Luggage lock

Abstract

A luggage lock for securing a piece of luggage, non-destructively openable by a safety mechanism, the luggage lock having a combination locking mechanism at which a digital code can be manually set to selectively lock a secured portion of the luggage relative to the luggage lock, or to release the secured portion and allow the luggage to be opened. The fixed portion can be released by setting a digital code corresponding to a release code that can be changed by an owner of the piece of luggage, and can be locked by setting a digital code that does not correspond to the release code. Further, the luggage lock includes an identification device that provides a lock identifier individually associated with the luggage lock.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a luggage lock for securing luggage pieces, the luggage lock being capable of being opened non-destructively by a security mechanism and having a combination locking mechanism with a manually settable digital code. Background Art

[0002] The fixed portion of the luggage piece can be selectively locked relative to the luggage lock by the combination locking mechanism to fix the closed state of the luggage piece, or released to enable the luggage piece to be opened. The fixed portion of the luggage piece can be released by setting a numerical code corresponding to the release code at the combination locking mechanism, and the fixed portion of the luggage piece can be locked by setting a numerical code not corresponding to the release code at the combination locking mechanism.

[0003] Such luggage locks may generally be arranged to secure a piece of luggage, in particular to prevent unauthorized access to items carried in the piece of luggage. However, in addition to preventing theft, luggage locks may also be used to protect the piece of luggage from the subsequent addition of prohibited substances and / or items, such as smuggled goods or drugs, which may have been added to the piece of luggage by an unauthorized third party who, at unattended moments and / or after check-in at the airport counter, intends to transport the items in the piece of luggage to the destination airport or stopover and to remove them again at the destination airport or stopover. However, if such items are detected in the piece of luggage, the owner of the piece of luggage will generally find it difficult to exonerate himself from suspicion of having originally carried the items.

[0004] While luggage locks can be used on the one hand to ensure the security of items carried in a piece of luggage, it is particularly necessary in air travel to prevent prohibited and / or dangerous substances or items from being carried in checked luggage, in particular explosives or drugs. Therefore, a piece of checked luggage may need to be opened and checked by a security agency in the absence of the owner of the piece of luggage in order to be able to detect such items or substances. In this context, a security agency may be understood in particular as an authority or a security service provider, in particular a state-authorized security service provider.

[0005] However, in order to enable the security agency to also check the luggage locked by the luggage lock without opening the luggage lock for this purpose, it is necessary to provide the security agency with the possibility of opening such luggage locks without destruction. So far, this problem has been solved by additionally providing a further locking mechanism for luggage locks with a combination locking mechanism, which can be opened by a corresponding special key from a predetermined selection of special keys, wherein these keys are made available to security agency personnel. Such luggage locks, which the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guarantees non-destructive opening and can therefore be specially marked and designated as TSA locks, are known, for example, from US 8 875 552 B2, WO 2021 / 129042 A1, US 2019 / 0055753A1 and US2017 / 0073999A1.

[0006] However, in order for the security agencies to be able to quickly open the luggage locks, the corresponding special keys used at the luggage locks need to be clearly marked, of which only a limited number of eight different special keys are currently available, and each TSA lock must therefore be opened using one of these eight special keys. However, this limits the security against manipulation of such luggage locks, since unauthorized persons may also gain access to a plurality of luggage locks by counterfeiting one or more of the special keys used by the security agencies or by stealing such special keys. In addition, since the special key to be used is indicated on the luggage locks, any theft or manipulation attempt can be carried out quickly and inconspicuously, so that bystanders are bound to have the impression that the authorized owner is using the intended key to open the luggage lock.

[0007] Therefore, the security of a piece of luggage locked by such a luggage lock may not be ensured to the desired degree, and besides, since subsequent access to the piece of luggage seems impossible given that the luggage is secured by an intact luggage lock, it may be difficult for the owner of the piece of luggage to absolve himself of the unwarranted suspicion that he initially carried any prohibited items found in the piece of luggage, which were only added subsequently and not by the owner. However, this also ultimately requires security agencies to expend a lot of effort in prosecuting innocent people.

[0008] Therefore, one object of the present application is to provide a luggage lock that can be opened by a security agency without destruction, the luggage lock having a combination locking mechanism and providing the security agency's staff with a convenient possibility of non-destructive opening during an inspection while providing a high level of security against unauthorized opening attempts. Summary of the invention

[0009] This object is achieved by a luggage lock having the features of claim 1 .

[0010] Using the luggage lock, the owner of the luggage piece can change the release code. The luggage lock also has an identification device that provides a lock identifier that is individually associated with the luggage lock and can be read in a contactless manner.

[0011] Thus, by setting a release code or adjusting the release code, the luggage lock can be easily and conveniently locked or unlocked, thereby locking or releasing the fixed part of the luggage piece relative to the luggage lock. For example, the fixed part of the luggage piece can be a movable handle of a zipper, which can be selectively locked relative to the luggage lock to prevent the zipper from opening. For this purpose, the luggage lock can, for example, be fastened to the luggage body of the luggage piece, and the luggage lock has a lock body, into which one or more handles of the zipper can be introduced so as to be able to lock at the lock body. However, as an alternative to fastening the luggage lock to the luggage piece, the luggage lock can be releasable from the luggage lock and can, for example, have a rigid U-shaped hoop, by which two handles of the zipper can be connected to each other, so that the zipper can be prevented from opening by locking the U-shaped hoop to the lock body of the luggage lock.

[0012] In addition, the fixed part of the luggage piece can be, for example, an engagement strip of a buckle closure, which can be arranged at one container part of the luggage body and can engage with a buckle arranged at another container part of the luggage body at the back to connect the container parts to each other and close the luggage body. In order to lock the engagement strip relative to the luggage lock, the movement of a buckle arranged at the buckle can be specifically blocked so that the engagement strip can no longer move relative to the buckle, and the engagement of the buckle on the engagement strip can be released by the buckle. In such an embodiment, the luggage lock can be specifically integrated into the buckle of the luggage piece.

[0013] In addition, the fixing part can be formed, for example, by a stationary hoop at the locking environment of the luggage piece and a bolt, which can be arranged, for example, at the container part of the luggage body of the luggage piece, and by closing the luggage piece, it can be introduced into the introduction opening of another container part so that it can be locked there by the luggage lock. Likewise, for this purpose, the luggage lock can be arranged specifically at another container part and / or integrated into another container part.

[0014] Generally speaking, the luggage lock or parts of the luggage lock on the one hand and the fixing part of the luggage piece on the other hand can be moved relative to each other when the fixing part is released.

[0015] Therefore, the luggage lock can conveniently secure or release the closed state of the luggage piece only by manually setting or adjusting the release code, without, for example, a key to actuate the lock. However, unlike conventional TSA locks, no additional locking mechanism actuated by a special key, in particular, an additional mechanical locking mechanism by which the staff of the security agency can open the luggage lock, is provided. Instead, a luggage lock in the form of a combination locking mechanism may have only a single locking mechanism, by which the fixed part of the luggage piece can be selectively locked or released relative to the luggage lock.

[0016] However, in order to enable the security agency to open the luggage lock non-destructively, the luggage lock has an identification device that provides a lock identifier by which the luggage lock can be uniquely identified. This enables the owner of the luggage lock to store a data pair including the lock identifier and the release code in a database readable by the security agency before the start of the journey, so that the staff of the security agency can read the release code associated with the lock identifier from the database after reading the identification device, and can open the luggage lock by setting the release code at the combination locking mechanism. In this regard, the staff of the security agency can open the luggage lock non-destructively by actuating the combination locking mechanism that is also available to the owner, without providing the security agency with a separate locking mechanism that can usually become a point of manipulation attack.

