luggage lock

Abstract

A luggage lock for a piece of luggage, which can be opened non-destructively by a security institution, comprises a combination locking mechanism by which a security section of the luggage can be selectively locked or unlocked; a locking cylinder with a cylinder core rotatable by a key usable by the security institution, wherein the security section of the luggage can be unlocked by the locking cylinder by bypassing the combination locking mechanism; a control unit connected to a memory; and a detection unit configured to detect the unlocking and / or movement of the security section and to transmit a detection signal to the control unit. The control unit is configured to record the receipt of the detection signal in the memory.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a luggage lock for securing a piece of luggage that can be opened non-destructively by a security institution. The luggage lock comprises a combination locking mechanism by which a security section of the luggage can be selectively locked relative to the luggage lock to ensure the luggage remains closed, or released to allow the luggage to be opened. A numerical code can be manually set on the combination locking mechanism, wherein the security section of the luggage can be released by setting a numerical code corresponding to a secret code on the combination locking mechanism, and wherein the security section of the luggage can be locked by setting a numerical code on the combination locking mechanism that does not correspond to the secret code.Furthermore, the luggage lock includes a locking cylinder with a cylinder core that can be rotated into an open position by a matching key that can be used by the security institution, whereby the security section of the piece of luggage can be released by rotating the cylinder core into the open position, bypassing the combination locking mechanism.

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

[0003] A luggage lock is generally designed 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 be used, for example, to prevent prohibited items, such as drugs, from being placed inside the luggage by third parties for smuggling purposes, particularly after the luggage has been checked in at an airport check-in counter, and then removed from the luggage at a layover or the final destination airport, either before or after the luggage has been returned to its owner.In order to secure a piece of luggage against such unauthorized access, a security section of the luggage, for example a zipper pull, can be locked to the luggage lock and thus prevented from moving, so that opening the luggage may require releasing the security section to allow movement relative to the luggage lock.

[0004] Air travel, in particular, is subject to stringent security requirements, meaning that any potentially dangerous substances in checked baggage must be reliably detected and removed. 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 ones.

[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 opening attempts while simultaneously allowing non-destructive opening during inspections by security authorities. However, when using such luggage locks, there may be a desire to track whether a piece of luggage was 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 a subsequent opening of a piece of luggage could, for example, make it possible to dispel an unjustified suspicion of having originally carried prohibited items such as drugs or other contraband, if such items were only subsequently placed in the piece of luggage and the luggage was opened using a counterfeit key.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the invention is to create a luggage lock which can be opened non-destructively by a security institution, but offers reliable protection against unauthorized opening attempts and 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 an electronic control unit connected to a memory and a detection device, which is designed to directly or indirectly detect the release of the locking section and / or its movement relative to the luggage lock and to transmit a corresponding detection signal to the control unit. The control unit is designed to record the receipt of the detection signal in the memory.

[0012] Because the luggage lock has such a detection device, any opening attempts can be recorded and documented in the memory by the control unit. A detection of the release of the locking mechanism can indicate that the luggage lock has been opened, meaning that movement of the locking mechanism relative to the lock, and thus the opening of a piece of luggage secured by the lock, was at least possible and therefore likely to have occurred. Conversely, a detection of actual movement of the locking mechanism relative to the luggage lock can specifically indicate an opening of the luggage, since the luggage can be opened, in particular, by removing the locking mechanism from the luggage lock.

[0013] Since the control unit is designed to document the receipt of the detection signal in its memory, such opening processes of the luggage lock and / or the piece of luggage can not only be recorded but also documented and stored. Furthermore, the memory can be readable, so that information stored in the memory, particularly regarding received detection signals and the opening processes detected by them, can be queried, and it can be determined from the data stored in the memory whether the luggage lock has been opened.

[0014] Tracking the opening of luggage locks in this way allows the owner of the luggage lock and baggage to check, after completing a trip and receiving previously checked luggage, whether the lock was opened while the owner did not have direct access to the baggage. This allows the owner to determine, for example, whether the luggage was inspected by a security institution. Furthermore, the information stored in the memory can also be used, for instance, in the case of an apparent loss of an item transported in the luggage, to determine whether the lock was opened and the item possibly stolen, or perhaps not even brought along in the first place. In this respect, the documentation can also be used to solve potential thefts.

[0015] Furthermore, such documentation of opening events can also allow the owner of the luggage lock to exonerate themselves from an unjustified suspicion of carrying dangerous and / or prohibited items and / or substances. This is possible, for example, if the documentation in the luggage lock's memory can prove that the piece of luggage was opened after being handed over at a check-in counter. Such proof of subsequent opening of the luggage can be particularly relevant if the security institution has not documented a corresponding inspection of the luggage in question, as it can indicate that the luggage was opened without authorization and that the item and / or substance was therefore likely added to the luggage later.

