Luggage lock for securing a piece of luggage

Abstract

A luggage lock for securing a piece of luggage that can be opened non-destructively by a security institution comprises a locking bar, which in a locked position locks a security section of the luggage, and an actuating element, wherein the locking bar can be moved into an unlocked position by moving the actuating element. Furthermore, a handle accessible for manual operation is provided for moving the actuating element. The luggage lock comprises a combination locking mechanism, by which the handle can be selectively locked, and a locking cylinder actuated by a common key, wherein the actuating element can be moved into the release position by the locking cylinder, bypassing the handle. Furthermore, an indicator device is provided for indicating an actuation of the locking cylinder.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a luggage lock for securing a piece of luggage, which can be opened non-destructively by a security institution. The luggage lock comprises a lock body and a locking bolt, which, in a locked position, is designed to lock a security section of the luggage relative to the lock body. Furthermore, a combination locking mechanism, operable by the owner of the luggage lock, is provided for selectively locking or releasing the security section, as well as a locking cylinder with a rotatable cylinder core. This core can be rotated from a locked position to an open position by a key that can be inserted by the security institution, thus enabling the release of the security section by bypassing the combination locking mechanism and allowing the security institution to open the luggage lock non-destructively.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a piece of luggage with such a luggage lock.

[0003] A luggage lock is generally intended to secure a piece of luggage, such as a suitcase, against unauthorized access to the items inside while the luggage is unattended. Furthermore, a luggage lock can also be used, for example, to prevent prohibited items, such as drugs, from being packed into the luggage by third parties for smuggling purposes when unsupervised, particularly after the luggage has been checked in at an airport check-in counter, with the intention of removing these items from the luggage at a layover or the final destination airport, either before or after the luggage has been returned to its owner.

[0004] Especially during air travel, there is a high demand for ensuring travel safety and for being able to detect and remove any potentially dangerous substances from checked baggage. Therefore, it may be necessary for a security institution to subsequently inspect checked baggage without the owner's presence, which requires opening the baggage. Such security institutions can be, in particular, government agencies or security service providers, especially state-authorized security service providers.

[0005] In connection with securing luggage with luggage locks, the fundamental problem is therefore to reliably secure the luggage against unauthorized access on the one hand, but on the other hand to allow a security institution to open the luggage without having to break and destroy the luggage lock.

[0006] The protection against unauthorized access in a luggage lock of the type in question is achieved by providing the owner with a combination locking mechanism, allowing the lock to be conveniently locked or unlocked without a key. To release the locking mechanism, a secret code may need to be set on the combination lock, which only the owner can access, thus ensuring reliable protection of the luggage against unauthorized access.

[0007] However, to allow security personnel access for inspection of the luggage, a locking cylinder is also provided. This cylinder allows the security section of the luggage to be released, bypassing the combination locking mechanism. The locking cylinder is operated by a master key, which can be provided to the security institution by the licensor of locks that can be opened with this master key (Travel Sentry), the luggage lock manufacturer, or a luggage manufacturer. This allows security personnel to open the luggage lock non-destructively during an inspection. Such luggage locks, for which the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guarantees non-destructive opening, can therefore be specifically identified and referred to as TSA locks.Such a master key can therefore function in principle like a grand master key, although the security institution – unlike keys conventionally referred to as grand master keys – can be provided with completely identical master keys to open lock cylinders with the same keying. A TSA lock is known, for example, from WO 2020 / 238929 A1.

[0008] Such luggage locks can thus offer reliable protection against unauthorized third parties, while simultaneously allowing non-destructive opening during inspections by security authorities. However, when using such locks, there may be a desire to track whether a piece of luggage has been opened and inspected during a trip, for example, to prove that the luggage was subsequently opened in the event of a loss. Furthermore, proof of subsequent opening of luggage could, for instance, help to dispel an unjustified suspicion of having originally carried prohibited items such as drugs or other contraband, if such items were only later placed in the luggage and the luggage was opened using a counterfeit key.

[0009] Therefore, one object of the invention is to create a luggage lock that can be opened non-destructively by a security institution, but offers reliable protection against unauthorized opening attempts in a compact design, as well as the possibility of being able to trace the unlocking of the luggage lock by the security institution.

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

[0011] The luggage lock comprises a lock body and a locking bolt designed to lock a security section of the luggage relative to the lock body in a locked position. The luggage lock also includes an actuating element, wherein the locking bolt can be moved from a starting position to a release position by moving the actuating element, whereby the security section is released from the lock body when the locking bolt is in the release position. Furthermore, a handle accessible by hand is provided on an external surface of the lock body, by means of which the actuating element can be moved from the starting position to the release position to unlock the luggage lock.The luggage lock includes a combination locking mechanism that allows the handle to be either locked (to keep the luggage closed) or unlocked (to allow the luggage to be opened). A numerical code can be manually set on the combination locking mechanism, and the handle can be unlocked by setting a code that corresponds to a secret key. Conversely, the handle can be locked by setting a code that does not correspond to the secret key.Furthermore, the luggage lock comprises a locking cylinder with a cylinder core that can be rotated from a locked position to an unlocked position by a key inserted by the security institution. The actuating element can be moved from its initial position to the release position by rotating the cylinder core into the unlocked position, bypassing the handle. The luggage lock also features an indicator device designed to signal when the cylinder core has been rotated into the unlocked position – and thus, in particular, when the luggage lock has been opened, bypassing the combination locking mechanism.

[0012] As previously explained, this luggage lock features a combination locking mechanism, offering the owner a convenient way to lock or unlock a section of the luggage. However, the integrated locking cylinder also allows the lock to be unlocked by bypassing the combination mechanism, enabling a security officer to open the lock without needing to know the key.

[0013] However, the combination locking mechanism is bypassed indirectly in this case, as the locking bolt cannot be directly locked or released by the combination locking mechanism itself. Instead, a handle is used to selectively move the locking bolt into the unlocked position via an actuating element. Since the locking bolt is thus not directly locked by the combination locking mechanism, and the combination locking mechanism also does not directly lock the actuating element, a possibility is created to move the locking bolt into the unlocked position—for example, through direct interaction with the actuating element—bypassing the handle and thus the combination locking mechanism.In other words, only the handle needs to be bypassed to allow the luggage lock to be opened by circumventing the combination locking mechanism, whereas no intervention in the combination locking mechanism itself is required.

[0014] Accordingly, rotating the cylinder core from the locked position to the unlocked position allows the actuating element to be moved from the starting position to the release position and, in particular, driven, without the need to operate the handle. Therefore, a numerical code can be set on the combination locking mechanism that does not correspond to the key secret, and the handle can still be locked by the combination locking mechanism. However, moving the locking bolt to the unlocking position to release the security section by rotating the cylinder core to the open position, and thus moving the actuating element to the release position, is nevertheless possible.Since it is therefore not necessary to provide an alternative means of unlocking the combination locking mechanism to setting the key secret, two separate and reliable locking mechanisms can be provided in the form of the combination locking mechanism and the locking cylinder, which are implemented in a decoupled manner and enable reliable locking of the security section.

[0015] Furthermore, the cylinder core can serve solely to selectively drive the actuating element into the release position, whereas the locking cylinder does not necessarily exert any locking effect on the locking bolt. Therefore, the combination locking mechanism and the locking cylinder can ultimately unlock the luggage lock completely independently of each other. With the key combination set, the handle can be moved independently of the cylinder core's rotational position, thus moving the actuating element into the release position. Conversely, the cylinder core can be rotated into the open position independently of any numerical code set on the combination locking mechanism, thereby driving the actuating element into the release position.

[0016] Furthermore, the luggage lock features an indicator designed to signal when the cylinder core has been rotated into the open position. This allows verification if the luggage lock has been unlocked using the locking cylinder, bypassing the combination locking mechanism. Therefore, for example, when receiving a piece of luggage checked in at a destination airport, it can be checked and verified whether the luggage lock was unlocked by rotating the cylinder core into the open position, indicating that the luggage has likely been opened and / or inspected.

[0017] In general, the display device can be used to verify whether the luggage lock was unlocked using the matching key and by turning the lock cylinder. This can, for example, make it possible to prove, in the event of theft, that the luggage was opened with the matching key, so that this information can be used to recover the stolen item. Furthermore, the display device can also, if necessary, counter an unjustified suspicion that prohibited items were originally carried in the luggage if these were only added later by opening the luggage lock with a counterfeit matching key, by showing that the luggage lock was opened by bypassing the combination locking mechanism.This can at least provide an indication that such items may have been placed in the luggage only after it was handed over, whereas exonerating someone from such suspicion without any evidence of the items being added subsequently is often difficult.

[0018] For example, the cylinder core may be designed to interact directly or indirectly (e.g., via the actuating element) with the indicator device, so that the indicator device can undergo a change of state by rotating the cylinder core into the open position, making the rotation of the cylinder core into the open position traceable. As explained in more detail below, in some embodiments the indicator device may be movable, particularly by rotating the cylinder core into the open position, so that unlocking the luggage lock by means of the locking cylinder can be traced, for example, by a change in the position of the indicator device or a section thereof.Such a movement of the display device can, for example, make elements or sections of the display device visible which, prior to a movement of the cylinder core into the open position, may be concealed within an interior of the lock body, such that the visibility of these elements or sections can indicate that the cylinder core has been rotated into the open position.

[0019] To enable the indicator device to display the rotation of the cylinder core into the open position, the existing decoupling between the combination locking mechanism or handle and the actuating element can also be utilized. The indicator device can therefore, for example, also be designed to interact with the actuating element when the actuating element is moved into the release position by rotating the cylinder core into the open position, thus triggering the aforementioned change of state.

[0020] However, the display device can be designed to not detect the aforementioned change of state when the handle is operated to move the actuating element into the release position, so that the change of state only occurs when the cylinder core is rotated into the open position and this rotation can be detected by the display device.

[0021] The indicator device can further be designed to remain unchanged when the cylinder core is rotated from the open position to the locked position, and to maintain the state and / or position assumed by rotating the cylinder core into the open position. This ensures that, even after the luggage lock has been properly locked by rotating the cylinder core back into the locked position, for example after a baggage check, the indicator device continues to show that the luggage lock has been unlocked by means of the locking cylinder.

[0022] However, in some embodiments, the indicator device can be designed to undergo a change of state after the cylinder core has been rotated into the open position by operating the handle. In particular, after the cylinder core has been rotated into the open position, the indicator device can be reset to a zero position by operating the handle, in which the indicator device no longer shows the previously completed rotation of the cylinder core into the open position, so that a subsequent unlocking of the luggage lock by means of the locking cylinder – for example, during a subsequent trip – can again be detected.Such operation of the handle, and thus the resetting of the display device, requires setting the lock secret on the combination locking mechanism. Therefore, in such embodiments, the display device can only be reset by an authorized person who possesses the lock secret. In this respect, the display device in some embodiments can be designed to indicate the type of last unlocking of the luggage lock and to distinguish between a rotation of the cylinder core into the open position and operation of the handle. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0023] A security section of luggage can generally be a part of the luggage's closure mechanism, which can be locked against movement relative to the lock body by locking the section in place. For example, the security section could be a zipper pull, and the lock body could have at least one insertion opening into which the luggage's security section can be optionally inserted and locked by the locking bolt. Furthermore, the luggage lock could be integrated directly into the luggage, for instance, by being inserted into a lock receptacle on the outside of the luggage, in order to interact directly with the luggage's security section.

[0024] Furthermore, the securing element of the luggage can, for example, be an engagement strip of a buckle closure, which is arranged on one container part of the luggage body and can be engaged by a buckle arranged on another container part of the luggage body to connect the container parts and close the luggage body. To lock the engagement strip relative to the luggage lock, the movement of a spring-loaded latch provided on the buckle, by which the buckle's engagement with the engagement strip can be released, can be blocked, so that the engagement strip can no longer be moved relative to the buckle. In such embodiments, the luggage lock can, in particular, be integrated into the buckle of the luggage.

