luggage lock

Abstract

An electronic luggage lock for securing a piece of luggage, which can be opened non-destructively by a security institution, comprises an electromechanical locking mechanism, an electronic control unit for controlling the electromechanical locking mechanism, a locking cylinder with a cylinder core that can be rotated into an open position by a key inserted by the security institution, and a detection device configured to directly or indirectly detect the release of the locking section and / or movement of the locking section relative to the luggage lock and to transmit a corresponding detection signal to the control unit. The control unit is configured to record the receipt of the detection signal in its memory.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic luggage lock for securing a piece of luggage that can be opened non-destructively by a security institution. The electronic luggage lock comprises an electromechanical locking mechanism by which a secured section of the luggage can be selectively locked or unlocked relative to the luggage lock, as well as an electronic control unit for controlling the electromechanical locking mechanism. Furthermore, the electronic luggage lock includes a locking cylinder with a cylinder core that can be rotated into an open position by a key that can be inserted by the security institution, wherein the secured section of the luggage can be released by rotating the cylinder core into the open position, bypassing the electromechanical 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 inspect checked baggage after it has been checked, without the owner being present. This requires opening the baggage in question. 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 attempts in a luggage lock of the type in question is achieved by providing the owner of the luggage lock with an electromechanical locking mechanism, so that the luggage lock can be conveniently locked or opened without carrying a key.

[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 an electronic luggage lock having the features of claim 1.

[0011] The electronic luggage lock has a detection device designed to directly or indirectly detect the release of the locking mechanism and / or its movement relative to the 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 a 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 may, 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 may be arranged such that a sensor can be contacted by an element of the electromechanical 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, in particular, be non-volatile memory. The luggage lock may include the memory.

[0021] The electromechanical locking mechanism can, for example, include an electric motor and an actuating section driven by the electric motor to move a bolt and / or locking element, in order to selectively release the locking section for movement relative to the luggage lock or to lock it to the luggage lock. Furthermore, an electrical power source, such as a battery or accumulator, can be provided to supply electrical energy to the electromechanical locking mechanism, the control unit, and / or the detection device.

[0022] To control the electromechanical locking mechanism, the mechanism may, for example, include a radio communication device to receive commands from a mobile opening device, particularly a smartphone. This communication with the opening device could, for instance, be via Bluetooth, WLAN / WiFi, and / or a cellular connection. Alternatively or additionally, the luggage lock may include an input device for entering commands for the electromechanical locking mechanism, such as a fingerprint sensor, a touchscreen, and / or a keypad.

[0023] 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.

[0024] Further embodiments are explained in the dependent claims, the description and with reference to the drawings.

[0025] With regard to embodiments in which the detection device is designed to detect a release of the locking section, the detection device in some embodiments may, for example, be designed to detect a release of the locking section by the electromechanical locking mechanism and by the locking cylinder, while in other embodiments the detection device may, for example, be designed 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 security sections by the owner of the luggage lock, and therefore known to the owner, using the electromechanical locking mechanism, do not need to be documented. In both variants, however, the detection device may additionally detect and document any movement of the security section relative to the luggage lock by the detection device.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] In some embodiments, the detection device can be configured to send a first detection signal when the locking section is released by the electromechanical locking mechanism and a second detection signal when the locking section is released by rotating the lock cylinder into the open position. The control unit can further be configured to distinguish between the first and second detection signals and, depending on the respective received detection signal, to record in its memory how the locking section was released.

[0031] In such designs, the detection signal emitted by the detection device allows for differentiation as to whether a particular opening of the luggage lock was carried out using the electromechanical locking mechanism or the locking cylinder. This information can be used, for example, to distinguish openings carried out by the owner using the electromechanical locking mechanism from openings carried out during a security check, where the locking cylinder is operated. Furthermore, in the case of unauthorized openings, it can be determined, for example, whether the luggage lock was opened by manipulating the electromechanical locking mechanism or the locking cylinder, perhaps using a counterfeit key, in order to use this information in investigating the unauthorized opening.

[0032] To distinguish between releasing the locking section by actuating the electromechanical locking mechanism and by actuating the lock cylinder, the detection device can, for example, have separate sensors that are contacted either when the electromechanical locking mechanism is actuated or when the lock cylinder is actuated. For example, different sections or components of the luggage lock can be moved to release the locking section depending on whether this is done by the electromechanical 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 electromechanical locking mechanism or the locking cylinder is actuated, in order to be able to detect the actuation of the electromechanical locking mechanism or the locking cylinder.