[0017] Since the lock identifier can be read in a contactless manner, in particular a machine reading of the lock identifier can also be made possible, for example an optical code, such as a QR code, a quick response code, can be scanned by a transmission device, in particular a camera of a smartphone of a security agency employee, and a release code can be retrieved from a database by a corresponding application. The release code can then be transmitted to the transmission device and displayed there, so that the employee can open the luggage lock. Alternatively, however, the lock identifier can also be visibly displayed on the outside of the luggage lock, for example in the form of a numerical sequence and / or a letter sequence, so that, for example, a security agency employee can read the lock identifier and enter it into the transmission device, in particular a smartphone, in order to subsequently request a release code.

[0018] Although the security agency can thus be provided with the convenient possibility of opening the luggage lock in a non-destructive manner, since the release code is changeable, the owner of the luggage lock can, for example, ensure that the security agency is only allowed to access the luggage piece during the journey. For example, the owner can change the release code after receiving the luggage piece, so that the luggage piece cannot be opened by a person who has unauthorized access to the database after the owner has received it. Such unauthorized access to the database is ultimately equivalent to copying a TSA key in the previous solution, in which, in contrast to the previous solution, the owner can prevent the possibility of opening the luggage lock in a non-destructive manner provided to the security agency by unauthorized use by changing the release code.

[0019] Before embarking on a further journey, the owner can, for example, transmit the changed release code again to the database and associate it with the lock identifier or reset it to the initial release code, so that the security agency staff can access the luggage piece again during the journey. However, the owner of the luggage lock can usually also keep the release code unchanged and accept that the security agency staff who can read the database can permanently open the luggage lock.

[0020] The basic operation of the combination locking mechanism is known to a person skilled in the art, for example from US 8 596 103 B2, EP 1 256 673 A1 and DE 10 2020 114 042 A1, the contents of which are incorporated into the present application with respect to the operation of the combination locking mechanism. The operation of the combination locking mechanism is also apparent from the already mentioned documents regarding TSA locks US 8 875 552 B2, WO 2021 / 129942 A1, US 2019 / 0055753 A1 and US 2017 / 0073999 A1, so reference is also made thereto and a detailed description of the operation of the combination locking mechanism is not repeated here.

[0021] The lock identifier individually associated with the luggage lock may, with respect to the present application, be specifically actually associated with the luggage lock and / or may be generated, for example, by the manufacturer of the luggage lock and stored or attached to the identification device. In addition, in some embodiments, the lock identifier may specifically be unchangeable. Thus, the lock identifier may be permanently and unalterably associated with the luggage lock, while the opening code and / or the release code may be changeable where applicable, as will be explained in more detail below. In addition, the lock identifier may specifically be associated with the luggage lock already at the point in time when the luggage lock is delivered by the luggage manufacturer, so that the lock identifier may specifically not be generated subsequently (after delivery) or selectively, in particular neither by the owner of the luggage lock nor by a security mechanism intended to be able to open the luggage lock without destruction.

[0022] Where a lock identifier is mentioned in the present application, the lock identifier is generally to be understood as being individually associated with a luggage lock in order to facilitate identification of the luggage lock.

[0023] Further embodiments are explained in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0024] In some embodiments, the lock identifier may be machine readable via a mobile transmission device, such as a smartphone.

[0025] For example, the lock identifier can be provided on the outside of the luggage lock in an optically readable form, so that the lock identifier can be scanned by a camera of a smartphone or other transmission device, without the need for manual input of the lock identifier. Thus, the staff of the security agency only needs to bring the transmission device, in particular a smartphone, near the luggage lock to be able to contactlessly machine-read the lock identifier and transmit the lock identifier to the database of the security agency, and then the associated release code can be transmitted to the transmission device and displayed at the transmission device. The staff can then set the release code on the combination locking mechanism and directly open the luggage lock by the same combination locking mechanism also available to the owner and by the release code stored by the owner in the database. In the same way, the owner can also conveniently machine-read the lock identifier, for example by means of a transmission device and / or a smartphone, in order to subsequently transmit the lock identifier together with the release code to the database. As an alternative to optical reading, in some embodiments, the contactless machine-readable lock identifier can also be read by a radio connection, as explained in more detail below.

[0026] However, as an alternative or in addition to a machine-readable lock identifier, in some embodiments the luggage lock may also have a visually readable lock identifier, which may, for example, comprise a numerical sequence. In such an embodiment, it may be provided in particular that the staff of the security agency enters the read lock identifier at the transmission device, for example via a touch screen, and then transmits the lock identifier to the database in order to be able to request the associated release code. The owner of the luggage lock may also read the lock identifier in this way and enter it into the transmission device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lock identifier may include an optically readable one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical code.

[0028] For example, a barcode or QR code (Quick Response) code can be attached to the outside of the luggage lock and can be scanned, in particular by a smartphone camera, and thus read by a contactless machine. Thus, the security agency staff only needs to control the mobile transmission device, in particular a smartphone, for example via an app, to read the externally visible lock identifier in order to be able to immediately request a release code from the security agency's database.

[0029] In some embodiments, the lock identifier may be formed at the luggage lock by laser engraving. Applying the lock identifier by laser engraving may specifically provide improved protection of the lock identifier from damage and / or alteration compared to, for example, adhesive bonding or printing that may be provided alternatively. For example, such a lock identifier may be formed on the outside of the housing of the luggage lock.

[0030] In some embodiments, the optically readable code may be covered by a protective window. Such a protective window may in particular protect the lock identifier from damage and / or alteration. It can thereby be achieved that the lock identifier of the luggage lock can be reliably read over a long period of time, so as to be able to realize the function of the luggage lock for securing the luggage piece on the one hand, and to realize non-destructive opening by reading the lock identification code over a long period of time and requesting the associated release code on the other hand. Such a protective window may in particular cover a one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical code formed by laser engraving on the outer side of the luggage lock and / or a printed or glued one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical code.

[0031] In some embodiments, the lock identifier can be read via a radio connection. In such an embodiment, the lock identifier can be provided in particular as a wirelessly detectable electronic code, which can be read by establishing a radio connection between a mobile transmission device, in particular a smartphone, and the luggage lock. For example, in some embodiments, the lock identifier can be read via an RFID (radio frequency identification) connection, in particular an NFC (near field communication) connection or a Bluetooth connection. The lock identifier can be read in particular via a relatively short-range radio connection, such as an NFC or Bluetooth connection, so that the lock identifier can only be read by a transmission device located in the immediate vicinity of the luggage lock. It can thereby be ensured that a person standing at a certain distance from the luggage lock or the luggage piece cannot read the lock identifier and that it is not possible to read a release code from a database in order to be able to open the luggage piece later without authorization.

[0032] In some embodiments, the identification device may include an active or passive transponder for storing and transmitting the lock identifier.

[0033] For example, a luggage lock can have an NFC tag as a passive transponder, in which the lock identifier is provided. The passive transponder can be activated in particular by electrical energy provided wirelessly via a transmission device, in particular a smartphone, and can be controlled to transmit the lock identifier without a separate power supply for powering the transponder being integrated into the luggage lock for this purpose. Such a passive transponder can be configured in particular to transmit the lock identifier over a short distance and, for example, over an NFC (Near Field Communication) connection.

[0034] In contrast, an active transponder, for example another RFID tag, can have its own energy source in order to be able to transmit the lock identifier over a greater range than a passive transponder. However, even with such an active transponder, it can be provided that the energy source is only activated when an electrical signal is received via the radio connection in order to avoid sometimes unnecessary energy consumption when the lock identifier is not requested. Thus, an active transponder can also be implemented by providing only a relatively small amount of electrical energy.

[0035] Passive transponders such as NFC tags and active transponders such as RFID tags can in particular have a memory in which the lock identifier can be stored. This can in particular be done by the manufacturer of the lock. In addition, such transponders can usually also be provided with a writable memory, for example, to be able to record an opening attempt in a luggage lock, as will be explained below.

[0036] In some embodiments, the transponder can be embedded in the housing of the luggage lock. The transponder can be embedded in a plastic housing of the luggage lock, which can, for example, form an outer housing or shell of the luggage lock and can surround an inner metal housing of the luggage lock. Protection of the transponder from external influences can thus be achieved in particular by a simultaneously reliable radio connection.

