock are preferably taken up and/or passed on by the positive-locking connection. The securing means is, in particular, spaced apart from the positive-locking connection. Thus, the securing means is not integrated into the positive-locking connection, for example. Because of a spatial and/or functional separation of the securing means from the positive-locking connection, the operability can be improved. A more reliable connection of the plug-in part to the receiving part is preferably achieved because of the spatial separation. In particular, the connection of the plug-in part to the receiving part can only be detached by a simultaneous, preferably spatially and/or functionally separate, actuation of the plug-in lock for separating the connection being formed by the securing means, on the one hand, and the positive-locking connection, on the other hand. The securing means especially has an independent actuating mechanism, which is separate in relation to the positive-locking connection. Preferably, at first the securing means must be detached by means of the actuating mechanism for separating the plug-in part from the receiving part. Finally, the positive-locking connection can also be detached because of the detached securing means. The connection of the plug-in part to the receiving part can preferably be exclusively established and/or detached with a simultaneous establishing and/or separation of securing means and of the positive-locking connection. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, it is advantageous that a positive-locking connection of the plug-in part to the receiving part is provided for taking up and/or passing on a tensile force acting on the plug-in lock. The components of the positive-locking connection are preferably designed as rigid. As a result of this, the positive-locking connection can be designed as stronger and thus can take up higher tensile forces than a locking connection with, for example, an elastic locking element. The plug-in part and/or the receiving part can selectively be connected to any add-on part instead of a line element. 
         [0009]    According to another embodiment, two positive-locking elements, which correspond to one another and have a rigid design, in particular, are provided for the positive-locking connection. Because of a rigid design of the positive-locking elements, the plug-in lock is able to take up and/or pass on high tensile forces, and especially of more than 1,000 N, preferably of at least 1,500 N, and especially preferably of at least 2,500 N. There is no risk in this case of an unintentional detaching of the positive-locking connection because of high tensile forces. The plug-in part preferably has a first positive-locking element, and in particular a rigid axial element, and the receiving part has a second positive-locking element, and especially a rigid axial element mount, for cooperating with the first positive-locking element. A rigid and yet detachable connection forms because of a connection of the first positive-locking element to the second positive-locking element. 
         [0010]    The two positive-locking elements can be connected to one another in a direction transversely, and especially at right angles, to the longitudinal alignment of the plug-in lock and/or transversely, and especially at right angles, to the pulling direction of a tensile force acting on the plug-in lock during the intended use. The two positive-locking elements can preferably be inserted into one another for establishing the positive-locking connection. In particular, the two positive-locking elements can be connected to one another in a direction transversely, preferably at right angles, to the longitudinal alignment of the line elements to be connected to one another. Consequently, it can be guaranteed that the positive-locking connection cannot be unintentionally detached in case of a tensile load of the plug-in lock during the intended use. Preferably, a mounting direction is aligned for connecting and/or separating the two positive-locking elements transversely, and especially at right angles, to at least one component of the tensile force during a tensile load of the plug-in lock. The first positive-locking element can be inserted into the second positive-locking element and/or can be passed at least partly through an opening in a side wall of the receiving part. With an at least partial passing of the first positive-locking element through an opening, a raised area projecting over the side wall is especially produced. As a result of this, the establishing of a reliable positive-locking connection and/or interlocking is favored. 
         [0011]    According to a variant, the two positive-locking elements have a self-centering and/or self-securing design under tensile load. In particular, for forming this self-centering and/or self-securing design, the first positive-locking element has at least one notch and the second positive-locking element has at least one projection designed corresponding to the notch. The notch and projection are preferably arranged such that they cooperate with one another and/or mesh with one another under a tensile load of the plug-in lock. In the positive-locking connection, the notch may extend at least partly behind the projection. Especially under a tensile load of the plug-in lock, the risk of unintentional detaching of the positive-locking connection is further reduced because of the notch of the first positive-locking element extending behind the second positive-locking element. 
         [0012]    According to another embodiment, the plug-in part and/or the first positive-locking element in the positive-locking connection has an area which is offset inwardly in relation to the receiving part for providing a depression and/or an area which is offset outwardly for providing a raised area. Because of the depression and/or the raised area, the operability and/or manageability of the plug-in lock is improved, especially when establishing and/or separating the connection of the plug-in part to or from the receiving part. Especially in combination with the raised area arranged facing away from the depression, intuitive operation arises for the user. When establishing the connection of the plug-in part to the receiving part, the user receives, because of the forming raised area and/or depression, a feedback with regard to a correctly established connection. When separating the connection, the raised area and/or depression leads the user to push the plug-in part sideways out of the receiving part. 