[0025] Furthermore, the securing section can, for example, consist of a fixed shackle on the luggage's locking mechanism and a clamp, which is attached to one compartment of the luggage's body and can be inserted into an opening on the other compartment when the luggage is closed, allowing it to be locked there by means of the luggage lock. The luggage lock itself can, in turn, be attached to and / or integrated into the other compartment.

[0026] Alternatively, the luggage lock can also be designed to be detachable from the luggage, so that it is only attached when needed. Such a luggage lock could, for example, have a U-shaped shackle that can be locked directly to the lock itself. This shackle could be threaded through two zipper pulls and then locked to the lock body, thus connecting the two zipper pulls and preventing the zipper from opening.

[0027] Generally, the luggage lock or part of the luggage lock on the one hand and the security section of the piece of luggage on the other hand are movable relative to each other when the security section is released.

[0028] The handle can generally include, for example, a button, a lever or a control wheel to enable manual operation.

[0029] In particular, the handle may also be accessible on an outside of the piece of luggage if the luggage lock is built into and / or attached to the piece of luggage.

[0030] Further embodiments are explained in the dependent claims, the description and with reference to the drawings.

[0031] In some embodiments, the lock body may have at least one insertion opening for inserting the locking section, and the locking bolt may be designed to lock the locking section inserted into the lock body to the lock body in the locking position.

[0032] In some embodiments, the display device can be moved from a zero position to a display position by rotating the cylinder core into the open position.

[0033] In such embodiments, it can therefore be provided that the indicator device can be moved into the open position by rotating the cylinder core, in order to indicate, upon reaching the indicator position, that the cylinder core has been rotated into the open position and thus that the luggage lock has been unlocked, bypassing the combination locking mechanism and the handle. In particular, such movement of the indicator device into the indicator position can make an indicator element or a hidden indicator section on the lock body visible, which is not visible in the zero position of the indicator device, in order to indicate that the cylinder core has been rotated into the open position.

[0034] The movement of the display device from the zero position to the display position can, for example, be a rotary movement, a pivoting movement, a linear (translational) movement, or a combination of the aforementioned movements.

[0035] In some embodiments, the luggage lock may have a locking device designed to secure the indicator device against movement from the indicator position to the zero position when the cylinder core is rotated from the open position to the locked position.

[0036] This locking mechanism allows the indicator to remain in the display position even after the cylinder core has been rotated into the open position and then rotated back into the locked position. This ensures that the previous rotation of the cylinder core into the open position, and thus the unlocking of the luggage lock, is still indicated. By holding the indicator in the display position, it is possible to verify, even after a properly conducted inspection in which the luggage lock was locked by rotating the cylinder core into the locked position, that the luggage lock was subsequently unlocked using the matching key and by rotating the cylinder core into the open position, and that the piece of luggage has presumably been opened.Similarly, the subsequent addition of prohibited items to the piece of luggage cannot be concealed simply by turning the cylinder core back into the locked position after unlocking the luggage lock with a counterfeit key and adding the items to the luggage.

[0037] For example, the locking mechanism, or at least a locking section of the locking mechanism, can be positioned such that the indicator engages with the locking mechanism or locking section when the indicator position is reached, in order to be secured against movement back to the zero position. For this purpose, a locking section can be arranged, for example, on the lock body or another element of the luggage lock that remains stationary when the cylinder core is rotated into the locked position and / or when the actuating element is moved back to its initial position as a result. The locking section can engage with the indicator when the indicator position is reached, in order to secure the indicator on the lock body or the other stationary element against movement back to the zero position.Furthermore, the display device may also be equipped with a detent element, and in particular a detent lug or hook, to enable engagement with such a detent section in the display position and to secure the display device in that position. For example, the aforementioned detent sections or detent elements may be elastically deformable and / or deflectable to allow the display device to pass by a detent section during movement into the display position and for the detent section to engage upon reaching the display position.

[0038] In addition to preventing the indicator from moving out of the display position when the cylinder core is rotated into the locked position, the locking mechanism can also be designed to generally secure the indicator against unintentional movement from the display position to the zero position. For example, the locking mechanism can prevent the indicator from moving back to the zero position due to vibrations or other accidental or deliberate forces acting on the lock body.

[0039] In some embodiments, the display device can be moved from the display position to the zero position by moving the actuating element using the handle. In particular, in such embodiments, the display device can be moved to the zero position by moving the actuating element to the release position using the handle.

[0040] In such embodiments, the indicator device can therefore be reset, in a sense, even after the lock cylinder has been rotated into the open position by operating the handle. For example, if the luggage lock, after an inspection that moved the indicator device into the display position, is unlocked using the handle after the combination lock mechanism has been set, and the actuating element is moved towards the release position, the indicator device can return to the zero position in such embodiments. This allows, for example, any subsequent inspection by the security institution to be recorded and documented by moving the indicator device from the zero position back to the display position.On a subsequent trip, it can therefore generally be recorded again if the luggage lock was opened by bypassing the combination locking mechanism using the locking cylinder.

[0041] In some embodiments, the lock body may have a display window and the display device may have a display section, wherein the display section can be brought into the display window by moving the display device into the display position.

[0042] For example, the indicator window can be designed as an opening in the lock body and / or housing of the luggage lock, so that a section aligned with the indicator window in the lock body can be seen through the indicator window. Since the indicator section can be moved into the indicator window by moving the indicator device into the display position, it can thus be determined from the indicator section located in the indicator window that the cylinder core has rotated into the open position and the luggage lock has therefore been unlocked using the matching key.

[0043] For example, the indicator section can have a color and / or pattern so that the rotation of the lock cylinder into the open position, and thus the unlocking of the luggage lock bypassing the combination locking mechanism, can be easily and directly recognized from the outside of the lock body. In particular, the indicator section can be colored red and, for example, designed as a red circle or a red rectangle, so that the opening of the luggage lock by means of the lock cylinder can be detected by a red color visible in the indicator window.

[0044] Therefore, in some embodiments, the display section can be arranged in the display window when the display device is in the display position.

[0045] In some embodiments, the display device may have an additional display section to indicate a state of the luggage lock that is not opened by the security institution.

[0046] In particular, the additional display section can therefore be designed to indicate that the cylinder core has not been rotated into the open position and that the luggage lock has thus not been opened by bypassing the combination locking mechanism. Since the security institution, unaware of the lock's secret, can only unlock the luggage lock using the matching key and by rotating the cylinder core into the open position, it can thus detect a state of the luggage lock that has not been opened by the security institution. Therefore, the additional display section can be generally visible if the luggage lock has been unlocked solely using the combination locking mechanism, but not (or at least not primarily) using the locking cylinder.

[0047] Such an additional display section can therefore also easily detect when the luggage lock is in a kind of default state, meaning the locking cylinder has not been actuated and the cylinder core has not been rotated into the open position. This can be detected, for example, when the additional display section—and not the main display section—is located within the display window. The additional display section could also have a suitable color or pattern, such as green, for this purpose.

[0048] In some embodiments, the further display section can be arranged in the display window, unless the display section has previously been brought into the display window by rotating the cylinder core into the open position.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments the further display section can be arranged in the display window when the display device is in the zero position.

[0050] In some embodiments, the additional display section can be moved into the display window by moving the actuating element using the handle after the cylinder core has been rotated into the open position. Alternatively or additionally, the display section located in the display window can also be designed to remain at least partially in the display window when the actuating element is moved into the release position using the handle.

[0051] In such embodiments, it can therefore be provided that, after the cylinder core has been rotated into the open position, the additional display section can be moved into the display window by moving the actuating element using the handle, in particular by moving the actuating element into the release position using the handle, in order to indicate an unactuated state of the locking cylinder again. The display device can thus be reset, so to speak, after the locking cylinder has been actuated by operating the handle, and the additional display section can be moved, in particular, back into the display window, in order to be able to check for a further rotation of the locking cylinder into the open position.In this process, the additional display section can move into the display window, particularly during a movement of the actuating element from the release position to the initial position, provided that the movement of the actuating element to the release position was initiated by the handle. Specifically, such a movement of the actuating element to the release position can release the engagement of a detent mechanism with the display device, allowing the display device to then be carried along during a movement back to the initial position and moved to the zero position, in which the additional display section can be positioned within the display window.

[0052] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the display device can be biased into the zero position, particularly when the display device is in the display position. This can, for example, ensure that the display device automatically returns to the zero position after the handle has been operated, provided that the engagement of a detent mechanism has been released during the operation of the handle.

[0053] In some embodiments, the display device may be designed to indicate the type of last unlocking of the luggage lock and to distinguish between a rotation of the cylinder core into the open position and an operation of the handle.

[0054] As previously explained, it can be provided, in particular, that the indicator device can be moved from a neutral position to an indicator position by turning the lock cylinder into the open position, while remaining in the indicator position when the lock cylinder is turned in the opposite direction, from the open position to the locked position. Conversely, the indicator device in the indicator position can be moved back from the indicator position to the neutral position by operating the handle and moving the actuating element to the release position. Furthermore, an indicator device in the neutral position can return to the neutral position when the handle is operated, at least when the actuating element is moved back to its initial position.

[0055] In certain embodiments, a display device in the display position can therefore indicate that the luggage lock was last unlocked by means of the locking cylinder and by turning the cylinder core to the open position. Conversely, a display device in the zero position indicates that the luggage lock was either not unlocked at all or was last unlocked by operating the handle after setting the key combination on the locking mechanism – regardless of whether the luggage lock was previously unlocked using the locking cylinder.

[0056] Therefore, such a display device can always be used to check how the luggage lock was last unlocked (combination locking mechanism or locking cylinder). Furthermore, unlocking the luggage lock using the combination locking mechanism resets the display device, enabling it to indicate a subsequent unlocking by the locking cylinder. As explained above, this can be achieved, for example, by one display segment and another, which, depending on the method used to last unlock the luggage lock, can be displayed in a single window.

[0057] In some embodiments, the locking bolt can be pre-tensioned into the locking position. In particular, such embodiments can also provide an automatic function by allowing the locking bolt to be forced into the unlocking position against the pre-tension by inserting the locking section or shackle, detached from the lock body, into an insertion opening provided for this purpose on the lock body. However, after the locking section or shackle has been fully inserted, it immediately snaps back into the locking position and secures the locking section or shackle.

[0058] Furthermore, such a preload of the locking bolt into the locked position can also serve to preload the actuating element into its initial position via the locking bolt. In such embodiments, the actuating element can therefore bear against the locking bolt, particularly in the release position, and—provided the actuating element is released by the handle for movement into the initial position—be forced into the initial position by the locking bolt due to its preload. Moreover, in such embodiments, the handle can also be preloaded by the locking bolt via the actuating element against operation to move the actuating element into the release position, so that when the handle is released, the actuating element can return to its initial position and the handle can move into a position that allows the handle to be operated to move the actuating element into the release position.

[0059] In some embodiments, the locking bolt can be formed by an elastically deflectable housing element. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the locking bolt can be formed integrally with the housing of the luggage lock.

[0060] The housing and the integrated locking bolt can be made of plastic, for example. However, a metal version is also possible.

[0061] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the locking bolt can be supported as a separate component on the housing of the luggage lock. Such a separate locking bolt can be made of metal and / or steel.

[0062] In some embodiments, the actuating element can be biased into its initial position, particularly by means of the locking bolt. As already explained, the actuating element can, in particular, bear against a locking bolt biased into the locked position when the actuating element is in the release position and the locking bolt is in the unlocked position, so that the actuating element can be biased against movement into the release position and into the initial position by the bias of the locking bolt. By utilizing the bias of the locking bolt into the locked position for this purpose, a biasing element for biasing the actuating element into its initial position can be omitted.

[0063] In some embodiments, the handle can be connected to a connecting element that can be moved translationally along an axis of movement by operating the handle. In such embodiments, the connecting element can be locked against movement along the axis of movement by the combination locking mechanism.