[0037] In some embodiments, the luggage lock can have a memory for storing the lock identifier. The memory can specifically be the memory of the aforementioned transponder, so that no separate energy source and / or interface for the memory is required. Alternatively, however, a separate memory, such as a non-volatile semiconductor memory and / or an EEPROM, can also be provided, which is connected to the radio module and the control device to enable the lock identifier to be read.

[0038] In some embodiments, the memory can be configured to store information about a query of the lock identifier, in particular the last query that occurred. In particular, the memory can also be configured to record in the memory information about the time point of the query of the lock identifier and / or information about the mobile transmission device, such as the device identification, sent by the mobile transmission device. In this regard, for example, in an application for reading the lock identifier, it can be provided that the information about the query time point and / or the device identification is always transmitted during the request of the lock identifier. Depending on the memory capacity of the memory, in particular the corresponding last query or a plurality of last queries of the lock identifier can be recorded.

[0039] Since this information, in particular the lookup of the lock identifier, can be stored in the memory of the luggage lock, the user can track after receiving the luggage whether the lock identifier has been read during the journey, thereby achieving the requirement of being able to read the relevant release code from the database. In this regard, the owner of the luggage lock can be provided with information or at least an indication as to whether the luggage lock or the luggage piece has been opened by a member of staff of a security agency during the journey. In addition, such a document enables the owner to prove, for example, that after handing over the luggage piece to the check-in counter, the lock identifier was read and that the luggage piece was therefore at least possibly opened, in order to exempt himself from the suspicion of having originally carried any prohibited items and / or substances. The recording of further information, such as the time of the reading, the device identification of the reading transmission device and / or also information about the location where the lock identifier was read, may in this case also help to clarify who was involved in the addition of items or substances.

[0040] In addition, the documentation of a possible opening process, for example as a record of a request for a release code from a database, can usually also take place in the database of the security agency, in particular to enable the security agency to track the checks that have been carried out. However, due to the special additional recording of the lock identifier query in the memory of the luggage lock, it can be ensured that the opening process can also be tracked in the event of a possible manipulation of the database, so that the owner can in particular provide the luggage lock with proof of a subsequent opening process independently of the corresponding documentation of the security agency.

[0041] In some embodiments, the luggage lock may be of purely mechanical design, in particular with regard to the possibility of locking and releasing the fixed part. A purely mechanical luggage lock may in particular not have an energy source for powering the components of the locking mechanism; instead, the locking or releasing of the fixed part may be performed purely mechanically. Thus, the luggage lock may in particular not have an electromechanical locking mechanism.

[0042] In addition, regarding the locking and releasing of the fixed part, the luggage lock may have a combination locking mechanism alone, so that, in particular, the locked fixed part can be released only by setting a release code. In addition, the luggage lock may not have a locking mechanism actuated by a key. Instead, only a combination locking mechanism may be provided to selectively lock or release the fixed part of the luggage piece, and may be actuated by both the owner and the staff of the security agency to selectively open or lock the luggage lock. Therefore, in particular, a separate locking mechanism may not be provided for the security agency.

[0043] However, in some embodiments, the luggage lock may have another mechanical locking mechanism actuated by a TSA key in addition to the combination locking mechanism. For example, such a luggage lock may be opened non-destructively by a security agency not participating in the TSA system by reading a release code from a database after identifying the luggage lock, while a security agency that wishes to use the existing TSA system may open the luggage lock using an associated TSA key.

[0044] In addition, luggage locks can generally be designed without any power source (passive embodiment) or can only have a radio-chargeable power source, such as a radio-chargeable power source of a passive transponder (quasi-passive embodiment). In such a quasi-passive embodiment, the transponder that can be excited by electromagnetic radiation can in particular have a small energy source, such as a capacitor, which can be charged by the received radiation, so as to enable, for example, a short-range transmission of the lock identifier. In addition, luggage locks can generally have an active transponder, such as an RFID tag, which has a small independent energy source capable of transmitting the lock identifier, wherein even in such an embodiment, the use of electrical energy can be limited to providing the lock identifier and / or recording the request for the lock identifier, while the locking and releasing of the fixed part can be carried out purely mechanically. However, the memory of the passive transponder is generally also writable.

[0045] The luggage lock may also have a lock body into which the fixed part of the luggage piece may be introduced to be locked. In addition, in some embodiments, the luggage lock may have a hoop that can be locked to the lock body so that the fixed part of the luggage piece, such as a movable handle of a zipper, can be locked relative to the luggage lock by the hoop or released from the luggage lock.

[0046] The combined locking mechanism may have a latch to be able to lock or release the fixing part directly or indirectly, for example by blocking the catch. Such a latch may, for example, be preloaded in the direction of the locking position to be able to automatically hold the fixing part after introduction into the lock environment and / or the lock body of the luggage lock, without first having to manually move the latch into the locking position.

[0047] In addition, in some embodiments, the combination locking mechanism may include a plurality of rotatable code rings for setting the digital code, such as three code rings or four code rings. In this regard, the code rings may be arranged coaxially with each other, or have parallel offset rotation axes. In addition, the release code may specifically include a digital sequence.

[0048] The possibilities of designing such a combined locking mechanism, in particular of a rotatable code ring with a coaxial or parallel arrangement of the axes of rotation, are generally known to the person skilled in the art and therefore do not need to be described in detail here.

[0049] The present application also relates to a luggage piece, comprising: a luggage body having a fixing portion; a first container portion and a second container portion movable relative to the first container portion between an open position and a closed position; and a luggage lock of the type explained above. The second container portion enables access to the interior space of the luggage body in the open position and prevents access in the closed position. The second container portion can also be fixed in the closed position by locking the fixing portion.

[0050] The fixing part can be arranged in particular at the first container part or at the second container part, wherein the luggage lock can be arranged in particular at the respective other container part. By locking the fixing part relative to the luggage lock, the second container part can therefore also be locked relative to the first container part and can thereby be fixed in the closed position. In addition, however, it can be provided that the two container parts can be fixed to each other by a luggage lock that can be released from the luggage piece. For example, the two container parts can be connected to each other by a zipper, wherein in particular the movable handle of such a zipper can be connected to each other by a hoop of a luggage lock that can be released from the luggage piece, and the hoop can be locked to the lock body so as to block the opening of the zipper and thereby fix the second container part to the first container part.

[0051] Since the luggage lock of such a piece of luggage can be identified by reading the lock identifier from the identification device, the staff can request a release code associated with the luggage lock after reading the lock identifier and store the release code in a database so that the luggage lock can be opened non-destructively during the inspection by setting the release code and the second container part can be moved to the open position. After such an inspection, the second container part can be moved again to the closed position and secured by adjusting the release code, so that the original securing of the piece of luggage can be easily restored after the inspection.

[0052] In addition, a piece of luggage with such a luggage lock is designed so that it can ultimately also be individually identified by reading the lock identifier. This can also be used, for example, independently of a possible transmission of a release code to a database of a security agency, for example during luggage tracking, since the lock identifier can be read, for example, via a radio connection, for example an RFID connection, the various points at which the luggage is delivered can be registered and the piece of luggage can thus be tracked. In addition, the lock identifier can be read, for example, when leaving an airport or a baggage claim hall in order to be able to track whether the piece of luggage has left such a location, thereby enabling investigations, for example, into theft or accidental removal of luggage. In addition, the owner of a stolen piece of luggage can, for example, report the loss of the piece of luggage to a security agency, wherein the piece of luggage can be found, for example, as a result of reading the lock identifier during a subsequent check-in of the piece of luggage by an unauthorized person.

