Luggage lock

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic luggage lock for securing a piece of luggage, which can be opened without damage by a safety mechanism, comprising an electromechanical locking mechanism, by means of which a securing section of the piece of luggage can be selectively locked or released relative to the luggage lock, a control device and an identification device, the identification device provides a wirelessly readable lock identification code. The control device is connected to a code receiving device, the code receiving device is configured to receive the opening code through the wireless connection, the control device is configured to compare the received opening code with the stored release code, and if the received opening code is matched with the stored release code, the code receiving device receives the opening code through the wireless connection. If so, controlling the electromechanical locking mechanism to release the fixed section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a luggage lock for securing a luggage item, which can be opened by a security authority without being damaged.

[0002] The present application further relates to a luggage item including such a luggage lock, a method for providing an opening code for opening the luggage lock to a security authority, and a method for opening the luggage lock by the security authority. Background Art

[0003] Specifically, a luggage lock can be provided to secure a luggage item against unauthorized access and to secure the items carried along in the luggage item against theft when the luggage item is unattended. However, in addition to anti-theft, the luggage item can also be secured by the owner to prevent third parties from inserting prohibited items such as drugs into the luggage item for smuggling at an unobserved moment, and especially after the luggage item has been checked in, so that these items can be removed from the luggage item again at a stopover or at the destination airport before or after returning the luggage item to its owner. Such a process particularly poses a risk to the owner of the luggage item, who will face accusations that he or she initially carried the corresponding items with him or her if the removal of these items fails.

[0004] Thus, while luggage locks can initially be used to protect luggage items against unauthorized access, there is additionally a high demand for ensuring security during travel, especially for air travel, where dangerous substances such as explosives must be prevented from being taken on board the aircraft together with checked luggage. This may require the security authority to inspect and open the checked luggage item in the absence of the owner of the luggage item or the passenger, and such inspection can also be carried out, for example, at any stopover. In addition to such security inspections, it may also be necessary to open the luggage item to detect drugs or other items that may be smuggled in the passenger's luggage item. Here, the security authority can be particularly understood as an official authority or a security service provider, especially a state-authorized security service provider.

[0005] Therefore, with regard to the securing of luggage items, there is generally a problem that, on the one hand, the luggage item must be reliably secured by a suitable luggage lock against unauthorized access, but on the other hand, the security authority must be provided with the possibility of opening the luggage item for inspection without having to damage the luggage lock for this purpose.

[0006] So far, this problem has been solved. For example, in the United States, by using a lock cylinder in a luggage lock to secure a luggage piece, which can be opened by a corresponding special key available to employees of the security agency. Thus, by purchasing a luggage lock that is certified by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the United States and can thus be called a TSA lock or a luggage piece with a luggage lock, the owner can, on the one hand, ensure the security of the luggage and, on the other hand, ensure that the US security agency has the relevant special key and can non-destructively open the luggage piece during inspection. For example, it is known from US8875552B2, WO2021 / 129942A1, US2019 / 0055753A1 and US2017 / 0073999A1 a luggage lock or a TSA lock that can be non-destructively opened by the security agency based on this concept.

[0007] However, in order to quickly inspect a luggage piece, the existing concept needs to be restricted to a relatively small number of currently eight different special keys so that employees of the security agency can quickly find the special key provided for opening the luggage lock without having to choose from a large number of different keys. In this regard, each TSA lock can be opened by a corresponding one of the eight different special keys, and the information about the corresponding associated special key also needs to be visibly applied to the luggage lock so that the staff of the security agency can immediately select the required special key without having to try different special keys.

[0008] However, such a small number of special keys undermines the security of preventing the luggage lock from being opened without damage, because replicas of one or more of these special keys also enable unauthorized persons to access the protected luggage piece. The requirement for visibly available information about the required special key can also make it easier for unauthorized persons to gain access, because these persons also do not have to try different special keys but can immediately select the correct key and open the luggage piece. However, such a procedure is bound to give the impression to unrelated persons near the luggage piece that the authorized owner opens the luggage lock with the relevant key, so that after copying the corresponding special key, items in the luggage piece can be stolen or prohibited items can be added without being noticed. In addition, for the owner of a luggage piece that has subsequently been introduced with such prohibited items and / or drugs, especially considering that the luggage piece is secured by an undamaged luggage lock, it is difficult to get rid of the suspicion of having directly carried such items. However, in such a case, the security agency also needs to make great efforts to prosecute the ultimately innocent person, which also limits the ability to prosecute the person who actually put the items in the luggage piece. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Accordingly, the object of the present application is to provide a luggage lock which provides reliable protection of a luggage item against unauthorized access, but which can be opened by an authorized employee of a security agency without being damaged.

[0010] This object is achieved by a luggage lock having the features of claim 1.

[0011] The luggage lock is an electronic luggage lock for securing a luggage item, which can be opened by a security agency without being damaged. The electronic luggage lock includes an electromechanical locking mechanism, a control device, and an identification device. The control device is configured to control the electromechanical locking mechanism, by which a securing section of the luggage item can be selectively locked or released relative to the luggage lock. The identification device provides a lock identification code which is individually associated with the luggage lock and can be wirelessly read by a mobile unlocking device, in particular a smartphone. The control device is connected to a memory in which a release code associated with the lock identification code is stored. Additionally, the control device is connected to a code receiving device which is configured to receive an unlocking code via a wireless connection from a mobile unlocking device, in particular a smartphone. The control device is configured to compare the received unlocking code with the stored release code and, if the received unlocking code matches the stored release code, to control the electromechanical locking mechanism to release the securing section.

[0012] Since the luggage lock has an identification device which provides a lock identification code, the luggage lock can be individually and uniquely identified. Additionally, the luggage lock is designed as an electronic luggage lock such that the luggage lock can be opened by transmitting an unlocking code, such that if a plurality of individuals are provided with the unlocking code, non-destructive opening of the luggage lock can generally be achieved by a plurality of individuals.

[0013] In order for a security agency or its employees to be able to open the luggage lock without being damaged, the owner of the luggage lock can, for example, store the unlocking code together with the lock identification code in a database before the start of a journey, which database can be read by the security agency, wherein the unlocking code can specifically be stored in the database in encrypted form. Then, in the case of an inspection, an employee of the security agency can identify the lock by reading the identification device and can send the lock identification code to the database to request the associated unlocking code. Reading of the identification device and request for the unlocking code can be carried out specifically by an unlocking device, in particular a smartphone, by which the unlocking code is ultimately also transmitted to the code receiving device to open the luggage lock. If the unlocking code is stored, an employee of the security agency can read the unlocking code from the database or can transmit the unlocking code to the employee or their unlocking device, whereupon the employee can non-destructively open the electronic luggage lock by transmitting the unlocking code to the code receiving device.

[0014] Alternatively, it can be provided that the data pairs of the lock identification code and the opening code have been transmitted by the manufacturer of the luggage lock or the manufacturer of the luggage piece incorporating the luggage lock to the database of the security authority, such that the subsequent owner of the luggage lock itself does not have to ensure that the security authority can open the luggage lock non-destructively. However, in general, the owner can provide the opening code to the security authority only during the journey or activate the opening code only for such a period of time, as will be further explained below.

[0015] In particular, since such an opening code is provided in the database, it is possible to avoid having to provide a separate locking mechanism for non-destructively opening the luggage lock, which separate locking mechanism might be activated by an employee of the security authority and in any case usually provides an attack point for manipulation. Both the owner and the employees of the security authority can open the luggage lock by transmitting the opening code and controlling the electromechanical locking mechanism, such that, compared to traditional solutions, the number of possibilities for opening the luggage lock can in principle be reduced and the security against manipulation of the luggage lock can be increased. In this regard, in some embodiments, the luggage lock can comprise only an electromechanical locking mechanism and no additional locking mechanism, in particular no mechanical locking mechanism, by means of which the fastening section of the luggage piece can be selectively locked or released relative to the luggage.

[0016] Thus, on the one hand, the electronic luggage lock can allow a selected group of persons, in particular employees of the security authority, to open it, yet manipulation of the luggage lock or opening of the luggage lock by unauthorised persons can be reliably prevented, in particular by appropriate protection of the database in which the opening code is stored or will be stored. For example, a request for the opening code can only be enabled by activating a device authorised by the security authority and which can be associated at least temporarily, for example during the duty period, with the respective employee of the security authority. For this purpose, in addition to the request for the opening code, for example a device identification code can also be transmitted to the database, such that it can be checked whether the request originates from an authorised opening device.

[0017] Additionally, when a request to activate the code is made, a legitimacy check can be carried out, for example. During this period, an employee of the security agency must prove the legitimacy of the request to activate the code, for example, by entering a password at the activation device. Alternatively or additionally, an identity check can also be carried out on the employee making the request or another person. For this purpose, a biometric check, such as a fingerprint check or facial recognition, can be provided at the activation device through which the activation code is requested. Generally speaking, the request for the activation code can also be made via an application installed on a smartphone or another activation device, where access to the application may already depend on a legitimacy check and / or an identity check. As an alternative to using a smartphone, it can also be arranged that the security agency provides its own activation device, which is specifically configured to communicate with the database and to activate the luggage lock.

[0018] In addition, any request for the activation code can be recorded in the database, so that, for example, it is possible to track whether an attempt has been made to open the luggage after it has been handed over at the airline counter, especially for inspection. Therefore, even if the database is tampered with and an unauthorized person obtains the activation code, it is usually possible to track that the luggage lock has been opened after the luggage item has been delivered. Thus, for example, the owner of the luggage item can be cleared of the suspicion of initially carrying prohibited substances and / or items. This can also relieve the burden on the security agency again, because if prohibited items are found in the luggage item, there is no need to use unnecessary capabilities to prosecute the innocent owner of the luggage item. Additionally, during the process of recording the request for the activation code, information about the request device and / or the location of the request can be recorded, for example, even in the case of manipulating the database, so as to provide data that can help solve theft or smuggling cases.

[0019] Since the luggage lock has a memory for storing the release code, it is also possible to record the transmission of the activation code in the memory of the lock alternatively or additionally. This can specifically enable the owner to track and prove an opening attempt that occurred especially after the luggage has been handed over in the case where the security agency's database may be manipulated, so that reliable detection and tracking of the opening attempt can be achieved by potentially double-recording this opening attempt or process, on the one hand, in the lock and, on the other hand, in the database.

[0020] The code receiving device and / or control device can generally include a radio device or be connected to a radio device to be able to receive an opening code from the opening device. For example, it can be provided that the code receiving device and / or the radio device connected to the code receiving device are configured to receive the opening code via a Bluetooth connection or an NFC (Near Field Communication) connection. In particular, such connections can be provided because these connections can only communicate within a relatively short range, so that the luggage lock can only be opened when the owner or another person with the opening code is in close proximity to the luggage item. On the other hand, a person standing at a certain distance from the luggage item cannot open the luggage lock, and for example, it can be ensured that the owner of the luggage lock or another person standing at a distance cannot open the luggage lock after the luggage item has been handed in at the check-in counter to prevent third parties from adding items subsequently. However, alternatively, for example, the code receiving device can also be configured to receive the opening code via a WLAN / WiFi connection and / or a mobile radio connection.

[0021] In summary, such an electronic luggage lock first provides its owner with the convenient possibility of opening the luggage lock by transmitting an opening code through an opening device, especially a smartphone, which is a smartphone that can be used anyway, and for example, a corresponding application can be installed on the smartphone. Additionally, however, by storing the data pair of the opening code and the lock identification code in a database readable by a security authority, the employees of the security authority can be provided with the equally convenient possibility of opening the luggage lock without damage, where the luggage lock can be individually identified through this data pair. Then, during the inspection, the employees of the security authority can read the lock identification code through the opening device of the security authority and transmit the lock identification code to the database in order to subsequently request the opening code and open the luggage lock without damage after receiving the opening code, where the opening device is especially a smartphone similar to one with a corresponding application.

[0022] The reading of the identification device can be carried out in a convenient manner specifically through the opening device and / or the smartphone because the lock identification code can be, for example, optically readable or provided in an electronically wirelessly detectable form. For example, the lock identification code can be provided as a QR code, which is applied to the outside of the luggage lock by laser engraving, so that the lock identification code can be scanned by the employees of the security authority through the opening device to query the opening code from the database of the security authority. If the lock identification code can be read through a radio connection and can be detected, for example, via a WLAN / WiFi connection, via a Bluetooth connection, via a mobile radio connection, or via an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) connection, especially via an NFC (Near Field Communication) connection, by means of the opening device, the lock identification code can also be read through the opening device or the smartphone.

[0023] Additionally, providing such an opening code in the database of the security authority enables an extended check, because unlike traditional solutions with special keys available to every employee, the opening code can be made available, for example, only to selected personnel, such as employees stationed along the travel route, enabling the restriction of the persons who may have access to the piece of luggage as much as possible. Such information regarding the travel route can be transmitted, for example, to the security authority before the owner of the piece of luggage starts the journey or during or after check-in at the respective airline, and in particular to the database in which the opening code is also stored. For example, this can be done in a situation where the airline also reads the lock identification code and sends it, together with, for example, the flight number, to the database.

[0024] Since the fixed section of the piece of luggage can be locked by a locking mechanism, the closed state of the piece of luggage can be specifically fixed to prevent unauthorized third parties from opening it. Thus, it can generally be provided that when the fixed section is released, on the one hand, the luggage lock or a part of the luggage lock, and on the other hand, the fixed section of the piece of luggage, can move relative to each other. This specifically enables the selective transfer of the piece of luggage to the open state, for which purpose the luggage lock can be arranged, for example, at a first part of the piece of luggage, and the fixed section can be arranged at a second part of the piece of luggage. However, by locking the fixed section, this relative movement of the two parts of the piece of luggage can be prevented, thereby preventing access to the interior space of the piece of luggage.

[0025] For example, the fixed section of the piece of luggage can be the movable handle of a zipper, by which the zipper can be selectively opened or closed, where the interior space of the luggage body of the piece of luggage can be accessed by opening the zipper. On the other hand, after the zipper is closed, the movable handle of the zipper can be locked relative to the luggage lock by an electromechanical locking mechanism to prevent non-destructive opening of the zipper and to ensure the closed state of the piece of luggage. Thus, in this case, the locking of the fixed section of the zipper or the handle prevents the zipper from being opened, and the two pieces of luggage can be connected to each other by opening the zipper, so that the piece of luggage cannot be opened. For this purpose, the luggage lock can be connected to or arranged on one of the pieces of luggage, where alternatively, the luggage lock can also be released from the piece of luggage. Such a releasable luggage lock can be configured, for example, as a padlock with a U-shaped hoop, for example, which can be guided through two eyelets of the handle of the zipper, thereby connecting the handles to each other. To lock the fixed section of the piece of luggage or the handle of the zipper relative to the luggage lock, the hoop can be inserted into the lock body and locked therein, so that the handles cannot be moved apart from each other and the zipper cannot be opened.