[0033] 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 electromechanical 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 actuating the electromechanical locking mechanism, and thus already known to the owner, are not recorded in the memory.However, such opening processes can be documented, for example, in the memory of a mobile opening device, in particular a smartphone, by means of which commands for controlling the electromechanical locking mechanism can be transmitted to the electromechanical locking mechanism, in order to enable the owner to document their own opening processes.

[0034] In some embodiments, the detection device may be configured 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] However, by actuating the electromechanical locking mechanism and, for example, transmitting a corresponding command to the electromechanical locking mechanism, the bolt can optionally be moved into an unlocked position in which the locking element is released for movement and can thus be driven by the locking section, so that the locking section can also be moved relative to the luggage lock.

[0038] Furthermore, such a bolt can also be moved into the open position by rotating the cylinder core and, bypassing the electromechanical locking mechanism, into the unlocked position. 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, in a sense, as a common element of the electromechanical locking mechanism and the locking cylinder, which can be actuated independently by other components of the electromechanical locking mechanism and the locking cylinder.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] In general, a reading device within the scope of the present disclosure can be, in particular, the aforementioned opening device, by means of which, in some embodiments, commands can be transmitted to the electromechanical locking mechanism. Furthermore, the interface can, for example, include the aforementioned radio device.

[0043] In some designs, reading the memory may require proof of authorization and / or identity.

[0044] 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 this.Furthermore, authentication and / or identity verification can be carried out, for example, via an application stored on a smartphone or the reader, 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 or reader 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 on a reader and / or within an application.

[0045] Generally, communication between a reader (especially a smartphone) and the luggage lock can be enabled by pairing the lock and the reader, particularly via Bluetooth pairing. However, during an initialization process to establish initial communication between the luggage lock and the reader (or opening device, as explained above), user information can also be generated on the reader, transmitted to the lock, and stored in its memory. Upon a subsequent request to read the memory, information can be transmitted that, by comparing it with the stored user information, allows for the identification of a user authorized to access the memory.

[0046] In some embodiments, a release code can be stored in the memory, and the control unit can be connected to a code receiver configured to receive an opening code from a mobile opening device via a wireless connection. The control unit can further be configured to compare the received opening code with the stored release code and to activate the electromechanical locking mechanism to release the security section if the received opening code matches the stored release code.

[0047] For example, it may be provided that a character code is stored in the memory of the luggage lock and that the control unit activates the electromechanical locking mechanism to release the security section when the received opening code includes the corresponding character code.

[0048] Furthermore, it is also possible, for example, that the release code comprises a calculation rule and that the unlock code comprises a random number and a calculation result, whereby the unlock code is assigned to the release code if applying the calculation rule contained in the release code to the received random number yields the received calculation result. In this respect, the control device, in appropriate embodiments, can be configured to apply the calculation rule contained in the release code to the received random number and to check whether the received calculation result is obtained.As a result of a match, a command to actuate (release or lock) the electromechanical locking mechanism (already transmitted with the opening code or exchanged in subsequent communication between the luggage lock and the opening device) can be implemented, whereas in the event of a deviation from the calculation result, it can be determined that the opening code is not assigned to the release code and therefore there is no authorization to actuate the electromechanical locking mechanism.

[0049] Such a procedure, involving the verification of a calculation result, offers the particular advantage of avoiding a strict device coupling between the opening device and the luggage lock. Instead, during initial communication between the luggage lock and an opening device, one or more users can be optionally created on the opening device and, for example, in an installed application (app). Each user is assigned a specific calculation rule, which, after establishing (especially encrypted) communication, is then transmitted to the luggage lock as a release code and stored in its memory. The luggage lock's control unit can therefore also be configured to establish such initial communication, receive the corresponding release codes, and write the release codes to its memory.In addition to the calculation rule, a release code can also contain information about the permissions of the user in question, such as the right to delete release codes and / or to submit further release codes.

[0050] Since this approach does not require a clear device pairing, a user account created on one opening device can, for example, be transferred to other opening devices. This allows multiple people to open the luggage lock or ensures continued operation of the lock even after a device is lost, for instance, by restoring the data via a cloud service. Initial communication between the luggage lock and the opening device can also be established, for example, via a master code provided by the lock manufacturer and stored in the lock's memory. Transmitting a code associated with this master code can, for instance, authorize the creation of users and the transmission of release codes to the luggage lock.