[0064] In particular, such a connecting element can therefore also effect the aforementioned decoupling between the combination locking mechanism and the locking cylinder, in that, as will be explained in more detail below, relative movement between the actuating element and the connecting element may be possible in principle, whereas operating the handle to move the actuating element may require movement of the connecting element. Since the connecting element can be locked against movement along the axis of movement by the combination locking mechanism, the handle, and therefore any movement that can be transferred to the actuating element by operating the handle, can also be locked by the combination locking mechanism.

[0065] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the actuating element can be movable relative to the connecting element, in particular from the initial position to the release position. In addition, in some embodiments, the actuating element can be driven to such a movement relative to the connecting element by rotating the cylinder core from the locked position to the open position.

[0066] In contrast, in some embodiments the connecting element can be designed to carry the actuating element along the axis of movement and thereby drive it to move from the starting position to the release position.

[0067] In some embodiments, the handle may have a pivot lever that pivots about a pivot axis perpendicular to the axis of movement and an eccentric that can be rotated about the pivot axis by pivoting the lever. The eccentric rests against the connecting element, and the connecting element can be moved by rotating the eccentric. Such an eccentric thus allows for a simple conversion of the eccentric's rotational movement into the connecting element's translational movement, enabling the actuating element to be moved into the release position.

[0068] In some embodiments, the cylinder core can be received in the handle and rotated about the pivot axis. In such embodiments, the cylinder core and the handle can therefore be aligned coaxially to each other in order to achieve a compact design of the luggage lock.

[0069] In some embodiments, the lock cylinder may have an eccentric section that is rotationally fixed to the cylinder core, and the actuating element may have an actuating section. The eccentric section may be designed to move the actuating element into the release position by engaging the actuating section when the cylinder core rotates into the open position. Thus, such an eccentric section allows a rotational movement of the cylinder core to be converted into a movement of the actuating element to move the locking bolt into the unlocked position, without requiring the handle to be operated and / or the aforementioned connecting element to be moved.

[0070] Particularly in embodiments where the cylinder core is rotatable about a pivot axis of a handle lever and where the handle has an eccentric rotatable about the pivot axis for moving the connecting element, it can also be provided that the actuating element can be moved from the initial position to the release position by a pivoting movement, wherein tangential forces with respect to the pivoting movement can be transmitted to the actuating element by the connecting element and the eccentric section of the locking cylinder. Furthermore, the eccentric section of the locking cylinder can act radially further outwards on the actuating element with respect to a pivot axis of the actuating element's pivoting movement than the connecting element.With such an arrangement, when the locking cylinder is actuated, only smaller forces need to be transmitted to the actuating element than through the connecting element due to the greater leverage effect, whereby the forces required to move the connecting element can be more easily applied by a sufficient length of the pivot lever and the leverage effect that can be achieved at the handle.

[0071] In some embodiments, the combination locking mechanism may have several code rings rotatable about the axis of movement for setting the numerical code. These code rings are rotationally coupled to respective coupling rings mounted on a locking rod extending along the axis of movement. The coupling rings may be pre-tensioned in the direction of the connecting element, and the locking rod may have a locking projection associated with each coupling ring. Each coupling ring may have a locking surface extending circumferentially and located radially inside the axis of movement, with a release recess.Furthermore, the release recesses of all coupling rings can be aligned with the associated locking projections when the key code is set on the code rings, so that the coupling rings are movable relative to the locking bar against the preload when the key code is set. Conversely, the locking surface of at least one coupling ring can be aligned with the associated locking projection when the key code is not set, so that the coupling rings are axially fixed relative to the locking bar by the locking surface abutting the associated locking projection when the key code is not set. The connecting element can be coupled to the coupling rings with respect to movement along the axis of movement and, in particular, can bear against a coupling ring facing the connecting element.

[0072] In particular, the code rings can be rotationally coupled to the respective coupling rings when the handle is not operated and the actuating element has not been moved into the release position by means of the handle, as explained in more detail below. The coupling rings can also be preloaded along the axis of movement in the direction of the connecting element. For this purpose, a coupling ring facing away from the connecting element can be acted upon by a compression spring, which exerts a preload in the direction of the connecting element on all coupling rings.Furthermore, the locking lugs of the locking rod can, in principle, be located behind the respective associated coupling ring or further away from the connecting element than the respective associated coupling ring when viewed in the direction of movement of the connecting element (for moving the actuating element into the release position), so that movement of the coupling ring in the direction of movement can be blocked by striking the associated locking lug if the release recess is not aligned in line with the associated locking lug.

[0073] Because, when the locking mechanism is not set, at least one release recess of a coupling ring may not be aligned with the corresponding locking projection, but rather its locking surface may be aligned with the locking projection, this locking surface will strike the corresponding locking projection of the locking rod when moving against the preload, thus blocking the movement of the coupling ring. Since the connecting element is coupled to the coupling rings with respect to movement along the axis of movement, the movement of the connecting element can consequently also be blocked, thus ultimately preventing operation of the handle.If, however, the locking mechanism is set and all release recesses are aligned with the associated locking projections of the locking bar, the coupling rings can be moved axially relative to the locking bar, whereby the locking projections can be guided through the associated release recesses, so that the movement of the connecting element along the axis of movement and thus the handling can also be released.

[0074] To enable the code rings to be rotationally coupled to the associated coupling rings, the coupling rings can, in particular, have coupling projections extending radially outwards, while the code rings can have coupling recesses that interact with the coupling projections, or vice versa. The engagement of the coupling projections with the coupling recesses creates a rotationally effective coupling. As explained in more detail below, this rotationally effective coupling can be present, in particular, when the handle is not operated and the actuating element has therefore not been moved into the release position by means of the handle. However, it can also be provided that the coupling rings are axially movable relative to the code rings by operating the handle, which can also release the rotationally effective coupling.

[0075] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the coupling rings can be coupled with respect to movement along the axis of movement, so that, for example, the movement of a coupling ring facing the connecting element can be transmitted to a subsequent coupling ring. For this purpose, the coupling rings can, for instance, be in contact with one another. A movement of the connecting element can therefore, in particular, require a movement of all coupling rings.

[0076] In principle, it can also be provided that the locking bar has an axial release groove and an annular groove for each of the coupling rings, wherein the coupling rings have a locking projection rotatable in the respective annular groove and wherein the locking projections can be arranged in alignment with the release groove when the locking secret is set, so that the locking projections can be guided through the release recess during an axial movement of the connecting element.

[0077] In some designs, however, the locking bar may be held immovably and / or axially fixed in the lock body (with regard to the intended use of the luggage lock).

[0078] In some embodiments, the connecting element may have an insertion channel for receiving the locking bar. In particular, the locking bar can thus extend into the connecting element and its insertion channel, so that the connecting element can also serve to center and support the locking bar and thus the coupling rings and code rings mounted on it within the lock body.

[0079] In some embodiments, the combination locking mechanism may have at least four code rings.

[0080] By having at least four code rings on the combination lock mechanism, a large number of possible combinations can be provided, thus ensuring a secure design of the lock. In particular, the use of four code rings also allows for the setting of years or days / months as a key secret that is easy to remember but not obvious to outsiders.

[0081] In some embodiments, the connecting element may have a slot extending, in particular, along the axis of movement, and the actuating element may have a pin engaging in the slot. In such embodiments, a boundary of the slot may be designed to carry the pin along with the movement of the connecting element and to move the actuating element into the release position.

[0082] In particular, the pin can also be movable in the slot with a movement component perpendicular to the axis of movement along which the connecting element is movable during the movement of the connecting element, so that the actuating element can, for example, perform a pivoting movement during the movement of the connecting element in order to force the locking bolt into the unlocked position. The boundary of the slot that carries the pin along can, in particular, be a boundary of the slot facing away from the code rings with respect to the axis of movement.

[0083] In some embodiments, the pin of the actuating element can be moved within the slot relative to the connecting element while the actuating element is being moved into the release position by the locking cylinder. In this way, the slot of the connecting element can ultimately decouple the actuating element from the connecting element, allowing the actuating element to move into the release position without moving the connecting element, and thus enabling the actuating element to move into the release position without the combination locking mechanism releasing the connecting element. In particular, such movement of the actuating element relative to the connecting element can therefore allow the actuating element to be actuated by the locking cylinder, bypassing the combination locking mechanism and the handle.The pin can be moved away from the aforementioned limit of the slot, particularly along the direction of movement of the connecting element (for moving the actuating element into the release position), so that the free space available in the slot in the direction of movement can be used for the relative movement between the pin and the connecting element.

[0084] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the pin can pass through the slot and extend beyond a top surface of the connecting element facing away from the actuating element, or the pin can not pass through the slot and not extend beyond the top surface of the connecting element, but be arranged completely within the slot.

[0085] In some embodiments, the display device can be pivotally mounted on the connecting element, and the pin can be designed to pivot the display device relative to the connecting element during movement. In particular, the pin can engage the display device during movement relative to the connecting element in order to pivot the display device relative to the connecting element and the lock body.

[0086] By allowing the pin to pivot the display device relative to the connecting element during movement, and thus as a result of moving the actuating element into the release position by means of the locking cylinder, the display device can also be moved relative to the connecting element by moving the actuating element into the release position by means of the locking cylinder, in order to indicate the rotation of the cylinder core by a change in position. In particular, the display device can therefore be pivoted into the aforementioned display position by means of the pin.

[0087] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the display section already mentioned can be brought into the display window by pivoting the display device, in order to indicate that the actuating element has been activated by the locking cylinder.

[0088] For example, the display device may have a hook section pointing away from a pivot axis of the display device, into which the pin for pivoting the display device during the movement of the actuating element relative to the connecting element can engage when the actuating element is moved into the release position by means of the locking cylinder.

[0089] In some embodiments, a locking device, in particular the aforementioned locking device, may be provided, which may be designed to secure the indicator device against pivoting back when the cylinder core is rotated from the open position to the locked position. For example, the lock body may have a locking lug that interacts with the indicator device and against which the indicator device can be guided during the movement of the pin relative to the connecting element, in order to secure the indicator device in the display position assumed after the locking cylinder has been actuated and, for example, to engage behind it.Even if the security institution properly locks the luggage lock again after a check has been carried out, the indicator device can remain in the current display position to indicate that the locking cylinder has been operated using the matching key.

[0090] In some embodiments, the display device can be coupled to the connecting element with respect to its translational movement along the axis of movement. Therefore, in such embodiments, the display device can be moved translationally together with the connecting element when the handle is operated. In such embodiments, a further display section that was located in a display window of the lock body before the handle was operated can, in particular, return to the display window after the connecting element moves back when the actuating element moves from the release position to the initial position, in order to indicate that the luggage lock has not been unlocked, or at least not least by the locking cylinder. Similarly, the display device can generally return to the aforementioned zero position after the handle has been operated.

[0091] In some embodiments, the display device can be pivoted back by moving the connecting element. As already explained, moving the connecting element can trigger the release of the handle by the combination locking mechanism and allow the handle to be operated, so that in such embodiments, the display device can only be pivoted back as a result of setting the locking secret on the combination locking mechanism and subsequently moving the connecting element.By moving the connecting element, particularly when the actuating element moves back to its initial position, the indicator device can be reset to its zero position. This allows, for example, the subsequent use of the luggage lock to detect that the lock cylinder has been actuated again to unlock the lock. For instance, a locking lug of the aforementioned locking device can disengage from the indicator device during movement of the connecting element, allowing the indicator device to pivot back into its original position.Furthermore, the display device can be moved relative to the locking lug by means of the connecting element in such a way that the locking lug holds the display device when the connecting element is moved back, such that the movement of the connecting element results in the display device pivoting back.

[0092] In some embodiments, the display device can be arranged between the connecting element and the top of the luggage lock housing. In such embodiments, the display device can thus be attached to the connecting element in the space between the connecting element and the top of the housing, and in particular, pivotably mounted. Such a space may already be available, for example, due to the combination locking mechanism having a larger radial extension relative to the axis of movement compared to the connecting element, so that this space and the available installation space can be cleverly used for arranging the display device in corresponding embodiments.

