Keeper for portable lock

Abstract

A holder for a portable lock, the portable lock having a lock body, the lock body having a locking mechanism and a spring-loaded button, a holder having at least a first holding portion and a second holding portion, the second holding portion being arranged opposite to the first holding portion relative to a receiving space for the lock body, wherein the first holding portion and the second holding portion are configured to engage around the lock body at a first side of the lock body and a second side arranged opposite to the first side when inserted into the holder along an introduction direction. The holder has a fixing opening at least at the first holding portion, the fixing opening being formed to engage a button of the lock body so as to thereby fix the lock body to prevent unintentional release of the lock body from the holder opposite to the introduction direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a holder for a portable lock having a lock body, the lock body having a locking mechanism and a spring-loaded button. The holder has at least a first holding part and a second holding part, the second holding part being arranged opposite the first holding part relative to a receiving space for the lock body, wherein the first holding part and the second holding part are configured to engage around the lock body at a first side of the lock body and at a second side of the lock body arranged opposite the first side when inserted into the holder along an introduction direction. The invention also relates to a lock system comprising such a holder; and an associated lock. Background Art

[0002] In mobile applications, such a lock can be used to secure an object (e.g. a two-wheeled vehicle, a piece of sports equipment or a piece of luggage) to a stationary object or to secure the object. When not in use, i.e. when the lock does not need its locking function, the associated holder is used to easily and reliably carry the portable lock. For this purpose, the first holding part and the second holding part of the holder can define a receiving space, into which the lock can be inserted.

[0003] During transportation of the lock, for example during riding on a two-wheeled vehicle, it is important that the lock inserted in the holder is not inadvertently released from the holder, for example due to vibrations. For example, DE 20 2005 013 390 U1 discloses a holder for a folding lock in which a tab can be placed over the lock inserted into the holder in order to secure the lock in the receiving space of the holder. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a holder for a portable lock of the kind described, wherein the lock can be easily inserted into the holder and, when not in use, the lock is securely fixed in the holder.

[0005] This object is achieved by a retainer having the features of claim 1 and in particular in that the retainer has a fixing opening at least at the first retaining portion, which is formed to engage a spring-loaded button of the lock body in order to thereby secure the lock body against unintentional release of the lock body from the retainer opposite to the introduction direction.

[0006] Such a retainer can be engaged around a lock body of a portable or mobile lock, whereby the lock is fixed at least in the transverse direction in a receiving space of the retainer delimited by two retaining parts of the retainer. The lock body can be inserted into the receiving space along the introduction direction. In addition, since the retainer has a fixing opening at least in one of the retaining parts, the retainer fixes the lock body to prevent unintentional release relative to the introduction direction, and the spring-loaded button of the lock body engages in the fastening opening. Since the fixing opening is arranged at one of the retaining parts of the retainer, which retaining part engages around the lock body at two mutually opposite sides (in particular without gap), the engagement of the button into the fixing opening can also lead to reliable fixing of the lock body even in the case of a small actuation stroke of the button (the interval between the pressed-in position and the extended position of the button).

[0007] Therefore, the button arranged at the lock body is used to fix the lock in the retainer when not in use.For example, a spring-loaded button can be arranged at the lock body to actuate the locking mechanism and / or the closed ring of the actuation lock.

[0008] In order to be able to remove the locking body from the holder again opposite to the insertion direction, the button of the locking body only needs to be pressed briefly, so that it has to be disengaged from the fastening opening of the holder.

[0009] Therefore, the holder enables a portable lock of the kind described to be inserted into the holder by a simple operation to be securely fixed in the holder, and to be able to be released from the holder again by a simple operation.

[0010] The invention also relates to the use of a holder of the explained kind for securely holding a portable lock having a lock body with a locking mechanism and a spring-loaded button.

[0011] In the following, different embodiments of the present invention will be explained.

[0012] The fixing opening of the holder for the button of the lock body can be closed circumferentially. The fixing opening can be particularly configured to engage around the button in a form-fitting manner. However, this is not absolutely necessary. It is firstly important that the boundaries of the fixing opening form an abutment that prevents a movement of the extension button relative to the introduction direction. The boundaries of the fixing opening arranged opposite to the introduction direction can particularly form an offset edge to prevent a movement of the extension button relative to the introduction direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the retainer may be circumferentially open, wherein the retainer engages around the lock body in particular at three sides (in a plane normal to the introduction direction).For example, the cross section of the retainer may be U-shaped or C-shaped.