[0026] Alternatively, the fixed part can be formed, for example, by an engagement strip of a buckle closure, which can be locked by an electromechanical locking mechanism. In this regard, the locking can be carried out in a particularly indirect manner, since the buckle closure can be prevented from being released from the engagement strip by the electromechanical locking mechanism. For example, for this purpose, the catch of the buckle can be blocked by the electromechanical locking mechanism, and by actuating the catch of the buckle, the engagement behind the engagement strip can be released. The luggage lock can be specifically integrated into the buckle of the buckle closure in such luggage items.

[0027] Additionally, in some embodiments, the fixing section can be provided as a fixing hoop at the luggage item, where such a hoop can be specifically configured as a bolt at the movable part of the luggage item. For example, during the closing process of the luggage item, such a fixing section can be introduced into an insertion opening at another part of the luggage item and can be locked there by an electromechanical locking mechanism in order to lock the fixing section relative to the luggage lock, thereby ensuring the closed state of the luggage item.

[0028] Furthermore, the luggage item can generally have a closure, such as a buckle closure with a buckle and an engagement strip, a zipper, a fixing bolt, a hoop, or an engagement opening of a locking environment, where the closure can enable the luggage item to be opened in the open position and can keep the luggage item closed in the closed position. The fixing section can specifically be part of the closure. Thus, in such a luggage item, the electromechanical locking mechanism can particularly selectively lock the closure in the closed position or release the closure to move to the open position. However, the movement of the closure to the open position can generally be carried out manually, while the release or unlocking of the said movement of the closure or the fixing section can be carried out by the electromechanical locking mechanism. Such a closure can also be integrated into the luggage lock to provide, in addition to the locking function, a holding function such that the luggage item can be kept closed but can be opened by any third party.

[0029] The electromechanical locking mechanism can include, for example: an actuator, particularly an electric motor; and a latch driven by the actuator, where the latch can cooperate directly or indirectly, for example, through a preloaded catch, with the fixed section of the luggage item to selectively lock the fixed section of the luggage item relative to the luggage lock.

[0030] The control device can include a single electronic unit or have a distributed design, where different sections of the control device can be responsible for different control tasks. The control device can include, for example, one or more of the following devices: an integrated circuit (IC), a microprocessor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0031] The memory can also be part of the control device or formed separately from the control device. Specifically, the memory can be, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor memory and / or a memory that can be configured as an EEPRON, for example.

[0032] With respect to the present disclosure, a lock identification code associated separately with the luggage lock can be specifically associated with the luggage lock, and / or can be generated, for example, by the manufacturer of the luggage lock and stored in or attached to the identification device. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lock identification code can be specifically immutable. Thus, the lock identification code can be permanently and irreplaceably associated with the luggage lock, while the opening code and / or release code can be changed (where applicable), which will be explained in more detail below. Additionally, the lock identification code can be specifically associated with the luggage lock at the time when the luggage lock is delivered by the luggage lock manufacturer, such that the lock identification code cannot be subsequently (after delivery) or selectively generated, especially neither by the owner of the luggage lock nor by a security mechanism designed to be able to open the luggage lock without damage.

[0033] In the context of the present disclosure, when the lock identification code is mentioned, the lock identification code should generally be understood as being separately associated with the luggage lock for the purpose of identifying the luggage lock.

[0034] Further embodiments are explained in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0035] In some embodiments, the identification device can provide the lock identification code in an optically readable form and / or in a wirelessly detectable electronic form.

[0036] The lock identification code provided in an optically readable form can specifically include a sequence of digits and / or letters, a QR (Quick Response) code, or a barcode that can be scanned by an employee of the security mechanism. In particular, an opening device that is also provided for transmitting the opening code to the code receiving device is used, and thus the opening code can be easily transmitted to a database to query the opening code. In this regard, in some embodiments, the lock identification code can include a one-dimensional optically readable code or a two-dimensional optically readable code. The lock identification code provided in a wirelessly detectable electronic form can be specifically read via a radio connection, for example, via a WLAN / WiFi connection, via a Bluetooth connection, via a mobile radio connection, or via an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) connection, especially via an NFC (Near Field Communication) connection, where the reading can also be specifically carried out directly by the opening device that is set to transmit the opening code to the code receiving device. However, the lock identification code can specifically be read by the opening device via a channel different from the wireless connection to the code receiving device.

[0037] For example, an optically readable lock identification code can be formed by laser engraving on the outside of the luggage lock and / or at the housing of the luggage lock. A wirelessly detectable electronic lock identification code can be set, for example, in an NFC tag or an RFID tag, where the NFC tag can specifically have a passive transponder that can be controlled by the electrical energy wirelessly provided by the opening device to output the stored lock identification code. Thus, the lock identification code can be stored in the memory of such an NFC tag or the passive transponder. Additionally, another RFID tag can also have an active transponder that is powered by its own electrical energy source in order to be able to output the lock identification code stored in the memory of the RFID tag or the transponder within a larger range compared to an NFC connection. However, for such an active transponder, it can also be provided that the energy source is only activated by a signal wirelessly received from the opening device, so as to provide the energy for transmitting the lock identification code only when necessary and avoid unnecessary energy consumption.

[0038] The luggage lock can be designed generally such that technically, especially in terms of the energy source supply, it complies with any requirements put forward by airlines and legislators, according to which devices including rechargeable batteries and / or accumulators must be switched off during flight and prevented from accidental activation. This can occur, for example, in that the energy supply for the electromechanical locking mechanism, the control device, the code receiving device, and / or the identification device can be selectively activated or deactivated via a button and / or an activation or deactivation command, specifically, the activation or deactivation command can be received wirelessly at the active or passive transponder. During the inspection process, the employees of the security agency can activate the energy source supply by pressing the activation button or sending an activation command, so that after reading the lock identification code and requesting and receiving the relevant opening code, the luggage lock can be opened without damage by transmitting the opening code to the code receiving device.

[0039] In some embodiments, it may be specifically provided that the energy supply for the electromechanical locking mechanism, the control device, the code receiving device, and / or the identification device can be activated via a button or a start command, and the control device is configured to deactivate the energy supply again after a predetermined period of time after activation and / or due to a connection interruption with the release device. In such an embodiment, an energy-saving sleep mode can thus be specifically provided as the basic mode of the luggage lock, in which the luggage lock is closed and energy consumption is avoided, such that before the luggage lock is actuated to lock or release the fixed section, the energy supply must first be activated, and then the luggage lock can be opened, for example, by transmitting an opening code. Due to such a process, unnecessary energy consumption can be specifically avoided when the luggage lock remains in the previously set state, and on the other hand, it can be ensured that the luggage lock is reliably closed during transportation or flight without the owner having to be responsible for closing it themselves. This can be achieved, for example, by storing a time period in the control device of the luggage lock, after which the luggage lock can automatically close after activation. As an alternative, the energy supply can be deactivated, for example, once the connection with the opening device that previously received the opening code or another control command is interrupted and the luggage lock or the luggage item has thus been removed from the opening device.

[0040] In addition, it is possible that the opening code and / or another control command that can be transmitted by the opening device includes a start command for activating the energy supply. For example, such a start command can be transmitted as part of the opening code to the active or passive transponder of the luggage lock, where, as a result of the received start command, the energy supply of one or more of the above components can be activated, for example, by closing the corresponding circuit when the transponder is powered on. In this regard, in some embodiments, it may be sufficient to send the opening code to the code receiving device, where the energy supply of the lock can be activated by the start command sent together with the opening code, such that no separate command needs to be sent or a separate button needs to be activated.

[0041] In some embodiments, the code receiving device can be configured to receive the opening code via a Bluetooth connection and / or an NFC (Near Field Communication) connection. Receiving via such a connection can specifically enable the luggage lock to be opened only by a person and / or an opening device located near the luggage lock, such that the possibility of remotely manipulating or opening the luggage lock can be excluded. For example, receiving the opening code using this connection may be restricted to a distance of a few meters, such as 2 m, or less than 1 m.

[0042] In some embodiments, the opening code can be transmitted to the code receiving device by a command at the opening device, where alternatively, the opening code can be transmitted by moving the opening device near the luggage lock. Additionally, for example, it can be arranged that the opening code is directly transmitted only when the opening device of the luggage lock owner is moved near the code receiving device, while the staff of the security agency needs to query the command for the opening code from the database at least to open the luggage lock. To enable only the owner of the luggage lock to directly open the luggage lock, in particular, in addition to the release code, the device identification code of the owner's opening device can be stored in the memory, so that the transmission of the corresponding device identification code by the owner's opening device can achieve automatic connection with the luggage lock, and the electromechanical locking mechanism can be controlled to release the fixed section of the luggage item. In this regard, in some embodiments, the device identification code of the opening device of the owner of the luggage item can serve as the opening code.

[0043] In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to change the release code stored in the memory in response to a code change command received from the opening device in the code change operation mode.

[0044] For example, the control device can be configured to replace the release code, add additional release codes, or delete the stored release code in response to the code change command. In particular, the code change command can also be received via the code receiving device and transmitted to the control device. However, a separate radio module can also be provided for receiving the code change command.

[0045] This change in the release code can, for example, enable the owner of the luggage lock to make the release code available to the security agency during a specific release period, but ensure that after the release period has passed, the luggage lock can only be opened by the owner himself, rather than by someone with access to the security agency's database. For this purpose, the stored release code, which includes the opening code provided to the security agency during the journey, can be deleted from the memory of the luggage lock, for example, or changed after the journey is completed, so that after the journey ends and / or the luggage is received, the luggage lock may no longer be opened by the opening code stored in the database. Thus, even if the security measures of the security agency's database are breached and the opening code is read in an unauthorized manner, it provides the possibility for the owner of the luggage lock to still protect himself from theft of unauthorized access to the luggage or the items carried with him. When starting a further journey, the owner can, for example, selectively provide the changed release code to the security agency again by transmitting the corresponding opening code to the database so that the staff of the security agency can non-destructively open the luggage lock if necessary.

[0046] Alternatively, it can be provided that the owner adds additional release codes to the memory during the process of changing the release codes, because in some embodiments, corresponding release codes can be provided for the owner and the security authority, such that, for example, before the start of a journey, further release codes associated with the opening code of the security authority can be stored in the memory and can be deleted again, for example, after the journey is completed.

[0047] However, as an alternative or supplement to directly changing the release codes or the release encodings included in the release codes, it can also be provided that the stored release codes include information about the release period, and the lock can be opened by sending a matching opening code. In this regard, the change of the release codes can also be carried out, for example, by the owner of the luggage lock specifying such a release period, so that the security authority can access the luggage item within the expected time period of the journey, but not exceeding the expected time period. Then, before starting a further journey, the owner can, for example, change the release codes again by setting a new release period corresponding to the expected time period of the further journey, so that the security authority can access the luggage item during this release period.

[0048] Alternatively, it can be provided that the release codes can be selectively activated or deactivated by the owner of the luggage lock and can be changed in this regard, such that, for example, the owner can activate the release codes before starting a journey, so that non-destructive opening by the security authority can be achieved, but external access to the luggage item can be excluded by changing and deactivating the release codes after receiving the luggage item. Since the change of the release codes, especially the activation or deactivation of the release codes, can be carried out directly at the luggage lock, the owner can freely decide again whether to allow the security authority to view the luggage item and when to view it, regardless of whether the opening code has been transmitted before.

[0049] In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to distinguish the owner authorization of the owner of the luggage item and the authority authorization of the security authority, wherein the control device can be configured to change the release codes stored in the memory only when the control device determines the owner authorization.

[0050] Due to this design of the control device, it can be specifically achieved that the release code can only be changed by the owner, rather than by the employees of the security agency. In particular, those who access the database storing the opening code without authorization are not allowed to do so. For example, such owner authorization can be checked because the device identification code associated with the owner's opening device can be stored in the memory of the luggage lock, and the code change command is only executed when it is sent by the opening device associated with the device identification code and thus by the owner's opening device of the luggage lock. It can be said that the owner's opening device or smartphone can be recognized as a "trusted device" through this device information, which can be specifically stored in the memory during the initialization process in which the luggage lock is connected and / or first coupled to the owner's opening device. Additionally, it can be set that in addition to sending the opening code, the device identification code is always sent to the code receiving device to achieve the distinction between owner authorization and permission authorization.

[0051] As an alternative to checking the corresponding authorization by storing the device identification code, it can also be set that in order to send the code change command, a legality check or identity check needs to be performed at the opening device, because for example, a password must be entered or a fingerprint check or face recognition must be performed. Such a legality check or identity check can be specifically performed within the opening device or the luggage lock, because the password can be stored in the memory of the luggage lock, for example, so that the password can be sent together with the code change command and can be compared by the control device of the luggage lock with the stored password. On the other hand, if the owner authorization check is performed at the opening device, for example, by entering a password in the application or through an identity check, the corresponding part of the control device of the luggage lock for checking the owner authorization can ultimately be integrated into the opening device.

[0052] However, by checking and distinguishing between owner authorization and permission authorization, it can thus be achieved that only the owner can change the release code. For both authorization levels, it is possible to open the lock by sending the opening code. However, also regarding the opening of the luggage lock, different possibilities may be assigned to various authorization levels, because the luggage lock can, for example, always be opened when the owner authorization is determined, but can only be opened within the specified release period when the permission authorization is determined. This is explained in more detail below.

[0053] The communication between the owner's opening device and the luggage lock and / or the communication between the owner's opening device and the database can be carried out in an encrypted form.

[0054] In some embodiments, the release code can be initiated and / or deactivated by a code change command. For example, it can be provided that the owner unlocks a permanently stored opening code, e.g., initially stored by the lock manufacturer in a database readable by the security authority, by initiating the corresponding release code before the start of the journey, so that the security authority can open the luggage lock or the luggage piece without damage, and then deactivate the release code again after receiving the luggage piece to ensure that the luggage lock can only be opened by the authorized owner. In such a process, it can also be provided that when the release code is deactivated, the luggage lock can only be opened by sending the opening code if, in addition to the opening code, the aforementioned owner authorization is detected, e.g., by a stored device identification code.

[0055] In some embodiments, the code change command can include instructions for changing the release code. For example, the code change command can include instructions for changing and / or setting a release period during which the luggage lock can be opened by an employee of the security authority by sending an opening code that matches the release code, so that the security authority can open the luggage lock during this release period. However, alternatively or additionally, the code change command can also include instructions for changing the release encoding, in particular the code number, where, for this purpose, the corresponding code number can be directly sent to the luggage lock by the code change command, for example, or instructions for generating a changed code number can be sent. Thus, it can be provided that the control device generates a changed release code in response to the code change command, stores the changed release code in the memory and / or transmits the changed release code to the owner's opening device via an interface, e.g., the radio module of the code receiving device. By changing the release encoding in this way, the owner can, for example, ensure that the release encoding that may be stored in the database no longer matches the release encoding of the release code stored in the lock, so that the luggage lock cannot be opened even if the database is accessed without authorization. However, the changed release code and in particular the changed release encoding can subsequently be transmitted again to the database of the security authority, for example, before the start of another journey.

[0056] In some embodiments, the release code can include a release encoding and information about a release period, where the control device can be configured to control the electromechanical locking mechanism to release the locked fixed section if the received opening code includes the release encoding and the opening code is received within the release period.