[0016] To ensure traceable and up-to-date documentation in the memory, data stored therein can be erasable by the owner of the luggage lock. For example, an owner can clear the memory before a trip, so that an entry is only created if the luggage lock is actually opened subsequently, and especially after the luggage has been checked in at a check-in counter. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can also be designed to store supplementary information in the memory beyond simply recording opening events, such as the time and / or location of the opening event and / or information about how the locking mechanism was released, as explained in more detail below.

[0017] The detection device can, for example, include one or more sensors to detect the release of the locking section and / or its movement relative to the luggage lock. For instance, sensors for detecting the release of the locking section can be arranged such that a sensor can be contacted by an element of the combination locking mechanism and / or the lock cylinder that is moved to release the locking section, thereby enabling the release of the locking section to be detected.

[0018] Movement of the luggage's locking mechanism relative to the luggage lock can be directly detected, for example, by the locking mechanism interacting directly with a corresponding sensor of the detection device during movement relative to the lock. This interaction can be mechanical, causing the sensor to emit a corresponding detection signal. Alternatively, such movement can be detected indirectly, for example, by the detection device sensing the movement of a locking element driven by the locking mechanism. This locking element can be driven and / or displaced by the locking mechanism as a result of its movement relative to the luggage lock.For example, the sensor can be located in an end position of a movement of the locking element and / or arranged in such a way that the sensor is contacted by the locking element during a movement driven by the locking section.

[0019] Sensors of the detection device can include, for example, mechanical contact switches, capacitive proximity switches, magnetic switches, optoelectronic interrupt switches and / or optoelectronic proximity switches.

[0020] The control unit may include, in particular, a microprocessor. The memory may be, in particular, non-volatile memory. The luggage lock may include the memory. Furthermore, an electrical power source, such as a battery or accumulator, may be provided to supply the control unit and / or the detection device with electrical energy.

[0021] The securing section of the luggage can, for example, be formed by a pull tab (or two securing sections formed by the two pull tabs) of a zipper on the luggage, which can be inserted into corresponding slots in the lock body of the luggage lock to prevent movement relative to the lock. In general, the securing section can therefore, in some embodiments, be formed by a movable pull tab of a luggage closure. Furthermore, the securing section can, for example, be formed by an engagement strip of a buckle closure or comprise a fixed shackle or clamp of the luggage, which can also be inserted into a designated slot in the luggage lock and locked there.

[0022] Further embodiments are explained in the dependent claims, the description and with reference to the drawings.

[0023] With regard to embodiments in which the detection device is designed to record the release of the locking section, the detection device in some embodiments may, for example, be configured to detect a release of the locking section by the combination locking mechanism and by the locking cylinder, while in other embodiments the detection device may, for example, be configured only to detect a release of the locking section by the locking cylinder. In the latter embodiments, it may therefore be provided that only opening operations using the master key, and thus in particular checks by the security institution, are recorded, whereas releases of the locking sections by the owner of the luggage lock, and therefore known to the owner, using the combination locking mechanism, do not need to be documented.In both variants, however, the detection device may additionally detect and document any movement of the locking section relative to the luggage lock.

[0024] In some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to record in memory the time at which the detection signal was received. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to record in memory the location at which the detection signal was received.

[0025] To document the time of an opening process, the luggage lock can, for example, include a clock connected to the control unit. The control unit can be configured to read the clock upon receiving a detection signal and record in its memory the exact time (e.g., date and time) at which the detection signal was received. Such documentation makes it possible to trace when the piece of luggage was opened, allowing an owner, for example, to verify and / or prove that the luggage was opened after being handed over at a check-in counter.

[0026] To enable the location of an opening process to be recorded and documented, some luggage lock designs may include a positioning device, such as a GPS module, which may be connected to the control unit. The control unit may be configured to read the positioning device upon receiving a detection signal and store corresponding location information in its memory. This location information may include, for example, a location code, particularly GPS coordinates, and / or a direct location. Storing such location information also allows for more comprehensive documentation, such as verifying whether the luggage was opened at a stopover where the owner had no access to it.

[0027] In particular, in some embodiments, the control device may be configured to document both a time and a location in the memory when the control device receives the detection signal.

[0028] In some embodiments, the detection device can be configured to send a first detection signal when the locking section is released by setting the key combination on the locking mechanism, and a second detection signal when the locking section is released by rotating the cylinder core into the open position. The control device can be configured to distinguish between the first and second detection signals. Furthermore, the control device can be configured to record in its memory, depending on the respective received detection signal, how the locking section was released.

[0029] In particular, the control unit can thus be configured to document, depending on the respective received detection signal in the memory, whether the locking section was released by actuating the combination locking mechanism or by actuating the locking cylinder. In such embodiments, the control unit can therefore be specifically configured to distinguish between releasing the locking section by the combination locking mechanism and releasing the locking section by the locking cylinder, in order to document this accordingly.