[0053] In this respect, the present application also relates to a piece of luggage which, independently of providing a luggage lock which can be opened non-destructively by a security mechanism, has a locking mechanism by means of which a fixed part of the piece of luggage can be selectively locked or released relative to the luggage lock, and the luggage lock has an identification device which provides a contactless machine-readable lock identifier. In this respect, the lock identifier can in particular be read via a radio connection, as already explained above, wherein an optical reading can also be provided. In addition, such a luggage lock can in particular have a combination locking mechanism, wherein, however, since the above-mentioned luggage tracking possibility can generally be realized independently of the locking mechanism used, other locking mechanisms can generally also be provided, for example a locking mechanism equipped with a lock cylinder actuated by a mechanical key or an electromechanical locking mechanism.

[0054] In some embodiments, the luggage piece may have a luggage closure configured to hold the second container portion in a closed position, wherein the combination locking mechanism may be arranged at the luggage piece body and the securing portion may be arranged at the luggage closure, or the securing portion may be arranged at the luggage piece body and the combination locking mechanism may be arranged at the luggage closure.

[0055] For example, the luggage closure may be a buckle or a zipper, wherein the two container parts may be held together by closing such a buckle or by closing the zipper. However, the buckle or zipper may usually remain free to be opened manually by merely closing, so that the second container part may be fixed in the closed position only by locking the fixing part.

[0056] In an embodiment of a luggage piece with a buckle, it can be provided, for example, that the buckle engages behind an engagement strip provided at the luggage piece body in order to hold the two container parts together. A combined locking mechanism can be integrated in particular into the buckle in order to be able to selectively lock the buckle, by means of which the engagement with the engagement strip can be released when the buckle is not locked. On the other hand, in the case of a zipper, the fixing part can be formed, for example, by one or two handles of the zipper, wherein the handles can, for example, be introduced into a lock body of a luggage lock fastened to the lock body and locked at the lock body. Alternatively, however, the luggage lock can also be configured, for example, as a releasable padlock, in particular with a U-shaped hoop, so that, for example, the two handles of the zipper can be connected to each other by the hoop and the two handles can be fixed to each other by locking the hoop to the lock body of the luggage lock.

[0057] In addition, in the case where the luggage lock is integrated into or fastened to the luggage piece, it can also be provided that the lock identifier is attached to the luggage body, for example as a QR code, so that the luggage lock can ultimately be identified by the luggage piece. Regardless of whether the lock identifier is attached to the luggage lock or to the luggage body, the identification of the luggage lock and the luggage piece can be carried out by the lock identifier, so that the luggage piece can be associated with a specific owner.

[0058] The present application also relates to a method for providing a security mechanism with a release code for opening a luggage lock, the luggage lock having a combination locking mechanism at which a numerical code can be manually set, in particular a luggage lock of the type described herein and / or a luggage lock for a piece of luggage of the type described herein. The method comprises the following steps:

[0059] - transmitting a lock identifier individually associated with the luggage lock to a database; and

[0060] – The release code associated with the combination locking mechanism is transmitted to a database.

[0061] These steps and the further method steps described below can be performed in particular by the owner of the luggage lock. Since the owner can transmit the data pair of the lock identifier and the associated release code to the database, the staff of the security agency can usually read the release code from the database after identifying the luggage lock, so that the staff can open the luggage lock non-destructively by setting the release code. On the other hand, no separate locking mechanism is required to enable the security agency to open the luggage lock without destruction. The transmission of the data pair and in particular the release code can be performed by the owner, in particular before the start of the journey, wherein the release code can be changed again by the owner of the luggage lock, for example, after the subsequent receipt of the luggage piece, in order to ensure that the security agency or other persons who may have unauthorized access to the database are only allowed to open the luggage during the journey.

[0062] In some embodiments, the lock identifier and the release code can be transmitted to a database readable by a security agency, in particular a security agency responsible for performing luggage inspection at an airport. In this regard, by transmitting the data pair of lock identifier and release code, the security agency can be selectively provided with the possibility of non-destructively opening the luggage lock in the event that inspection and access to the luggage piece is necessary.

[0063] In some embodiments, the lock identifier and the release code may be transmitted to the database via a wireless connection by a mobile transmission device, in particular a smartphone.

[0064] For example, it can be provided that the owner scans an optically readable lock identifier by means of a smartphone or its camera, or reads a lock identifier that can be read via a radio connection, for example from an NFC tag or another RFID tag of the luggage lock. This can be done, for example, by calling up an application installed on the transmission device or smartphone and selecting a corresponding function. The owner can then manually enter the release code of the selected combination locking mechanism, specifically similar to the application mentioned, and for example as a sequence of numbers, and by means of a corresponding command, the data pair of lock identifier and release code can be transmitted to a database via a wireless connection. For this purpose, a WLAN / WiFi connection or a mobile radio connection can be provided in particular. As an alternative, it can also be provided that the owner manually enters the lock identifier as a sequence of numbers and / or letters at the transmission device.

[0065] In some embodiments, the lock identifier may be contactlessly machine-read by the transmission device from an identification device of the luggage lock and / or from a memory of the transmission device before transmission to the database.

[0066] The owner of the luggage lock can in particular read the lock identifier from the identification device of the luggage lock, for example via the transmission device, as an optically readable optical code or as a wirelessly detectable electronic code, without having to manually enter the lock identifier at the transmission device. In addition, it can be provided that, for example, when an application for transmitting a data pair of lock identifier and release code is started, the lock identifier is stored in a memory of the transmission device, so that the owner of the luggage lock can provide the lock identifier and the associated release code to the security agency simply by entering the release code and setting a command for transmitting the data pair.

[0067] In some embodiments, the lock identifier may be selected at the transmission device. For example, the owner's various luggage locks and / or luggage pieces may be stored in the application, so that the owner may, for example, select the corresponding luggage lock or luggage piece from a drop-down menu, whereby the associated lock identifier may be loaded from the memory of the transmission device. The owner may then, for example, enter the selected release code at the transmission device, and the corresponding data pair may be transmitted to the database.

[0068] In some embodiments, the release code can be entered at an input device of the transmission device and can then be transmitted. For example, the transmission device or the smartphone can have a touch screen, through which a sequence of numbers corresponding to the release code can be entered, and by selecting a corresponding command, the release code can be sent to the database together with the lock identifier.

[0069] In some embodiments, the lock identifier and the release code can be transmitted to the database via a web site. In particular, a solution for transmitting the lock identifier and the release code can thereby be provided without the need for a mobile transmission device and / or a smartphone. For example, the serial number of the luggage lock as lock identifier, or another identifier associated with the luggage lock, and the release code selected by the owner can be entered on such a web site and can be transmitted to the database of the security agency by selecting a corresponding button.

[0070] In some embodiments, information about release periods during which release codes are accessible in the database may be transmitted to the database.

[0071] Due to this transmission of the release period, the owner of the luggage lock can specifically determine the time period during which the release code can be retrieved from the database and is accessible to the staff of the security agency, wherein the release code can be deleted from the database specifically after the release period has expired. In particular, due to such deletion, it can be ensured that unauthorized third parties cannot read the release code and open the luggage lock by manipulating the database after the release period has expired. As an alternative, the release code can remain stored in the database, but the output of the release code from the database to the request device can be denied after the release period has expired. Alternatively or additionally, the owner can further change the release code after receiving the luggage piece in order to protect the luggage lock from possible database manipulation.

[0072] However, even if the release code does not change, it is usually possible to ensure, by defining a release period, that, for example, the security agency is only allowed access to the piece of luggage during the journey. Thus, the owner does not necessarily have to change the release code after receiving the piece of luggage and does not have to remember to transfer the changed release code to the database or to reset the original release code before starting a further journey so that the security agency can perform a non-destructive opening. Instead, only the release period relevant to the respective journey has to be transferred to the database. This can also be done, for example, by transmitting a flight number, since the security agency can block the output of the release code from the database after the piece of luggage has been processed at the destination airport.