[0014] In other embodiments, the retainer may be engaged around the lock body in a circumferentially closed manner. For example, the cross-section of the retainer may be rectangular, oval or O-shaped.

[0015] In some embodiments, the holder can have a further fixing opening at the second holding portion, wherein the two holding portions and the two fixing openings are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical 180 degree arrangement to be able to selectively receive and fix the lock body in one of two possible orientations. Since the user can insert the lock body into the holder in one of the two possible orientations (with respect to the rotation about the axis corresponding to the introduction direction) without having to pay attention to the position of the button, a particularly simple operation is therefore possible.

[0016] In some embodiments, the holder can have an introduction ramp at its end facing the introduction direction, which introduction ramp forms a cross-sectional widening of the holder in order to facilitate the introduction of the lock body into the holder and / or to cause the button to return when the lock body is introduced into the holder. The introduction ramp can be arranged in particular in at least one angular region, which corresponds to the position of the button at the lock body. Such an introduction ramp can be used to temporarily cause the spring-loaded button to overcome its spring preload during the insertion of the lock body into the receiving space of the holder, so that no additional manual actuation of the button is required, and the button can automatically snap into the fixed opening due to its spring preload when reaching the fixed opening.

[0017] In some embodiments, the retainer can be opened in the introduction direction and relative to the introduction direction, wherein the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion define a substantially constant cross-section of the accommodating space for the lock body, so that the lock body can be fixed in the introduction direction and relative to the introduction direction without being accidentally released from the retainer simply by engaging a button of the lock body into the fixing opening.

[0018] In other embodiments, the retainer may be formed to conically contract along the introduction direction to limit the introduction depth of the lock body into the retainer. Alternatively or additionally, the retainer may have a support portion (e.g., a closed base or a partially open base) arranged in the introduction direction to support the lock body inserted into the retainer relative to the introduction direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the holder may have a fastening portion, which includes a fastening channel, which extends transversely to the introduction direction and through which a fastening band for fastening the holder to an object, in particular to a tube section of a two-wheeled vehicle, can be guided. The fastening portion can be arranged in particular outside the accommodation space for the lock body. Alternatively or additionally, the holder may have two fastening openings, through which corresponding fastening screws for fastening the holder to an object, in particular to a tube section of a two-wheeled vehicle, can be guided. The fastening openings can in particular correspond to the typical spacing of the threaded holes of the two-wheeled vehicle frame for bottle holders. Thus, the holder can be fastened to an object, in particular to a tube section of a two-wheeled vehicle, in a simple manner.

[0020] The invention also relates to a lock system comprising: a keeper of the described kind; and a lock having a lock body with a locking mechanism and a spring-loaded button.

[0021] The spring loaded button can protrude above the lock body in the rest position or in the extended state. Thus, a reliable engagement in the fixed opening of the retainer is possible.

[0022] In some embodiments, the button may be preloaded relative to the actuation direction. In this respect, the button may protrude above the side surface of the lock body along the actuation direction and / or the button may define a maximum width of the lock body along the actuation direction. The actuation direction may extend transversely, in particular perpendicularly to the introduction direction.

[0023] As a result of inserting the lock into the receiving space of the holder, the spring-loaded button can, in particular, automatically snap into the fixing opening of the holder when it reaches the fixing opening.

[0024] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a combination locking mechanism, wherein the button may only be actuated to disengage the button from engagement with the securing opening of the holder when the combination locking mechanism is set. Thus, the lock may be indirectly secured (via the button) to prevent unauthorized removal from the holder. The combination locking mechanism may have a plurality of combination setting rings rotatable about a rotation axis.

[0025] In some embodiments, the lock may have a flexible or rigid closed loop including at least one free end that can be locked to the lock body to form a closed loop. For example, the closed loop may include a wire rope, a rigid loop (particularly U-shaped), a coupling rod loop or a chain. The closed loop may have a variable length or a fixed length.