         [0013]    Preferably, the securing means, especially as a separate locking connection for the purely positive-locking connection, has at least one elastically and/or spring mounted first locking element, which cooperates with an especially rigid, second locking element designed as corresponding to the first locking element for establishing the securing means. The manufacture and providing of such locking elements can be done cost-effectively and makes possible a connection in addition to the positive-locking connection, especially for preventing an unintentional separation of the positive-locking connection. The first locking element is preferably associated with the plug-in part and the second locking element is preferably associated with the receiving part. 
         [0014]    According to a variant, the securing means and/or positive-locking connection can be established by an at least partial telescoping or fitting into one another of the plug-in part into the receiving part in a direction transversely to the longitudinal alignment of the plug-in lock and/or transversely to a pulling direction of a tensile force acting on the plug-in lock during the intended use. The motion of inserting the plug-in part into the receiving part especially has a component directed at right angles to the longitudinal alignment of the plug-in lock and/or to a pulling direction of a tensile force acting on the plug-in lock during the intended use. Thus, there is just no motion essentially in the direction of the longitudinal alignment of the plug-in lock or in the pulling direction during a tensile load of the plug-in lock for establishing and/or separating the connection of the plug-in part to the receiving part. Consequently, a positive-locking connection can be established, which guarantees a secure fastening of the plug-in part to the receiving part during a tensile load of the plug-in lock. 
         [0015]    According to another embodiment, a fastening element for fastening an end of a line element is provided within the plug-in part, and especially in an area facing towards the receiving part. The fastening element may be designed as a rigid pin, a rigid axis or a rigid axial section about which the line element can be led. Preferably, the fastening element can be fastened, especially locked, in a fastening mount associated with the first positive-locking element. The fastening element may be detachable from the fastening mount. As an alternative, the fastening element may be a part and/or an extension of the first positive-locking element. Preferably, the fastening element is arranged within the plug-in part, such that the end of the line element, especially a sewn area of the end, is arranged within the plug-in part and/or is covered by the plug-in part. 
         [0016]    The plug-in part and/or the actuating mechanism preferably has at least one elastically mounted actuating element, especially a pressing surface. The actuating element may be used for detaching the securing means. In particular, the first locking element can be moved by means of the actuating element out of an active position, in which the first locking element cooperates with the second locking element. The actuating element is preferably connected to the first locking element for detaching the securing means and/or the locking connection of the first locking element to the second locking element. Thus, the first locking element is elastically mounted because of the, especially one-piece, connection to the actuating element. The force needed for separating the connection of the plug-in part from the receiving part by means of an actuation of the actuating element is preferably at most 50 N, and especially at most 30 N. 
         [0017]    According to a variant, the plug-in part has a contact surface that is in contact with a contact web of the receiving part in case of a connection of the plug-in part to the receiving part. The contact surface and/or the contact web is preferably associated with the side with the opening for the partial passing through of the first positive-locking element and/or raised area. The direction of insertion of the plug-in part into the receiving part is preferably predetermined based on the contact web. 
         [0018]    According to another embodiment, a ramp is associated with the first locking element and/or with the second locking element for leading the first locking element into a position for establishing the securing means, especially as a locking connection. Establishing the connection of the plug-in part to the receiving part is simplified as a result of this. In particular, the actuation of an actuating mechanism and/or of an actuating element is only necessary for separating the plug-in part from the receiving part. When the plug-in part is inserted into the receiving part, the first locking element preferably jumps into its locking position, which is perceptible and audible to the user. As a result of this, the user receives a clear feedback whether the desired connection and/or securing means is established. 
         [0019]    Especially advantageous is an animal tether with a plug-in lock according to the present invention with a leash, whereby a first end of the leash is associated with a holding means for holding the leash and a second end of the line facing away from the first end is associated with the plug-in part. Such animal tethers may be designed for holding and/or leading dogs or cats. The holding means may be designed as a simple holding strap or as a gripping means, especially for rolling up and unrolling the leash. In this case, the leash is provided as a first, preferably flexible, line element. The leash and/or the flexible line element may be designed as a belt, a band, a chain and/or a cable. A second line element or an add-on part is preferably associated with the receiving part at an end facing away from the plug-in part. The second line element may be designed as a bite belt and/or a collar loop for an animal. 
         [0020]    According to an alternative embodiment, also conceivable independently of the present invention, an animal tether or a leash is provided with a bite belt, whereby the bite belt can be connected to the animal tether or leash by means of a quick-action coupling. It is advantageous in this case that the bite belt can be connected to the leash, can be detached from the leash and/or can be replaced in a simple and quick manner. In particular, a first end of the bite belt can be connected to the leash by means of the quick-action coupling and a second end of the bite belt facing away from the first end is provided for connecting the leash and/or bite belt to a collar loop for an animal. Preferably, the second end has a second quick-action coupling. The quick-action coupling is preferably designed for connecting the bite belt to the animal tether or leash according to the plug-in lock according to the present invention. 