[0073] In some embodiments, authorization to retrieve a release code from the database can be granted and / or revoked from the database. For example, it can be provided that the release code is usually stored after the first transmission to the database, but the owner of the luggage lock can selectively grant retrieval authorization, for example via an application of the mobile transmission device, or, for example, revoke retrieval authorization after completing the journey. The owner can also ensure here that the luggage lock can only be opened by personnel of the security agency during the journey.

[0074] However, in general, the security agency can also selectively release or block the retrieval of the release code if, for example, the owner sends the flight number or other information about the travel route to the database after check-in, so that the retrieval of the release code may be blocked after the luggage piece is processed at the destination airport. In addition, if the lock identifier is read, for example, during check-in and sent to the database together with corresponding information about the travel route, such information about the travel route can also be sent to the database by airline personnel.

[0075] In some embodiments, information about the travel route, specifically the departure airport, destination airport, stopover, airline and / or flight number, can be transmitted to the database. For example, the owner of the luggage lock can provide such information before the journey begins to inform the security agency of the location where the luggage piece is expected to arrive. For example, this can make the security agency only allow those staff stationed along the travel route to retrieve the release code so as to limit the access to the release code as much as possible. In addition, the retrieval of the release and blocking release code explained can be based on such information. In addition, it can be provided that, for example, the airline whose staff registers the luggage piece and / or luggage lock at the time of check-in, transmits information about the travel route to the database.

[0076] The present application also relates to a method for opening a luggage lock with a combination locking mechanism and a contactless readable identification device, in particular a luggage lock of the type described herein and / or a luggage lock for a piece of luggage, by means of a security mechanism, wherein the opening can be carried out in particular by means of a release code which has been provided according to a method of the type explained above. The method comprises the following steps:

[0077] – read the lock identifier of the luggage lock from the identification device,

[0078] - by means of a mobile transmission device of the security mechanism, the lock identifier is transmitted to a database and the associated release code for unlocking the combination locking mechanism is requested,

[0079] - receiving at the mobile transmission device a release code from a database, and

[0080] – Unlock the luggage lock by setting the received release code at the combination locking mechanism.

[0081] If the piece of luggage is to be checked, the method steps can in particular be carried out by personnel of a security agency.

[0082] The reading of the lock identifier of the luggage lock can also be carried out specifically by a mobile transmission device of the security agency, such as a smartphone, wherein, for example, an optically readable optical code or a code readable electronically via a radio connection can be read contactlessly from the identification device of the luggage lock by means of the transmission device. After reading the lock identifier, the staff of the security agency can transmit the lock identifier to a database via the transmission device and can request the associated release code, which can therefore be transmitted to the transmission device. The release code can be received and displayed at the transmission device, so that the staff of the security agency can set the release code at the combination locking mechanism of the luggage lock. In this regard, the staff of the security agency can open the luggage lock in a non-destructive manner in a fast and easy manner without having to provide a separate locking mechanism that bypasses the combination locking mechanism to the security agency for this purpose. The steps for contactless machine reading of the lock identifier, transmitting the lock identifier and requesting the release code, as well as receiving and displaying the release code can be performed specifically in an application installed on the transmission device or smartphone. In addition, as an alternative to the machine reading of the lock identifier, it can be provided that the visible lock identifier is manually entered at the transmission device and the lock identifier is subsequently transmitted to the database, which can also be performed in the corresponding application.

[0083] The transmission device of the security agency may specifically be a smartphone, on which a corresponding application for communicating with the database is installed. However, the invocation of the application and / or the invocation of the corresponding function of the application may specifically rely on a legality check and / or an identity check, because, for example, a password must be entered to start the application or an identity check may be performed by matching fingerprints or facial recognition. In addition, it can be provided that the security agency provides a specific transmission device for communicating with the database.

[0084] In some embodiments, the database may be read by a security agency, in particular by a security agency responsible for performing luggage inspections at an airport. In this respect, the method may enable personnel of a security agency at an airport to perform luggage inspections on a piece of luggage without having to destroy the luggage locks securing the piece of luggage for this purpose.

[0085] In some embodiments, the lock identifier of the luggage lock can be machine-readable contactlessly by a mobile transmission device. As explained, for this purpose, the lock identifier can specifically include an optically readable one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical code and / or a wirelessly detectable electronic code that can be read via a radio connection.

[0086] In some embodiments, the request for the release code can be recorded in a database. Due to such a record, it can be specifically tracked at what point in time and / or by whom the release code is requested and whether the luggage lock and / or luggage piece is opened. Such a record can specifically enable the internal or external control of the security agency to track whether the luggage piece has been checked and to what extent the inspection has been carried out. In addition, the request for recording the release code can usually also track whether a particular piece of luggage has been opened again after delivery at the check-in counter. Therefore, if it can be proved that the luggage piece has been opened during this period, and the request for the release code can be specifically unrelated to the actual inspection, the owner of the luggage piece can be exempted from the unreasonable suspicion that he originally carried a possible prohibited item. In this case, the security agency can also be relieved because they do not have to use their ability to prosecute the ultimately innocent owner.

[0087] In some embodiments, the time of the request for the release code, the location of the request for the release code, the device identification of the mobile transmission device of the security agency and / or the personal identification of the requesting user can be recorded in the database. In particular, it can thus be recorded which employee of the security agency requested the release code and accordingly the inspection of the luggage piece can be performed in any case. In addition, if, for example, the device information of a stolen mobile transmission device or an unknown transmission device is detected, this record can again be used to indicate possible smuggling.

[0088] In some embodiments, the request authorization can be assigned to a plurality of mobile transmission devices and / or persons, and the release code can only be transmitted when the release code is requested by an authorized person and / or an authorized transmission device. For example, in addition to the request for the release code, a user identification and / or a device identification can also be transmitted, so that it can be traced from which transmission device the request was issued in order to check the request authorization. Such a request authorization can, for example, be assigned to a member of the security agency stationed at a travel route where the luggage piece was previously stored. In addition, it can generally be provided that a member of the staff who wishes to check the luggage piece must first request the request authorization and / or must prove the request authorization by means of a legitimacy check and / or an identity check, in order to ensure that, for example, a stolen security agency transmission device may not be easily used to open a luggage lock. In addition, however, the request authorization can also generally be assigned to all members of the security agency.

[0089] In some embodiments, the request authorization can be checked by a legitimacy check and / or identity check at the transfer device, such as a query password, fingerprint matching and / or facial recognition. Such a check can be performed, for example, for each request for a release code, wherein it is also possible to perform the check only when starting an application of the transfer device, in particular at the beginning of a transfer, and thereby prove that the transfer device is still in the possession of a staff member of the security agency, so that the request authorization does not have to be proved every time a piece of luggage is checked.

[0090] In some embodiments, the request authorization can be assigned according to information about the travel route, which is stored in a database and is associated with the lock identifier of the luggage lock. The staff of the security agency stationed along the travel route stored in the database and the staff associated with the lock identifier and / or the transmission device of the staff can be specifically assigned the request authorization. This can make it possible to limit the number of people and / or transmission devices that are generally authorized to request a release code, so as to be able to prevent the risk of manipulation, for example by stealing any transmission device of the security agency. However, as an alternative, all staff of the security agency and / or all transmission devices of the security agency can also be assigned the request authorization.

[0091] In some embodiments, the allocation of the request authorization can be requested by the transmission means. For example, a staff member who wants to perform a check and open the luggage lock but has not requested authorization can ask for the request authorization so that the check can still be performed without having to force the luggage lock. As already explained, it can also generally be provided that the release code is transmitted only after the request authorization has been requested and / or evidence of such request authorization has been transmitted.

[0092] In some embodiments, after reading the lock identifier, information about the time point of the previous request for a release code can be displayed at the transmission device. In this regard, information about the location of the last request for a release code can also be displayed. Thus, for example, the staff of the security agency can be informed that the luggage lock has been opened at the same location, for example at the same airport, and if necessary, the luggage piece has been checked accordingly in order, which can avoid unnecessary multiple checks of the luggage piece at the same airport.