[0057] The release code can in particular include a code number or a number or a sequence of numbers and / or a sequence of letters that can be stored in a database of a security authority, such that the release code can be transmitted as part of the opening code to the code receiving device and can be compared with the stored release code, the corresponding code number, number or sequence of numbers and / or sequence of letters. However, the opening of the luggage lock by transmitting the release code can only be granted to the security authority during a predetermined release period, such that after the release period has passed, reading the release code from the database and transmitting the release code to the code receiving device no longer results in the opening of the luggage lock. To check whether the release code or the opening code has been received during the release period, the lock can in particular have its own clock or time measuring device, such that any manipulation of the clock of the opening device that sends the opening code can be prevented and the check of the release period can be performed independently of the time information sent by the opening device. However, the time information sent by the opening device can also be used to check the release period.

[0058] Additionally, in some embodiments, the code receiving device can be configured to receive a device identification code from a mobile opening device, and the control device can be configured to compare the received device identification code with an owner identification code stored in a memory and to control the electromechanical locking mechanism independently of whether the opening code has been received during the release period, such that if the received opening code includes the release code and the received device identification code matches the stored owner identification code, the locked fixed section is released.

[0059] In particular, during the initialization process and / or during the first coupling of the owner's opening device to the luggage lock, the owner identification code can be stored in the memory, such that, so to speak, the owner's opening device is recognized as a "trusted device" through which the luggage lock can be opened at any time. If the owner subsequently sends an opening code with the release code and a device identification code that matches the owner identification code to the code receiving device, the control device can determine the owner's authorization and can open the luggage lock at any time. On the other hand, other opening devices or opening devices that transmit a device identification code other than the owner identification code with the opening code can only be enabled to open the luggage lock during a release period that can be determined by the owner. For this purpose, information about the release period can in particular be stored in the memory of the luggage lock.

[0060] Compared with known mechanical solutions, such a program thus provides higher security because only during the release period, for example during a journey, can a person other than the owner access the luggage item, and after the journey is completed, even if the opening code and release code are read from the database without authorization - which ultimately corresponds to the copying of the master key in known mechanical solutions - storing the release period in the memory of the luggage lock can prevent unauthorized access to the luggage item and the occurrence of theft, for example. The setting of the release period can specifically also be carried out indirectly by activating and deactivating the release code, because the owner can activate the release code when checking in the luggage item at the check-in counter and deactivate the release code again after receiving the luggage item.

[0061] In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to change the release code and / or information about the release period in a code change operation mode. As already explained, the changed release code can be stored, for example, in the memory of the luggage lock before the start of the journey and transmitted to a database readable by the security authority so that the luggage lock can be opened non-destructively. In addition to or alternatively to the changed release code, information about the release period can be stored in the memory of the luggage lock and / or transmitted to the database so that if the opening code is detected during the release period, receiving the opening code including the release code only causes the opening of the luggage lock. Additionally, it is also possible to change only the release period without changing the release code so that the security authority can open the luggage lock during the release period. For this purpose, the release code can, for example, already be pre-stored in a database readable by the security authority, in particular by the manufacturer of the luggage lock. The information about the release period can generally also be changed only when the release code stored in the memory of the luggage lock is activated or deactivated by the owner of the luggage lock.

[0062] In some embodiments, the control device may be configured to delete the release code from the memory of the luggage lock after the release period has elapsed. In such embodiments, it may be specifically provided that an additional release code is stored in the memory, however, the release code is only available to the owner, such that the owner can open the luggage lock at any time. However, the associated and / or corresponding opening code of the release code may be sent, for example, to the database of the security authority. Since the associated and / or corresponding opening code of the release code can be deleted after the release period has elapsed, it can be ensured that even unauthorized access to the database and / or manipulation of the information regarding the time point of sending the opening code does not allow the luggage lock to be opened without authorization. However, in order to enable the security authority to open the luggage lock again without damage during a further release period and / or before a further journey begins, a new release code or the original release code with a release period suitable for the journey can be stored, for example, in the memory of the luggage lock by means of the already mentioned code change command, and in particular in the case of a changed release code, transmitted to a database readable by the security authority.

[0063] In some embodiments, a first release code and a second release code may be stored in the memory, wherein the control device may be configured to control the electromechanical locking mechanism to release the locked fixed section if the received opening code matches the first release code or the second release code.

[0064] Furthermore, in such embodiments, the control device may be configured to, in the code change operation mode, in response to a code change command, change only the first release code and not the second release code.

[0065] Thus, in such embodiments, it may be provided that the second release code remains available in the memory, the second release code being non-changeable and only available to the owner of the luggage lock, such that the owner can open the luggage lock at any time. Additionally, however, an optionally changeable and / or activatable second release code may be stored, which the owner can optionally make available to the security authority. In this regard, the changeable first release code may be transmitted, for example, as the opening code to a database readable by the security authority, however, the non-changeable second release code may only be stored in the memory of the luggage lock and / or during the initialization process for first connecting the opening device to the luggage lock, only transmitted to the owner's opening device. Alternatively, the second release code may also include the device identification code of the owner's opening device, such that the luggage lock can be opened directly, for example, when the owner's opening device is in the vicinity of the luggage lock. In this regard, the first release code may also be written into the memory, for example, during the initialization process.

[0066] In addition, in some embodiments, the first release code may include a first release encoding, and the second release code may include a second release encoding, wherein the first release code may further include information about a release period. If the activation code includes the first release encoding and the code receiving device receives the activation code during the release period, or if the activation code includes the second release encoding, the control device may be configured to control the electromechanical locking mechanism to release the locked fixed section. Thus, transmission of the second release encoding may always enable the owner of the luggage lock to open the luggage lock, while it may be possible to open the luggage lock by transmitting the first release encoding only if the activation code including the first release encoding is received during the release period.

[0067] In some embodiments, the master code may be permanently stored in a memory, wherein the control device may be configured to compare the initialization code included in the initialization command with the stored master code in response to an initialization command received from the activation device, and if the received initialization code matches the stored master code, store the device identification code included in the initialization command and associated with the activation device as the owner identification code in the memory. Such an initialization code may be particularly useful for implementing a first connection between the owner's activation device and the luggage lock and / or for assigning the aforementioned owner identification code to the owner's activation device, e.g., enabling the owner to change the release code and / or open the luggage lock regardless of the release period. Additionally, as a result of the initialization process, the aforementioned second release code may be transmitted, for example, to the owner's activation device to enable the luggage lock to be opened at any time by the owner's activation device. The initialization code may be readable, for example, at an initialization card provided with the luggage lock.

[0068] In some embodiments, the luggage lock may include a mechanical locking mechanism configured to selectively lock or release the fixed section of the luggage piece while bypassing the electromechanical locking mechanism.

[0069] In such a luggage lock, a mechanical override can in particular be provided for the owner, since the owner of the luggage lock can actuate the luggage lock, for example, by means of an associated mechanical key or by actuating a code locking mechanism and / or entering a numerical sequence and / or an alphabetical sequence. On the other hand, by providing an opening code, employees of the security agency can open the luggage lock without damage by transmitting the opening code to the code receiving device and actuating the electromechanical locking mechanism. Thus, the mechanical locking mechanism can in particular not have to be actuated by a special key or a master key available to the security agency, but, in contrast to traditional solutions, the mechanical locking mechanism can enable the luggage lock to be opened only by the owner. In such an embodiment, it can also be provided that the owner can also open the electromechanical locking mechanism by sending the opening code, as described above. However, alternatively, it may also be the case that only the mechanical locking mechanism is available to the owner and the actuation of the electromechanical locking mechanism is reserved for the security agency. Such a luggage lock with a mechanical override specifically enables the owner to open the luggage lock even if the opening device is not carried and / or the power supply for powering the electromechanical locking mechanism and / or the control device is depleted.

[0070] However, in other embodiments, with regard to the possibility of locking and releasing the fixed section, it can be provided that the luggage lock has only a single locking mechanism, an electromechanical locking mechanism, such that the owner and the security agency can open the luggage lock by actuating the same locking mechanism.

[0071] In some embodiments, the luggage lock can include a clock. Due to the configuration of the luggage lock having a clock, it can in particular be achieved that the aforementioned release period can be directly checked by the control device of the luggage lock and there is no need to resort to time information transmitted by the opening device and which can generally be manipulated. The clock of the luggage lock can in particular be configured to measure an absolute time indication consisting of the time and date in one or more time zones and / or a stop time, in order to be able to check the release period stored as an absolute time indication and / or the release period stored as a release duration starting from a specific start time.

[0072] In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to record the receipt of the opening code in a memory. For example, for this purpose, the memory can include a database in which the receipt of the opening code can be recorded. The memory can also include one or more memory units such that the receipt of the opening code can be recorded, for example, in a memory unit or a separate memory unit of the memory, in which a release code or a record is also stored.

[0073] Due to this record of the receipt of the opening code, it is specifically possible to record whether, for example, the luggage lock has been opened by an employee of the security authority after the luggage lock has been handed in at the check-in counter. This enables the owner of the luggage lock on the one hand to track whether the luggage lock has been opened during the inspection process, but on the other hand also to prove that, for example, an opening code is received after the luggage item has been handed in at the check-in counter and before the luggage item is received again, in order to exonerate themselves from the suspicion of possibly carrying prohibited substances and / or items. Additionally, the control device can also be configured to, if an opening code is received simultaneously from other opening devices apart from the owner of the luggage lock, transmit information about the received opening code to the opening device of the owner of the luggage lock during the next connection to inform the owner of the opening of the luggage lock.

[0074] In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to record in a memory the time point at which the opening code is received and / or information about the mobile opening device and / or information about the location where the opening code is received.

[0075] For example, the luggage lock can have a position determination device, such as a GPS device, or the position information can be received from the sending opening device together with the opening code to record information about the location where the opening code is received in the memory. Thus, in particular, it can be provided that in the memory of the luggage lock, it is recorded as completely as possible at which time point, by which device and / or which person, and at which location the opening code is received, so that, for example, it can be determined or proven at which stopover the luggage item was inspected by which employee of the security authority and at what time. Generally speaking, such data can also be further recorded in the database of the security authority. However, with the record in the luggage lock, the owner can track the opening process independently of the correct record in the database.

[0076] In some embodiments, the luggage lock can be configured to detect a mechanical opening attempt, for example, by detecting the relative movement of two sections of the luggage item (including the luggage lock). In such an embodiment, the luggage lock can particularly include a sensor that is configured to directly or indirectly detect the movement of the fixed section of the luggage item relative to the luggage lock and transmit a corresponding detection signal to the control device. In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to record the receipt of the detection signal in the memory.

[0077] For example, the sensor can be configured to indirectly detect the movement of the fixed section of the luggage item when a change in the position of the release catch of the luggage lock pushed back by the fixed section is detected. However, alternatively, when the fixed section is locked, the fixed section that can be directly locked by the latch of the locking mechanism can also contact the sensor, so that the sensor can be configured to detect both such contact of the fixed section and the disconnection of the contact. In particular, such a sensor can also be set to transmit a detection signal to the control device when the sensor detects that the fixed section of the luggage item is in a position where locking can occur, so that the control device can directly control the locking mechanism to lock the fixed section in response to the detection signal.

[0078] The sensor can include, for example, a mechanical contact switch, a capacitive sensor, or a magnetic sensor.

[0079] Since the control device can record the receipt of the detection signal in the memory, it can also record, in particular, whether the luggage lock or the luggage item has actually been opened. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between the case where the opening code has indeed been received but the luggage lock remains locked and the case where the interior space of the luggage item is accessed. In addition to receiving the detection signal, the time point and / or location at which the detection signal is detected and the luggage lock and / or the luggage item is opened can also be recorded again.

[0080] In some embodiments, the memory can be connected to an interface via which the memory can be read wirelessly. The interface can particularly be formed by the radio module of the code receiving device, so that the owner can read the memory through the mobile opening device and can track any opening attempts. Additionally, in some embodiments, however, the memory can only be readable when the aforementioned owner identification has been determined, particularly based on the device information stored in the memory, so that the memory of the luggage lock can only be read by the owner himself. Therefore, for example, a memory that stores personal information such as the location and / or time indication of the owner himself opening the luggage lock may not be readable by the security agency. However, if necessary, the security agency itself can record the request for the opening code in a database readable by the security agency in order to track the opening attempts of its own employees.

[0081] Generally, the data and / or information stored in the memory of the luggage lock can also be stored in an encrypted form to prevent unauthorized persons from reading it.

[0082] In some embodiments, the luggage lock can include an energy source for powering the electromechanical locking mechanism and / or the control device. For example, for this purpose, the luggage lock can include a storage battery, a battery, and / or an inductive receiver. If necessary, the memory, the code receiving device, and / or the identification device can also be supplied with the required energy via this energy source and / or a separate energy source.

[0083] In addition, in some embodiments, it may be provided that the luggage lock can be energized from the outside, in particular only from the outside, and does not have an internal energy source for storing electrical energy to supply the electromechanical locking mechanism. For example, in the configuration of a luggage lock with an inductive receiver, it may be provided that the luggage lock can be energized only by electromagnetic radiation wirelessly transmitted by the unlocking device, since a current for powering the electromechanical locking mechanism, the control device, and / or the code receiving device can be induced by the radiation.

[0084] In some embodiments, the control device may be configured to transmit an energy supply status signal to the unlocking device. The control device may be particularly configured to send an alarm to the unlocking device of the luggage lock owner when the energy source is almost exhausted to remind the owner to charge and / or replace the energy source. This can be done, for example, via a mobile radio connection and / or a WLAN / WiFi connection.

[0085] In some embodiments, the luggage lock may have: a charging socket, in particular a USB (Universal Serial Bus) socket; and / or an inductive receiver, through which the electromechanical locking mechanism can be supplied with electrical energy by an external energy source, in particular the unlocking device.

[0086] In this regard, even when the internal energy source of the luggage lock is exhausted, the possibility of supplying energy to the electromechanical locking mechanism and actuating the electromechanical locking mechanism can be provided. In this regard, it may be particularly provided that the electromechanical locking mechanism can be connected to a mobile unlocking device via a cable, for example via a USB cable, to obtain energy from the mobile unlocking device, wherein, instead of the cable-based energy supply, it is also possible to provide for inducing a current at the inductive receiver by electromagnetic radiation emitted by the unlocking device. This can enable both the owner and the staff of the security mechanism to supply energy to the electromechanical locking mechanism and actuate the electromechanical locking mechanism when the internal energy source of the luggage lock is exhausted, so that in addition to the unlocking device required to open the luggage lock, no separate energy source is required for this purpose. Therefore, it may also be provided that the control device is configured to transmit information to the unlocking device of the staff of the security mechanism when the internal energy source of the luggage lock is exhausted and an external energy source is required, provided that the unlocking device is located near the luggage lock. The transmission of this information can be done, for example, via a passive transponder, as a result of an attempt to transmit an unlocking code to the code receiving device, the passive transponder can transmit the corresponding information to the unlocking device.