[0030] Such documentation can therefore, for example, record whether the luggage lock was opened by a person with access to the lock's secret or by someone with the master key. This information can then also be used, if necessary, to investigate whether the luggage lock was opened by a security institution, by the owner themselves, using a counterfeit master key, or possibly by manipulating the combination locking mechanism.For example, it can thus be traced if the luggage lock was opened after a piece of luggage was handed over at a check-in counter using the matching key and by operating the locking cylinder, whereby it can also be determined, for example by comparing it with a database of the security institution in which control processes are documented, whether the opening of the luggage lock was carried out in the course of a control or by an unauthorized person with a counterfeit matching key.

[0031] To distinguish between releasing the locking section by actuating the combination locking mechanism and by actuating the lock cylinder, the detection device can, for example, have separate sensors that are contacted either when the combination locking mechanism is actuated or when the lock cylinder is actuated. For instance, different sections or components of the luggage lock can be moved to release the locking section depending on whether this is done by the combination locking mechanism or the lock cylinder. In particular, the sensors of the detection device can therefore be arranged to be contacted by a respective component that moves when the combination locking mechanism or the lock cylinder is actuated, in order to detect the actuation of either the combination locking mechanism or the lock cylinder.

[0032] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the detection device can also be configured to detect only the release of the locking section by actuating the lock cylinder, but not by actuating the combination locking mechanism. Therefore, in such embodiments, the memory can only record opening operations using the master key, whereas opening operations performed by the owner of the luggage lock by setting the lock secret, and thus already known to the owner, are not recorded in such embodiments.

[0033] In some embodiments, the detection device may be designed to indirectly detect a movement of the securing section of the luggage by detecting a movement of a locking element driven by the securing section.

[0034] For example, the locking section can be blocked against movement by such a locking element in or on the luggage lock, whereby the locking element itself may also need to be released to allow movement in order to release the locking section. After the locking element is released, the locking section can be movable in order to displace and thereby drive the locking element relative to the luggage lock during movement, so that the movement of the locking element can be indirectly inferred by detecting the movement of the locking element. In order to detect the movement of the locking element, the locking element can, in particular, be brought into contact with a corresponding sensor of the detection device when the locking element is driven by moving the locking section relative to the luggage lock.

[0035] In some embodiments, the luggage lock may also include a bolt designed to block movement of the locking element in a locked position. In particular, this allows the locking section to be locked against movement relative to the luggage lock, since the locking element can be driven by the locking section during movement of the locking section relative to the luggage lock, meaning that movement of the locking section may require movement of the locking element. Therefore, if the locking element is locked against movement, movement of the locking section can also be blocked.

[0036] However, the bolt can be selectively moved into an unlocked position by adjusting the locking mechanism and subsequently operating the combination locking mechanism, for example, by grasping a handle accessible on the outside of the luggage lock in the form of a slider or pivot lever. In this position, the locking element is released for movement and can thus be driven by the security section, allowing the security section to move relative to the luggage lock. Furthermore, such a bolt can also be moved into the unlocked position by rotating the cylinder core into the open position, thereby bypassing the combination locking mechanism. For this purpose, the bolt can be driven, for example, by a locking lug coupled to the cylinder core.Such a bolt can therefore be understood as a common element of the combination locking mechanism and the locking cylinder, which can each be actuated independently by other components of the combination locking mechanism and the locking cylinder.

[0037] In some embodiments, the memory can be connected to an interface through which it can be read either via a wired or wireless connection. In particular, the memory can be read via a Bluetooth connection.

[0038] Such an interface can therefore make it possible to read the documentation from the memory and check whether the luggage lock and / or the piece of luggage has been opened. Furthermore, reading the documentation can provide any information necessary to investigate any unauthorized removals or additions of items to or from the piece of luggage.

[0039] In some embodiments, the memory can be read via a wireless connection, particularly a Bluetooth connection, a WLAN / WiFi connection, and / or a mobile network connection, by an associated reader, especially a smartphone. This can, for example, easily allow the owner of the luggage lock and / or the piece of luggage to track opening processes. Specifically, an application (app) installed on a smartphone can be provided for this purpose, so that the owner can check in the application, for example, immediately after receiving the piece of luggage at the end of a trip, such as at a destination airport, whether the luggage has been opened in the meantime.

[0040] In order to enable the memory to be read via a wireless connection, the luggage lock may, in some embodiments, have a radio device with a radio transmitter and a radio receiver, the radio device in particular forming the aforementioned interface.

[0041] In some designs, reading the memory may require proof of authorization and / or identity.