[0093] In some embodiments, the release code can be deleted from the database after the release period stored in the database has expired. As already explained, the owner of the luggage lock can thereby specifically define a time period during which the release code is stored in the database and can therefore generally be retrieved. On the other hand, outside of this release period, in such an embodiment, the release code associated with the lock identifier is not stored in the database, since the release code is deleted after the release period has expired, thereby excluding the possibility that a person who has access to the database in an unauthorized manner can open the luggage lock.

[0094] In some embodiments, before the release period has passed, information about the release period passing can be transmitted to a transmission device by which the lock identifier and the release code are received at the database. Thus, the owner of the luggage lock can be specifically informed that the stored release period will pass, so that the owner can subsequently extend the release period, for example in the event that the journey is delayed, to allow the security mechanism to non-destructively open the luggage lock within the extended release period. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] The present application will be explained below only by way of example with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. As shown in the following drawings:

[0096] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A luggage piece is shown with a luggage lock, which can be opened non-destructively by a security mechanism in an open state and in a closed state, respectively;

[0097] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Another piece of luggage is shown with a luggage lock, which can be opened non-destructively by a security mechanism in an open state and a closed state, respectively;

[0098] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A luggage lock that can be released from a piece of luggage is respectively shown, and the luggage lock is used to fix a zipper of the piece of luggage in a locked state and a released state of the zipper;

[0099] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C are schematic diagrams for representing a method of providing a release code for opening a luggage lock to a security mechanism; and

[0100] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C They are schematic diagrams used to represent the method of opening the luggage lock by the security mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] Figure 1A The luggage piece 13 is shown, which has a luggage body 43, which has a first container part 45 and a second container part 47 that is movable relative to the first container part 45, wherein the second container part 47 allows Figure 1A The open position O shown enables access to the interior space 49 of the luggage body 43 . A fixing part 21 configured as a bolt is arranged at the second container part 47 and forms a luggage closure 51 of the luggage piece 13 .

[0102] The luggage lock 11 is fastened to the second container part 45 by means of a fastening device 63, and the luggage lock 11 has a combination locking mechanism 15, at which a digital code 17 may be provided, the digital code 17 comprising, for example, a digital sequence of three digits. The luggage lock 11 is arranged to selectively lock or release the fixed part 21 of the luggage piece 13 relative to the luggage lock 11, wherein as Figure 1A As shown, the released fixed part 21 can be moved relative to the luggage lock 11 so that the second container part 47 can be moved to the open position O. In particular, the fixed part 21 can be released by setting the release code 19 at the combination locking mechanism 15, wherein a code ring 41 can be specifically provided to set the release code 19, and the code ring 41 can have parallel offset rotation axes or can be arranged coaxially with each other (see also Figure 3A and Figure 3B ).

[0103] On the other hand, after the second container part 47 is transferred to the closed position G, in which the access to the inner space 48 of the luggage body 43 is blocked, the fixing part 21 can be locked relative to the luggage lock 11 by means of the combination locking mechanism by setting the digital code 17, which does not correspond to the release code 19 (see Figure 1B ). For this purpose, the fixing part 21 can be introduced into the lock body 65 of the luggage lock 11 and can be held there, for example, by a latch, wherein the movement of the latch can be blocked by adjusting the release code 19 and the fixing part 21 can thereby be locked relative to the luggage lock 11. In addition, the release code 19 can be changed by the owner of the luggage lock 11. The operation of the combination locking mechanism is generally known to the skilled person and is known, for example, from US 8 596 103 B2, EP 1 256 673 A1 and DE 10 2020 114 042 A1, so that the operation of the combination locking mechanism will not be discussed in more detail below.

[0104] The luggage lock 11 can be used in particular to protect the luggage piece 13 from unauthorized access and in particular to prevent theft of items carried in the luggage piece 13, wherein locking the luggage piece 13 can also ensure that, for example, after the luggage piece 13 has been handed in at the check-in counter, items such as contraband or drugs are not subsequently placed in the luggage piece 13 by unauthorized persons.

[0105] However, the luggage lock 11 is configured so that if personnel of a security agency want to check whether the luggage piece 13 carries prohibited substances and / or items, for example during an airport check, the security agency can open the luggage lock 11 non-destructively. In order to enable such a non-destructive check, the luggage lock 11 has an identification device 23 that provides a lock identifier 25 that is individually associated with the luggage lock 11. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the embodiment shown, the lock identifier 25 is configured as a contactless optically readable optical code 29, specifically a one-dimensional optical code or a barcode. However, as an alternative to such a one-dimensional optical code 29, a two-dimensional optical code, specifically a QR code, can also be provided as the lock identifier 25.

[0106] This optical code 29 can be formed by laser engraving at the luggage lock 11. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the illustrated embodiment, the code 29 is covered by a protective window 31 to prevent it from being altered and / or damaged, so as to ensure reliable identification of the luggage lock 11 over a long period of time.

[0107] Since the luggage lock 11 has an identification device 23 with a lock identifier 25, the lock 11 can be uniquely identified, for example, during an inspection by a security agency staff. This again enables the owner of the luggage lock 11 to transmit the lock identifier 25 and the associated release code 19 to a database 57 readable by the security agency before the journey begins, so that the security agency staff can read the lock identifier 25 and request the associated release code 19 from the database 57 (see also Figure 4A and Figure 5A ). Thus, after receiving the release code 19 from the database 57, the staff can non-destructively open the luggage lock 11 by setting the release code 19 and can perform the inspection of the luggage piece 13 without the separate locking mechanism provided by the security mechanism to bypass the combination locking mechanism 15. This is explained in more detail below.

[0108] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Another embodiment of a luggage piece 13 is shown, in which a zipper 53 is provided as a luggage closure 51, and the first container part 45 and the second container part 47 are connected to each other via the zipper 53. Figure 2BAs shown, the zipper 53 can be closed by two movable handles 55 to hold the second container part 47 in the closed position G. In addition, the handles 55 form the fixing part 21 of the luggage piece 13 and can be introduced into the lock body 65 of the luggage lock 11 and locked relative to the luggage lock 11 by the combination locking mechanism 15 to fix the luggage piece 13 and thus prevent unauthorized opening. The luggage lock 11 also has an identification device 23, which provides a lock identifier 25 in the form of an optically readable optical code 29 to enable personnel of the security agency to identify the luggage lock 11.

[0109] Although Figures 1A to 2B The luggage lock 11 of the luggage piece 13 shown is integrated into the luggage piece 13 or is fastened to the first container part 45 by corresponding fastening means 63 and in particular the luggage piece 13 cannot be opened by releasing the fastening part 21. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The luggage lock 11 is shown, which can be released from the luggage piece 13 and can be opened non-destructively by a security mechanism. The luggage lock 11 comprises a lock body 65 and a U-shaped hoop 67, which can be introduced into the lock body 65 and locked at the lock body by the combination locking mechanism 15 by setting a digital code 17 that does not correspond to the release code 19. Figure 3A As shown, the luggage lock 11 can be used, for example, to connect two handles 55 of a zipper 53 to each other and lock them relative to the luggage lock 11 by locking the hoop 67, wherein the handle 55 can form the fixed part 21 of the luggage piece 13. By unlocking the hoop 67, the hoop 67 can be released from the handle 55 of the zipper 53, so that the fixed part 21 or the handle 55 is released relative to the luggage lock 11, and the zipper 53 can be opened to enable access to the interior space 48 of the luggage piece 13.

[0110] In addition, Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the embodiment of the luggage lock 11 shown, an identification device 23 is again provided, which provides a lock identifier 25, wherein the lock identifier can be read via the radio connection V. For this purpose, the identification device 23 comprises an active or passive transponder 35, which can be configured, for example, to transmit an electronically detectable code 33 stored in a memory 37 as the lock identifier 25 via the radio connection V to a mobile transmission device 27 (see also Figure 4A and Figure 5A), the radio connection V is, for example, an RFID connection, in particular an NFC connection, or a Bluetooth connection. In addition, a memory 37 can also be provided to record the reading of the lock identifier 25, so that the owner of the luggage lock 11 can, for example, track whether the check of the luggage piece 13 has been carried out or at least the prerequisites for querying the lock identifier 25 have been met. In addition, information about the device identification of the reading transmission device 27, the time point of the request and / or the location of the request can be stored in the memory 37, for example. In addition, the transponder 35 can be embedded in a housing 66 of the luggage lock 11, in particular in a plastic housing.