[0087] In some embodiments, the luggage lock may include a button, by actuating which, a code receiving device can be activated to receive an opening code. Such a button can in particular enable the code receiving device to be woken up from an energy-saving sleep mode, such that the code receiving device does not have to be permanently supplied with energy, and in particular can also achieve a reliable suppression of the energy supply and the closing of the luggage lock during transport or flight. It can also be provided that the luggage lock includes an active and / or passive transponder and / or a radio sensor, the active and / or passive transponder and / or the radio sensor being configured to detect the coupling of the opening device and thus to activate the energy supply to the code receiving device.

[0088] In some embodiments, the electromechanical locking mechanism may have an actuator and a fixing element, which engages with a fixing section of the luggage piece in the locked position, wherein the fixing element is preloaded in the direction of the locked position, and wherein the fixing element can be driven by the actuator in the direction of the unlocked position to release the fixing section relative to the luggage piece.

[0089] In such an embodiment, it can be particularly provided that when the fixing section moves into the engagement area of the fixing element, due to the preloading in the direction of the locked position, the preloaded fixing element automatically engages with the fixing section in order to automatically lock the fixing section. Thus, in such an embodiment, the electromechanical locking mechanism can be controlled only to move the fixing element in the direction of the unlocked position and to release the fixing section for movement relative to the luggage lock, while the locking occurs automatically. In this regard, such a locking mechanism can achieve an automatic function of locking the fixing section, for example, when the buckle closure of the luggage piece or the handle of the zipper of the luggage piece is introduced into the locking environment. Due to this automatic locking, it can be particularly ensured that the luggage piece is reliably locked again after inspection by the security mechanism, without the need for the staff of the security mechanism to transmit a separate locking command for this purpose.

[0090] Alternatively, in some embodiments of the automatic function with a locking mechanism, it can also be provided that the electromechanical locking mechanism has an actuator, a latch and a fixing element, wherein the fixing element engages with a fixing section of the luggage piece in the locked position and is preloaded in the direction of the locked position. In such an embodiment, the latch can also be driven by the actuator in the direction of the blocking position, in which the latch blocks the fixing element in the locked position to lock the fixing section of the luggage piece relative to the luggage lock. However, additionally, the latch can be driven by the actuator in the direction of the release position to release the fixing element to move in the direction of the unlocked position, thereby releasing the fixing section. Thus, in such an embodiment, energy-saving control can be particularly carried out because the actuator does not have to move the fixing element against the preload, but only has to move the latch to the blocking position or the release position. However, in such an embodiment, the fixing element can be moved manually directly or indirectly to the unlocked position. To achieve the correct control sequence, a sensor can also be provided in such a luggage lock, in particular the sensor already mentioned for detecting the removal of the fixing section relative to the luggage lock, to detect the movement of the fixing section into the engagement section of the fixing element and thus transmit a signal for moving the latch to the blocking position to the control device. However, alternatively, the latch can also be driven to the blocking position due to a locking command, which can specifically be transmitted by an opening device.

[0091] Alternatively, in some embodiments, it can be provided that the electromechanical locking mechanism has an actuator, a latch and a fixing element, wherein the fixing element engages with a fixing section of the luggage piece in the locked position and wherein the fixing element is moved manually (directly or indirectly) to both the locked position and the unlocked position. In such an embodiment, the latch can be driven by the actuator in the direction of the blocking position, in which the latch blocks the fixing element in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the fixing element can be held, for example, by a press fit (such as a latch connection). However, additionally, the latch can be driven by the actuator in the direction of the release position to release the fixing element to move in the direction of the unlocked position, thereby releasing the fixing section.

[0092] Additionally, in some embodiments, it may be provided that the electromechanical locking mechanism has an actuator and a fixing element, which engages with the fixing section of the luggage piece in the locked position and releases the fixing section in the unlocked position, wherein the fixing element can be driven to the locked position and the unlocked position by the actuator. In such an embodiment, thus, the fixing element is directly driven to both the locked position and the unlocked position, such that an automatic function is not necessarily provided, but locking can occur, for example, by a corresponding locking command. However, even in such an embodiment, the automatic function can be achieved, for example, by a sensor that records the movement of the fixing section into the engagement section of the fixing element, and as a result, transmits a signal to the control device to control the actuator to move the fixing element to the locked position.

[0093] In some embodiments, the luggage lock may have a fastening device configured to permanently fasten the luggage lock to the luggage piece. However, alternatively, the luggage lock can also be selectively released from the luggage piece and have, for example, a U-shaped hoop that can be locked to the lock body, and through which the two handles of the zipper of the luggage piece can be connected to each other, and by locking the hoop, the two handles can be fixed to each other.

[0094] This application also relates to a luggage piece comprising: a luggage body having a fixing section; a first container part and a second container part movable relative to the first container part between an open position and a closed position; and a luggage lock of the type disclosed herein. The second container part allows access to the interior space of the luggage body in the open position and blocks the access in the closed position. Additionally, the second container part can be fixed in the closed position by locking the fixing section.

[0095] For example, the second container part can be a pivotable lid, wherein access to the interior space of the luggage piece can be blocked by moving the lid to the closed position and thus closing the luggage piece. Since the second container part can be fixed in the closed position by locking the fixing section, access to the interior space of the luggage body can be selectively blocked. However, the configuration of the luggage piece having a luggage lock of the type described herein enables the luggage lock to be identified by reading an identification device and a related opening code to be requested, such that, for example, an employee of a security agency can non-destructively open the luggage lock during an inspection process and thereby open the luggage piece.

[0096] The luggage lock can specifically be integrated into the luggage piece and / or fixedly connected to the luggage piece such that the luggage lock cannot specifically be released from the luggage body by releasing the fixing section. However, alternatively, the luggage lock can also be configured, for example, as a luggage lock releasable from the luggage piece, such as a padlock, to selectively fix the two container parts to each other.

[0097] In some embodiments, the luggage piece may have a luggage closure configured to hold the second container part in a closed position, wherein an electromechanical locking mechanism may be arranged at the luggage body, and a fixing section may be arranged at the luggage closure. Alternatively, the electromechanical locking mechanism and the fixing section may be arranged in a swapped position.

[0098] As already explained, the luggage closure may be, for example, a buckle or a zipper to be able to connect the two container parts to each other and hold them together with each other. However, as long as the fixing section is not locked, such a luggage closure can usually be opened manually, such that the luggage closure can particularly prevent the container parts from being inadvertently released from each other, but not prevent manual access to the interior space of the luggage body. Only by locking the fixing section can the luggage closure be locked and the opening of the luggage piece be prevented.

[0099] For example, the luggage closure may include a buckle that is connected to one of the container parts to engage behind a engagement strip arranged at the other container part after closing the luggage piece, thereby holding the two container parts together with each other. In some embodiments, the electromechanical locking mechanism of the luggage lock may be arranged at such a buckle to lock the engagement strip engaged behind relative to the luggage lock by preventing the opening movement of the buckle. For this purpose, by actuation of the buckle of the buckle, the engagement behind the engagement strip can be released, and the buckle of the buckle can be blocked by, for example, the locking mechanism. As an alternative, in some luggage pieces, a zipper may be configured as the luggage closure, for example, wherein the handle or handles of the zipper may serve as the fixing section and are selectively locked by an electromechanical locking mechanism arranged at the container part to block the opening of the zipper.

[0100] In addition to enabling an employee of the security authority to open the luggage lock without damage, the luggage piece may ultimately also be individually identified by an identification device connected to the luggage lock of the luggage piece, the identification device providing a lock identification code that is individually associated with the luggage lock. Independent of the possibility of storing an opening code in the database of the security authority, this can also be used, for example, during luggage tracking. For example, when the luggage piece arrives at the destination airport, the identification device can be read, and information about the fact that the luggage piece identified by the lock identification code was detected at the airport at a certain point in time can be generated. Additionally, the lock identification code can also be detected, for example, during luggage handling. In this regard, the configuration of the luggage lock with an identification device can generally also enable the tracking of the luggage piece, whereby, for example, it can be beneficial to locate any lost luggage piece during the journey. For this purpose, for example, it can also be provided that the lock identification code is read at the airport exit, and for this purpose, the lock identification code can be provided by, for example, an RFID tag, so as to be able to determine that the luggage piece has left the airport and use this information, for example, to solve theft cases or find a luggage piece that has been taken away by mistake.

[0101] In this regard, the present application also independently relates to a luggage piece having a luggage lock, the luggage lock having a non-contact machine-readable identification device that provides a lock identification code that is individually associated with the luggage lock and / or the luggage piece. The lock identification code can be provided, for example, in an optically readable form or in a form readable via a radio connection so that the luggage piece can be tracked and non-contact machine-read. Additionally, such a luggage lock can generally be configured as a mechanical and / or electromechanical locking mechanism.

[0102] The present application also relates to a method for providing an opening code for a security mechanism to open an electronic luggage lock, in particular an electronic luggage lock of the type described herein and / or an electronic luggage lock of a luggage piece of the type described herein.

[0103] The method includes the following steps:

[0104] – Transmitting the lock identification code of the luggage lock to a database, and

[0105] – Transmitting a relevant opening code to the database.

[0106] As already explained, the data pair of the lock identification code and the associated opening code can thus be transmitted to a database that can specifically be read by a security mechanism. This can enable an employee of the security mechanism to identify the luggage lock based on the lock identification code in order to query the associated opening code from the database, so as to be able to open the luggage lock and / or the luggage piece during a necessary inspection without being damaged.

[0107] For example, the transmission of the lock identification code and the associated opening code may have been performed by the manufacturer, as the opening code can generally be made available to the security mechanism by the manufacturer of such a luggage lock. However, the owner of the luggage lock can, for example, selectively activate or deactivate such an opening code or define a release period during which the luggage lock can be opened by sending the opening code, as already explained above. Thus, even with an opening code that is normally stored, the owner of the luggage lock can control the time when a third party, in particular an employee of the security mechanism, opens the luggage lock. However, alternatively, it can also be set that the owner of the luggage lock himself generates an opening code as a release code, which is stored or will be stored in the memory of the luggage lock, or reads the opening code from the memory and transmits the opening code together with the lock identification code to the database. In such a process, the security mechanism is thus generally not authorized to have any access to the luggage lock, but is only authorized to access it when the owner deliberately transmits an appropriate opening code to the database.

[0108] However, the method described below particularly relates to steps that can be performed by the owner of the luggage lock and / or the luggage piece.

[0109] In some embodiments, the lock identification code and the opening code can be transmitted to a database readable by a security authority. Specifically, the lock identification code and the opening code can be transmitted to a database readable by a security authority responsible for performing baggage inspections at an airport. In this regard, the transmission of the opening code can in particular enable an employee of such a security authority to open the baggage lock and / or the baggage item without damage, so that the baggage item can be inspected.

[0110] In some embodiments, the lock identification code and the opening code can be transmitted to the database via a wireless connection by a mobile opening device, in particular a smartphone. The owner of the baggage lock can in particular transmit the lock identification code and the opening code to the database via the mobile opening device, in particular a smartphone, via a corresponding application to allow the security authority to open the baggage lock. However, alternatively, it can generally also be provided that the lock identification code and the opening code have already been stored in the database by the lock manufacturer, or that the owner of the baggage lock transmits the lock identification code and the opening code to the database via another channel, for example, the owner enters a data pair via a web site.

[0111] In some embodiments, the lock identification code can be wirelessly read from the identification device of the baggage lock and / or from the memory of the opening device by the opening device before being transmitted to the database.

[0112] For example, it can be provided that the owner of the baggage lock scans an optically readable lock identification code via the opening device, in particular a smartphone, and reads the release code stored in the memory of the baggage lock or the opening device as the opening code in order to send the data pair of the determined lock identification code and the opening code to the database. Additionally, different baggage locks or their lock identification codes can be stored, for example, in the memory of the opening device, so that the owner of the baggage lock can select an appropriate lock in the application, for example, before transmitting it to the database.

[0113] Thus, in some embodiments, the lock identification code can be selected at the opening device. For this purpose, various baggage locks and / or baggage items of the owner can be displayed, for example, in a drop-down menu and can be selected for transmitting the associated lock identification code to the database.

[0114] In some embodiments, the opening code can be transmitted to the luggage lock via a wireless connection and stored in the memory of the luggage lock as a release code. For example, it can be arranged such that an opening code is generated to be transmitted to a database via a mobile opening device and then stored in the memory of the luggage lock as a release code so that the luggage lock can be opened by transmitting the opening code. This storage of the release code can be carried out in particular by the code change command already explained in connection with the luggage lock, and / or such a release code can already be stored in the memory of the luggage lock by the manufacturer. Additionally, as already explained, information regarding the release period can alternatively or additionally be transmitted to the memory of the lock and / or the database.

[0115] In some embodiments, the opening code can be activated. For this purpose, information regarding activation can be transmitted in particular to the luggage lock to enable the opening of the luggage lock by transmitting the opening code. Additionally, information regarding activation can also be transmitted to the database such that the database can include information as to whether the stored opening code has currently been activated and thus enables the opening of the luggage lock. The owner can thereby define the time period during which security authorities are permitted to open the luggage lock. In some embodiments, the opening code can thus also be deactivated, for example after the journey has been completed or the luggage item has been received.

[0116] In some embodiments, information regarding the release period can be transmitted to the luggage lock and / or the database during which the luggage lock will be opened by transmitting the opening code. Thus, the time period during which the luggage lock can be opened by sending the opening code can be defined in particular. By transmitting the release period to the database, it can be achieved, for example, that in response to a possible request for the opening code, the opening code is sent only during the release period, whereas by transmitting the information regarding the release period to the luggage lock, it can additionally be achieved that the control device of the luggage lock itself can check whether an opening code is detected within the release period so as to permit the opening of the luggage lock only during the release period.

[0117] In some embodiments, the opening code can be deleted after the release period has passed. In particular, after the release period has passed, the opening code can be deleted from the memory of the luggage lock and / or the database.

[0118] In particular, by this deletion of the opening code, it can be ensured that after the release period has passed, the luggage lock cannot be opened by anyone other than the owner of the luggage lock even in the case of unauthorized access to the database. However, before the journey begins, the owner of the luggage lock can optionally transmit the lock identification code, the opening code, and the information regarding the release period to the database and / or store this information in the memory of the luggage lock to permit the security authorities to open the luggage lock again during this release period.

[0119] In some embodiments, the release period can subsequently be extended. This can in particular enable the owner of the luggage lock to extend the stored release period in case of a journey delay and should allow the security authority to open the luggage lock for a longer time until the journey is completed. This can in particular prevent the stored opening code from expiring before the journey is completed due to the journey delay and, if the luggage needs to be inspected at the end of the journey, the luggage lock must be opened by the security authority.

[0120] In some embodiments, information about the release period passing can be received before the release period has passed. Such information can in particular be received as an alert message at the owner's opening device so that, if required, allowing the security authority long-term access to the luggage item, the owner can extend the release period if necessary. For example, if a journey delay of the owner of the luggage lock is detected, such information can typically be sent before the release period has passed or only at the instigation of the security authority or the airline.