[0042] For example, a connection between the luggage lock and an associated reader (especially a smartphone) can be provided, whereby a device identification of the reader, which may be stored in the luggage lock's memory, can be transmitted with a request to read the memory. The luggage lock's control unit can, for example, be configured to check, based on the received device identification, whether the request to read the memory originates from an authorized reader, in order to transmit the information stored in the memory to the requesting reader or to reject the request to read the memory, depending on the outcome. Furthermore, authentication and / or identity verification can be carried out, for example, via an application on a smartphone, so that a request to the interface can only be made after authentication and / or identity verification within the application.If necessary, authentication and / or identity verification can also be carried out by unlocking an assigned smartphone and thereby gaining access to the required application. Alternatively, a password can be entered or biometric parameters, such as a fingerprint or facial scan, can be verified at a reader and / or within an application.

[0043] Generally, communication between a reader (especially a smartphone) and the interface can be established through pairing between the luggage lock and the reader, particularly via Bluetooth pairing. However, during an initialization process to establish initial communication between the luggage lock and the reader, user information can also be generated on the reader, transmitted to the luggage lock, and stored in its memory. Subsequent requests to read the memory can then transmit information that, by comparing it with the stored user information, allows for the identification of a user authorized to access the memory.

[0044] The security feature of the luggage may, in some embodiments, include a movable zipper pull, a locking bar of a buckle closure, or a fixed bar of the luggage.

[0045] In some embodiments, the luggage lock may further have a lock body with at least one insertion opening for inserting the locking section, wherein the locking section inserted into the lock body may be lockable in the lock body against movement relative to the luggage lock.

[0046] In some embodiments, the lock code can be changed by the owner of the luggage lock. In particular, in such embodiments, the owner can freely choose the lock code, so that the luggage lock can, for example, be delivered with a standardized lock code communicated in an instruction manual, after which the owner can set any lock code, in particular any numerical sequence.

[0047] To enable setting or changing the lock code, the combination locking mechanism can, in particular, have code rings accessible on the outside of the luggage lock, each bearing a number. By rotating these code rings, a specific numerical code, and in particular the lock code, can be set or changed. The code rings can be rotationally coupled to coupling rings, which, for example, can lock a locking bar of the combination locking mechanism against movement relative to the code rings when the lock code is not set. Conversely, when the lock code is set, the locking bar can be moved relative to the code rings, thereby releasing the locking section for movement relative to the luggage lock.

[0048] To change the lock code, the luggage lock can have a code-changing device by means of which the code rings of the combination locking mechanism can be moved, particularly relative to the coupling rings and out of their rotational engagement with the coupling rings, so that the lock code can be changed by rotating the code rings relative to the coupling rings and subsequently engaging the code rings with the coupling rings. However, the operation of a combination locking mechanism and the possibilities for changing a lock code are generally known to those skilled in the art, so there is no need to discuss them in further detail here.

[0049] The invention also relates to a system comprising a luggage lock according to one of the embodiments disclosed herein and a reading device, in particular a smartphone, which is designed to read the memory, in particular via a wireless connection.

[0050] As previously explained, such a system, consisting of a luggage lock and an associated reader, allows the owner of the luggage lock to easily access the documentation stored in the device's memory and thus verify whether the luggage lock and / or the piece of luggage has been opened, for example, after being checked in at a counter. The information stored in the memory can also enable the owner to prove, if necessary, that luggage has been subsequently opened, for instance, to clarify the loss of an item from the luggage or to clear themselves of suspicion of carrying prohibited items or substances.

[0051] In particular, the reader can be designed to read the memory via a Bluetooth connection.

[0052] In some embodiments, the reader may have a memory in which the key secret is stored. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the reader may have a radio transmission device that allows the key secret to be wirelessly transmitted to another reader.

[0053] In this respect, the system can allow multiple people, such as several family members, to operate the combination locking mechanism and thereby open the luggage lock and / or the piece of luggage, with the reader also being able to store a note containing the lock secret. Furthermore, this can also create applications for shipping luggage, where the recipient can be informed of the lock secret to open the luggage. Since some embodiments allow the lock secret to be changed, a new lock secret can be set for each shipment, ensuring that only the sender and the intended recipient are aware of the lock secret.

[0054] 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. The luggage also includes an integrated luggage lock of the type disclosed herein. In the open position, the second container part provides access to an interior space of the luggage body, while in the closed position, it prevents access. Furthermore, the second container part can be secured in the closed position by locking the locking section.

[0055] To integrate the luggage lock into the piece of luggage, the luggage lock can, for example, be inserted into a designated luggage lock recess on an outer wall of the luggage. Furthermore, the luggage lock can be arranged in such a way that the locking section can be directly inserted into the luggage lock and locked there when the second part of the container is moved into the closed position, or at least can be brought into engagement with the luggage lock after the luggage body has been closed.