[0111] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C Shown is a safety mechanism for opening Figures 1A to 3B The method of releasing the code 19 of the luggage lock 11 is shown.

[0112] First, in step 109, the lock identifier 25 can be transmitted to a database 57 readable by the security agency. In addition, the associated release code 19 can be transmitted to the database 57 in step 111, so that the data pair of the lock identifier 25 and the associated release code 19 can eventually be stored in the database 57.

[0113] like Figure 4A As shown, before the transmission of the lock identifier 25, it can be provided, for example, that the owner of the luggage lock 11 reads the lock identifier 25 by means of a mobile transmission device 27, in particular a smartphone and / or its camera. For this purpose, the owner can, for example, direct the transmission device 27 to the optical code 29 and read the lock identifier 25 by pressing a button 61 at an input device 59 of the transmission device 27, in particular a touch screen. In a subsequent step, the owner can enter the release code 19 associated with the luggage lock 11 and, in this regard, its lock identifier 25 as a numerical sequence via the input device 59 and can then transmit the data pair of lock identifier 25 and release code 19 to the database 57 by pressing the button 61. The provision of the data pair at the database 57 then enables the personnel of the security agency to request the associated release code 19 from the database 57 by reading the lock identifier 25 and to open the luggage lock 11 non-destructively by setting the received release code 57 at the combination locking mechanism 15.

[0114] like Figure 4CAs further shown, in addition to sending the lock identifier 25 and the release code 19, it can also be provided in step 113 that the owner of the luggage lock 11 sends a release period Z to the database 57 and / or sends an authorization to retrieve the release code 19. In particular, the owner of the luggage lock 11 can thereby specify that the release code 19 can only be read from the database 57 and / or stored in the database 57 within a certain release period Z, wherein after the release period Z has elapsed, only the owner can open the luggage lock 11. This can also be achieved, for example, by the owner first transmitting the authorization to retrieve the release code 19 to the database 57, but withdrawing this authorization after the journey is completed. In addition, the owner can, for example, change the release code 19 after receiving the luggage piece 13, in order to ensure that a person who has access to the database 57 in an unauthorized manner cannot also open the luggage lock 11.

[0115] In step 115, information I about the travel route, which may for example include the departure airport, the destination airport, the airline, the flight number and / or information about various stopovers, may also be transmitted to the database 57. The travel route via which the luggage piece 13 will be directed may thereby be transmitted to the security agency, so that the security agency may for example only allow access to the release code 19 to selected staff stationed along the journey.

[0116] Furthermore, in step 117, information about the lapse of the release period Z can be received at the owner's transmission device 27, so that the owner can selectively extend the release period Z in step 119. In particular, the owner can thus also enable the security agency to access the luggage piece 13 until the journey is completed in the event of a possible delay in the journey, by correspondingly extending the release period Z.

[0117] In step 121, it can be provided that the owner deletes the release code 19 from the database 57 by appropriate command of the transmission device 27 after the release period Z has elapsed and / or after the journey has been completed, so that the release code 19 is no longer available in the database 57. Alternatively or additionally, the authorization for retrieving the release code 19 can also be revoked. In addition, the owner of the luggage lock 11 can also change the release code 19, for example after the journey has been completed, in order to ensure that persons who have access to the database 57 in an authorized or unauthorized manner cannot also open the luggage lock 11.

[0118] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The method of opening the luggage lock 11 by the security agency is shown. In step 69, the staff of the security agency who wants to perform the inspection of the luggage piece 13 can read the lock identifier 25 from the identification device 23 of the luggage lock 11, specifically by means of the mobile transmission device 27 of the security agency, specifically by means of a smartphone. This is again done by Figure 5AThe example of the optical code 29 is shown, wherein, alternatively, the electronic code 33 provided via the radio connection V can also be read in particular by the transmission device 27 (see also Figure 3A and 3B ). Then, by actuating the button 61 at the input device 69 of the transmission device 27, the staff of the security agency can transmit the read lock identifier 25 to the database 57 and request the associated release code 19. The release code 19 can be transmitted from the database 57 to the transmission device 27 and can be received and displayed at the transmission device 27 (step 73), whereupon the staff of the security agency can non-destructively open the luggage lock 11 by setting the received release code 19 in step 75.

[0119] Figure 5C Further steps are shown which may in particular be carried out by the security authority after receiving the data pair of lock identifier 25 and associated release code 19 in step 77 .

[0120] For example, in step 79, information I about the travel route may be received, wherein the information I may be provided in particular by the owner of the luggage lock 11. Alternatively, however, airline staff may also transmit the information I about the travel route to the database 57, for example after the luggage piece 13 has been checked in.

[0121] Based on the information I about the travel route, the security agency can distribute the request authorization to different staff members in step 81, wherein the request authorization can be distributed, for example, to those staff members stationed along the travel route or to their transmission devices 27. Alternatively, the request authorization can also be distributed generally to all staff members of the security agency.

[0122] In step 83, a request for a release code 19 may be received at the database 57. Such a request may in particular be sent by the security agency's staff in step 71 already mentioned when the security agency's staff wants to carry out a check of the luggage piece 13.

[0123] In step 85, the request may be recorded in the database 57, wherein in particular the time of the request, information about the transmission device 27 making the request, in particular the device identification, and / or information about the location where the request was made may be recorded. This may in particular enable the security agency to track whether a check was performed and to what extent, wherein information about whether the luggage piece 13 has been opened may further be provided to the owner.

[0124] Furthermore, as a result of receiving a request for a release code 19, it can be checked in step 87 whether the request was received within the release period Z. If it is determined in step 89 that the request was received outside the release period Z, the request can be rejected in step 91 and the release code 19 can not be sent. As an alternative, it can also be provided that a request to extend the release period Z is sent to the owner of the luggage lock 11, so that the owner can then extend the release period Z, for example due to a travel delay, and can ensure that the luggage lock 11 is opened non-destructively throughout the journey.

[0125] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 93 that the request was sent within the release period Z, it may be checked in step 95 whether the requesting transmission device 27 and / or the requester have request authorization. For example, the request authorization check may be performed by a legitimacy check and / or an identity check at the transmission device 27. If such request authorization exists, the release code 19 may be transmitted to the requesting transmission device 27 in step 97, and the staff may thus open the luggage lock 11. On the other hand, if there is no request authorization, the transmission may be rejected in step 99, however, a request for request authorization may be received in step 101. This may enable a staff of a security agency that originally does not have request authorization to request request authorization in order to be able to perform the inspection of the luggage piece 13.

[0126] As a result of the request for request authorization, such request authorization may be granted and a release code 19 may be transmitted in step 103, so that an inspection of the baggage piece 13 may be performed. In particular, the request authorization may be granted indirectly by transmitting the release code 19. However, as an alternative, the request may also be rejected in step 105, so that the release code 19 is not transmitted in the end.

[0127] Furthermore, provision can be made in step 107 for the release code 19 to be deleted from the database 57 after the release period Z has elapsed. Thanks to this approach, it can be ensured for the owner of the luggage lock 11 that access to the release code 19 is only possible during the release period Z determined by the owner, but even in the event of manipulation of the database 57, it cannot occur that unauthorized persons can open the luggage lock 11 after the release period Z has elapsed.