[0121] In some embodiments, information about the travel route, in particular the departure airport, the destination airport, stopovers, the airline and / or the flight number, can be transmitted to a database. In this regard, information about the luggage lock and / or the travel route along which the luggage item will travel can be communicated before the journey begins so that, for example, the security authority can provide the opening code to employees stationed along that travel route. The group of people who can normally access the luggage lock can thereby be particularly restricted in order to facilitate tracing of opening attempts and, compared with the opening codes released by all employees of the security authority, also limit the possibility of opening a luggage lock with a stored opening code by stealing the security authority's opening device. The information about the travel route can, for example, be transmitted by the owner before the journey begins via the opening device and / or an Internet website, and it can also be provided that, after check-in, the information is transmitted by the corresponding airline to the database. For this purpose, the lock identification code can also, for example, be read by an employee of the airline so that the data pair of the lock identification code and the flight number can, for example, be transmitted to a database readable by the security authority during the check-in process. However, airline employees may only be allowed to transmit data to the database and not read it.

[0122] This application also relates to a method for opening an electronic luggage lock having a readable identification device by a security authority, in particular an electronic luggage lock of the type described herein and / or an electronic luggage lock of a luggage item of the type described herein, specifically by means of an opening code provided according to any of the methods described above.

[0123] The method comprises the following steps:

[0124] – Reading the lock identifier of the luggage lock from the identification device,

[0125] – The lock identification code of the lock is transmitted to the database through the mobile unlocking device of the security agency, and the associated unlocking code is requested, and

[0126] – The unlocking code is received from the database and transmitted to the luggage lock through the mobile unlocking device.

[0127] These method steps can be specifically executed by the employees of the security agency so that when it is necessary to inspect the luggage item fixed by the electronic luggage lock, the electronic luggage lock can be opened without damage.

[0128] Reading the lock identification code of the luggage lock from the identification device can also be specifically carried out through the mobile unlocking device of the security agency, and especially a smartphone. Through this smartphone, the lock identification code is also transmitted to the database. For example, an employee of the security agency can read the optically and / or wirelessly electronically detectable lock identification code from the identification device of the luggage lock for this purpose through the unlocking device, and can transmit the lock identification code to the database of the security agency to request the associated unlocking code for opening the electronic luggage lock. However, alternatively, it can generally also be provided that the lock identification code is manually input at the unlocking device, for example, by entering the digital sequence visible at the luggage lock, and then the lock identification code is transmitted to the database through the unlocking device.

[0129] As a result of the request for the associated unlocking code, it can be checked whether the associated unlocking code is stored in the database through the transmitted lock identification code, and if necessary, the unlocking code can be transmitted to the employee of the security agency or their unlocking device. Then, the employee of the security agency can transmit the unlocking code to the electronic luggage lock through the unlocking device, especially to the code receiving device of the electronic luggage lock, so that the control device of the electronic luggage lock can compare the received unlocking code with the release code stored in the memory of the electronic luggage lock, and if the received unlocking code matches the stored release code, the electromechanical locking mechanism can be controlled to release the fixed section of the luggage item or open the luggage lock.

[0130] The method steps explained below can be specifically executed by the employees of the security agency.

[0131] In some embodiments, the database can be read by the security agency, especially by the security agency responsible for performing luggage inspections at the airport. Specifically, the employee responsible for inspecting the luggage item can thus read the lock identification code of the luggage lock and request the associated unlocking code to be able to open the corresponding electronic luggage lock without damage.

[0132] In some embodiments, requests for an opening code can be recorded in a database. In particular, the security agency can thereby record whether a specific piece of luggage has been inspected and / or whether the associated luggage lock has been opened. For example, such a record can provide proof of its own work to internal or external control, where, for example, if a query about the opening code occurs, however, the query may have nothing to do with any inspection actually taking place and / or with any employee of the security agency, it is also possible to track whether there has been an unauthorized opening after the piece of luggage has been handed over.

[0133] In some embodiments, the time point at which the opening code is requested, the location at which the opening code is requested, the device identification code of the device moving the opening device, and / or the personal identification code of the requesting user can be recorded in the database. In particular, it is thus possible to record which employee of the security agency requested the opening code for opening a specific luggage lock or by which opening device an opening attempt was made. If necessary, it is thus also possible to track whether the opening code was requested by a stolen opening device of the security agency and by an unauthorized person.

[0134] In some embodiments, the request authorization can be assigned to a plurality of mobile opening devices and / or persons, and the opening code can be transmitted only when the authorized person and / or the authorized device requests the opening code.

[0135] For example, the user identification code and / or the device identification code can be transmitted to the database together with the request for the opening code, so that it is possible to check whether the requesting user or device has been assigned the request authorization. This assignment of request authorization can in particular enable the security agency to provide the opening code for opening the corresponding luggage lock only to selected employees, such as employees staying on the travel route of the owner of the piece of luggage previously transmitted to the database. Additionally, it can be arranged that the request authorization is assigned only to individual employees. By assigning the request authorization only to a limited group of employees, it is in particular possible to reduce the risk that an unauthorized person may access the opening codes of a plurality of luggage locks by stealing the opening devices of the security agency. However, generally speaking, the request authorization can also be granted to all employees of the security agency.

[0136] In some embodiments, the request authorization can also be checked by a legitimacy check and / or an identity check, where, for example, the opening code can be transmitted only after a password has been entered at the mobile opening device or after identity has been proven at the mobile opening device, for example, by matching fingerprints or by face recognition.

[0137] In some embodiments, a request authorization can be assigned based on information about the travel route of the luggage item, which is stored in a database and associated with a lock identification code. Security agency employees stationed along the travel route stored in the database and associated with the lock identification code of the luggage lock and / or the unlocking device of the employee can be specifically assigned the request authorization.

[0138] In some embodiments, the assignment of the request authorization can be requested via the unlocking device. This can specifically enable an employee of the security agency who wants to open the luggage lock but does not yet have the request authorization to request the request authorization so that the luggage lock can still be opened without damage and an inspection of the luggage item can be carried out. For example, the request for the request authorization can be made via a smartphone via an application. Additionally, it can also be provided that the request authorization is generally only granted after a request, such that the unlocking code is only provided to those employees of the security agency who truly want to inspect the corresponding luggage item. The assignment of the request authorization in response to a request for the request authorization can also be specifically carried out by directly transmitting the unlocking code.

[0139] In some embodiments, after the identification device is read, information about the time point of the previous request for the unlocking code can be displayed at the unlocking device.

[0140] In addition, specifically, information about the location where the previous request was made can also be displayed at the unlocking device. This information can, for example, be directly transmitted to the unlocking device and displayed at the unlocking device after reading the identification device or after requesting the unlocking code, possibly together with the unlocking code, such that, for example, an employee of the security agency can be notified whether an inspection has already been carried out at the airport where the luggage item is currently located. Due to this information, unnecessary multiple inspections at a certain location or airport can be avoided.

[0141] In some embodiments, the unlocking of the luggage lock can be enabled or achieved by transmitting the received unlocking code to the luggage lock, where the unlocking can be recorded in the memory of the luggage lock.

[0142] Specifically, by reading the memory, the owner of the luggage lock can thus track whether the luggage lock has been opened when the owner has no access to the luggage item or the luggage lock. Additionally, the location, time, and / or device identification code of the unlocking device by which the luggage lock was unlocked can also be recorded in the memory, for example. In some embodiments, the personal identification code of the user who opened the luggage item can also be recorded in the memory of the luggage lock.

[0143] In addition to the records in the database, this record can be made specifically in the memory of the luggage lock, so that the owner of the luggage lock can independently track the opening attempts of the employees of the security agency by reading the memory of the luggage lock, and the security agency can do the same by reading the database. Since the opening attempts are additionally stored in the memory of the luggage lock, in particular, it can be ensured for the owner of the luggage lock that if there is a possible manipulation of the security agency's database, the opening attempts after the luggage item is submitted may also be detected. This can specifically relieve the owner of the luggage item of the unfounded suspicion of initially carrying prohibited substances or prohibited items found in the luggage, even if no opening attempts are recorded in the security agency's database due to manipulation.

[0144] In some embodiments, if a request for the opening code is received during the release period stored in the database, the opening code can be transmitted from the database to the mobile opening device only. As already explained, the owner of the luggage lock can thus be given control to allow the employees of the security agency to open the luggage lock only during the defined release period, while the luggage lock can be opened only by the authorized owner outside the release period.

[0145] In some embodiments, before the release period has passed, a request to extend the release period can be transmitted from the database to the mobile opening device of the owner of the luggage item, through which the lock identification code and / or the opening code have been provided. Specifically, the luggage lock and / or the owner of the luggage item can thus be notified before the release period has passed that the release period is about to end, so that the owner can then extend the release period, for example, if the journey is delayed. The owner can hereby ensure that the staff of the security agency can still open the luggage lock without damage in case of journey delays, and that the luggage lock does not need to be damaged during inspection after the originally scheduled release period. Additionally, it can generally be set to notify the owner of the situation of requesting the opening code outside the release period, so that if necessary, the owner can set a new release period and allow the requesting employee of the security agency to conduct an inspection.

[0146] This application also relates to a method for opening an electronic luggage lock including a readable identification device by a security agency, in particular an electronic luggage lock of the type disclosed herein and / or an electronic luggage lock of a luggage item of the type disclosed herein, wherein the electronic luggage lock can be specifically opened by the opening code provided by the method of providing an opening code of the type disclosed herein.

[0147] The method includes the following steps:

[0148] – At the database, receiving a plurality of opening codes and the associated lock identification code of the corresponding luggage lock,

[0149] – Store a plurality of opening codes and associated lock identification codes or their selections on a mobile opening device of a security agency.

[0150] – Read the lock identification code of the luggage lock from an identification device.

[0151] – Retrieve the opening code associated with the read lock identification code from the stored opening codes.

[0152] – Transmit the retrieved opening code to the luggage lock via the mobile opening device.

[0153] In this method, it can be provided that a plurality of data pairs of opening codes and corresponding associated lock identification codes received from the owner of the corresponding luggage lock in a central database of the security agency are transmitted to an opening device of the security agency and locally stored at the opening device. For this purpose, the opening device can particularly have a memory, such as a semiconductor memory and / or an EEPRON, in which the opening codes and the associated lock identification codes can be stored.

[0154] In particular, it can be provided that the received data pairs are transmitted to the opening device and stored on the opening device suitable for performing checks. For example, the opening codes that also store information about the travel route received can be stored together with the corresponding lock identification codes on the opening devices of the employees of the security agency stationed along the travel route, such that in some embodiments, the selection of the data pairs of the opening codes and the associated lock identification codes received at the database can be stored on the opening devices of the security agency according to the information about the travel route stored in the database. Additionally, the opening codes that have received information about the release period and / or travel period in the database can be stored, for example, on the mobile opening device of the security agency during the time period corresponding to the release period and / or travel period. Additionally, for example, the opening codes with associated lock identification codes for a specific time period, such as for a specific date or a specific week, can be transmitted to the mobile opening device of the security agency and locally stored there. Whether a specific opening code received at the database is applicable to a specific time period or can be checked within a specific time period can be rechecked, for example, based on the information about the release period and / or travel period that may additionally be received at the database. However, generally, all data pairs of the opening codes and the associated lock identification codes received at the database can also be stored on all opening devices of the security agency, particularly all data pairs of the opening codes and the associated lock identification codes received in the database that do not store any further information, such as information about the travel route.

[0155] For example, it can be set that when starting a program or application on the unlocking device, a data pair of an unlocking code and an associated lock identification code is retrieved from the database, and the data pair of the unlocking code and the associated lock identification code is transmitted to the unlocking device. In order to be able to transmit only the selection of the unlocking code and the associated lock identification code that matches the corresponding unlocking device to the unlocking device, device information and / or location information can be transmitted from the unlocking device to the database, for example, depending on the connection between the unlocking device and the database. For example, depending on information about the travel route, travel period, and / or release period, a selection of a data pair of an unlocking code and an associated lock identification code can then be selected for transmission to the unlocking device and stored on the unlocking device. The start of the program or application may also require a legality check and / or an identity check, so that, for example, the unlocking code can be transmitted only to those unlocking devices owned by authorized employees of the security agency through password input and / or biometric identity checks.

[0156] Additionally, alternatively or additionally, it can be set that the unlocking code and the associated lock identification code can be retrieved from the database and stored on the unlocking device by an update command that can be triggered at the unlocking device. In particular, it can thus be achieved that the unlocking code and the lock identification code stored on the unlocking device are always up-to-date, so that, for example, only the data pairs transmitted to the database during the day can also be transmitted to the unlocking device. Such an update command can be triggered, for example, occasionally, for example, between consecutive checks and / or before an upcoming check by an employee of the security agency, in order to be able to call up the currently selected unlocking code stored in the database on the unlocking device for the upcoming check. Such an update command may also require a legality check and / or an identity check to ensure that only authorized employees of the security agency can retrieve data from the database. For example, the update command can be triggered by a swiping action on the touch screen of the unlocking device or by actuating a provided button.

[0157] Additionally, the unlocking code and the associated lock identification code or their selection can be transmitted to the unlocking device of the security agency at a predetermined time, because, for example, the update of the unlocking code and the lock identification code stored on the unlocking device of the security agency can always be performed before the start of a shift and / or at a predetermined time.

[0158] Since the data pair of the opening code and the associated lock identification code can thus be directly transmitted to the opening device of the security organization, in particular to a plurality of opening devices, and stored on one or more opening devices, after reading the lock identifier of the luggage lock, during the inspection of the luggage, the relevant opening code can be retrieved directly without destruction and, for example, read from the memory of the opening device, in which the opening code associated with the read lock identification code can be stored. Then, the employee of the security organization can open the luggage lock by transmitting the retrieved opening code to the code receiving device of the luggage lock, for example, and can thus perform the inspection without the need to communicate with the central database of the security organization. In particular, a radio connection to the database is not necessarily required during the inspection, and the inspection can also be carried out in the event that such a connection may be disturbed without having to destroy the luggage lock.

[0159] However, also by directly storing the opening code on the opening device, after reading the lock identification code for which the associated opening code is not stored on the opening device, the associated opening code can be requested at the central database. For this purpose, if the opening code is stored in the database and / or authorization for the request exists, for example, the opening code associated with the read lock identification code can be specifically requested at the database and sent to the opening device, or the update command already mentioned can be triggered in order to transfer the opening code currently stored in the database or a selection thereof to the opening device, and if no opening code is actually stored in the database, then at most the luggage lock can be destroyed. In particular, due to the possibility of also directly requesting the opening code associated with the read lock identification code, errors in the selection of the opening code and the associated lock identification code to be transmitted to the opening device can be compensated for, or a piece of luggage can be inspected that is routed on a travel route that deviates from the travel route stored in the database and for which no opening code has been assigned to the employees stationed along the deviating travel route.