[0026] For example, a spring-loaded button of the lock body can be used to move the locking mechanism to a released position or a locked position, or to release, block or relatively control a closed loop for movement relative to the lock body. The spring-loaded button of the lock body can also be used to control the locking mechanism or another function in an electronic portable lock (e.g., a portable two-wheeled vehicle lock having an electric motor for an electromechanical locking mechanism). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention will now be explained by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figures 1 to 4 Shown is a perspective view from the upper left corner, a perspective view from the lower right corner, a side view from the right, and a plan view of the retainer;

[0029] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It shows that it is possible to Figures 1 to 4 A portable lock that can be held and transported by a retainer; and

[0030] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Another portable lock is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figures 1 to 4 A retainer 11 is shown for temporarily retaining a lock 31, such as Figure 5 and 6 , which can be inserted into the holder 11 along the introduction direction E. Such a lock 31 has a lock body 33 with a locking mechanism 35 and a spring-loaded button 37. Due to its preload, the button 37 protrudes above the side surface of the lock body 33 in the rest position and can be pressed against the preload in the direction of the lock body 33 along an actuation direction B, which extends transversely to the introduction direction E. In addition, such a lock 31 can have a closed ring 39, which can be locked to the lock body 33 in the closed position by means of the locking mechanism 35 and can be moved in the release position of the locking mechanism 35 into an open position, in which at least one end of the closed ring 39 can be released from the lock body 33.

[0032] In accordance with Figure 5 and Figure 6In an embodiment of the invention, the closing ring 39 is constructed as a steel wire rope which can be pulled out of the lock body 33 against the force of a spring and has a bolt 41 at its free end which can be locked to the lock body 33, such as known from US D862198 S or US 4896517. The locking mechanism 35 has a combined locking mechanism 43 with a plurality of rotatable combination setting rings 45. Here, a spring-loaded button 37 is used to pull the closing ring 39 back into the lock body 33 by means of a spring force. Another spring-loaded button 47 of the lock body 33 is used to move the locking mechanism 35 to the release position. The two buttons 37, 47 can only be activated when the combination is set at the combination setting ring 45.

[0033] The holder 11 is generally sleeve-shaped, with a circumferentially closed, substantially rectangular cross section (with rounded corners) and with an open end in and opposite the introduction direction E. The holder 11 has a first holding portion 13 and a second holding portion 15, which is arranged radially opposite the first holding portion 13 with respect to a receiving space 17 for a lock body 33. The first holding portion 13 and the second holding portion 15 are configured to engage substantially without play around the lock body 33 at two mutually opposite sides of the lock body 33 with respect to the actuation direction B, the lock body 33 being inserted into the receiving space 17 along the introduction direction E. In the two holding portions 13, 15, the holder 11 has respective fixing openings 19, 21, which are formed to form-fittingly engage a spring-loaded button 37 of the lock body 33 in its rest position, the locking button 37 protruding from the lock body 33, in order thereby to fix the lock body 33 against unintentional release from the holder 11 opposite to the introduction direction E.

[0034] At its end arranged opposite the introduction direction E, the holder 11 has in each case two introduction ramps 23 in the angular region corresponding to the fixing openings 19, 21 (with respect to the introduction direction E). On its rear side, the holder 11 has a fastening section 25 with a fastening channel 27 which extends transversely to the introduction direction E and through which a fastening strap (not shown) for fastening the holder 11 to a tube section of a two-wheeled vehicle can be guided.

[0035] Thus, the spring-loaded button 37 of the lock body 33 serves to secure the lock 31 in the holder 11 when not in use. Optionally, the button 47 can also be used for this purpose (with a corresponding position and shape of the fixing openings 19, 21). In order to be able to remove the lock body 33 from the holder 11 relative to the introduction direction E again, the button 37 or 47 of the lock body 33 only needs to be simply pressed and thereby disengaged from the fixing openings 19, 21 of the holder 11.

[0036] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Another portable lock 31 is shown, which has a lock body 33 with a locking mechanism 35 and a spring-loaded button 37 for actuating the locking mechanism 35, such as is known from US D657657 S or EP 2019178B1. Such a lock 31 is also known as a folding lock or connecting rod lock and has a flexible closed ring in the form of a connecting rod ring. Figures 1 to 4 A similar holder 11 as shown (with an adapted cross-sectional shape) can accommodate a Figure 7 and Figure 8 A lock of the type shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the button 37 is used to secure the lock 31 in the holder 11 by engaging in one of the securing openings 19 , 21 .