         [0021]    Because of the plug-in lock according to the present invention, a reliable and secure connection of the plug-in part to the receiving part can be guaranteed even at high tensile forces, especially when holding and/or leading dogs. At the same time, a simple operability is achieved, as a result of which a replacement of a bite belt or of another add-on part is especially made easier. In addition, the end of the first line element is arranged within the plug-in part. As a result of this, for example, a seam, which forms during the displacing and sewing of the end for establishing a loop for fastening the first line element, can be covered in a simple manner. Additional seam coverings are thus unnecessary. Moreover, compact types of construction can be produced especially because of the arrangement of the fastening element within the plug-in part and/or the plug-in lock. In particular, essentially pressure forces act on the positive-locking elements via the fastening element. This is especially advantageous, for example, for the durability of a plug-in lock made of plastic. 
         [0022]    The plug-in part and/or receiving part can preferably be manufactured in one piece, especially as an injection-molded plastic part. A manufacture from plastic, especially as an injection-molded plastic part, makes possible a cost-effective manufacture. The weight of the plug-in lock may be less than 15 g, especially at most 10 g, and especially preferably at most 6 g. Preferably, the maximum width of the plug-in lock is in a range of 26 mm to 28 mm, and especially in case of a second line element with a width of 20 mm associated with the receiving part. According to another embodiment, the maximum width of the plug-in lock is in a range of 18 mm to 20 mm, especially in case of a second line element with a width of 14 mm associated with the receiving part. 
         [0023]    The present invention is explained in detail below based on the figures. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    In the drawings: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a plug-in lock according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the plug-in lock according to the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the plug-in lock according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a cutaway side view of the plug-in lock according to the present invention according to  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a plug-in part for the plug-in lock according to the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the plug-in part for the plug-in lock according to the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the plug-in part; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a front view of a receiving part for the plug-in lock according to the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a first perspective view of the plug-in lock according to the present invention before establishing the connection; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is another perspective view of the plug-in lock according to the present invention before establishing the connection; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11   a  is a cutaway front view of the plug-in lock according to the present invention; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 11   b  is a cutaway front view of the plug-in lock according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    Referring to the drawings in particular,  FIG. 1  shows a front view of a plug-in lock  10  according to the present invention. Plug-in lock  10  comprises a plug-in part  11  and a receiving part  12 . As will still be explained in detail below, the plug-in part  11  and the receiving part  12  are detachably connected to one another by means of a positive-locking connection  14  and to the positive-locking connection  14  by means of a separate securing means  13 . In this exemplary embodiment, the securing means  13  is designed as a separate locking connection  13 , which is spaced apart or separated from the positive-locking connection  14 . In this exemplary embodiment, the locking connection  13  and the positive-locking connection  14  are arranged spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in lock  10 . 
         [0038]    Plug-in part  11  is provided for connecting to a first line element  43 . In this exemplary embodiment, the first line element  43  is flexible, in particular designed as a leash, especially a cable or a belt, for holding an animal. The receiving part  12  has an opening or eyelet  15  at its end facing away from the plug-in part  11 . The eyelet  15  is provided for fastening a second line element  44  or another add-on part. In this case, the second line element  44  is also flexible and is designed as a bite belt or a collar loop for an animal. 
         [0039]    During the use of the plug-in lock  10  with first and second line elements  43 ,  44  arranged thereon, a tensile force acts on the plug-in lock  10  at least partly in the direction of the longitudinal alignment of the plug-in lock  10  or from the plug-in part  11  in the direction of the receiving part  12  and/or from the receiving part  12  in the direction of the plug-in part  11 . 
         [0040]    The locking connection  13  comprises an actuating mechanism  33 . First, the locking connection  13  and thus also the positive-locking connection  14  can be separated because of a manual actuation of the actuating mechanism  33 . The actuating mechanism  33  comprises in this exemplary embodiment an actuating element  16 . The actuating element  16  is associated with the plug-in part  11  and in this exemplary embodiment is designed as an elastically mounted push-button. The actuating element  16  can be pressed at least partly into the plug-in part  11  to detach the locking connection  13 . A first locking element  17 , which can be pressed into the plug-in part  11  together with actuating element  16 , is associated with the actuating element  16 . The first locking element  17  is facing towards the receiving part  12 . Moreover, first locking element  17  cooperates with a second locking element  18  which is associated with receiving part  12  and is designed as rigid in this exemplary embodiment. In the locking connection  13 , the second locking element  18  which has a projection-like design in the direction of plug-in part  11  meshes with a recess  20  formed by means of the first locking element  17 , an edge of the actuating element  16  and an inner side of a web  19 . Web  19  is associated with the plug-in part  11  in this case and the inner side of the web  19  is facing towards an end of the first locking element  17 . Because of the locking connection  13 , an unintentional detaching of the connection, and especially of the positive-locking connection  14 , between the plug-in part  11  and the receiving part  12  is prevented. 