[0160] In some embodiments, the opening of the luggage lock can be enabled or effected by transmitting the received opening code to the luggage lock, and this opening can be recorded in the memory of the luggage lock. Again, the owner of the luggage lock opened during the inspection by the employee of the security organization can thus be provided with the possibility of tracing or proving such an opening process. In addition to the information that the opening process has taken place, information about the opening time, the opening location, the device identification code of the mobile opening device that sent the opening code, and / or the personal identification code of the employee can also be recorded in the memory.

[0161] In some embodiments, a plurality of opening codes and associated lock identification codes may also be associated with corresponding release periods. As already explained, in addition to the data pair of the lock identification code and the associated opening code, the owner of the luggage lock may also transmit information about the release period during which the luggage lock can be opened to the database, for example, by sending the stored opening code. For example, when stored on the opening device, this release period may be taken into account, because, for example, during an update, only those opening codes with associated lock identification codes that are associated with future release periods and / or release periods within a predetermined time period (e.g., the time period between two planned updates) are transmitted to and stored on the opening device. Additionally, in some embodiments, in addition to the data pair of the lock identification code and the associated opening code, information about the release period may also be transmitted to the opening device, where the data pair may be deleted from the opening device, for example, after the release period has passed. Additionally, in some embodiments, the data pair may be deleted from the database after the release period has passed.

[0162] In some embodiments, reading the lock identification code of the luggage lock from the identification device and / or retrieving the opening code associated with the read lock identification code may be recorded in the mobile opening device of the security agency. For example, information about the time point of reading, the location of reading, the device identification code of the mobile opening device that reads the lock identification code, and / or the personal identification code of the employee may be recorded in the mobile opening device of the security agency. For example, the corresponding information may be directly written into the memory of the opening device after reading the lock identification code, where alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that the retrieval of the opening code is recorded in the opening device. Due to such recording, it is specifically possible to track whether the lock identification code has been read and / or the associated opening code has been retrieved by the corresponding opening device, and thus provides the prerequisite for performing inspections.

[0163] In some embodiments, the recording that occurs in the mobile opening device may also be transmitted to the database. For example, the recording stored in the memory of the mobile opening device may be transmitted to the database when subsequently connected to the database, for example, in order to update the opening code and the associated lock identification code. In this regard, the device identification code of the mobile opening device and / or the personal identification code of the employee associated with the opening device may also be specifically transmitted to the database, such that the recording can be associated with the corresponding opening device and / or the corresponding employee. As described above, such a central recording by the security agency specifically enables the inspection or verification of its own work. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0164] The present application will be explained hereinafter only by way of example with reference to embodiments and the drawings.

[0165] In the drawings:

[0166] Figure 1A and Figure 1B show the luggage item in the open state and the closed state, respectively, where the luggage item has an electronic luggage lock, which will be opened by a security agency without damage, and the closed state can be ensured through the electronic luggage lock;

[0167] Figure 2A and Figure 2B show another luggage item of this type including an electronic luggage lock;

[0168] Figures 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams of a first embodiment of the electronic luggage lock, for showing the electromechanical locking mechanism of the luggage lock, through which the fixed section of the luggage item can be selectively locked or released relative to the luggage lock;

[0169] Figures 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the electronic luggage lock and its electromechanical locking mechanism;

[0170] Figures 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the electronic luggage lock and its electromechanical locking mechanism;

[0171] Figures 6A to 6C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the electronic luggage lock and its electromechanical locking mechanism;

[0172] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a control device of the electromechanical luggage lock and a device connected to the control device for controlling the electromechanical locking mechanism;

[0173] Figures 8A to 8C are diagrams of the luggage item including the electronic luggage lock and the mobile opening device of the owner of the luggage item, and various schematic diagrams for showing the method of providing an electronic luggage lock opening code to a security agency;

[0174] Figures 9A to 9C are diagrams of the luggage item including the electronic luggage lock and the mobile opening device of a security agency, and various schematic diagrams for showing the method by which the security agency opens the electronic luggage lock; and

[0175] Figure 10A and Figure 10B are corresponding schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the electronic luggage lock for locking the fixed section of the luggage item relative to the luggage lock, where the luggage lock can be released from the luggage item. Detailed Embodiments

[0176] Figure 1Ashows a luggage piece 13 having a luggage body 77 which includes a first container part 73 and a second container part 75. The second container part 75 is pivotable relative to the first container part 73 between the Figure 1A shown open position H and Figure 1B the shown closed position G. In the open position H, the second container part 75 allows access to the interior space 79 of the luggage body 77, and in the closed position G, access to the interior space 79 is blocked.

[0177] Furthermore, a fixing section 23 of the luggage piece 13 is formed at the second container part 75 and can be selectively locked relative to the luggage lock 11 by means of an electronic luggage lock 11 arranged at the first container part 73 when the second container part 75 is in the closed position G. In the closed position G, due to the locking of the fixing section 23, the second container part 75 can also be locked relative to the luggage lock 11 and thus relative to the first container part 73 to ensure the closed state of the luggage piece 13. To be able to connect the electronic lock 11 to the first container part 73, the electronic luggage lock 11 has fastening means 71.

[0178] In the Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown luggage piece 13, the fixing section 23 is formed, for example, as a bolt which projects from the second container part 75 and a closure 25 of the luggage piece 13 is also formed to hold the second container part 75 in the closed position G also in a manner independent of the locking, as will be further explained below. However, the unlocked fixing section 23 is released to move relative to the luggage lock 11 so that the closure 25 can be manually opened. Therefore, it is necessary to lock the fixing section 23 by means of the electronic luggage lock 11 or the electronic locking mechanism 15 of the electronic luggage lock 11 to lock the fixing section 23 relative to the electronic luggage lock 11 and to fix the second container part 75 in the closed position to the first container part 73 (see also Figures 3A to 6C ).

[0179] Figures 3A to 3C A first embodiment of the electromechanical lock 11 and its electromechanical locking mechanism 15 is schematically shown by means of which the fixing section 23 of the luggage piece 13 can be selectively locked or released relative to the luggage lock 11.

[0180] As Figure 3AAs shown, the illustrated electromechanical locking mechanism 15 has a fixed element 19 which is preloaded by a spring 83 in the direction of the locking position V. Additionally, the electromechanical locking mechanism 15 includes an actuator 17, such as an electric motor, and a latch 21 which can be moved by the actuator 17 between a release position R and a blocking position S. In the release position R, the fixed element 19 is released to move against the preloading of the spring 83, and in the blocking position S, this movement of the fixed element 19 is blocked. A control device 29 is also provided to actuate the actuator 17 and move the latch 21.

[0181] In Figure 3A it is shown that the fixed element 19 is in the locking position V while the latch 21 is positioned in the release position R. In this position, the fixing section 23 of the luggage piece 13 can be introduced into the locking environment 81 of the luggage lock 11, where by the cooperation of the ramp portion 93 of the fixing section 23 and the ramp portion 85 of the fixed element 19, the fixed element 19 can be pushed back against the force of the spring 83 in order to introduce the fixing section 83. Once the fixing section 23 is fully introduced, the fixed element 19 engages with the engagement opening 91 formed at the fixing section 23 due to the preloading. Thereby, the fixing section 23, which serves as the luggage closure 25, has been held at the luggage lock 11 but is released to move relative to the luggage lock 11. This can be seen from Figure 3C where when the fixing section 23 is manually removed from the locking environment 81, the fixed element 19 can be pushed back again against the force of the spring 83 by the cooperation of the ramp portions 85 and 89.

[0182] However, in order to be able to lock the fixing section 23 relative to the luggage lock 11, as Figure 3B shown, the latch 21 can be moved to the blocking position S, where the movement of the fixed element 19 against the force of the spring 83 is blocked, such that the fixing section 23 cannot be released from the locking environment 81. Since the fixing section 23 can also be connected to the second container part 75 of the luggage body 77 of the luggage piece 23, this locking of the fixing section 23 can also prevent relative movement between the second container part 75 and the first container part 73. The movement of the latch 21 to the blocking position S can occur, for example, due to a locking command received wirelessly especially from the control device 29.

[0183] However, alternatively, due to the preloading of the fixed element 19, the electromechanical locking mechanism 15 configured in this way can particularly provide an automatic function by which the fixing section 23 can be automatically locked after being introduced into the locking environment 81. For this purpose, the electronic luggage lock 11 particularly has a sensor 61 which is configured to detect the introduced fixing section 23 and determine a corresponding detection signal sent to the control device 29, and then the control device 29 can control the actuator 17 to move the latch 21 to the blocking position S.

[0184] However, in order to selectively release the locked fixing section 23 and open the luggage piece 13, the control device 29 is connected to a memory 37 in which a release code F is stored (also see Figure 7 ). Additionally, the control device 29 is connected to a code receiving device 43 which is configured to receive an opening code O from a mobile opening device 35 via a wireless connection (also see Figure 7 and Figure 8A and Figure 9A ), the mobile opening device 35 being, for example, the smartphone of the owner of the luggage lock 11. The control device 29 is configured to compare the received opening code O with the release code F stored in the memory 37, and if the received opening code O matches the stored release code F, to control the electromechanical locking mechanism 15 to release the fixing section 23.

[0185] From Figure 7 it can be seen that the code receiving device 43 can be particularly connected to a radio module 45 to receive the opening code O via a wireless connection. Specifically, in this regard, it can be provided that the code receiving device 43 is configured to receive the opening code O via a Bluetooth or NFC (Near Field Communication) connection, such that only a person located near the luggage lock 11 and his / her opening device 35 can control the locking mechanism 15 to release the fixing section 23, and it is not possible to remotely open the luggage lock 11. Additionally, a button 69 is provided at the luggage lock 11, where the power supply of the code receiving device 43 can be activated by actuating the button 69, and the code receiving device 43 can be woken up from an energy-saving sleep mode before sending the opening code O (see Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 10A and Figure 10B ).

[0186] Figures 3A to 3C It is further shown that the control device 29 is connected to an energy source 65 via which electrical energy can be supplied to the control device 29 and / or the electromechanical locking mechanism 15. Additionally, however, a charging socket 67 is provided, in particular when the internal energy source 75 is depleted, via which electrical energy can be provided from an external energy source and, for example, Figure 8A and Figure 9A the mobile opening device 35 as shown in, so as to still be able to activate the electromechanical locking mechanism 15. The control device 29 can also be configured to send an energy source status signal E to the opening device of the owner 35 of the luggage lock 11 to warn the owner of a state where the energy source 65 is approaching depletion, such that the owner can replace the energy source 65 or charge the energy source. This can specifically be carried out via the radio module 45 and, for example, a mobile radio connection and / or a WLAN / WiFi connection.

[0187] Figures 4A to 4C Another embodiment of the electromechanical luggage lock 11 or the electromechanical locking mechanism 15 is shown, however, in which the energy source 65 and the charging socket 67 are not shown. Also in this embodiment, a fixing element 19 preloaded in the direction of the locking position V is provided, and by introducing the fixing section 23 into the locking environment 81, the fixing element 19 can be pushed back, and when the fixing section 23 is completely introduced into the locking environment 81, the fixing element 19 engages with the fixing section 23. However, different from Figures 3A to 3C the embodiment shown, the engaging opening 91 formed at the fixing section 23 does not form a ramp portion, and the fixing element 19 also only has one ramp portion 85, which is pushed back during the introduction of the fixing section 23, so that the fixing section 23 is directly locked relative to the luggage lock 11 after being introduced into the locking environment 81. However, in order to be able to selectively release the fixing section 23, the actuator 17 in this embodiment is configured to drive the fixing element 19 to the unlocking position T against the force of the spring 83 in response to an unlocking command received from the control device 29 or the received opening code O. In this unlocking position T, the fixing element 19 disengages from the engaging opening 91 of the fixing section 23, and the fixing section 23 is released to move relative to the luggage lock 11 (see Figure 4C ). This release can occur specifically when the opening code O corresponding to the code in the memory 37 is received at the code receiving device 43.

[0188] In Figures 5A to 5C the embodiment of the electromechanical luggage lock 11 or its electromechanical locking mechanism 15 shown, the fixing element 19 is not further preloaded in the direction of the locking position V, but can be moved between the locking position V and the unlocking position T by the actuator 17. However, also in such an embodiment, automatic functions can generally be provided, for example, in response to a signal from a sensor 61 for detecting the introduced fixing section 23, a command V for moving the fixing element 19 to the locking position can be generated immediately. In such an embodiment, when the corresponding opening code O is received from the mobile unlocking device 35 at the code receiving device 43, the movement of the fixing element 19 into the unlocking position T can also occur.

[0189] In Figures 6A to 6C it shows an electromechanical locking mechanism 15 generally corresponding to Figures 3A to 3C , however, in which the electromechanical locking mechanism 15 has two fixing elements 19, which are preloaded to the corresponding locking positions V so as to be able to lock or release two fixing sections 23 relative to the luggage lock 11. Here, similarly, in particular, the actuator 17 can be controlled based on the signals of the corresponding sensors 61 for detecting the fixing sections 23 to move the latch 21, however, where these sensors 61 are in Figures 6A to 6Cis not shown. Additionally, it can be provided that for each of the fixing elements 19, a corresponding latch 21 is provided which is movable between a release position R and a blocking position F, such that the fixing section 23 can also be locked individually relative to the luggage lock 11. Additionally, it is generally possible to lock two fixing sections 23 by a single fixing element 19, for example by guiding the fixing element 19 through two fully open engagement openings 91.

[0190] Such an electromechanical locking mechanism 15 for locking two fixing sections 23 can be provided, for example, in the luggage lock 11 of the luggage piece 13, which luggage piece 13 is Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown, and has a luggage closure 25 which is configured as a zip fastener 26 by means of which a first container part 73 and a second container part 75 are connected to one another. The zip fastener 26 can be selectively closed in the closed position G of the second container part 75 via two handles 27 in order thereby to hold the second container part 75 at the first container part 73 (see Figure 2B ). Additionally, the handles 27 serve as fixing sections 23 of the luggage piece 13, and can be selectively locked relative to the electromechanical luggage lock 11, for example by means of the Figures 6A to 6C shown electromechanical locking mechanism 15, in order to fix the second container part 75 to the first container part 73. In order to access the interior space 79 of the luggage body 77, it is thus necessary to release the handle 27 by sending an opening code O corresponding to the memory 37 of the luggage lock 11 in order to move it relative to the electromechanical luggage lock 11, such that the handle 27 can be removed from the locking environment 81 of the electronic luggage lock 11 and the zip fastener 27 can be opened.

[0191] In addition to the electromechanical locking mechanism 15, Figure 2A and Figure 2B the electronic luggage lock 11 of the luggage piece 13 shown also has a mechanical locking mechanism 57, which is shown, by way of example, with a lock cylinder of the mechanical locking mechanism 57 being actuated by a key. The mechanical locking mechanism 57 can in particular enable the owner of the luggage lock 11 to actuate the locked fixing section 23 by actuating the mechanical locking mechanism 57 while bypassing the electromechanical locking mechanism 15, such that the mechanical locking mechanism 57 can provide a mechanical override of the electromechanical locking mechanism 15. The implementation of such a mechanical override is generally known to the person skilled in the art and will therefore not be discussed in more detail here.