[0093] The top of the housing may correspond in particular to the side of the housing where the handle for manual operation is accessible.

[0094] In some embodiments, the display device may have a contact section, and the actuating element may have a drive section. Furthermore, in such embodiments, when the cylinder core is rotated into the open position, the display device may be movable linearly and / or translationally, particularly along the axis of movement, relative to the connecting element by means of the drive section acting on the contact section.

[0095] In such embodiments, the indicator device can thus be driven into a linear movement relative to the connecting element—which remains stationary during such actuation—by the actuating element, which is consequently moved relative to the connecting element. Because the connecting element remains stationary during rotation of the cylinder core and is locked by the combination locking mechanism, the drive section can consequently also move the indicator device relative to the lock body, in order to move it into the aforementioned display position and thus indicate that the cylinder core has rotated into the display position. Again, the decoupling between the combination locking mechanism and the actuating element can be used to move the indicator device relative to the lock body when the locking cylinder is actuated.For example, by moving the display device relative to the connecting element, the aforementioned display section can also enter the display window.

[0096] In some embodiments, the display device can overlap the connecting element on both sides and be held on the connecting element, in particular perpendicular to the axis of movement and / or perpendicular to a plane of extension of the connecting element, on both sides.

[0097] The display device can therefore be supported on both sides of the connecting element to secure it against movement out of the connecting element's plane of extension. For example, the display device can extend through the connecting element and have two cover sections extending along opposite sides of the connecting element to support and hold the display device in place. To enable such an extension, the connecting element can, in particular, have a slot for the display device through which it can extend.Therefore, in some embodiments, the display device can be fixed to the connecting element – ​​apart from the linear mobility relative to the connecting element – ​​and not be movable relative to the connecting element in directions deviating from a direction of linear movement.

[0098] In particular, the display device can overlap the connecting element on a top side of the connecting element and on a bottom side of the connecting element opposite the top side, wherein the top side of the connecting element can in particular face a top side of the housing on which the handle for manual operation is accessible.

[0099] For example, the display device can also be designed in at least two parts and have a respective part on both sides of the connecting element, wherein the two parts of the display device can in particular be plugged into each other.

[0100] In some embodiments, the contact section of the display device can extend away from the underside of the connecting element, and the actuating element can be arranged below the connecting element. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the display device can extend, in particular, through the connecting element and extend section by section above an upper surface of the connecting element opposite the underside. For example, the display device can have the aforementioned display section on a section extending above the upper surface in order to indicate the rotation of the cylinder core into the display position on a display window formed on the upper surface of a housing.

[0101] In some embodiments, the display device can penetrate a display device slot formed on the connecting element, wherein the display device slot can guide the display device during movement relative to the connecting element.

[0102] In particular, in such embodiments, the display device can be moved linearly along the display device slot relative to the connecting element when the actuating element is moved into the release position by rotating the cylinder core into the open position. Furthermore, the display device slot can allow the connecting element to penetrate as described above, in order to support and hold the display device against the connecting element.

[0103] Furthermore, the display slot can, in particular, enable the necessary decoupling between the display device and the connecting element, and thus also the handle, by allowing the display device – like the actuating element – ​​to be movable relative to the connecting element within the display slot due to the placement of the display slot on the connecting element, so that movement of the display device does not require movement of the connecting element and the handle.

[0104] In some embodiments, the display slot can extend parallel to the axis of movement. In particular, in such embodiments, the display can be displaced along the axis of movement by rotating the cylinder core into the open position, in order to move it from the aforementioned zero position to the aforementioned display position. The actuating element, on the other hand, can perform a pivoting movement when moving from the initial position to the release position, so that the drive section can slide along the contact section of the display, which is guided linearly in the display slot, for example, while the actuating element is moving into the release position.

[0105] In some embodiments, the display device may have a clamping hook which is designed to engage with a detent section of the connecting element as a result of the movement of the display device relative to the connecting element and to secure the display device against movement relative to the connecting element when the cylinder core is rotated into the locked position.

[0106] In particular, the tension hook and the locking section can each form part of the aforementioned locking device, so that the locking device can be formed - at least partially - on the display device itself as well as on the connecting element.

[0107] The clamping hook can, for example, be elastically deflectable and engage in a bearing slot on the connecting element before the cylinder core rotates into the open position or when the display device is positioned in the aforementioned zero position. Furthermore, the clamping hook can, for example, have an inclined surface pointing in the direction of movement of the display device when the cylinder core rotates into the open position. This inclined surface is designed to redirect the movement of the display device relative to the connecting element and force the clamping hook out of the bearing slot.However, due to the elastic deflection of the tension hook, the tension hook can snap back after passing the detent section of the connecting element, which may be formed in particular by an end section of the connecting element facing away from the locking cylinder, and thereby engage with the detent section in order to secure the indicator device against movement relative to the connecting element when the cylinder core is rotated back into the locked position.

[0108] Therefore, in some embodiments, the tension hook can be elastically deflected – regardless of the design of the connecting element with a bearing slot.

[0109] The tension hook allows the indicator device to be coupled to the connecting element after the cylinder core has been rotated into the locked position. This prevents the indicator device from following the subsequent movement of the actuating element back to the release position when the cylinder core is rotated back into the locked position, instead keeping it in its current position (especially the indicator position). Therefore, the engagement of the tension hook on the detent section of the connecting element ensures that the rotation of the cylinder core into the open position is still registered even after the cylinder core is rotated back into the locked position and the luggage lock is properly engaged.

[0110] In some embodiments, the connecting element may have a storage slot in which the tension hook is arranged before movement relative to the connecting element. In such embodiments, the tension hook may also have a slanted surface, and the tension hook may be forced out of the storage slot during movement of the display device relative to the connecting element by the interaction of the slanted surface with a boundary of the storage slot.

[0111] In some embodiments, the display device may have a clamping section opposite to the clamping hook with respect to the movement of the display device, which rests against a stop section of the connecting element and is elastically deformable, wherein the display device can be placed under tension by the movement relative to the connecting element between the detent section and the stop section.

[0112] For example, the clamping section can be designed as an arm extending essentially perpendicular to the movement of the display device, which can be elastically deformed by moving the display device relative to the connecting element and thus be subjected to tension. As soon as the clamping hook passes and engages behind the detent section of the connecting element, the tension of the clamping section can therefore pull the clamping hook against the detent section of the connecting element, thereby creating a secure locking connection and securing the display device in the assumed position – in particular the display position.In addition, the clamping hook can be pre-tensioned by the clamping section in the opposite direction to the movement relative to the connecting element in order to allow the display device to move back relative to the connecting element as a result of operation of the handle and movement of the connecting element, as explained in more detail below.

[0113] In some embodiments, the tensioning hook and / or the tensioning section may be made of plastic.

[0114] In some embodiments, the luggage lock may have a release section extending into an interior of the lock body, which is arranged to come into contact with the tensioned tensioning hook when the connecting element moves along the axis of movement, thereby disengaging the tensioning hook from the detent section. Furthermore, when the tensioning hook is disengaged from the detent section, the indicator device may, due to the tension exerted by the tensioning hook, be movable back relative to the connecting element in the opposite direction to the movement that occurred when the cylinder core rotated into the open position.

[0115] For example, the release section can be formed on a housing part of the luggage lock housing and extend into the interior to interact with the tension hook. Furthermore, the release section can be formed integrally with such a housing part – particularly a housing upper part – and, for example, as a projection extending from the housing part into the interior.

[0116] In particular, the tension hook resting against the detent section can rest against the release section on a side facing away from the detent section, so that when the connecting element moves relative to the lock body and the release section, the tension hook can be moved along the release section to be moved by the release section perpendicular to the direction of movement and disengaged from the detent section. Once the engagement with the detent section is released, the tension hook can be retracted due to the tension exerted by the tension section, thereby moving the indicator device back relative to the connecting element and, in particular, to the aforementioned zero position.Therefore, the movement of the connecting element when operating the handle after release by the combination locking mechanism can also be used here to move the indicator device back to the open position in the opposite direction to the movement relative to the connecting element when the cylinder core is rotated, and thus reset it in order to indicate a subsequent rotation of the cylinder core into the open position and thus unlocking the luggage lock by bypassing the combination locking mechanism.

[0117] In some embodiments, the tension hook and the release section may have cooperating inclined surfaces, whereby the tension hook can be disengaged from the detent section by the interaction of the inclined surfaces.

[0118] For example, the interaction of such inclined surfaces can redirect a force exerted on the connecting element, and thus on the tensioning hook, along the axis of movement into a force perpendicular to the movement, thereby disengaging the tensioning hook from the detent section. Furthermore, the inclined surfaces enable smooth redirection, so that releasing the tensioning hook does not require a significant increase in the force needed to operate the handle, thus maintaining smooth and comfortable operation.

[0119] In some embodiments, the connecting element may have a stop to halt the return movement of the indicator. Such a stop ensures that the indicator is not pulled beyond the desired position, particularly the zero position, due to the tension exerted by the clamping section, but rather returns to the desired position relative to the connecting element after its movement. For example, the stop may be formed by a boundary of the aforementioned indicator slot facing away from the detent section.

[0120] In some embodiments, the connecting element may have a guide slot into which the release section can be inserted during movement of the connecting element. In such embodiments, a clearance can thus be easily provided on the connecting element to allow movement of the connecting element relative to the release section. For example, the guide slot may extend along the axis of movement and / or merge into the aforementioned bearing slot, the bearing slot being particularly capable of extending perpendicular to the axis of movement.

[0121] In some embodiments, the actuating element can pivot between the initial position and the release position and may have an actuating lever extending towards the locking bolt. In such embodiments, the handle and the cylinder core can transmit forces, particularly those tangential to the pivoting movement, to the actuating element, with the cylinder core engaging the actuating element radially further outwards than the handle or the connecting element, especially with respect to the pivot axis of the actuating element. Conversely, the handle, for example by means of a sufficiently long pivoting lever, can be designed to transmit sufficiently large forces to the actuating element.

[0122] In some embodiments, the locking element can be inserted into the lock body, and the luggage lock can have at least one rotatable locking element with a receptacle defined by a relatively longer and a relatively shorter leg, in which the locking element inserted into the lock body is arranged. The relatively shorter leg can engage the locking element inserted into the lock body, preventing movement out of the insertion opening, and the locking bolt can engage the relatively longer leg in the locking position, thereby blocking the locking element against rotation. In such embodiments, an indirect locking of the locking element inserted into the lock body can thus ultimately be achieved, since the locking bolt engages not directly on the locking element, but on the locking element itself.

[0123] In some embodiments, the locking element can be rotated into a removal position when the locking bolt is in the unlocked position, in which an opening of the receptacle points towards the insertion opening. The locking section can be removed from the lock body in the removal position, and the locking element can be pre-tensioned into the removal position, for example by a torsion spring. Such pre-tensioning allows the locking element to move directly into the removal position when the locking bolt is forced into the unlocked position, so that the locking section can be removed.

[0124] In some embodiments, the locking element can be rotated by inserting the security section removed from the lock body into the receptacle, and the locking bolt can be forced into the unlocked position by the relatively longer leg when the locking element is rotated. Furthermore, the locking bolt can be designed to snap back into the locking position when the relatively longer leg has passed the locking bolt. In particular, the locking bolt can be pre-tensioned into the locking position, thus providing an automatic function for automatically locking the inserted security section.

[0125] In some embodiments, the luggage lock may have two insertion openings for inserting a respective security section of the piece of luggage, for example two zipper pulls, and the locking bolt may be designed to lock the security sections inserted into the lock body in the locking position relative to the lock body.

[0126] In particular, in such embodiments, the luggage lock may further have two locking elements of the type described above in order to lock both locking sections within the lock body. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the locking bolt may be designed as a single piece or in two parts.