[0056] Furthermore, it is also possible that the luggage lock can be optionally connected to the piece of luggage and / or the security section, in order to be used to secure the luggage as desired. For example, such a luggage lock could be designed as a U-shaped padlock, the U-shape of which can optionally be guided through two zipper pulls of the luggage, so that by locking the U-shape to a lock body of the luggage lock, the two pulls can be secured together and thus the zipper can be secured against unauthorized opening.

[0057] In some embodiments, the piece of luggage may also have a luggage lock designed to hold the second container part in the closed position. In such embodiments, the luggage lock may be located on the body of the luggage and the locking mechanism on the luggage lock, or vice versa.

[0058] The invention also relates to a method for securing a piece of luggage with a luggage lock of the type disclosed herein, in which - the security section of the luggage is locked by the luggage lock, - the safety section is subsequently released, and - the release of the locking section and / or a movement of the locking section relative to the luggage lock is documented in the memory.

[0059] Therefore, this procedure involves documenting an actuation of the combination locking mechanism and / or the locking cylinder and / or a movement of the security section relative to the luggage lock in order to record, verify and / or prove an opening process of the piece of luggage.

[0060] In some embodiments, the method may further include verifying and / or confirming the release of the security section by reading the memory. In particular, the memory can be read by a reader via a wireless connection, and the information stored in the memory can be displayed on the reader, for example, a smartphone.

[0061] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a luggage lock of the type disclosed herein for securing a piece of travel luggage.

[0062] The invention is described below purely by way of example with reference to 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 to 2C are respective schematic representations of the luggage lock in the case of locking sections of a piece of luggage locked in the luggage lock, in the case of locking sections of the piece of luggage released by a combination locking mechanism of the luggage lock, and in the case of locking sections of the piece of luggage released by a locking cylinder of the luggage lock bypassing the combination locking mechanism. Fig. 3A to 3C are respective schematic diagrams for further illustration of the locking of the safety sections in the luggage lock.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 1A, 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.

[0066] The Fig. Figures 2A to 2C schematically illustrate another luggage lock 11, which is intended for securing the locking sections 19 of an associated piece of luggage 13, designed as handles 49 of a zipper 51.

[0067] The luggage lock 11 has a lock body 15 with insertion openings 91 and 93 into which the locking sections 19 can be inserted and used to secure a Fig. 2A illustrates that the luggage item 13 can be locked in the closed state B. How Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, the luggage lock 11 has respective locking elements 41 which engage the handles 49 of the zipper 51 in the closed state B and are engaged by a bolt 17, which is pre-tensioned into a locking position V by a spring 95, to lock the securing sections 19. Fig. 2B and Fig. Figure 2C, however, illustrates that the locking elements 41 can be operated by actuating a combination locking mechanism 21 (see Figure 2C). Fig. 2B) or a locking cylinder 27 (see Fig. 2C) and displacement of the bolt 17 against the preload exerted by the spring 95 into an unlocked position E for a pivoting movement about axes 88 and 89, thereby also releasing the locking sections 19 for movement relative to the luggage lock 11. For the sake of clarity, the locking elements 41 and the axes 88 and 89 are shown in the Fig. 2A to 2C are shown rotated by 90 degrees, but ultimately the locking elements 41 can be pivoted about axes 88 and 89 aligned parallel to the insertion openings 91 and 93, so that the bolt 17 cannot be pushed back by pulling on the inserted locking sections 19. The actual locking of the locking sections 19 is therefore further described by the Fig. 3A to 3C illustrated.

[0068] In order for an owner of the luggage lock 11 and / or the piece of luggage 13 secured by the luggage lock 11 to release the locking sections 19 for movement relative to the luggage lock 11 and to open the piece of luggage 13, the luggage lock 11 has the aforementioned and described features. Fig. 2A to 2C schematically depicts a combination locking mechanism 21 with several code rings 73, on which a numerical code Z can be manually set. Provided that, as Fig. 2A shows that a numeric code Z is set on the code rings 73, which does not correspond to one in Fig. If the lock secret 23 shown in Figure 2B corresponds to the code rings 73 (or coupling rings not shown, which are rotationally linked to the code rings 73) block movement of a locking bar 63. However, if the lock secret 23 is set on the code rings 73, the locking bar 63 can be moved relative to the code rings 73 and the locking sections 19 can be released for movement relative to the luggage lock 11, as shown in Figure 2B. Fig. 2B is shown.

[0069] To enable movement of the locking bar 63, a handle 57, accessible by hand, is provided on the outside of the lock body 15. This handle is exemplified as a slider. The handle 57 is coupled to the locking bar 63 via a connecting section 59 and a coupling section 65, so that the handle 57 is locked against movement when the key code 23 is not set on the code rings 73 and the locking bar 63 is blocked. However, if the locking bar 63 is released by setting the key code 23, the handle 57, and consequently the coupling section 65, can be moved.