[0192] Additionally, as the luggage closure 25, the luggage piece 13 can particularly have a buckle closure, which includes a buckle through which the first container part can be held at the second container part. For this purpose, the buckle can be particularly connected to one of the container parts so as to be able to engage behind an engagement strip formed at the other container part. In such a luggage closure 25, in particular, it can be provided that the latching of the buckle is locked by the electromechanical locking mechanism 15 of the luggage lock 11, so as to thereby prevent the release of the engagement behind the engagement strip. Thus, the luggage lock 11 can specifically be integrated into such a buckle.

[0193] Additionally, the luggage lock 11 of the type described herein can also be released from the luggage piece 13. For example, the luggage lock 11 configured as a padlock with a U-shaped hoop 78 can be used to connect the two handles 27 of the zipper 26 of the luggage piece 13 shown Figure 2A and Figure 2B to each other, and to lock them relative to the luggage lock 11 by locking the hoop 78 to the lock body 80, as shown Figure 10A and Figure 10B .

[0194] Since the above-mentioned luggage lock 11 can be opened by a mobile opening device 37 by wirelessly sending an opening code O, the owner of such a luggage lock 11 can conveniently open the luggage lock 11 and reliably lock it to prevent unauthorized opening attempts. However, additionally, the luggage lock 11 provides the possibility of being non-destructively opened by an employee of a security agency, who must inspect the luggage piece 13 in the absence of the owner, so that the contents of the luggage piece 13 can be inspected by an authorized person without having to destructively open the luggage lock 11 for this purpose.

[0195] To achieve this, the electromechanical luggage lock 11 specifically includes an identification device 31 through which a lock identification code 33 associated specifically with the electromechanical luggage lock 11 can be read, so that the luggage lock 11 can be identified by reading the identification device 31. Thus, the lock identification code 33 can be stored together with the opening code O in a database 38 readable by the security agency, so that during the inspection, the employee of the security agency can first read the lock identification code 33 and then query the relevant opening code O from the database 38 in order to open the luggage lock 11 by sending the opening code O without causing damage (see Figure 8A and Figure 9A ).

[0196] The lock identification code 33 can specifically be optically readable and can be formed, for example, as a one-dimensional optical code or a two-dimensional optical code, such as a QR code, applied by laser engraving, so as to be scannable by the opening device 35 of the security authority and in particular by the camera of a smartphone. As an alternative, the lock identification code 33 can be readable, for example, via a radio connection, which is, for example, an RFID connection and in particular an NFC connection, where the identification device 31 can specifically have an active transponder or a passive transponder for providing such a lock identification code 31. Thus, the luggage lock 11 can generally be opened by different people, in particular by employees of the security authority, if they have the opening code O, and there is no need to provide a separate locking mechanism for the security authority.

[0197] However, it can be provided that the owner can be given the possibility of checking whether or when the luggage lock 11 can be opened by a person having access to the database 38. As Figure 7 shown, for this purpose, the master code M can specifically be stored permanently in the memory 37 connected to the control device 29, where an initialization command A with an initialization code C and a device identification code 49 of the opening device of the owner 35 can be received via the radio module 45, in particular during the first connection between the mobile opening device 35 of the owner and the electronic lock 11. The control device 29 can be configured to compare the initialization code C with the master code M and, in the case of a match, store the device identification code 49 as the owner identification code 47 in the memory 37. The opening device of the owner 35 can thus be recognized as a "trusted device" for the luggage lock 11 in order to grant the opening device 35 further authorization regarding the setting of the luggage lock 11 and / or the actuation of the locking mechanism 15.

[0198] It can be specifically provided that the control device 29 is configured to receive a code change command B from the opening device of the owner in a code change operation mode, in particular receive the code change command B via the radio module 45, and in response to the code change command B, change the release code F stored in the memory 37. For example, together with the code change command B, the device identification code 49 can be transmitted again so that the code change command B can be executed and the release code F can be changed only when the device identification code 49 matches the owner identification code 47, and thus, the code change command B has been sent by the authorized owner of the luggage lock 11 (see Figure 7 ). For example, the changed release code F3 can be sent together with the code change command B, and the release code F stored in the memory 37 can be replaced with the changed release code F3.

[0199] In addition, as Figure 7As shown, in the memory 37, the first release code F1 can be stored. The first release code F1 includes the first release encoding 53 and information about the release period Z. Additionally, the second release code F2 that only includes the second release encoding 55 can also be stored. The control device 29 can be specifically configured to change only the first release code F1 in response to the code change command B, but not change the second release code F2. The control device 29 can also be further configured to control the electromechanical locking mechanism 15 to release the locked fixed section 23 if the transmitted opening code O includes the second release code 55, or if the transmitted opening code O includes the first release code 53 and is received during the release period Z.

[0200] Specifically, it can be set that the second unlocking code F2 is only available to the owner, while the first unlocking code F1 can be transmitted to the security agency to selectively enable the employees of the security agency to access the luggage piece 13. In this regard, in the case where someone other than the owner of the luggage lock 11 attempts to open it, it can be checked whether the opening attempt occurs during the release period Z released by the owner, and only in this case can the fixed section 23 be released. Otherwise, the control of the electromechanical locking mechanism 15 can be omitted.

[0201] This difference between the owner and others with the opening code O can also specifically occur because in addition to the opening code O, the device identification code 49 is also transmitted. The control device 29 can thus be configured to: distinguish between owner authorization and permission authorization, and in the case where the device identification code 49 matches the owner identification code 47, when the opening code O is received, always control the electromechanical locking mechanism 15 to release the fixed section 23; however, in the case where the device identification code 49 does not match the owner identification code 47, control the electromechanical locking mechanism to release the fixed section 23 only when the corresponding opening command O is received during the release period Z. Therefore, in such an embodiment, only the release code F and the information about the release period Z can also be stored in the memory 37 of the luggage lock 11, so that the owner can selectively allow the employees of the security agency to open the luggage lock 11 within a certain period - the release period Z - but can ensure that others cannot open the luggage lock 11 outside the release period Z. To check whether the opening code O is received during the release period Z, the control device 29 is also connected to the clock 59 of the electromechanical luggage lock 11.

[0202] In particular, in order to change the release code F, it can be provided that the release period Z and / or the release encoding 53 are adjusted by a code change command B. Additionally, it can be provided that the release code F can be selectively activated or deactivated, such that the owner of the luggage lock 11 can, for example, before starting a journey or after handing over the luggage item 13 at the check-in counter, have the release code F activated by an employee of the security agency to release the opening, and then prevent the possibility of it being opened again after receiving the luggage item 13 at the destination airport by deactivating the release code F. In this regard, the release period Z can ultimately be indirectly set by activating and deactivating the release code F.

[0203] Additionally, when the opening code O has been received at the code receiving device 43, the information I can be stored in the memory 37 of the luggage lock 11. In this regard, attempts to open the luggage lock 11 can be recorded in the memory 37, and for this purpose, the time point of receiving the opening code O, information regarding the location where the opening code O was received, and / or device information 49 of the mobile opening device 35 that sent the opening code O can also be specifically recorded in the memory 37. Additionally, when the sensor 61 detects that the fixed section 23 has been removed from the luggage lock 11 and the luggage item has thus actually been opened, it can be recorded in the memory 37.

[0204] The radio module 45 can in particular form an interface 63 through which the memory 37 can be read, such that the owner of the luggage lock 11 can track whether the luggage item 13 or the luggage lock 11 has been opened, for example, by an employee of the security agency after the luggage item 13 has been handed in at the check-in counter. The data or information included in the memory 37 can also be stored in encrypted form to prevent unauthorized persons from reading the memory 37.

[0205] Figures 8A to 8C A method is shown for providing the security agency with an opening password O so that an employee of the security agency can open the luggage lock 11 without damage.

[0206] As Figure 8A shown, in step 95, specifically, the owner of the luggage lock 11 can, before starting the journey, read the lock identification code 33 from the identification device 31 via the mobile opening device 35, and in step 97, the lock identification code 33 can be transmitted to a database 38 that can be read by the security agency (also see Figure 8B) Additionally, in step 99, the unlocking code O can be transmitted to the database 38 so that the data pair of the lock identification code 33 and the unlocking code O can be stored in the database 38 for retrieval during inspection by the staff of the security authority. The lock identification code 33 and the unlocking code O can specifically be transmitted to the database 38 by the unlocking device of the owner 35 according to the owner's command. Among them, the data pair of the lock identification code 33 and the unlocking code O can also be transmitted to the database 38, for example, through an Internet website. Additionally, steps 97 and 99 can also be performed by the manufacturer of the luggage lock 11 because the data pair of the lock identification code 33 and the unlocking code O can be stored by the manufacturer in the database 38 so that the security authority can open the manufactured luggage lock 11 without damage.

[0207] Figure 8C Shows further steps that can specifically be taken by the owner of the luggage lock 11 to provide the unlocking code O to the security authority. For example, in step 101, it can be set that the owner transmits the release period Z to the database 38 during which the luggage lock 11 can be unlocked by sending the unlocking code O. The owner can thereby ensure that the luggage item 13 can only be opened by the staff of the security authority during the journey, and after the journey is completed or the luggage item 13 is received and the release period Z has passed, third-party opening can be excluded. As an alternative to transmitting the release period to the database, the owner can also simply activate the unlocking code O in step 101. Additionally, as mentioned before, the owner can also store the release period Z in the memory 37 of the luggage lock 11 so that the control device 29 of the luggage lock 11 can use the clock 59 of the luggage lock 11 to check the release period Z and prevent the luggage lock 11 from being unlocked outside the release period Z even when manipulating the database 38.

[0208] Additionally, in step 103, the owner can transmit the information I about the travel route to the database 38. The information I about the travel route is, for example, the departure airport and the destination airport, the airline, the flight number, and / or any stopovers. This enables the security authority to track which travel route the luggage item 13 will be routed through so that, for example, only those staff stationed at the corresponding airport are assigned the authorization to request the stored unlocking code O, and thus, if necessary, inspections can be carried out. However, if airline staff are allowed to read the lock identification code 33 when checking in the luggage item 13 and transmit the associated flight number or travel route to the database 38, then such information I can also be transmitted to the database 38 by the airline, for example.

[0209] Additionally, in step 105, the owner may receive information that the release period Z has passed, so that the owner can, for example, extend the release period Z in step 107. What can be achieved thereby is that, for example, in the case of a journey delay, the owner can still extend the initially transmitted release period Z so that the security authority can still open the luggage lock 11 without damage.

[0210] In step 109, it can also be set that, after the release period Z has passed, the opening code O or the associated release code F or F1 is deleted from the memory 37 of the luggage lock 11 and / or the database 38. In particular, due to such deletion, the owner can ensure that after the release period Z, external persons cannot access the luggage item 13 and / or cannot manipulate the database 38.

[0211] Figures 9A to 9C A method for a security authority to open an electronic luggage lock 11 is shown. In step 95, the lock identification code 33 can first be read again from the identification device 31 by the mobile opening device 35 of an employee of the security authority, and in step 111, the lock identification code 33 can be transmitted to the database 38 by the mobile opening device 35. Additionally, the opening code O associated with the lock identification code 33 and stored in the database 38 can be requested. As a result of this request, in step 113, the opening code O can be received from the database 38 at the opening device 35 and the opening code can be transmitted to the luggage lock 11 by the mobile opening device 35. Then, the control device 29 of the luggage lock 11 can compare the opening code O with the stored release code F and, if necessary, also take into account the device identification code 49 of the opening device 35 in order to release the fixed section 23 if the transmitted opening code O matches the release code F and / or the opening code O is received within the stored release period Z; and to enable the employee to access the luggage item 13 and check its contents.

[0212] Figure 9C The further steps that the security authority can perform after receiving the lock identification code 33 and the opening code O of the electronic luggage lock 11 in step 115 are shown.

[0213] For example, in step 117, information I about the travel route can be received, and the information I about the travel route can, for example, include information about the departure airport and the destination airport and / or one or more flight numbers. Based on this information I, in step 119, request authorizations can be assigned to different opening devices 35 and / or different employees, where, for example, request authorizations to request the opening code O can be assigned to all security authority employees staying along this travel route. Alternatively, such request authorizations can also be assigned to all employees of the security authority.

[0214] If a request for the opening code O is subsequently received in step 121, the request can first be recorded in the database in step 123. For this purpose, information about the opening device 35 that sent the request, the time point of the request, and / or the location where the request was sent can be recorded, for example.

[0215] Additionally, in step 125, it can be checked whether the request was received within the stored release period Z. If it is determined in step 127 that the request was received outside the release period Z, the request for the opening code O can be rejected in step 129. However, alternatively, a request to extend the release period Z can also be transmitted to the owner of the luggage item 13 or his / her opening device 35, so that the owner can subsequently extend the release period Z if necessary.

[0216] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 131 that the request was made within the release period Z, it can be checked in step 133 whether there is a request authorization. For example, in addition to the request for the opening code O, this can be achieved by sending the device identification code 49 of the request - sending opening device 35, so that it can be checked whether the opening device 35 or its user has been assigned a request authorization. If the request was made by an authorized employee of the security agency, the opening code O can be sent to the mobile opening device 35 in step 135, so that the employee can open the electronic luggage lock 11.

[0217] On the other hand, if there is no request authorization, the transmission of the opening code O can be rejected in step 137. Then, in step 139, a request authorization request from the requesting employee can be received, so that an employee who was not initially assigned a request authorization can still check the luggage item 13. As a result of this request, the opening code O can be transmitted to the employee in step 141 or a request authorization can be assigned to the employee, or the request authorization request can also be rejected in step 143.

[0218] Additionally, in the final step 145, it can be set that the stored opening code O is deleted from the database 38 after the release period Z has passed, in order to ensure that after the release period Z has passed, even if the database 38 is manipulated by an unauthorized person, the opening code O cannot be retrieved from the database 38 at all, and the luggage lock 11 cannot be opened by anyone other than the owner.

[0219] Alternatively, optionally, non-destructive opening of the luggage lock 11 can be achieved by receiving, at the database 38, a plurality of opening codes 35 of respective luggage locks 11 and associated lock identification codes 33, and storing the plurality of opening codes 35 and associated lock identification codes 33 or portions thereof on the mobile opening device 35 of the security authority. Then, an employee of the security authority can read the lock identification code 33 of the luggage lock 11 to be opened from the identification device 31 of the luggage lock 11 during the inspection process, and retrieve the associated opening code O directly from the stored opening codes O, in order to transmit the retrieved opening code O to the luggage lock 11 using the mobile opening device 35 to open the luggage lock 11. In this regard, the data pair of the lock identification code 33 and the associated opening code O received at the database 38 can be directly transmitted to the mobile opening device 35 of the security authority, such that during the inspection, communication between the opening device 35 of the employee performing the inspection and the central database 38 is not necessarily required, but the required opening code O is, for example, already pre-stored in a memory (not shown) of the opening device 35 and can be retrieved therefrom immediately after reading the lock identification code 33.