[0127] Alternatively, it may also be provided, for example, that the locking bolt is designed as a ball slider in order to selectively push a ball or, in particular, two balls outwards towards an insertion opening for the respective locking section, either to lock an inserted locking section or two inserted locking sections, or to release the ball or balls for movement inwards and out of the insertion openings.

[0128] For example, the locking bolt can be designed in a frustoconical shape, so that when the actuating element is moved into the release position, a section of smaller diameter can be guided into the area of ​​the balls, allowing the balls to move inwards towards the locking bolt. Conversely, in the locking position, a section of larger diameter can be arranged in the area of ​​the balls, so that the balls can be blocked against inwards movement and against moving out of their respective insertion openings. For this purpose, the locking bolt can be linearly movable, so that, for example, the movement of the locking bolt described above by means of an actuating lever of the actuating element can again be provided. Furthermore, such a locking bolt can also be supported, for example, by a spring on a housing of the luggage lock and pre-tensioned into the locking position.

[0129] The invention further relates to a piece of luggage comprising a luggage body with a locking 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, as well as a luggage lock according to one of the embodiments described above. In the open position, the second container part can provide access to an interior space of the luggage body, and in the closed position, it can block access. The second container part can be secured in the closed position by locking the locking section.

[0130] In particular, the luggage lock can be integrated into the piece of luggage. The locking mechanism could, for example, be the pull tab of a zipper.

[0131] In some embodiments, the piece of luggage may also have a recess for a luggage lock, in which the luggage lock is arranged. In such embodiments, the luggage lock can thus be integrated into the piece of luggage, and the luggage can be provided with an integrated luggage lock.

[0132] The invention will below be explained purely by way of example with reference to a specific embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B Schematic representations of a piece of luggage with an integrated luggage lock when the luggage is open and when the luggage is closed. Fig. 2A a perspective view of the luggage lock with locking sections of the luggage attached to it, Fig. 2B a schematic exploded view to illustrate the composition of a luggage lock housing, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B respective schematic sectional views of the interior of a lock body of the luggage lock to illustrate the components of the luggage lock, which on the one hand enable locking of the release of the security section by means of a combination locking mechanism and on the other hand enable release of the security section by bypassing the combination locking mechanism by means of a locking cylinder, Fig. 4A to 4C are respective schematic sectional views to illustrate the functioning of the luggage lock and to illustrate an indicator device for showing when the luggage lock is opened by means of the locking cylinder. Fig. 5A to 5C are respective schematic diagrams illustrating the interaction of a locking bolt of the luggage lock with locking elements of the luggage lock to lock two handles of a zipper. Fig. 6 a schematic representation to illustrate components of the combination locking mechanism, Fig. 7A to 7C are respective schematic representations of a further embodiment of the luggage lock, in which the locking bolt is designed as a component separately supported on a housing of the luggage lock. Fig. 8A to 8D are schematic representations of further embodiments of the luggage lock, in which the locking bolt is designed as a leaf spring or a torsion spring. Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a stand-up piece of luggage with an integrated luggage lock, Fig. 10 a schematic representation of a handle of the luggage lock, the pivot lever of which can be pivoted in any direction of rotation in order to move an actuating element of the luggage lock into a release position, Fig. 11 A representation of a further embodiment of the luggage lock with an alternative indicator device for indicating an unlocking of the luggage lock by means of the locking cylinder, Fig. 12. A diagram illustrating the alternative display device, Fig. 13A to 13C are respective illustrations to demonstrate the operation of the alternative display device and a locking device for securing the display device in a display position after unlocking the luggage lock by means of the locking cylinder. Fig. 14 a representation of the display device and the locking device from a subside and Fig. 15 A representation of components arranged inside a housing of the luggage lock and of a folded-over housing top to illustrate the release of the locking device to move the display device to a zero position.

[0133] Fig. Figure 1A shows a piece of luggage 13, which has a luggage body 119 with a first container part 107 and a second container part 109. In Fig. 1A the piece of luggage 13 is in an open position O, in which the second container part 109 is positioned such that access to an interior 111 of the piece of luggage 13 is enabled.

[0134] How Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the second container part 109 can optionally be pivoted relative to the first container part 107 in order to close the piece of luggage 13 and move it into a closed position P, in which the second container part 109 blocks access to the interior 111.

[0135] In order to secure the piece of luggage 13 in the closed position P, a luggage lock 11 is inserted into a luggage lock receptacle 113 of the piece of luggage 13 and thus, in a sense, integrated into the piece of luggage 13, whereby the second container part 109 can be secured against movement relative to the first container part 107 by the luggage lock 11. Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a locking section 19 is provided on the second container part 109, which is exemplified as a clamp projecting from the second container part 109, and the luggage lock 113 has an insertion opening 103 for the locking section 19. Furthermore, the luggage lock 11 is designed to selectively lock the locking section 19 inserted into the insertion opening 103 relative to a lock body 15 of the luggage lock 11, thereby securing the second container part 109 to the first container part 107 and the piece of luggage 13 against unauthorized access to the interior 111.

[0136] Fig. Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the luggage lock 11, which, as explained, can be inserted into a luggage lock receptacle 113 on a piece of luggage 13 and thus integrated into the piece of luggage 13. The luggage lock 11 has the aforementioned lock body 15 and two insertion openings 103, into each of the insertion openings 103, where, by way of example, the respective handles 89 and 91 of a zipper are provided safety sections 19 of the [unclear text]. Fig. 2A are introduced into the luggage item 13 (not shown). Furthermore, the luggage lock 11 is equipped with a combination locking mechanism 27 with a total of four code rings 41, accessible on an outer surface 23 of the lock body 15, for setting a numerical code Z. As explained in more detail below, the locking sections 19 can be released from the lock body 15 by setting a numerical code Z corresponding to a key secret, whereas the locking sections 19 can be locked from the lock body 15 by setting a numerical code Z different from the key secret.

[0137] In particular, such a combination locking mechanism 27 can enable the owner of the luggage lock 11 and the piece of luggage 13 to reliably secure the locking sections 19 against unauthorized removal from the lock body 15 and thus secure the piece of luggage 13 in the locked position P. However, it may be necessary for a security institution to open the piece of luggage 13 without the owner being present, for example, to inspect the contents of the piece of luggage 13.In order to enable non-destructive opening of the piece of luggage 13 by such a security institution, for example the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a locking cylinder 29 with a cylinder core 31 rotatable between a locking position G and an opening position R and with a key insertion opening 33 is provided in addition to the combination locking mechanism 27, which can be operated by means of an identical key available to or made available to the security institution (see also . Fig. 4C). As is also explained in more detail below, turning the cylinder core 31 into the opening position O allows the locking sections 19 to be released from the lock body 15, bypassing the combination locking mechanism 27, so that the luggage lock 11 can be opened non-destructively using the matching key, even though the security institution's secret key is unknown.

[0138] As furthermore, already from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2A, a manually operable handle 25 with a pivot lever 57 is provided on the outer surface 23 of the lock body 15 or a housing 37 of the luggage lock 11. As explained in more detail below, the handle 25 interacts with the combination locking mechanism 27. When the lock combination is set, the combination locking mechanism 27 releases the handle 25 for a pivot movement S1 about a pivot axis S. This movement of the handle 25 releases the locking sections 19 from the lock body 15. When the lock combination is not set, the handle 25 is locked by the combination locking mechanism 27 and cannot be moved. Furthermore, the previously mentioned cylinder core 31 is inserted into the handle 25 and is also rotatable about the pivot axis S, resulting in a space-saving and coaxial arrangement.

[0139] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 2A, that the pivoting movement S1 is such that the pivoting lever 57, which in the shown unactuated position is aligned perpendicularly to a movement axis B along which the code rings 41 are arranged, is moved away from the code rings 41 by the pivoting movement S1. As explained in more detail below, this prevents accidental alteration of the locking secret. In addition, in Fig. 2A a display window 75, which will be explained in more detail below, is visible on the housing 37, by means of which an owner of the luggage lock 11 can be notified when the luggage lock 11 has been opened using the key not shown in the figures and by actuating the cylinder core 31. Fig. Figure 2A also shows that a vertical axis C, along which the numbers on the code rings 41 are aligned, is aligned parallel to the axis of movement B.

[0140] Fig. Figure 3A shows a schematic representation of the luggage lock 11 with the outer side 23 of the lock body 15 and the housing 37 removed, to further illustrate the function and components of the luggage lock 11. Fig. 3B also removes the swivel lever 57 from the handle 25.

[0141] First, the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, that the luggage lock 11 has a locking bolt 17 which is formed integrally with the housing 37 as a housing element 35. Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B illustrates the locking bolt 17 in a locking position V, in which the locking bolt 17 engages the respective longer legs 99 of locking elements 95 and thereby secures the locking elements 95 against rotation. The locking bolt 17 is contacted by an actuating lever 93 of an actuating element 21 that pivots about a pivot point 115 and is actuated by the handle 25 as well as by the locking cylinder 29. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B shows the starting position A in a position that is in the Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C shows that the release position F is movable in order to force the locking bolt 17 from the locking position V into an unlocking position E, in which the locking elements 95 are free for rotation and thereby the safety sections 19 introduced into the lock body 15 are free for release from the lock body 15.

[0142] The locking of the safety sections 19, in particular two handles 89 and 91 of a zipper 87, is further described schematically by means of the Fig. 5A to 5C illustrated. How Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, the rotatable locking elements 95 are arranged in a removal position H when the locking sections 19 are detached from the lock body 15. In this position, receptacles 101 formed by the aforementioned longer legs 99 and shorter legs 97 of the locking elements 95 are aligned towards the insertion openings 103. The locking bolt 17 also extends from an outer surface of the housing as an elongated tab or tongue formed integrally with the housing 37 towards the locking elements 95. In the embodiment shown, the locking bolt 17 has a separate tab or tongue for each of the two locking elements 95. In particular, the housing 37, and thus also the locking bolt 17, can be made of a plastic material, allowing the locking bolt 17 to deflect elastically perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the locking bolt 17, but to be pre-tensioned into the locking position V.

[0143] The locking elements 95 are further shaped such that, by inserting the locking sections 19 into the insertion openings 103, the locking elements 95 can be set into rotation, the longer legs 99 pushing back the elastically deflectable locking bar 17, which is thereby pre-tensioned into the locking position V. This allows the handles 89 and 91 of the zipper 87 to enter the receptacles 101, and the relatively shorter leg 97 of the locking elements 95 engages over or through the handles 89 and 91 in such a way that the handles 89 and 91 are secured in the receptacle. Furthermore, due to its preload, the locking bolt 17 snaps back into the locking position V, in which the locking bolt 17 engages the longer legs 99 of the locking elements 95 as soon as the longer legs 99 have passed the locking bolt 17 (cf. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5C). By pre-tensioning the locking bolt 17, an automatic function can be provided by locking the handles 89 and 91, as respective locking sections 19 of a piece of luggage 13, to the lock body 15 immediately after insertion into the insertion openings 103. In order to remove the locking sections 19 from the lock body 15, the locking bolt 17 must be forced from the locking position V back into an unlocking position E, so that the locking elements 95 are released for rotation into the removal position H. The locking elements 95 can also be pre-tensioned, particularly in the removal position H, for example by means of a torsion spring (not shown), so that, as a result of release by the locking bolt 17, rotation into the removal position H can occur immediately and the locking sections 19 are released from the lock body 15.

[0144] The one based on the Fig. The locking bolt 17 illustrated in Figures 5A to 5C is thus formed as a single piece with the housing 37, enabling a compact and simple design of the luggage lock 11, eliminating the need for an additional component inserted into the housing 35 to form the locking bolt 17. However, the locking bolt 17 must therefore be made of the same material as the housing 35, which is often made of plastic. In this case, however, there is a risk that the locking bolt 17 could be damaged and / or sheared off by applying force to the locking sections 19 inserted into the insertion openings 103 of the luggage lock 11 and / or by inserting an additional elongated object, such as a screwdriver, into the insertion openings 103, potentially allowing the luggage lock 11 to be opened.