[0070] The coupling section 65 is further connected to an actuating section 67, which engages the bolt 17, so that by moving the handle 57 the bolt 17 can be pushed back against the force of the spring 95 in order to disengage from the locking elements 41 and release the locking elements 41. Because the locking elements 41 are now released, the locking sections 19 can thus be removed from the insertion openings 91 and 93, the locking elements 41 being driven by the locking sections 19 to the aforementioned pivoting movement about the axes 88 and 89 during the removal of the locking sections 19 from the insertion openings 91 and 93.

[0071] As mentioned, the pivoting movements of the locking elements 41 occur contrary to the simplified representation of the Fig. 2A to 2C around axes 88 and 89 aligned parallel to the insertion openings 91 and 93, so that pulling on the locked locking sections 19 does not transmit any force opposing the preload of the spring 95 to the bolt 17. The actual locking mechanism is therefore shown by the Fig. 3A to 3C, wherein, as particularly evident from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3C, the bolt 17, positioned in the locking position V, can at most be pressed against a housing section 18 of the lock body 15 by pulling on the locked locking sections 19, but cannot be displaced against the preload of the spring 95 acting perpendicularly to it and thus disengaged from the locking elements 41. However, the bolt 17 can be disengaged from the locking elements 41 by means of the actuating section 67 in order to release the pivoting movement.

[0072] Furthermore, the Fig. 2B and Fig. 3B, that the locking elements 41, when the locking sections 19 are detached from the lock body 15, can be arranged such that the locking elements 41 can also be driven to a pivoting movement by inserting the locking sections 19 into the insertion openings 91 and 93, in order to then engage in the Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 3C illustrates the arrangement to access and grasp the handles 49. When the bolt 17 is then released by the handle 57, the bolt 17 returns to the locking position V and engages the locking elements 41 to lock the security sections 19 in the lock body 15 (see also Figure 3C). Fig. 3A).

[0073] While the combination locking mechanism 21 thus offers the owner of the luggage lock 11 simple and convenient operation for selectively opening or locking the luggage lock 11 without the need for a key, the illustrated luggage lock 11 also features the aforementioned locking cylinder 25, which is operated by a master key (not shown in the figures), in order to open the luggage lock 11 by bypassing the combination locking mechanism 21. This can enable, in particular, a security institution that possesses the master key but not the lock secret 23, to open the luggage lock 11 non-destructively and to inspect the piece of luggage 13 secured by the luggage lock 11.

[0074] In order to release the locking sections 19 by bypassing the combination locking mechanism 21, the locking cylinder 25 comprises a rotatable cylinder core 27 with a key insertion opening 75 into which the matching key can be inserted. If the correct matching key is inserted, the cylinder core 27 can then be turned into a Fig. 2C illustrates opening position A can be rotated.

[0075] A locking lug 29 is rotationally coupled to the cylinder core 27. This lug projects radially beyond the cylinder core 27 and rests against an actuating section 69, allowing the actuating section 69 to be driven into a translational movement by rotating the cylinder core 27. The actuating section 69, in turn, engages the bolt 17 and, as a result of the rotation of the cylinder core 27, pushes the bolt 17 back into the unlocked position E against the preload of the spring 95. This releases the locking elements 41 for pivoting about the axes 88 and 89. Similarly, by actuating the locking cylinder 25, the locking sections 19 can be released for movement relative to the luggage lock 11, enabling the security institution with the matching key to open the luggage lock 11 non-destructively.

[0076] The combination locking mechanism 21 and the locking cylinder 25 thus provide operating options for both the owner of the luggage lock 11 and a security institution, enabling the security institution to open the luggage lock 11 non-destructively for inspection of the piece of luggage 13, while simultaneously ensuring reliable security for the items transported in the piece of luggage 13. Furthermore, the luggage lock 11 offers options for documenting opening processes, allowing the owner, for example, to verify whether an inspection of the piece of luggage 13 has been carried out.

[0077] The Fig. Figures 2A to 2C illustrate that the luggage lock 11 has a detection device 35 with, for example, four sensors 79, 81, 83 and 85 in order to detect any opening processes of the luggage lock 11. The detection device 35 is also connected to a control unit 33, which in turn is connected to a memory 31 in order to document opening processes detected by the detection device 35.

[0078] In order to detect, for example, the release of the locking sections 19 using the combination locking mechanism 21, a contact section 71 is connected to the actuating section 71, through which the bolt 17 can be pushed back against the force of the spring 95 when the combination locking mechanism 21 is actuated. How Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2B, when the locking sections 19 are released by the combination locking mechanism 21, the contact section 71 comes into contact with the sensor 79, which consequently emits a first detection signal D1. The detection device 95 detects the detection signal D1 and transmits corresponding information to the control unit 33.