[0128] Description of Reference Numerals

[0129] 11 Luggage lock

[0130] 13 pieces of luggage

[0131] 15 Combination locking mechanism

[0132] 17 Numeric Code

[0133] 19 Release code

[0134] 21 Fixed part

[0135] 23 Identification device

[0136] 25 Lock identifier

[0137] 27 Mobile transmission device

[0138] 29 Optical Code

[0139] 31 Protection window

[0140] 33 Electronic Code

[0141] 35 Transponder

[0142] 37 Memory

[0143] 41 Code Ring

[0144] 43 Luggage body

[0145] 45 First container part

[0146] 47 Second container part

[0147] 49 Interior Space

[0148] 51 Luggage closures

[0149] 53 Zipper

[0150] 55 Handle

[0151] 57 Database

[0152] 59 Input Devices

[0153] 61 Button

[0154] 63 Fastening device

[0155] 65 Lock body

[0156] 66 Housing

[0157] 67 Hoop

[0158] 69 Steps

[0159] 71 Steps

[0160] 73 Steps

[0161] 75 Steps

[0162] 77 Steps

[0163] 79 Steps

[0164] 81 Steps

[0165] 83 Steps

[0166] 85 Steps

[0167] 87 Steps

[0168] 89 Steps

[0169] 91 Steps

[0170] 93 Steps

[0171] 95 Steps

[0172] 97 Steps

[0173] 99 Steps

[0174] 101 Steps

[0175] 103 Steps

[0176] 105 Steps

[0177] 107 Steps

[0178] 109 Steps

[0179] 111 Steps

[0180] 113 Steps

[0181] 115 Steps

[0182] 117 Steps

[0183] 119 Steps

[0184] 121 Steps

[0185] G Closed position

[0186] I Information

[0187] O Open position

[0188] V Radio Connection

[0189] Z Release Cycle

Claims

1. A luggage lock (11) for securing a piece of luggage (13), the luggage lock (11) being capable of being opened by a security mechanism without being destroyed, The luggage lock (11) comprises a combination locking mechanism (15) at which a digital code (17) can be manually set, in, The fixing portion (21) of the luggage piece (13) can be selectively locked relative to the luggage lock (11) by the combined locking mechanism (15) to fix the closed state of the luggage piece (13), or released to allow the luggage piece (13) to be opened, wherein the fixed portion (21) of the luggage piece (13) can be released by setting a digital code (17) corresponding to a release code (19) at the combined locking mechanism (15), and wherein the fixed portion (21) of the luggage piece (13) can be locked by setting a digital code (17) not corresponding to the release code (19) at the combined locking mechanism (15), wherein the release code (19) can be changed by the owner of the luggage piece (13), and The luggage lock (11) further comprises an identification device (23), wherein the identification device (23) provides a lock identifier (25), wherein the lock identifier (25) is individually associated with the luggage lock (11) and can be read in a contactless manner.

2. The luggage lock (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The lock identifier (25) can be machine-readable by means of a mobile transmission device (27), in particular a smartphone.

3. The luggage lock (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The lock identifier (25) comprises an optically readable one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical code (29).

4. The luggage lock (11) according to claim 3, wherein: The optically readable code (29) is covered by a protective window (31).

5. The luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The lock identifier (25) is formed on the luggage lock (11) by laser engraving.

6. The luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The lock identifier (25) can be read via a radio connection (V).

7. The luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The identification device (23) comprises an active or passive transponder (35) for storing and transmitting the lock identifier (25).

8. The luggage lock (11) according to claim 7, wherein: The transponder (35) is embedded in a housing (66) of the luggage lock (11).

9. A luggage piece (13) comprising a luggage body (43) having a fixed portion (21), a first container portion (45) and a second container portion (47) movable relative to the first container portion (45) between an open position (O) and a closed position (G), the luggage piece (13) further comprising a luggage lock (11) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in, The second container portion (47) enables access to an interior space (49) of the luggage body (43) in the open position (O) and blocks access in the closed position (G), and The second container part (47) can be fixed in the closed position (G) by locking the fixing part (21).

10. The luggage piece (13) according to claim 9, wherein: The luggage piece (13) has a luggage closure (51) configured to hold the second container part (47) in the closed position (G), wherein the combined locking mechanism (15) is arranged at the luggage body (15) and the fixing part (21) is arranged at the luggage closure (51), or the combined locking mechanism (15) is arranged at the luggage closure (51) and the fixing part (21) is arranged at the luggage body (15).

11. A method for providing a security mechanism with a release code (19) for opening a luggage lock (11), the luggage lock (11) having a combination locking mechanism (15), at which a numerical code (17) can be manually set, the combination locking mechanism (15) being in particular a luggage lock (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a luggage lock (11) for a piece of luggage (13) according to claim 9 or 10, the method comprising the following steps: - transmitting the lock identifier (25) individually associated with the luggage lock (11) to a database (57); as well as - transmitting the release code (19) associated with the combination locking mechanism (15) to the database (57).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: The lock identifier (25) and the release code (19) are transmitted to a database (57) readable by the security agency, in particular by the security agency responsible for carrying out luggage checks at an airport.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The lock identifier (25) and the release code (19) are transmitted to the database (57) via a wireless connection by a mobile transmission device (27), in particular a smartphone.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: Prior to transmission to the database (57), the lock identifier (25) is contactlessly machine-read by the transmission device (27) from an identification device (23) of the luggage lock (11) and / or from a memory of the transmission device (27).

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein: The lock identifier (25) is selected at the transmission device (27).

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein: The release code (19) is inputted at an input device (59) of the transmission apparatus (27), and then the release code (19) is transmitted.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein: The lock identifier (25) and the release code (19) are transmitted to the database (57) via a network website.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein: Information (I) about the release period (Z) during which the release code (19) is accessible in the database (57) is transmitted to the database (57).

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein: Authorization to retrieve the release code (19) from the database (57) is granted to the database (57) and / or revoked from the database (57).

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein: Information (I) on the travel route is transmitted to the database (57), the information (I) on the travel route being specifically the departure airport, the destination airport, the stopovers, the airline and / or the flight number.

21. A method for opening a luggage lock (11) by a security mechanism, the luggage lock (11) having a combined locking mechanism (15) and a contactless readable identification device (31), in particular a luggage lock (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a luggage lock (11) for a piece of luggage (13) according to claim 9 or 10, In particular, by means of a release code (19) provided according to a method according to any one of claims 11 to 20, The method comprises the following steps: - reading a lock identifier (25) of the luggage lock (11) from the identification device (23), - transmitting the lock identifier (25) to the database (57) by means of the mobile transmission device (27) of the security mechanism and requesting the associated release code (19) for unlocking the combination locking mechanism (15), - receiving, by means of the mobile transmission means (27), the release code (19) from the database (57), and - opening the luggage lock (11) by setting the received release code (19) at the combination locking mechanism (15).

22. The method of claim 21, wherein: The database (57) can be read by the security agency, in particular by the security agency responsible for carrying out luggage checks at airports.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein: The lock identifier (25) of the luggage lock (11) is machine-readable in a contactless manner by means of the mobile transmission device (27).

24. The method of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein: The request for the release code (19) is recorded in the database (57).

25. The method of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein: The point in time when the release code (19) is requested, the location from which the release code (19) is requested, the device identification of the mobile transmission device (27) of the security agency and / or the personal identification of the requesting user are recorded in the database (57).

26. The method of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein: The request authorization is distributed to a plurality of mobile transmission devices (27) and / or persons, and the release code (19) is transmitted only when the release code (19) is requested by an authorized person and / or an authorized transmission device (27).

27. The method of claim 26, wherein: The request authorization is checked at the transmission device (27) by a legality check and / or an identity check.

28. The method of claim 26 or 27, wherein: The request authorization is allocated based on information (I) about the travel route, which is stored in the database (57) and associated with the lock identifier (25) of the luggage lock (11).

29. The method of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The allocation of the request authorization can be requested via the transmission device (27).

30. The method of any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein: After the release period (Z) stored in the database (57) has elapsed, the release code (19) is deleted from the database (57).

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