[0145] Therefore, the Fig. 7A to 8D alternative embodiments in which the locking bolt 17 is supported as a separate component on the housing 37.

[0146] The Fig. Figures 7A to 7C illustrate an embodiment in which the locking bolt 17 is designed as a rod or cuboid 131 received in a cassette 133, wherein the cassette 133 is supported by a spring 125 against a housing rear wall 140 of the housing 37 and the locking bolt 17 is inserted into the Fig. 7A and Fig. Figure 7B illustrates the locking position V, which is pre-tensioned. In this embodiment, the housing 37 also has a guide 123 to accommodate the locking bolt 17 between the guide 123 and a housing upper part 135 of the housing 37, or its upper surface, and to guide it during movements between the locking position V and the unlocking position E. Furthermore, it is also possible, in principle, for such a locking bolt 17 to be directly supported on the housing 37 by the spring 125, without being inserted into a cassette 133.

[0147] In the Fig. 7B and Fig. 7C shows the upper part of the housing 135 or its top side as a dashed line to illustrate a transparent representation and to reveal components arranged below the upper part of the housing 135 or its top side in the lock body 15.

[0148] How Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7B, it is also provided in this embodiment that the locking bolt 17, which has a separate cuboid 131 for each of the locking elements 95, overlaps the longer legs 99 of the locking elements 95 in the locking position V and thereby secures against rotation into the removal position H (cf. Fig. 5B). In addition, the actuating lever 93 of the confirming element 21 also rests against the locking bolt 17 or the cuboids 131 forming the locking bolt 17 in this embodiment.

[0149] Therefore, the locking bolt 17 can be moved again by actuating the actuating element 21 from the actuating lever 93 against the preload of the springs 125 into the Fig. Figure 7C illustrates that the unlocking position E must be pushed back in order to allow the locking elements 95 to rotate into the removal position H and thus release the locking sections 19 from the lock body 15.

[0150] In particular, the rod or cuboid 131 forming the locking bolt 17 can be made of metal and / or steel in such embodiments to create a stable and resistant locking bolt 17. Compared to a locking bolt 17 made of plastic, the security of the luggage lock can therefore be increased, since such a locking bolt 17 made of metal and / or steel can be stable and resistant to attempts to deform and / or break it. In this way, it can be ensured that the locking sections 19 can only be released by moving the locking bolt 17 into the unlocking position E.

[0151] The Fig. Figures 8A to 8D illustrate further embodiments, wherein the locking bolt 17 is arranged approximately according to the Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B can be configured as a leaf spring 127 supported on one side in a locking bolt receptacle 121 formed on the housing 37. The actuating lever 93 can be located in the Fig. Figure 8A illustrates the locking position V of the locking bolt 17 resting against a leg of the V-shaped leaf spring 127, so that the leaf spring 127 can be elastically deformed by actuating the actuating element 21 and the locking bolt 17 can thereby be brought into the unlocking position E.

[0152] The Fig. 8C and Fig. Figure 8D further illustrates a design of the locking bolt 17 by means of leg springs 129, wherein according to the in Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8C, a respective leg spring 129 can be provided for each of the locking elements 95. Such a leg spring 129 can also, in the locking position V, extend over the long leg 99 of the associated locking element 95 to secure the locking element 95 against rotation into the removal position H, but can be pushed back into an unlocking position E by the actuating lever 93 of the actuating element 21 in order to release the locking element 95 for rotation into the removal position H.

[0153] According to the representation from Fig. 8D can also provide that the respective torsion springs 129 assigned to the locking elements 95 are connected to each other and can be inserted into the housing 37 as a one-piece component.

[0154] As mentioned, the actuating element 21 is provided to move the locking bolt 17 into the unlocking position E, which rests against the locking bolt 17 with the actuating lever 93 (see figure). Fig. 5A). The actuating element 21 is located starting from the point in the Fig. 3A and Fig. The starting position A shown in 3B is moved into a position in the by means of the handle 25 or the cylinder core 31. Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C shows the release position F movable, in which the actuating lever 93 pushes back the locking bolt 17.

[0155] With regard to moving or locking the actuating element 21, illustrated Fig. 3B first, that the handle 25 (whose swivel lever 57 in Fig. (3B not shown), has an eccentric 59 which can be rotated about the pivot axis S by pivoting the pivot lever 57. The eccentric 59 rests against a connecting element 39 which has a slot 61 through which a pin 63 of the actuating element 21 extends.

[0156] The connecting element 39 rests on a coupling ring 43 facing the connecting element 39 (in Fig. (3B not shown) of the combination locking mechanism 27, wherein the connecting element 39 is movable along an axis of movement B when the eccentric 59 is rotated by the eccentric 59, provided that the locking secret is set on the combination locking mechanism 27. In addition, during such a movement, the connecting element 39 takes the pin 63 with it over a limit 65 of the slot 61, so that the actuating element 21 pivots about the pivot point 115 by moving the connecting element 39 and comes into the release position F in order to push the locking bolt 17 back into the unlocked position (cf. Fig. 4B).

[0157] However, in order to move the connecting element 39, the locking code must be set on the code rings 41. How the Fig. 3A and Fig. As can be seen from 3B, the code rings 41 are arranged on a locking rod 45 axially fixed in the housing 37, wherein Fig. Figure 6 schematically illustrates that coupling rings 43 are arranged on the locking bar 45, with which the code rings 41 are coupled non-rotatably via interlocking coupling projections 53 and coupling recesses 55. Furthermore, each of the coupling rings 43 has a locking surface 49 with a release recess 51, and a locking projection 47 is provided on the locking bar 45 for each of the coupling rings 43.

[0158] Fig. Figure 6 shows the coupling ring 43 in an orientation in which the release recess 51 is aligned with the associated locking projection 47. This allows the coupling ring 43 to move along the axis of movement B. If, however, the coupling ring 43 is in an orientation opposite to the one shown in Figure 6, the release recess 51 is aligned with the associated locking projection 47. Fig. When the coupling ring 43 is rotated in the position shown in Figure 6, the locking surface 49 abuts the locking projection 47 during such a movement, thus blocking its movement. Since the connecting element 39 rests against a coupling ring 43 facing the connecting element 39 and is coupled to the coupling rings 43 with respect to movement along the axis of movement B, the connecting element 39 cannot be moved along the axis of movement B if the locking code on the code rings 41 is not set and at least the locking surface 49 of a coupling ring 43 is aligned with the associated locking projection 47. Furthermore, the coupling rings 43 can be biased towards the connecting element 39 by a compression spring (not shown in the figures), so that the connecting element 39 can also be biased towards the eccentric 59 via this compression spring.

[0159] However, if the locking mechanism is set on the code rings 41, the coupling rings 43 can be moved along the axis of movement B when the connecting element 39 is moved, so that the connecting element 39 can also move to drive the actuating element 21. In contrast, the code rings 41 remain stationary during such a movement, and the coupling rings 43 are axially displaced relative to the code rings 41. This allows the rotationally effective coupling between the code rings 41 and the coupling rings 43 to be released by disengaging the coupling projections 53 from the coupling recesses 55.As a result of movement of the connecting element 39 along the axis of movement B, the code rings 41 can be rotated relative to the coupling rings 43, so that the locking secret can be changed by rotating the code rings 41 relative to the coupling rings 43 and then bringing the coupling rings 43 back into a rotationally fixed coupling with the code rings 41. Since the movement of the connecting element 39, controlled via the handle 25, also moves the actuating element 21 and moves the locking bolt 17 into the unlocked position E, actuating the handle 25 thus results in a combined opening and locking secret change state of the luggage lock 11.Due to the aforementioned arrangement of the pivot lever 57 for performing the pivoting movement S1 to move the actuating element 21 into the release position F such that the pivot lever 57 is moved away from the code rings 41 by the pivoting movement, an unintentional change of the locking secret in the course of opening the piece of luggage 13 can be reliably prevented, since such a change must instead be carried out consciously by the hand not operating the handle 25.

[0160] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 3B, that the cylinder core 31 has an eccentric section 83 against which an actuating section 85 of the actuating element 21 rests. If the cylinder core 31 is therefore rotated about the pivot axis S from the locked position G to an open position O, the actuating element 21 can pivot about the pivot point 115 and the locking bolt 17 can thereby be moved into the unlocked position E. During such actuation of the actuating element 21, the pin 63 can be moved relative to the connecting element 39 in the slot 61, so that the locking bolt 17 can be moved into the unlocked position E bypassing the combination locking mechanism 27 or despite the missing key secret. In this respect, the connecting element 39 and the slot 61 ultimately enable a decoupling between the actuating element 21 and the handle 25.

[0161] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 3A, that the locking bolt 17 is not centered along the axis of movement B with respect to the four code rings 41, but is arranged off-center and offset in the direction of the handle 25. This allows the distance between the handle 25 and the locking bolt 17 along the axis of movement B to be reduced compared to a centered arrangement, so that the actuating element 21 bridging this distance can be designed compactly.

[0162] Furthermore, it illustrates Fig. 2B, that the housing 37 of the luggage lock 11 comprises a lower housing part 137 and the aforementioned upper housing part 135, which are connected to each other by a plug and / or clip connection 136. This initially two-part design makes it possible, in particular, to arrange components of the combination locking mechanism 27 in the lower housing part 137 during the assembly of the luggage lock 11, in order to then easily close the housing 37 by means of the plug and / or clip connection 136 and to securely position the components in the housing 37. In addition to the in Fig. The plug and / or clip connection 136 shown in 2B can be further modified in Fig. 2B Connection points not shown are provided to enable a secure connection between the two housing parts 135 and 137.

[0163] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 2B, that the lower housing part 137 has a mounting recess 142 in a corner section 143, into which a mounting channel 144 of the upper housing part 135 engages. Likewise, a further mounting channel 144 is provided on a diagonally opposite end section of the housing 37, which in Fig. 2B not visible, in the Fig. However, this is shown in Figures 4A to 4C. The housing 37 also comprises a trough-shaped housing base 138, into which the housing lower part 137 can be inserted and on whose base surface 150 two fastening openings 146 are formed at respective corner sections 143, which together with the fastening channels 144 of the housing upper part 135 form a respective fastening point 139 and 141, at which the housing upper part 135 can be fastened to the housing base 138 by means of a respective fastening means, in particular by means of respective screws, which are inserted through the fastening opening 146 and into the fastening channel 144.

[0164] In order to achieve the arrangement of the four code rings 41 while maintaining the most compact design possible for the luggage lock 11, none of the mounting points 139 or 141 are located on the axis of movement B about which the code rings 41 can rotate; instead, the mounting points 139 and 141 are all offset from the axis of movement B (see also Fig. 4A to 4C). This makes it possible to ensure that no installation space needs to be provided along the axis of movement B for attaching a fastening point 139 or 141 and, in particular, a fastening recess 142, but rather that the entire installation space can be used for arranging the code rings 41. Compared to arranging a fastening point 139 or 141 on the axis of movement B, by offsetting the fastening points 139 and 141, the installation space can thus be created, so to speak, to arrange an additional fourth code ring 41 compared to a luggage lock 11 with only three code rings 41, without having to significantly enlarge the luggage lock 11.

[0165] Although the upper housing part 135 is thus attached to the lower housing part 138 outside the axis of movement B and, in particular, diagonally to each other in the corner sections 143, the lower housing part 137 can be clamped flat against the upper housing part 135 by means of the three-part housing design and the attachment of the upper housing part 135 to the lower housing part 138, in that the lower housing part 137 can bear flatly against the bottom surface 150 of the lower housing part 138 on a lower side 148. This reliably counteracts attempts to transmit any leverage forces along the connection between the upper housing part 135 and the lower housing part 137 in order to break open the luggage lock 11 or to dislodge components of the combination locking mechanism 27 from their mountings.Conversely, despite the arrangement of the fastening points 139 and 141 in the corner sections 143, a uniform force distribution can be achieved with regard to the fastening of the housing parts 135 and 137 to each other, so that the additional installation space in the lower housing part 137 can be created without any loss of safety.