[0079] The control device 33 is further designed to infer, on the basis of the detection signal D1, that the combination locking mechanism 21 has been actuated to release the locking sections 19 for movement relative to the luggage lock 11 and to document this in the memory 31.

[0080] Furthermore, in the Fig. Figure 2B illustrates the situation where sensors 83 and 85 are contacted by the locking elements 41 and send corresponding detection signals D3 and D4 after the locking elements 41 have been pivoted by removing the locking sections 19 from the insertion openings 91 and 93. Since the locking elements 41 ultimately come into contact with sensors 83 and 85 by moving the locking sections 19 out of the insertion openings 91 and 93, the detection signals D3 and D4 indicate that the locking sections 19 have indeed been removed from the lock body 15 and the piece of luggage 13 has thus been opened.The detection signals D3 and D4 can also be received at the detection device 35 and transmitted to the control unit 33, whereupon the control unit 33 can document in the memory 31 that the security sections 19 have actually been removed from the luggage lock 11 and that the piece of luggage 13 has therefore (at least presumably) actually been opened.

[0081] The according to Fig. The detection signals D1, D3, and D4 transmitted by 2B thus allow the conclusion that the luggage lock 11 was opened by actuating the combination locking mechanism 21 and that the safety sections 19 were released from the lock body 15. If such an opening process is registered after an owner of the luggage lock 11 has handed over the relevant piece of luggage 13, the documentation in the memory 31 can therefore provide an indication that the luggage lock 11 was opened without authorization by manipulating the combination locking mechanism 21.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 33 is also connected to a clock 37 and a position determination device 39, for example a GPS module, and can be configured to store in memory 31, upon receiving one of the detection signals D1, D3 and / or D4, a time and / or a location at which the detection signal D1, D3 and / or D4 was received. This can thus enable extended documentation of any opening processes.

[0083] Fig. Figure 2C further illustrates that when the locking cylinder 25 is actuated to open the luggage lock 11, a contact section 77 arranged on the actuating section 69, which is driven by the locking lug 29, comes into contact with the sensor 81. The sensor 81 then sends a second detection signal D2, which is again detected by the detection device 35 and transmitted to the control unit 33. The detection of the detection signal D2 is also recorded in the memory 31 and can be specifically attributed to the actuation of the locking cylinder 25. Furthermore, the sensors 83 and 85 each send out their respective detection signals D3 and D4 after the locking sections 19 are removed from the insertion openings 91 and 93 and the locking elements 41 have thus been driven into the pivoting movement that causes the locking elements 41 to come into contact with the sensors 83 and 85.

[0084] The control unit 33 therefore receives in the Fig. The situation illustrated by detection signals D2, D3, and D4 in Figure 2C suggests that the luggage lock 11 was opened using the matching key and that the security sections 19 were indeed removed from the lock body 15. This could indicate either that the luggage lock 11 was opened by a security institution during a check or that it was opened using a counterfeit matching key. Documenting the incident could therefore, for example, allow for the verification of any checks carried out or—for instance, by comparing it with a database maintained by the security institution to document completed checks—provide evidence that the piece of luggage 13 was unlawfully opened by a third party using a counterfeit matching key after being checked in at a check-in counter.Again, a time and / or location of an opening process can be stored in memory 31 by reading the clock 37 and / or the position detection device 39.

[0085] In order to query the information stored in memory 31, the control unit 33 is further connected to an interface 43, which is designed in particular as a radio device 45. This makes it possible to read the memory 31 via the interface 43 using an external reading device 47, in particular a smartphone (see Figure 47). Fig. 2A). For this purpose, a suitable application (app) can be installed on the reader 47, for example, which allows communication with the interface 43 for reading the memory 31. Furthermore, it can be provided, for example, that reading the memory 31 requires proof of authentication and / or identity, for which, for example, a password prompt on the reader 47 can be used. A Bluetooth connection can be provided for communication between the reader 47 and the interface 43.

[0086] Furthermore, it illustrates Fig.2A, that the reader 47 can have a memory 53 and a radio transmitter 55, wherein it can be provided, in particular, that the key secret 23 is stored in the memory 53. The reader 47 can further be configured to optionally transmit the key secret 23 stored in the memory 53 via the radio transmitter 55 to another reader (not shown in the figures), in order to enable an owner of this other reader to open the luggage lock 11 by actuating the combination locking mechanism 21. Furthermore, the key secret 23 can also be optionally changed by an owner of the luggage lock 11, and possibilities for doing so are generally known to those skilled in the art. Reference symbol list 11 Luggage lock 13 pieces of luggage 15 lock bodies 17 bars 18 Housing section 19 Security section 21 Combination locking mechanism 23. Lock secret 25 lock cylinders 27 cylinder core 29 Locking nose 31 storage 33 Control unit 35 Detection device 37 a.m. 39 Position determination device 41 Locking element 43 Interface 45 Radio equipment 47 Reader 49 handle 51 zipper 53 Memory of the reader 55 Radio equipment 57 Handling 59 Connecting section 63 Locking bar 65 Coupling section 67 Actuation section 69 Actuation section 71 Contact section 73 Codering 75 Key insertion opening 77 Contact section 79 Sensor 81 Sensor 83 Sensor 85 Sensor 88 axle 89 Axle 91 Insertion opening 93 Insertion opening 95 spring 103 Inlet opening 107 first container part 109 second container part 111 Interior 113 Luggage lock slot 119 luggage bodies A Open position B closed state D1 detection signal D2 detection signal D3 detection signal D4 detection signal E unlocking position O disclosure P Closed position 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