         [0041]    The plug-in part  11  has a first positive-locking element  21 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first positive-locking element  21  is designed as a rigid axial element  21 . The first positive-locking element  21  cooperates with a second positive-locking element  22  not recognizable in detail in this figure. The second positive-locking element  22  in this exemplary embodiment is designed as an axial element mount  22  designed as corresponding to the cross section of the axial element. In this case, the axial element mount  22  has a duct-like design and extends from a first side wall of the receiving part  12  to a second side wall of the receiving part  12  facing away from the first side wall. In this case, the side walls have openings designed as corresponding to the axial element mount  22  and the axial element  21 . In the established connection of the plug-in part  11  to the receiving part  12 , the first positive-locking element  21  stands to a certain extent, in this exemplary embodiment approximately 1 mm, above the side wall, which is associated with a contact web  23  of the receiving part  12 , through the opening of the second positive-locking element  22  in the outward direction for forming a raised area  45 . 
         [0042]    The contact web  23  of the receiving part  12  extends away from the eyelet  15  and/or in the direction of the plug-in part  11 . The contact web  23  is associated with the side of the receiving part  12  with the raised area  45 . In this case, the second positive-locking element  22  is arranged approximately in the middle between the contact web  23  and the eyelet  15  and transversely, in this case at right angles, to the longitudinal alignment of the plug-in lock  10 . In the connection of the plug-in part  11  to receiving part  12 , an inner surface of the contact web  23  facing towards the plug-in part  11  is in contact with a contact surface  24  of the plug-in part  11  directed outwardly. 
         [0043]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the plug-in lock  10  according to the present invention. Herein, the side of the plug-in lock  10  facing away from the contact web  23  is shown. The first positive-locking element  21  is positive locking and is pushed into the second positive-locking element  22  from the side facing away from the contact web  23  in the direction of the side of the receiving part  12  with the contact web  23 . 
         [0044]    On the side facing away from contact web  23 , plug-in lock  10  has a depression  37 . The depression  37  is formed with an established connection of the plug-in part  11  to the receiving part  12  because of an end of the first positive-locking element  21  moved into the interior of the receiving part  12  or of the second positive-locking element  22 . A first end of first positive-locking element  21  designed in this case as axial element  21  is designed as the raised area  45 , not recognizable in this case, in the established connection. A second end of axial element  21  facing away from the first end forms the depression  37 . In the area of depression  37 , the receiving part  12  stands above the depression  37  in the outward direction. As a result of this, the outer side of depression  37  or the second end of the first positive-locking element  21  is offset inwardly in relation to the receiving part  12  in the plug-in lock  10 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of the plug-in lock  10  according to the present invention. In this case, the side or the side wall with the contact web  23  is shown. This view shows that the plug-in part  11  has an opening on a side facing away from the receiving part  12 . The opening is provided for inserting the first line element  43  into the plug-in part  11 . 
         [0046]    The plug-in lock  10  has a first front  46 , which is shown in detail according to  FIG. 1 . The view according to  FIG. 3  now shows that the plug-in lock  10  has a second front  47  facing away from the first front  46 . The first front  46  and the second front  47  of the plug-in lock  10  are designed as mirror-symmetrical in this exemplary embodiment. To this extent, reference is made to the above description. Because of the mirror-symmetrical design, the second front  47  has another detachable securing means  25 , which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a locking connection  25  and which corresponds to the locking connection  13  in structure and function. 
         [0047]    Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the actuating mechanism  33  comprises an additional actuating element  26 , which is associated with the plug-in part  11  and is designed as an elastically mounted push-button in this exemplary embodiment. The actuating element  26  can be at least partly pressed into the plug-in part  11  to detach the locking connection  25 . 
         [0048]    The actuating elements  16 ,  26  rise at least partly above the outer surface of plug-in part  11  and/or of the receiving part  12  in this exemplary embodiment. 
         [0049]    The positive-locking parts  21 ,  22  have a self-centering and/or self-securing design under tensile load, in particular with a tensile force on the first line element  43  and the second line element  44  at least partly in the direction of the longitudinal alignment of the plug-in lock  10  or from the plug-in part  11  in the direction of the receiving part  12  and/or from the receiving part  12  in the direction of the plug-in part  11 . For this, the cross section of the first positive-locking part  21  has an essentially U-shaped outer contour in this exemplary embodiment. The first positive-locking element  21  has two notches  31  on a side facing towards the opening  30 . Two correspondingly designed projections  32  of the second positive-locking element  22  mesh with the notches  31  in the positive-locking connection  14 . The contour of the second positive-locking element  22  corresponds to the outer contour of the first positive-locking element  21 . 