[0166] Furthermore, the trough-like design of the housing base 138 allows the lower housing part 137 to be completely enclosed within the housing base 138, whereby, in particular, a connecting line between the upper housing part 135 and the lower housing part 137 can be completely concealed by the housing base 138. In addition, the upper housing part 135 has a flange section 152 extending laterally beyond the lower housing part 137, which, in the assembled state of the housing 37, can abut an edge section 154 of the housing base 138, thereby achieving the aforementioned clamping of the lower housing part 137.

[0167] The Fig. Figures 4A to 4C also illustrate that the fastening points 139 and 141 can be arranged diagonally to each other on respective corner sections 143 of the housing 137 in order to achieve a secure connection between the two housing parts 135 and 137.

[0168] The Fig. Figures 4A to 4C further illustrate the different operation of the luggage lock 11 using the handle 25 on the one hand and the locking cylinder 29 on the other. In addition, the Fig. 4A to 4C describe the operation of a display device 67 provided on the luggage lock 11, in order to be able to indicate on the aforementioned display window 75 when the luggage lock 11 has been opened by means of the locking cylinder 29 and by turning the cylinder core 31.

[0169] Fig. Figure 4A illustrates the luggage lock 11 with the actuating element 21 initially in its starting position A, so that the locking bolt 17 is in the locked position V. The cylinder core 31 is also consequently in the locked position G. The aforementioned indicator device 67 is pivotally attached to the connecting element 39 by means of a pivot pin 69 and also has a hook section 71 extending towards the pin 63 of the actuating element 21. The indicator device 67 is therefore arranged between the connecting element 39 and the upper housing part 135, and thus on the top side of the housing 37. A display section 73 and another display section 77 are arranged on the indicator device 67, with the indicator device 67 being located in Fig. 4A is in a zero position N, in which the further display section 77 is arranged in the display window 75 and is therefore visible from the outside on the luggage lock 11.

[0170] Fig. Figure 4B illustrates the actuation of the actuating element 21 by the handle 25, in which the eccentric 59 is rotated about the pivot axis S1 and the connecting element 39 is thereby moved translationally along the axis of movement B. The pin 63 is carried along by the limit 65 of the slot 61. In addition, in Fig. 4B to recognize the coupling rings 43 which are shifted relative to the code rings 41, which enable the adjustment of the locking secret as explained.

[0171] Furthermore, the display unit 67 is also moved along the axis of movement B by the connection with the connecting element 39 via the pivot pin 69, so that the further display section 77 moves out of the display window 65, but also remains partially in the display window 75 even when the actuating element 21 is in the release position F and thus when the movement of the connecting element 39 is complete. If the handle 25 is then released, the Fig. 4B, in the unlocked position E, the locking bolt 17, due to its preload, returns to the locked position V, so that the actuating element 21 is also returned from the release position F to the initial position A. In this process, due to the contact of the pin 63 with the limit 65, the connecting element 39 and thus the display device 67 are moved back, so that the display device 67 returns to the zero position N and the further display section 77 returns completely to the display window 75, as shown in Fig. 4A is shown. In addition, the preload of the coupling rings 43 also causes a preload on the connecting element 39 and the display device 67.

[0172] However, if, as Fig. Figure 4C shows that when the cylinder core 31 is rotated into the open position R, the connecting element 39 remains stationary, so that the pivot pin 69 is also not moved along the axis of movement B. However, the pin 63 moves in the slot 61 relative to the connecting element 39 and thus also relative to the indicator device 67. The pin 63 thereby engages the hook section 71 of the indicator device 67 and pivots the indicator device 67 into an indicator position I, in which the indicator section 73 is positioned in the indicator window 75. Furthermore, a detent device 79 with a detent lug 81 is provided on the lock body 15, by which the indicator device 67 is locked against pivoting back when the cylinder core 31 is rotated back into the locked position G and the actuating element 21 is moved as a result.After actuation of the locking cylinder 29, it can thus be immediately determined by the indicator section 73 arranged in the display window 75, which may for example be designed as a red dot, that the luggage lock 11 has been opened using the locking cylinder 29.

[0173] If, however, the combination locking mechanism 27 is then actuated and the luggage lock 11 is opened by operating the handle 25, the connecting element 39 and thus the display device 67 are moved, whereby the display device 67 can be guided past the detent lug 81 during this movement in order to pivot back when the handle 25 is subsequently released, so that the display device 67 returns to the zero position N and the next display section 77, for example a green dot, is again shown in the display window 75. In this way, the original display state can be restored, so that a subsequent operation of the cylinder core 31 can again be detected.

[0174] Fig. Figure 9 shows another embodiment of a piece of luggage 13, which can be set up on wheels 147 on its underside 145 and is thus designed as a rolling suitcase. An extendable handle 151 is provided on an upper side 149 opposite the underside 145 to allow the piece of luggage 13 to be pulled during transport. Furthermore, it is evident that the previously mentioned alignment of the vertical axis C of the numbers forming the numerical code Z, parallel to the axis of movement B along which the code rings 41 are arranged, results in the vertical axis C being aligned parallel to a standing axis D of the piece of luggage 13 extending from the underside 145 to the upper side 149 when the luggage lock 11 is inserted into the luggage lock receptacle 113. This makes it possible to conveniently read the numerical code Z when the piece of luggage 13 is upright, in order to set or change the lock code.Furthermore, a changed locking secret can be reliably read and set when the piece of luggage 13 is standing stably, in order to avoid any errors when changing the locking secret.

[0175] Fig. Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the handle 25, which, unlike the embodiments described above, is symmetrically shaped. Furthermore, this handle 25 is designed so that its pivot lever 57 can pivot in both a first direction of rotation I1 and a second direction of rotation I2 opposite to the first direction of rotation I1, in order to drive the aforementioned eccentric 59 and move the actuating element 21 into the release position F.

[0176] The Fig. Figures 11 to 15 illustrate another embodiment of a luggage lock 11, which can be unlocked either by means of a combination locking mechanism 27 or, by bypassing the combination locking mechanism 27, by means of a locking cylinder 29. In principle, locking and unlocking the luggage lock 11 can be carried out as described above, based on the Fig. In the embodiment described in 2A to 10, this is accomplished by moving an actuating element 21 into a release position F, however, in the Fig. Figures 11 to 15 do not show a corresponding handle 25, which can be selectively released or locked by the combination locking mechanism 27. This also applies to the embodiment according to the Fig. However, in sections 11 to 15 such a handle 25, in particular with a pivot lever 57, is provided.

[0177] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking cylinder 29 also has a rotatable cylinder core 31 with a keyway 33, so that the luggage lock 11 can be opened by a security institution by means of a matching key inserted into the keyway 33, bypassing the combination locking mechanism 27 and the handle 25 (not shown), as explained above. The luggage lock 11 also has two insertion openings 103 to allow locking sections 19, in particular the handles 89 and 91 of a zipper, to be locked in a lock body 15 of the luggage lock 11. Furthermore, this luggage lock 11 also has a housing 37, which comprises an upper housing part 135 and a lower housing part 137, but also in this embodiment, a [missing element] is provided in the Fig. 11 to 15, a housing base not shown, may be provided to clamp the lower housing part 137 flat against the upper housing part 135.

[0178] Based on the Fig. The embodiment illustrated in 11 to 15 differs in particular by a display device 67 which is designed differently compared to the embodiments described above, as is explained in more detail below.

[0179] First, it shows Fig. 11, that a display window 75 is again formed on the lock body 15 and the housing 37 or its upper housing part 135 in order to be able to indicate, by means of the display device 67, a rotation of the cylinder core 31 into the opening position R and thus an opening of the luggage lock 11 bypassing the combination locking mechanism 27 (see also Fig. 4C to the open position R). However, the display window 75 is rectangular here and not round.

[0180] Fig. Figure 12 shows components arranged within the lock body 15, showing that the connecting element 39 of the embodiment illustrated here, in addition to the slot 61 in which a pin 63 of the actuating element 21 also engages in this embodiment, also has a display device slot 155 through which the display device 67 extends and in which the display device 67 is movably guided along the axis of movement B relative to the connecting element 39 (see also Figure 12). Fig. 13A to 15). In this embodiment, the display device 67 overlaps the connecting element 39 on both sides and is thereby supported and held by the connecting element 39. In particular, the display device 67 overlaps the connecting element 39 with respective cover sections on a top and a bottom.

[0181] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pin 63 does not completely penetrate the connecting element 39 and does not extend beyond the connecting element 39, but is arranged completely within the slot 61.

[0182] This is possible because, in the embodiment according to the Fig. 11 to 15 not by interaction with the pin 63, but by a separate drive section 159 of the actuating element 21, as is explained in more detail below.

[0183] The display unit 67, based on the Fig. The embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 to 15 also features a display section 73 and a further display section 77. Fig. Figure 12 shows the display device 67 in a zero position N, in which the further display section 77 is arranged within the display window 75. However, the display device 67 can be moved into the aforementioned display position I by rotating the cylinder core 31 into the open position R, in which the display section 73 enters the display window 75 and is therefore visible (see Figure 12). Fig. 13B, Fig. 13C and Fig. 15) For example, by using different colors for the display sections 73 and 77, it is therefore possible to determine directly from the color visible in the display window 75 whether the display device 67 is currently in the zero position N or in the display position I.

[0184] Fig. Figure 13A shows that the actuating element 21 of this embodiment further comprises the aforementioned drive section 159, which, in the illustrated initial position A of the actuating element 21, bears against a contact section 157 of the display device 67, which extends away from an underside of the display device 67 opposite the display sections 73 and 77. If the locking cylinder 29 is now actuated and the cylinder core 31 is rotated into the open position R, the actuating element 21 moves relative to the connecting element 39, with the pin 63 being guided in the slot 61. In addition, the drive section 159 exerts a force on the contact section 157, so that the display device 67 also moves relative to the connecting element 39 and into the position indicated by the Fig. 13B and Fig. Figure 13C illustrates the transition to display position I. Since the connecting element 39 remains stationary relative to the housing 37 during such a rotation of the cylinder core 31, this movement allows the display section 73 to be brought into the display window 75 in order to indicate the rotation of the cylinder core 31 into the open position R and thus the unlocking of the luggage lock 11 bypassing the combination locking mechanism 27.

[0185] Furthermore, it is particularly evident from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 13C, when the display device 67 is moved into the display position I relative to the connecting element 39, a clamping hook 161 provided on the display device 67 is also moved out of a bearing slot 169 formed on the connecting element 39 and engages with a detent section 167 formed on the connecting element 39. This secures the display device 67 against movement back to the zero position N when the cylinder core 31 is turned back into the locking position S. For this purpose, the clamping hook 161 has an inclined surface 171 and an elastically deflectable deflection section 173, so that a force acting along the axis of movement B can first be deflected at the inclined surface 171 to force the clamping hook 161 out of the bearing slot 169.After passing through the detent section 167, the tension hook 161 can snap back due to the elastic deflection of the deflection section 173 and engage with the detent section 167 to secure the display device 67 in display position I. The detent section 167 and the tension hook 161 can thus form components of a detent device 79 for securing the display device 67 in display position I.

[0186] Fig. Figure 14 further illustrates that a stop section 163 is formed on the connecting element 39, in particular on an underside of the connecting element 39 facing away from the display sections 73 and 77, against which an arm- or lever-like clamping section 165 of the display device 67 rests. The clamping section 165 is elastically deformable, so that after the display device 67 has moved into the display position I and the clamping hook 161 rests against the detent section 167, it is tensioned between the detent section 167 and the stop section 163 and can thus be secured against unintentional movement back to the zero position N.

[0187] In addition, the tension hook 161 enables a pre-tensioning of the display device 67 in the display position I against the movement relative to the connecting element 39 that took place to move the display device 67 into the display position I, which can be used to move the display device 67 back to the zero position N when the connecting element 39 is moved by operating the handle 25.