[0037] Description of Reference Numerals

[0038] 11 Retainer

[0039] 13. Keep part

[0040] 15 Keep part

[0041] 17 Accommodation Space

[0042] 19 Fixed opening

[0043] 21 Fixed opening

[0044] 23 Lead-in ramp

[0045] 25 Fastening part

[0046] 27 Fastening channel

[0047] 31 Lock

[0048] 33 Lock body

[0049] 35 Locking mechanism

[0050] 37 Buttons

[0051] 39 closed loop

[0052] 41 Bolt

[0053] 43 Combination locking mechanism

[0054] 45 Password setting ring

[0055] 47 Buttons

[0056] B Actuation direction

[0057] E Import direction

Claims

1. A holder (11) for a portable lock (31), the portable lock (31) having a lock body (33), the lock body (33) having a locking mechanism (35) and a spring-loaded button (37), in, The retainer (11) is configured to receive the lock body (33) by insertion along an introduction direction (E) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the retainer, The retainer (11) comprises at least a first retaining portion (13) and a second retaining portion (15), the second retaining portion (15) being arranged opposite to the first retaining portion (13) relative to a receiving space (17) for the lock body (33), wherein when the lock body (33) is inserted into the retainer (11) along the introduction direction, the first retaining portion (13) and the second retaining portion (15) are configured to engage around the lock body (33) on a first side of the lock body (33) and a second side arranged opposite to the first side in a direction transverse to the introduction direction (E), The retainer (11) has a fixing opening (19) at least at the first retaining portion (13), the fixing opening (19) being formed to engage the spring-loaded button (37) of the lock body (33) so as to thereby fix the lock body (33) to prevent unintentional release of the lock body from the retainer (11) relative to the introduction direction (E).

2. The holder (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing opening (19) is circumferentially closed.

3. The holder (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer (11) is circumferentially open.

4. The holder (11) according to claim 3, wherein: The retainer (11) engages around the lock body (33) on three sides.

5. The holder (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer (11) is engaged in a circumferentially closed manner around the lock body (33).

6. The holder (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer (11) has a further fixing opening (21) at the second retaining portion (15), wherein the two retaining portions (13, 15) and the two fixing openings (19, 21) are arranged in a 180 degree rotationally symmetrical arrangement, so that the retainer (11) can selectively accommodate and fix the lock body (33) in one of two possible orientations.

7. The holder (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The holder (11) has an introduction ramp (23) at the end facing the introduction direction (E), the introduction ramp (23) forming a cross-sectional widening of the holder (11) to facilitate the introduction of the lock body (33) into the holder (11) and / or to cause the spring-loaded button (37) to return when the lock body (33) is introduced into the holder (11).

8. The holder (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer (11) opens in the introduction direction (E) and opposite to the introduction direction (E), wherein the first retaining portion (13) and the second retaining portion (15) define a substantially constant cross-section of the accommodation space (17) for the lock body (33), so that the lock body (33) is secured only by engaging the spring-loaded button (37) of the lock in the securing opening (19), preventing unintentional release from the retainer (11) in the introduction direction (E) and opposite to the introduction direction (E).

9. The holder (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer (11) is formed to taper conically along the introduction direction (E) to limit the insertion depth of the lock body (33) into the retainer (11).

10. The holder (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer (11) has a supporting portion, which is arranged in the introduction direction (E) to support the lock body (33) inserted into the retainer (11) relative to the introduction direction (E).

11. The holder (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer (11) has a fastening portion (25), which includes a fastening channel (27), which extends transversely to the introduction direction (E) and through which a fastening belt for fastening the retainer (11) to an object can be guided.

12. The holder (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The holder (11) has two fastening openings through which corresponding fastening screws for fastening the holder (11) to an object can be introduced.

13. A locking system comprising: A holder (11) according to any one of the preceding claims; and a lock (31) having a lock body (33) having a locking mechanism (35) and a spring-loaded button (37) for actuating the locking mechanism (35).

14. The locking system of claim 13, wherein: The spring loaded button (37) protrudes above the lock body (33) in the rest position.

15. The lock system of claim 13, wherein: The spring-loaded button (37) is preloaded relative to an actuation direction (B), wherein the spring-loaded button (37) protrudes above a side surface of the lock body (33) along the actuation direction (B).

16. The lock system of claim 13, wherein: The spring loaded button (37) is preloaded relative to the actuation direction (B), wherein the spring loaded button (37) defines a maximum width of the lock body (33) along the actuation direction (B).

17. The lock system of claim 13, wherein: The locking mechanism (35) includes a combination locking mechanism (43) configured so that the spring-loaded button (37) can be actuated only when a combination is set at the combination locking mechanism (43) to disengage the spring-loaded button (37) from engagement with the fixed opening (19) of the retainer (11).

18. The lock system of claim 13, wherein: The lock (31) has a flexible or rigid closed loop (39) comprising at least one free end which can be locked to the lock body (33) to form a closed loop.

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