         [0050]    With a tensile force with at least one component in the direction of the longitudinal alignment of the plug-in lock  10  or from the plug-in part  11  in the direction of the receiving part  12  and/or from the receiving part  12  in the direction of the plug-in part  11 , the first positive-locking element is centered automatically because of the cooperation of the notches  31  with the projections  32  in relation to the second positive-locking element  22 . Furthermore, with a tensile load the projections  32  slip at least partly above the notches  31  or the notches  31  extend at least partly behind the projections  32 , as a result of which the positive-locking connection  14  is additionally secured. 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  shows a cutaway side view of the plug-in lock according to the present invention according to  FIG. 3 . A first locking element  27 , which can be pressed into the plug-in part  11  together with the actuating element  26 , is associated with the actuating element  26 . The first locking element  27  is facing towards the receiving part  12 . Furthermore, the first locking element  27  cooperates with a second locking element  28  which is associated with the receiving part  12  and is designed as being rigid in this exemplary embodiment. In the locking connection  13 , the second locking element  28 , which has a projection-like design, meshes with a recess  29  formed by means of the first locking element  27 , an edge of the actuating element  26  and a web  19 . In this case, the web  19  is associated with the plug-in part  11  and at least partly facing towards an end of the first locking element  27 . Because of the locking connection  25 , an unintentional detaching of the connection between the plug-in part  11  and receiving part  12  is prevented. Thus, the structure and function of the first locking element  27  and of the second locking element  28  correspond to the locking connection  25 , and those of the first locking element  17  and of the second locking element  18  correspond to locking connection  13 . 
         [0052]    Moreover,  FIG. 4  shows that the first positive-locking element  21  comprises a fastening element  34  for fastening an end  35  of the line element  43 . In this exemplary embodiment, fastening element  34  is designed as a rigid pin  34  which is connected in a positive-locking manner to the first positive-locking element  21  and extends transversely, in this case essentially at right angles, to the longitudinal alignment of the plug-in lock  10 . The end  35  of the first line element  43  is guided about the pin  34  for fastening the first line element  43  to the plug-in part  11 . In this exemplary embodiment, the line element  43  forms a loop  36  revolving about the fastening element  34 . The pin  34  is mounted within the first positive-locking element  21  and fastened. In this case, the pin  34  is aligned with regard to its longitudinal axis transversely, in this exemplary embodiment at right angles to the longitudinal alignment of plug-in lock  10  and parallel to the longitudinal alignment of the first positive-locking element  21 . Thus, the fastening of the first line element  43  is displaced into the plug-in lock  10 , in this exemplary embodiment approximately in the middle in the plug-in lock  10 . As a result of this, with a tensile force, essentially pressure forces, which are conducted to the second positive-locking element  22  and finally into the second line element  44 , act on the first line element  43  from the first positive-locking element  21 . In addition, the displacement of the fastening of the first line element  43  or of the pin  34  into the area of the center of the plug-in lock  10  makes possible a more compact type of construction and/or a simple-to-produce covering of the seam, which is formed during the displacement of the first line element  43  about the pin  34  and the sewing of the displaced end of the first end of the first line element  43  to produce the loop  36 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 5  shows a top view of a plug-in part  11  for the plug-in lock  10  according to the present invention. On a side of the plug-in part  11  facing away from a first end  48  of the first positive-locking element  21  with the raised area  45 , the first positive-locking element  21  has the depression  37 . The first end  48  of the first positive-locking element  21  thus protrudes above one side of the plug-in part  11 , while the second end  49  of the first line element  21 , facing away from the first end  48 , is shifted into a side of the plug-in part  11  for forming the depression  37 . 
         [0054]    The opening  30  has an expansion  29  in a middle area. Because of the expansion  29 , the opening  30  has a greater depth in the middle area than in the area of the two ends of the opening  30  facing away from one another. As a result of this, either a belt-like line element  43  or a cable-like line element  43  can be selectively led through the opening  30 . In case of a belt-like line element  43 , the width of the belt corresponds approximately to the maximum width of the opening  30 . In case of a cable-like line element  43 , the diameter of the cable corresponds approximately to the depth and/or width of the opening  30  in the area of the expansion  29 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 6  shows a front view of a plug-in part  11  for the plug-in lock  10  according to the present invention. The direction of the view corresponds to the perspective view according to  FIG. 1 . The actuating element  16  has, just as the actuating element  26  not shown in detail, an elastic rotary connector  38  on a side facing away from the first locking element  17 ,  27 . Because of elastic rotary connector  38 , by means of which the actuating element  16 ,  26  is connected to the plug-in part  11 , the actuating element  16 ,  26  and the first locking element  17 ,  27  connected to it can be pressed into the plug-in part  11 . As soon as the actuating element  16 ,  26  is released, the actuating element  16 ,  26  and the first locking element  17 ,  27  automatically moves back into its starting position. 
         [0056]    On a side facing away from the rotary connector  38  and facing towards the first positive-locking element  21 , the first locking element  17 ,  27  is connected to the actuating element  16 ,  26 . The first locking element  17 ,  27  has a web-like design and in this exemplary embodiment extends parallel to the longitudinal alignment of the first positive-locking element  21  or transversely, in this case at right angles, to the longitudinal alignment of the plug-in lock  10 . An end of the first locking element  17 ,  27  facing away from a web  40  forms the recess  20  together with a web  19  facing towards this end and spaced apart from this end. 