[0188] How Fig.As illustrated in Figure 15, a release section 175 extending into an interior 181 of the lock body 15 is formed on the upper part of the housing 135. This release section is arranged such that, when the indicator device 67 is in the display position I, the inclined surface 171 of the tensioning hook 161 rests against a similarly inclined surface 177 of the release section 175. This allows the tensioning hook 161 to be guided along the release section 175 when the connecting element 39 moves along the axis of movement B, during which the tensioning hook 161, which is under tension by the tensioning section 165, also moves along the axis of movement B. This disengages the tensioning hook 161 from the detent section 167.As soon as the clamping hook 161 is released from the detent section 167, the clamping hook 161 can snap back due to the tension exerted by the clamping section 163, thereby returning the indicator device 67 to the zero position N, so that it can again indicate a subsequent rotation of the cylinder core 31 into the open position R. The connecting element 39 also has a guide slot 179 extending along the axis of movement B, into which the release section 175 can be inserted during the movement of the connecting element 39. Furthermore, a limit of the indicator device slot 155, facing away from the detent section 167, acts as a stop 183 for the return movement of the indicator device 67, thus preventing it from moving beyond the zero position N. Reference symbol list 11 Luggage lock 13 pieces of luggage 15 lock bodies 17 locking bolts 19 Security section 21 Actuating element 23 Outside 25 Handling 27 Combination locking mechanism 29 locking cylinders 31 Cylinder core 33 Key insertion opening 35 Housing element 37 cases 39 Connecting element 41 Codering 43 Clutch ring 45 Locking bar 47 Blocking order 49 Restricted area 51 Release exemption 53 Clutch lift 55 Coupling recess 57 Swivel levers 59 eccentrics 61 slots 63 cones 65 limit 67 Display device 69 Linkage pin 71 Hook section 73 Display section 75 display windows 77 further display section 79 Resting device 81 Rastnase 83 Eccentric section 85 Actuation section 87 zipper 89 handle 91 Handle 93 operating levers 95 Locking element 97 shorter thigh 99 longer thigh 101 recording 103 Inlet opening 107 first container part 109 second container part 111 Interior 113 Luggage lock slot 115 Pivot point 117 Inlet channel 119 luggage bodies 121 Locking bolt receptacle 123 Guide 125 spring 127 leaf spring 129 Leg spring 131 cuboids 133 cassette 135 Housing top 137 Lower housing part 138 Case base 139 Mounting point 140 Rear panel 141 Mounting point 142 Mounting recess 143 Corner section 144 Mounting channel 145 Underside 146 Mounting opening 147 rolls 148 Underside 149 Top 150 floor area 151 Handle 152 Flange section 154 marginal section 155 Display slot 157 Contact section 159 Drive section 161 tension hooks 163 Stop section 165 Span section 167 Rest area 169 storage slots 171 inclined surface 173 Deflection section 175 Trigger section 177 inclined surface 179 guide slots 181 Interior of the castle body 183 attacks A Starting position B axis of movement C vertical axis D Stand axis E unlocking position F Release position G Locking position H withdrawal position I Display position N zero position O disclosure P Lock position R Opening position S swivel axis S1 swivel movement V locking position Z number code QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2020 / 238929 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Luggage lock (11) for securing a piece of luggage (13) which can be opened non-destructively by a security institution, comprising - a lock body (15); - a locking bolt (17) which is designed to lock a security section (19) of the piece of luggage (13) relative to the lock body (15) in a locking position (V), - an actuating element (21) wherein by moving the actuating element (21) from an initial position (A) to a release position (F) the locking bolt (17) can be moved into an unlocking position (E), wherein the locking section (19) is released for removal from the lock body (15) when the locking bolt (17) is positioned in the unlocking position (E); - a handle (25) accessible for manual operation on an outside (23) of the lock body (15), by means of which the actuating element (21) for unlocking the luggage lock (11) can be moved from the starting position (A) to the release position (F); - a combination locking mechanism by which the handle (25) can be selectively locked or unlocked, wherein a numerical code (Z) can be manually set on the combination locking mechanism (27), wherein the handle (25) can be unlocked by setting a numerical code (Z) corresponding to a secret on the combination locking mechanism (27), and wherein the handle (25) can be locked by setting a numerical code (Z) on the combination locking mechanism (27) that does not correspond to the secret; - a locking cylinder (29) with a cylinder core (31) rotatable from a locked position (G) to an open position (R) by means of a key usable by the security institution, wherein the actuating element (21) can be moved from the initial position (A) to the release position (F) by rotating the cylinder core (31) into the open position (R) by bypassing the handle (25) to unlock the luggage lock (11); and - a display device (67) which is designed to indicate that the cylinder core (31) has been rotated into the open position (R). [2] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 1, wherein by rotating the cylinder core (31) into the open position (R) the display device (67) can be moved from a zero position (N) to a display position (I). [3] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 2, wherein the luggage lock (11) has a locking device (79) which is designed to secure the indicator device (67) against movement from the indicator position (I) to the zero position (N) when the cylinder core (31) is rotated from the open position (R) to the locked position (G). [4] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein by moving the actuating element (21) by means of the handle (25) the display device (67) can be moved from the display position (I) to the zero position (N). [5] Luggage lock (11) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the lock body (15) has a display window (75) and wherein the display device (67) has a display section (73), wherein the display section (73) can be brought into the display window (75) by moving the display device (67) into the display position (I). [6] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 5, wherein the display device (67) has a further display section (77) for indicating a state of the luggage lock (11) that is not opened by the security institution. [7] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 6, wherein the further display section (73) can be brought into the display window (75) after a rotation of the cylinder core (31) into the open position (R) by moving the actuating element (21) by means of the handle (25). [8] Luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator device (67) is configured to indicate a type of last unlocking of the luggage lock (11) and to distinguish between a rotation of the cylinder core (31) into the open position (R) and an operation of the handle (25). [9] Luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking bolt (17) is biased into the locking position (V). [10] Luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (21) is biased into the initial position (A), in particular by means of the locking bolt (17). [11] Luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking cylinder (29) has an eccentric section (83) which is non-rotatably coupled to the cylinder core (31) and wherein the actuating element (21) has an actuating section (85), wherein the eccentric section (83) is designed to move the actuating element (21) into the release position (F) by engaging the actuating section (85) when the cylinder core (31) is rotated into the opening position (R). [12] Luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (25) is connected to a connecting element (39) which can be moved translationally along an axis of movement (B) by operating the handle (25), wherein the connecting element (39) can be locked against movement along the axis of movement (B) by the combination locking mechanism (27). [13] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 12, wherein the handle (25) has a pivot lever (57) pivotable about a pivot axis (S) oriented perpendicular to the axis of movement (B) and an eccentric (59) which can be set into rotation about the pivot axis (S) by pivoting the pivot lever (57) and which rests against the connecting element (39), wherein the connecting element (39) is movable by rotating the eccentric (59). [14] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the combination locking mechanism (27) has several code rings (41) rotatable about the axis of movement (B) for setting the numerical code (Z), which are rotatably coupled to respective coupling rings (43) mounted on a locking rod (45) extending along the axis of movement (B), wherein the coupling rings (43) are pre-tensioned in the direction of the connecting element (39), wherein the locking bar (45) has a locking projection (47) for each of the coupling rings (43) assigned to the coupling ring (43), and wherein each of the coupling rings (43) has a locking surface (49) extending circumferentially and radially inward with respect to the axis of movement (B), with a release recess (51), wherein the release recesses (51) of all coupling rings (43) are aligned with the assigned locking projections (47) when the key secret is set on the code rings (41), and wherein the locking surface (49) of at least one coupling ring (43) is aligned with the assigned locking projection (47) when the key secret is not set, wherein the connecting element (39) is coupled with the coupling rings (43) with respect to the movement along the axis of movement (B), in particular by bearing against a coupling ring (43) facing the connecting element (39). [15] Luggage lock (11) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the indicator device (67) is arranged completely between the connecting element (39) and a top side of a housing (37) of the luggage lock (11); or wherein the indicator device (67) overlaps the connecting element (39) on both sides and is held on the connecting element (39), in particular perpendicular to the axis of movement (B), on both sides. [16] Luggage lock (11) according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the connecting element (39) has a slot (61) which extends in particular along the axis of movement (B), and wherein the actuating element (21) has a pin (63) engaging in the slot (61), wherein a limit (65) of the slot (61) is designed to carry the pin (63) along when the connecting element (39) moves and to move the actuating element (21) into the release position (F). [17] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 16, wherein the pin (63) of the actuating element (21) is movable in the slot (61) relative to the connecting element (39) during the movement of the actuating element (21) into the release position (F) by the locking cylinder (29). [18] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the indicator device (67) is pivotably mounted on the luggage lock (11) and wherein the pin (63) is designed to pivot the indicator device (67) during movement relative to the connecting element (39). [19] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 18, wherein the indicator device (67) can be pivoted back by moving the connecting element (39) by means of the handle (25). [20] Luggage lock (11) according to one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the indicator device (67) has a contact section (157) and wherein the actuating element (21) has a drive section (159), wherein the indicator device (67) is movable linearly, in particular along the axis of movement (B), relative to the connecting element (39) when the cylinder core (31) is rotated into the open position (R) by the drive section (159) acting on the contact section (157). [21] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 20, wherein the indicator device (67) extends through an indicator device slot (155) formed on the connecting element (39), wherein the indicator device slot (155) guides the indicator device (67) during movement relative to the connecting element (39), wherein the indicator device slot (155) extends in particular parallel to the axis of movement (B). [22] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the indicator device (67) has a tension hook (161) which is designed to engage with a detent section (167) of the connecting element (39) as a result of the movement of the indicator device (67) relative to the connecting element (39) and to secure the indicator device (67) against movement relative to the connecting element (39) when the cylinder core (31) is rotated into the locking position (S). [23] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 22, wherein the connecting element (39) has a storage slot (169) in which the tension hook (161) is arranged before movement relative to the connecting element (39), wherein the tension hook (161) in particular has an inclined surface (171), wherein the tension hook (161) can be forced out of the storage slot (169) by interaction of the inclined surface (171) with a boundary of the storage slot (169) during movement of the indicator device (67) relative to the connecting element (39). [24] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the indicator device (67) has a tensioning section (165) opposite to the tensioning hook (161) with respect to the movement of the indicator device (67), which rests against a stop section (163) of the connecting element (39) and is elastically deformable, wherein the indicator device (67) can be placed under tension by the movement relative to the connecting element (39) between the locking section (167) and the stop section (163). [25] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 24, wherein the luggage lock (11) has a release section (175) extending into an interior (183) of the lock body (15), which is arranged to disengage the tensioned tension hook (161) from the detent section (167) when the connecting element (39) is moved along the axis of movement (B), wherein the indicator device (67) is movable back relative to the connecting element (39) in the opposite direction to the movement that occurred when the cylinder core (31) was rotated into the open position (R) due to the tension exerted by the tension section (165). [26] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 25, wherein the tension hook (161) and the release section (175) have cooperating inclined surfaces (171, 177), wherein the tension hook (161) can be disengaged from the locking section (167) by the interaction of the inclined surfaces (171, 177). [27] Luggage lock (11) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the connecting element (39) has a stop (183) to stop the return movement of the display device (67). [28] Luggage lock (11) according to one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the connecting element (39) has a guide slot (179) into which the release section (175) can be inserted during the movement of the connecting element (39). [29] piece of luggage (13), comprising a luggage body (119) with a locking section (19), a first container part (107) and a second container part (109) movable relative to the first container part (107) between an open position (O) and a closed position (P), further comprising a luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second container part (109) in the open position (O) provides access to an interior (111) of the luggage body (119) and in the closed position (P) blocks access, and wherein the second container part (109) can be secured by locking the safety section (19) in the closed position (P). [30] Luggage (13) according to claim 29, wherein the luggage (13) has a luggage lock receptacle (113) in which the luggage lock (11) is arranged.

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