Luggage lock (11) for securing a piece of luggage (13) which can be opened non-destructively by a security institution, comprising: a combination locking mechanism (21) by which a security section (19) of the piece of luggage (13) can be selectively locked (17) relative to the luggage lock (11) to secure a closed state (B) of the piece of luggage (13), or released to allow the piece of luggage (13) to be opened;wherein a numerical code (Z) can be manually set on the combination locking mechanism (21), wherein the security section (19) of the piece of luggage (13) can be released by setting a numerical code (Z) corresponding to a secret (23) on the combination locking mechanism (21), and wherein the security section (19) of the piece of luggage (13) can be locked (17) by setting a numerical code (Z) on the combination locking mechanism (21) that does not correspond to the secret (23); a locking cylinder (25) with a cylinder core (27) that can be rotated into an open position (A) by a key that can be inserted by the security institution, wherein the security section (19) of the piece of luggage (13) can be released by rotating the cylinder core (27) into the open position (A) by bypassing the combination locking mechanism (21); an electronic control device (33) connected to a memory (31);and a detection device (35) which is configured to directly or indirectly detect a release of the locking section (19) and / or a movement of the locking section (19) relative to the luggage lock (11) and to transmit a corresponding detection signal (D1, D2, D3, D4) to the control device (33), wherein the control device (33) is configured to document the receipt of the detection signal (D1, D2, D3, D4) in the memory (31). Luggage lock (11) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (33) is configured to document in the memory (31) a time at which the detection signal (D1, D2, D3, D4) was received and / or a location at which the detection signal (D1, D2, D3, D4) was received. Luggage lock (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection device (35) is configured to send a first detection signal (D1) when the locking section (19) is released by setting the locking secret (23) on the combination locking mechanism (21), and a second detection signal (D2) when the locking section (19) is released by rotating the cylinder core (27) into the open position (A), wherein the control device (33) is configured to distinguish the first detection signal (D1) and the second detection signal (D2) from each other and to document in the memory (31) how the locking section (19) was released, depending on the respective received detection signal (D1, D2). Luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (35) is configured to indirectly detect a movement of the locking section (19) of the piece of luggage (13) by detecting a movement of a locking element (41) driven by the locking section (19). Luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory (31) is connected to an interface (43) via which the memory (31) can be read wirelessly, in particular via a Bluetooth connection. Luggage lock (11) according to claim 5, wherein reading the memory (31) requires proof of legitimation and / or identity. Luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing section (19) of the piece of luggage (13) comprises a movable handle (49) of a zipper (51), an engagement strip of a buckle closure or a fixed bracket of the piece of luggage (13). Luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock secret (23) can be changed by an owner of the luggage lock (11). System comprising a luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims and a reading device (47), in particular a smartphone, which is designed to read the memory (31), in particular via a wireless connection. System according to claim 9, wherein the reader (47) has a memory (53) in which the secret code (23) is stored or can be stored, and wherein the reader (47) has a radio device (55) by which the secret code (23) can be wirelessly transmitted to another reader (47). 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) integrated into the luggage (13) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second container part (109) in the open position (O) provides access (49) to an interior (111) of the luggage body (119) and in the closed position (P) blocks access (49), and wherein the second container part (109) can be secured by locking (17) the locking section (19) in the closed position (P). Luggage (13) according to claim 11, wherein the luggage (13) has a luggage closure designed to hold the second container part (109) in the closed position (P), wherein the luggage lock (11) is arranged on the luggage body (119) and the locking section (19) is arranged on the luggage closure, or vice versa. Method for securing a piece of luggage (13) with a luggage lock (11) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein - the securing section (19) of the piece of luggage (13) is locked (17) by the luggage lock (11), - the securing section (19) is subsequently released, and - the release of the securing section (19) and / or a movement of the securing section (19) relative to the luggage lock (11) is documented in the memory (31). The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step: - Checking and / or verifying the release of the safety section (19) by reading the memory (31). Use of a luggage lock (11) according to one of claims 1 to 8 for securing a piece of luggage (13).

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