[0220] Thus, the luggage lock 11 described herein and the method disclosed herein conveniently enable reliable protection of the luggage item 13 against unauthorized opening attempts, and enable the security authority to open the luggage lock 11 without damage in order to perform an inspection. Additionally, the luggage lock 11 can be reliably fixed to prevent manipulation, and the possibility of recording opening attempts and / or the opening process can be provided in order to be able to track the work of the security authority and / or clarify and track unauthorized opening attempts if necessary.

[0221] Description of Reference Numerals

[0222] 11 Electronic luggage lock

[0223] 13 Luggage item

[0224] 15 Electromechanical locking mechanism

[0225] 17 Actuator

[0226] 19 Fixing element

[0227] 21 Latch

[0228] 23 Fixing section

[0229] 25 Luggage closure

[0230] 26 Zipper

[0231] 27 Zipper pull

[0232] 29 Control device

[0233] 31 Identification device

[0234] 33 Lock identification code

[0235] 35 Mobile opening device

[0236] 37 Memory

[0237] 38 Database

[0238] 43 Code receiving device

[0239] 45 Radio module

[0240] 47 Owner identification code

[0241] 49 Device identification code

[0242] 53 First release code

[0243] 55 Second release code

[0244] 57 Mechanical locking mechanism

[0245] 59 Clock

[0246] 61 Sensor

[0247] 63 Interface

[0248] 65 Energy source

[0249] 67 Charging socket

[0250] 69 Button

[0251] 71 Fastening device

[0252] 73 First container part

[0253] 75 Second container part

[0254] 77 Luggage body

[0255] 78 Hoop

[0256] 79 Internal space

[0257] 80 Lock body

[0258] 81 Locking environment

[0259] 83 Spring

[0260] 85 Ramp part

[0261] 87 Ramp part

[0262] 89 Ramp part

[0263] 91 Engagement opening

[0264] 93 Ramp part

[0265] 95 Step

[0266] 97 Step

[0267] 99 Step

[0268] 101 Step

[0269] 103 Step

[0270] 105 Step

[0271] 107 Step

[0272] 109 Step

[0273] 111 Step

[0274] 113 Step

[0275] 115 Step

[0276] 117 Step

[0277] 119 Step

[0278] 121 Step

[0279] 123 Step

[0280] 125 Step

[0281] 127 Step

[0282] 129 Step

[0283] 131 Step

[0284] 133 Step

[0285] 135 Step

[0286] 137 Step

[0287] 139 Step

[0288] 141 Step

[0289] 143 Step

[0290] 145 Step

[0291] A Initialization command

[0292] B Code change command

[0293] C Initialization code

[0294] E Energy supply status signal

[0295] F Release Code

[0296] F1 First Release Code

[0297] F2 Second Release Code

[0298] F3 Altered Release Code

[0299] G Closed Position

[0300] H Open Position

[0301] I Information

[0302] M Main Code

[0303] O Open Code

[0304] R Release Position

[0305] S Blocking Position

[0306] T Unlock Position

[0307] V Locked Position

[0308] Z Release Period

Claims

1. An electronic luggage lock (11) for securing a luggage item (13), which can be opened by a security authority without being damaged. The electronic luggage lock (11) includes an electromechanical locking mechanism (15), a control device (29), and an identification device (31). By means of the electromechanical locking mechanism (15), a fixing section (23) of the luggage item (13) can be selectively locked or released relative to the luggage lock (11). The control device (29) is used to control the electromechanical locking mechanism (15). Among them, The identification device (31) provides a lock identification code (33), which is individually associated with the luggage lock (11) and can be wirelessly read by a mobile opening device, specifically a smartphone. Wherein, the control device (29) is connected to a memory (37), and a release code (F) associated with the lock identification code (33) is stored in the memory (37). Wherein, the control device (29) is further connected to a code receiving device (43), and the code receiving device (43) is configured to receive an opening code (O) from the mobile opening device (35) through a wireless connection. Wherein, the control device (29) is configured to compare the received opening code (O) with the stored release code (F), and if the received opening code (O) matches the stored release code (F), then control the electromechanical locking mechanism (15) to release the fixing section (23).

2. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to claim 1, wherein, The identification device (31) provides the lock identification code (33) in an optically readable form and / or in a wirelessly detectable electronic form.

3. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The code receiving device (43) is configured to receive the opening code (O) via a Bluetooth connection and / or an NFC (Near Field Communication) connection.

4. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control device (29) is configured to change the release code (F) stored in the memory (37) in response to a code change command (B) received from the opening device (35) in a code change operation mode.

5. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to claim 4, wherein, The control device (29) is configured to distinguish between the owner authorization of the owner of the luggage item (13) and the authority authorization of the security authority. Wherein, the control device (29) is configured to change the release code (F) stored in the memory (37) only when the control device (29) determines the owner authorization.

6. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The release code (F) can be activated and / or deactivated by the code change command (B).

7. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The code change command (B) includes a device identification code (49) associated with the opening device (35). Wherein, the control device (29) is configured to compare the received device identification code (49) with the owner identification code (47) stored in the memory (37), and change the release code (F) only when the device identification code (49) matches the stored owner identification code (47).

8. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein, The control device (29) is configured to, in the code change operation mode, receive the changed release code (F3) and replace the stored release code (F) with the changed release code (F3), and / or wherein the control device (29) is configured to, in the code change operation mode, generate a changed release code (F3) and, in response to the code change command (B), output the changed release code (F3) to the unlocking device (35).

9. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein, The code change command (B) includes an instruction for changing the release code (F).

10. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein, The release code (F) includes a release code (53, 55) and information (I) regarding a release period (Z), wherein the control device (29) is configured to control the electromechanical locking mechanism (15) to release the locked fixed section (23) if the received unlocking code (O) includes the release code (53, 55) and the unlocking code (O) is received within the release period (Z).

11. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to claim 10, wherein, The code receiving device (43) is configured to receive a device identification code (49) from the mobile unlocking device (35), wherein the control device (29) is configured to compare the received device identification code (49) with an owner identification code (47) stored in the memory (37), and if the received unlocking code (O) includes the release code (53, 55) and the received device identification code (49) matches the stored owner identification code (47), control the electromechanical locking mechanism (15) to release the locked fixed section (23), regardless of whether the unlocking code (O) is received within the release period (Z).

12. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The control device (29) is configured to, in the code change operation mode, change the release code (53, 55) and / or the information (I) regarding the release period (Z).

13. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The control device (29) is configured to delete the release code (F) from the memory (37) after the release period (Z) has passed.

14. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein, A first release code (F1) and a second release code (F2) can be stored in the memory (37), wherein the control device (29) is configured to control the electromechanical locking mechanism (15) to release the locked fixed section (23) if the received unlocking code (O) matches the first release code (F1) or the second release code (F2), wherein the control device (29) is configured to, in the code change operation mode, in response to the code change command (B), change only the first release code (F1) and not the second release code (F2).

15. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main code (M) is permanently stored in the memory (37), wherein the control device (29) is configured to compare the initialization code (C) included in the initialization command (A) with the stored main code (M) in response to an initialization command (A) received from the opening device (35), and wherein the control device (29) is further configured to store the device identification code related to the opening device (35) included in the initialization command (A) as the owner identification code (47) in the memory (37) if the received initialization code (C) matches the stored main code (M).

16. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The luggage lock (11) includes a mechanical locking mechanism (57) configured to selectively lock or release the fixed section (23) of the luggage item (13) while bypassing the electromechanical locking mechanism (15).

17. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The luggage lock (11) includes a clock (59).

18. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control device (29) is configured to record the reception of the opening code in the memory (37).

19. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control device (29) is configured to record in the memory (37) the time point when the opening code (O) is received, and / or information (I) about the mobile opening device (35), and / or information (I) about the location where the opening code (O) is received.

20. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The luggage lock (11) includes a sensor (61) configured to directly or indirectly detect the movement of the fixed section (23) of the luggage item (13) relative to the luggage lock (11) and transmit a corresponding detection signal to the control device (29). Wherein the control device (29) is configured to record the reception of the detection signal in the memory (37).

21. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The memory (37) is connected to an interface (63) through which the memory (37) can be read wirelessly.

22. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The luggage lock (11) has an energy source (65) for supplying electrical energy to the electromechanical locking mechanism (15).

23. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control device (29) is configured to send an energy supply status signal (E) to the opening device (35).

24. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The luggage lock (11) has: a charging socket (67), in particular a USB (Universal Serial Bus) socket; and / or an inductive receiver through which the electromechanical locking mechanism (15) can be supplied with electrical energy by an external energy source, in particular the opening device (35).

25. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The luggage lock (11) has a button (69) by actuating which the code receiving device (43) can be activated to receive the opening code.

26. The electronic luggage lock (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The luggage lock (11) has a fastening device (71) configured to permanently fasten the luggage lock (11) to the luggage item (13).

27. A luggage item (13) comprises a luggage body (77) having a fixed section (23), a first container part (73) and a second container part (75) movable relative to the first container part (73) between an open position (H) and a closed position (G), the luggage item further comprising a luggage lock (11) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, Among them, the second container part (75) allowing access to the interior space (79) of the luggage body in the open position (H) and preventing the access in the closed position (G), and wherein the second container part (75) can be fixed in the closed position (G) by locking the fixed section (23).

28. The luggage item (13) according to claim 27, wherein, The luggage item (13) has a luggage closure (25) configured to hold the second container part (75) in the closed position (G), wherein the electromechanical locking mechanism (15) is arranged at the luggage body (77), and the fixed section (23) is arranged at the luggage closure (25), or the fixed section (23) is arranged at the luggage body (77), and the electromechanical locking mechanism (15) is arranged at the luggage closure (25).

29. A method for providing an opening code for opening an electronic luggage lock (11) of a security mechanism, in particular for opening an electronic luggage lock (11) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26 and / or an electronic luggage lock (11) of a luggage item (13) as claimed in claim 27 or 28, the method comprising the steps of: – transmitting a lock identification code (33) of the luggage lock (11) to a database (38), and – transmitting the associated opening code to the database (38).

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, The lock identification code (33) and the opening code (O) are transmitted to a database (38) readable by the security mechanism, in particular a database (38) readable by a security mechanism responsible for performing luggage inspections at an airport.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein, The lock identification code (33) and the opening code (O) are transmitted to the database (38) via a wireless connection by a mobile opening device (35), in particular, the mobile opening device is a smart phone.

32. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein, The lock identification code (33) is wirelessly read from an identification device (31) of the luggage lock (11) and / or from a memory (37) of the opening device (35) by the opening device before being transmitted to the database (38).

33. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein, The lock identification code (33) is selected at the opening device (35).

34. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein, The opening code (O) is transmitted to the luggage lock (11) via a wireless connection and stored as a release code (F) in a memory (37) of the luggage lock (11).

35. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein The opening code (O) is activated.

36. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein Information (I) about a release period (Z) is transmitted to the luggage lock (11) and / or the database (38), during which the luggage lock (11) can be opened by transmitting the opening code (O).

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein, After the release period (Z) has passed, the opening code (O) is deleted.

38. The method according to claim 36 or 37, wherein The release period (Z) can subsequently be extended.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein, Before the release period (Z) has passed, information (I) about the passing of the release period (Z) is received.

40. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 39, wherein, Information (I) about the travel route is transmitted to the database (38), the information (I) being in particular the departure airport, the destination airport, stopovers, airline and / or flight number.

41. A method for a security authority to open an electronic luggage lock (11) having a readable identification device (31), in particular to open the electronic luggage lock (11) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26 and / or the electronic luggage lock (11) of a luggage item (13) as claimed in claim 27 or 28, in particular by means of an opening code provided by a method as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 40, the method comprising the steps of: – reading the lock identification code (33) of the luggage lock (11) from the identification device (31), – transmitting the lock identification code (33) of the luggage lock (11) to the database (38) by means of a mobile opening device (35) of the security authority, and requesting an associated opening code (O), and – receiving the opening code (O) from the database (38) and transmitting the received opening code (O) to the luggage lock (11) by means of the mobile opening device (35).

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein, The database (38) can be read by the security authority, in particular by a security authority responsible for carrying out luggage inspections at an airport.

43. The method according to claim 41 or 42, wherein The request for the opening code (O) is recorded in the database (38).

44. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein, The time point of the request for the opening code (O), the location of the request for the opening code, the device identification code (49) of the mobile opening device (35) and / or the personal identification code of the requesting user are recorded in the database (38).

45. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein, Request authorizations are assigned to a plurality of mobile opening devices (35) and / or persons, and wherein the opening code (O) is transmitted only when an authorized person and / or authorized device requests the opening code (O).

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein, The request authorizations are assigned in accordance with information (I) about the travel route of the luggage item (13), the information (I) being stored in the database (38) and being associated with the lock identification code (33).

47. The method according to claim 45 or 46, wherein, The assignment of the request authorizations can be requested by means of the opening device (35).

48. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein After reading the identification device (31), information (I) about the time point of a previous request for the opening code (O) is displayed at the opening device (35).

49. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 48, wherein, The opening of the luggage lock (11) is enabled or effected by transmitting the received opening code (O) to the luggage lock (11), wherein the opening is recorded in the memory (37) of the luggage lock (11).

50. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 49, wherein, The opening code (O) is transmitted from the database (38) to the mobile opening device (35) only when a request for the opening code (O) is received during a release period (Z) stored in the database (38).

51. The method according to claim 50, wherein, Before the expiration of the release period (Z), a request to extend the release period is transmitted from the database (38) to the mobile unlocking device (35) of the owner of the piece of luggage (13), and the lock identification code (33) and / or the unlocking code (O) have been provided by means of the request.

52. A method for unlocking an electronic luggage lock (11) including a readable identification device (31) by a security authority, in particular for unlocking an electronic luggage lock (11) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26 and / or an electronic luggage lock (11) of a piece of luggage (13) as claimed in claim 27 or 28, in particular by means of an unlocking code provided by a method as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 40, the method comprising the steps of: – at a database (38), receiving a plurality of unlocking codes (O) of respective luggage locks (11) and associated lock identification codes (33), – storing the plurality of unlocking codes (O) and associated lock identification codes (33) or a selection thereof on the mobile unlocking device (35) of the security authority, – reading the lock identification code (33) of the luggage lock (11) from the identification device (31), – retrieving the unlocking code (O) associated with the read lock identification code (33) from the stored plurality of unlocking codes (O), – transmitting the retrieved unlocking code (O) to the luggage lock (11) by means of the mobile unlocking device (35).

53. The method according to claim 52, wherein, Unlocking of the luggage lock (11) is enabled or effected by transmitting the retrieved unlocking code (O) to the luggage lock (11), wherein the unlocking is recorded in the memory (37) of the luggage lock (11).

54. The method according to claim 52 or 53, wherein, The plurality of unlocking codes (O) and associated lock identification codes (33) are also associated with respective release periods (Z).

55. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 54, wherein, The reading of the lock identification code (33) of the luggage lock (11) from the identification device (31) and / or the retrieval of the unlocking code (O) associated with the read lock identification code (33) are recorded in the mobile unlocking device (35) of the security authority.

56. The method according to claim 55, wherein, The record taking place in the mobile unlocking device (35) is transmitted to the database (38).

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