         [0057]    Furthermore, it is recognized that the contact surface  24  in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a recess. Moreover, the second end  49  of the first positive-locking element  21  or the outer side of the depression  39  is moved back inwardly in relation to an edge  39  adjacent to the actuating element  16 ,  26  and to the depression  39 . The edge  39  extensively embraces the outer side of the web  19 . 
         [0058]    The additional web  40  is arranged on the side facing away from the edge  39  and facing towards the first positive-locking element  21 . The additional web  40  has a structure that is extensively mirror-symmetrical to the web  19 . The actuating element  16 ,  26  is fastened to the ends of the webs  19 ,  40  facing away from the first positive-locking element  21 . The web  40  provides the contact surface  24  on its outer side. The outer side of the web  40  is largely exposed. Thus, an edge  39  comparable to the web  19  is just not provided in the web  40 . 
         [0059]    Furthermore, it is recognizable that the first positive-locking element  21  has a fastening mount  50  in an area facing away from the actuating elements  16  and facing towards the receiving part  12  in the connection to the receiving part  12 , which is not shown. The fastening mount  50  is provided for receiving and fastening the fastening element  43  not shown in detail. 
         [0060]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of the plug-in part  11  according to  FIG. 6 . The direction of the view corresponds to the perspective view according to  FIG. 3 . The exposed additional web  40  with the contact surface  24  directed outwardly is readily recognized. On the inner sides of the first locking elements  17 ,  27  is arranged a ramp  51  each, which have a slope sloping outwardly and towards the side. 
         [0061]      FIG. 8  shows a front view of a receiving part  12  for the plug-in lock  10  according to the present invention. The direction of the view corresponds to the perspective view according to  FIG. 1 . Since the first front  46  is designed as mirror-symmetrical to the second front  47 , the explanations of the first front  46  shown apply analogously also to the second front  47 . 
         [0062]    In this exemplary embodiment, a ramp  41  each extends starting from the second locking element  18 ,  28  in a direction facing away from the side with the second positive-locking element  22 . Ramp  41  facilitates a sideways directed insertion of the plug-in part  11  transversely to the longitudinal alignment of the receiving part  12  and in the direction of the side with the contact web  23 . For this, the ramp  41  cooperates with the ramp  51  of the plug-in part  11 , whereby by means of the ramps  41 ,  51  the first locking element  17 ,  27  is moved out of the plug-in part  11  with the inserting motion of the plug-in part  11  directed transversely to the longitudinal alignment of the receiving part  12 . As a result of this, a sliding of the first locking element  17 ,  27  over the second locking element  18 ,  28  is facilitated. As soon as the first locking element  17 ,  27  has completely slid over the second locking element  18 ,  28 , the first locking element  17 ,  27  again moves back into its original starting position. In this case, the first locking element  17 ,  27  meshes with an additional recess  42  designed corresponding to the first locking element  17 ,  27 , respectively. The width of the additional recess  42  is defined by a side of the second locking element  18 ,  28  facing towards the contact web  23  and a side of the contact web  23  facing towards the second locking element  18 ,  28 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 9  shows a first perspective view of the plug-in lock according to the present invention before establishing the connection. To connect the first line element  43  to the plug-in part  11 , the fastening element  34  is inserted into the end  35  of the first line element  43  sewn to a loop  36 . Then, the end  35  with the fastening element  34  is plugged into the fastening mount  50  of the plug-in part  11 . In this case, the fastening element  34  can be fixed in the fastening mount  50  by means of a clip connection. As a result of this, a secure connection of the fastening element  34  and of the first line element  43  to the plug-in part  11  can be established. 
         [0064]    Furthermore, it is recognized that the contact web  23  has an essentially U-shaped cross section, as a result of which the contact web  23  partly embraces the web  40  in the connection to the plug-in part  11 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 10  shows another perspective view of the plug-in lock  10  according to the present invention before establishing the connection. In contrast to  FIG. 9 , the fastening element  34  is inserted and fastened in the fastening mount  50  in this case. 
         [0066]    For establishing the connection of the plug-in part  11  to the receiving part  12 , the plug-in part  11  is arranged on the side next to the receiving part  12 , whereby the first positive-locking element  21  of the plug-in part  11  is located at the level of the second positive-locking element  22  of the receiving part  12 . 
         [0067]    The second positive-locking element  22  has a gap  52 . The gap  52  is used for receiving and guiding at least a part of the webs  19 ,  40 . To establish the connection, the first end  48  of the first positive-locking element  21  is inserted into an opening of the second positive-locking element  22  facing away from the contact web  23  and in the direction of the contact web  23 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 11   a  shows a first cutaway front view of the plug-in lock  10  according to the present invention. The connection of the plug-in part  11  to the receiving part  12  is completely established according to this view. In this case, the raised area  45  protrudes from the side of the receiving part  12  with the contact web  23 . In this exemplary embodiment, the raised area protrudes by approximately 1 mm above the side surface of the receiving part  12 . The second end  49  of the first positive-locking element  21  facing away from the first end  48  is shifted inwardly for forming the depression  37  opposite the side surface of the receiving part  12 . In this exemplary embodiment, the depression  37  is approximately 1 mm deep. 
         [0069]      FIG. 11   b  shows another cutaway front view of the plug-in lock  10  according to the present invention. According to this view, the connection of the plug-in part  11  to the receiving part  12  is incomplete. The first end of the first positive-locking element  21  lines up precisely with the outer side of the receiving part  12  with the contact web  23 . The plug-in part  11  is displaced to the side opposite a secure connection according to  FIG. 11   a  and away from the contact web  23 . In this exemplary embodiment, an inner side of the contact web  23  is spaced apart from the web  40  of the plug-in part  11  by approximately 1 mm. The second end  49  of the first positive-locking element  21  lines up precisely with the side surface of the receiving part  12  facing away from the contact web  23 . In this state, the locking connections  19 ,  25  are not yet completely established or just broken up again, such that a lateral pushing of the plug-in part  11  apart from the receiving part  12  is possible. 
         [0070]    The present invention is explained in detail below on the basis of  FIGS. 1  through  11 : 
         [0071]    If plug-in lock  10  is intended, for example, for an animal tether, a first end of a leash  43  is fastened to the plug-in part  11  with the fastening element  34 . A bite belt or a collar loop for an animal, not shown in detail, is fastened to the receiving part  12  by means of the eyelet  15 . 
         [0072]    For establishing the detachable connection of the plug-in part  11  to the receiving part  12 , the plug-in part  11  is inserted or pushed into the area of the side of the receiving part  12  facing away from the eyelet  15  sideways or transversely to the longitudinal alignment of the receiving part  12 . For this, the side of the plug-in part  11  with the web  40  and with the first end  48  of the first positive-locking element  21  is moved from the side of the receiving part  12  facing away from the contact web  23  in the direction of the side with the contact web  23 . In this case, the first locking elements  17 ,  27  are automatically pressed outwardly because of the ramps  41 ,  51 , such that the first locking elements  17 ,  27  slide over the second locking elements  18 ,  28 . In the locked position, first locking elements  17 ,  27  are received in the respective additional recess  42  and the second locking elements  18 ,  28  in the respective recess  20 , as a result of which the locking connections  13 ,  25  are established. The locking of the first locking element  17 ,  27  in the locked position or the establishing of the locking connections  13 ,  25  is perceptible to the user. Thus, the user receives a corresponding feedback for a correct establishing of the positive-locking connection  14  and/or locking connections  13 ,  25 . The feedback can be embodied by an audible locking and/or by a positioning that is detectable by feel. A feedback detectable by feel is also obtained by a raised area  45  projecting over the side and/or a depression  37 . 
         [0073]    Furthermore, in the locked position, the first positive-locking element  21  is plugged through the second positive-locking element  22 , as a result of which the positive-locking connection  14  is established at the same time. Because of the locking connections  13 ,  25 , an unintentional separation of the positive-locking connection  14  is prevented. For this, the locking connections  13 ,  25  are designed, such that they prevent an unintentional lateral displacement or a movement of the plug-in part  11  transversely to the longitudinal alignment of the receiving part  12  or of the plug-in lock  10  and in the longitudinal direction of the second positive-locking element  22 . 
         [0074]    In case of a load of the plug-in lock  10  because of a tensile force with at least one component in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in lock  10  or in the direction of a tensile force directed from the plug-in part  11  in the direction of the receiving part  12  and/or from the receiving part  12  in the direction of the plug-in part  11 , the tensile force acting on the leash  43  is taken up by the fastening element  34  arranged approximately in the middle in the plug-in lock  10 . In this case, the positive-locking connection  14  is fixed even further because of the self-centering by means of the notches  31  of the first positive-locking element  21  and the projections  32  of the second positive-locking element  22  and/or the self-securing means because of the notches  31  extending behind the projections  32 . 
         [0075]    For detaching the connection of the plug-in lock  10 , first the actuating mechanism  33  is manually actuated. For this, the actuating elements  16 ,  26  are pressed inwardly at the same time, such that the plug-in part  11  can be moved sideways or transversely to the longitudinal alignment of the receiving part  12  in the direction away from the contact web  23 . In this case, the first locking element  17 ,  27  are shifted inwardly, such that they slide under the second locking elements  18 ,  28 . The actuating of the actuating mechanism  33  or the pressing together of the actuating elements  16 ,  26  is carried out with a first hand. With another hand, the raised area  45  and the depression  37  are detectable by feel. For detaching the positive-locking connection  14 , the user is consequently intuitively led to press the raised area  45  laterally into the receiving part  12  and to press the depression  37  laterally out of the receiving part  12 . Consequently, at first the state according to  FIG. 11   b  is reached, in which the locking connections  13 ,  25  are detached and a pushing of the plug-in part  12  out of the receiving part  12  is made possible. Because of the locking connections  13 ,  25  separated in space apart from the positive-locking connection  14 , a two-handed operation thus becomes necessary for separating the connection of the plug-in part  11  from the receiving part  12 , as a result of which the risk of an unintentional separation is considerably reduced. In this case, the operation is designed as being simple to carry out. 
         [0076]    While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 List of Reference Numbers 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 Plug-in lock 
               
               
                 11 
                 Plug-in part 
               
               
                 12 
                 Receiving part 
               
               
                 13 
                 Locking connection 
               
               
                 14 
                 Positive-locking connection 
               
               
                 15 
                 Eyelet 
               
               
                 16 
                 Actuating element 
               
               
                 17 
                 First locking element 
               
               
                 18 
                 Second locking element 
               
               
                 19 
                 Web 
               
               
                 20 
                 Recess 
               
               
                 21 
                 First positive-locking element 
               
               
                 22 
                 Second positive-locking element 
               
               
                 23 
                 Contact web 
               
               
                 24 
                 Contact surface 
               
               
                 25 
                 Locking connection 
               
               
                 26 
                 Actuating element 
               
               
                 27 
                 First locking element 
               
               
                 28 
                 Second locking element 
               
               
                 29 
                 Expansion 
               
               
                 30 
                 Opening 
               
               
                 31 
                 Notch 
               
               
                 32 
                 Projection 
               
               
                 33 
                 Actuating mechanism 
               
               
                 34 
                 Fastening element 
               
               
                 35 
                 Line element end 
               
               
                 36 
                 Loop 
               
               
                 37 
                 Depression 
               
               
                 38 
                 Rotary connector 
               
               
                 39 
                 Edge 
               
               
                 40 
                 Web 
               
               
                 41 
                 Ramp 
               
               
                 42 
                 Additional recess 
               
               
                 43 
                 First line element 
               
               
                 44 
                 Second line element 
               
               
                 45 
                 Raised area 
               
               
                 46 
                 First front 
               
               
                 47 
                 Second front 
               
               
                 48 
                 First end 
               
               
                 49 
                 Second end 
               
               
                 50 
                 Fastening mount 
               
               
                 51 
                 Ramp 
               
               
                 52 
                 Gap