[0051] In some embodiments, the stored release code can also be changed. Specifically, a modified release code can be transmitted to the code receiving device along with a command to change the already stored release code, and the control unit can be configured to replace the release code with the modified one. Here, too, a query for authorization to change the release code can be performed, for example, by using the aforementioned master code or by comparing it with an authorization assigned to and stored with the release code. In particular, this can prevent misuse of the release code in the event of the loss of an opening device on which an opening code associated with the release code is stored, by changing the release code.

[0052] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the memory can store and / or be capable of storing multiple release codes, whereby the control unit can be configured to compare a received opening code with the stored release codes and to activate the electromechanical locking mechanism to release the locking section if the received opening code is assigned to at least one of the stored release codes. In particular, such a procedure can allow multiple users to operate the electromechanical locking mechanism, each assigned a specific release code, so that by checking the various release codes, the requesting user can be identified.In particular, this can be done by applying the respective calculation rules included in the release codes to received random numbers in order to verify whether the calculated result matches a previously transmitted calculation result, and thereby identify the user.

[0053] In some embodiments, the release code may include an opening device identifier associated with the opening device, and the control device may be configured to actuate the electromechanical locking mechanism to release the security section when the received release code matches the opening device identifier.

[0054] In particular, this can be achieved through Bluetooth pairing or other device coupling between the luggage lock and the opening device, whereby the control unit can be designed in particular to directly control the electromechanical locking mechanism to release the security section when the associated opening device is in sufficient proximity to the luggage lock and the opening device identification, for example via a Bluetooth connection, is received at the code receiving device.

[0055] In some embodiments, the luggage lock may further include a combination locking mechanism on which a numerical code can be manually set. In such embodiments, the security section of the luggage can be selectively released relative to the luggage lock by the combination locking mechanism, bypassing the electromechanical locking mechanism, by setting a numerical code on the combination locking mechanism that corresponds to a secret code. Alternatively, the security section can also be released by rotating the cylinder core into the open position, bypassing the combination locking mechanism.

[0056] The combination locking mechanism provides the owner of the luggage lock with an additional means of releasing the locking section for movement relative to the luggage lock in such embodiments, without the need to carry a key. In particular, an owner can therefore release the locking section relative to the luggage lock even if, for example, the electrical power source of the electromechanical locking mechanism is depleted or an opening device required to operate the electromechanical locking mechanism is unavailable, by setting the lock code on the combination locking mechanism and releasing the locking section by bypassing the electromechanical combination locking mechanism.

[0057] Furthermore, since the lock secret can only be known to the owner or another authorized user, the combination locking mechanism can only be used by such authorized persons and in particular not by the security institution, so that the combination locking mechanism merely creates an additional possibility for authorized persons to open the luggage lock.

[0058] In general, the electromechanical locking mechanism, the locking cylinder and - in appropriate embodiments - the combination locking mechanism can be designed to release the locking section independently of each other relative to the luggage lock, so that each of the locking mechanisms (electromechanical locking mechanism, locking cylinder and, if applicable, combination locking mechanism) can be designed to selectively release the locking section relative to the luggage lock, bypassing the respective other locking mechanism or locking mechanisms.

[0059] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the detection device can be configured to detect the release of the locking section by the combination locking mechanism, and the control device can be configured to record the detection of the release of the locking section by the combination locking mechanism in the memory. In particular, the detection device can be configured to send a third detection signal when the locking section is released by the combination locking mechanism, and the control device can be configured to associate the third detection signal with the release of the locking section by the combination locking mechanism and to record the release of the locking section by the combination locking mechanism accordingly in the memory.In this respect, the control device can also be designed to distinguish between the release of the security section by the combination locking mechanism, the release of the security section by the electromechanical locking mechanism, and the release of the security section by the locking cylinder.

[0060] In some embodiments, the securing section of the luggage may include a movable zipper pull, a locking bar of a buckle closure, or a fixed bar of the luggage.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] In some embodiments, the piece of luggage may further include 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.

[0065] The invention further relates to a method for securing a piece of luggage with an electronic luggage lock of the type disclosed herein. In the method, the securing section of the luggage is locked by the luggage lock and subsequently released, the release of the securing section and / or any movement of the securing section relative to the luggage lock being recorded in the memory.

[0066] As already explained, such a procedure allows for the documentation of opening processes in the memory of the luggage lock, enabling the owner of the luggage lock to trace and / or prove such opening processes.

[0067] In some designs, the release of the safety section can also be checked and / or verified by reading the memory.

[0068] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a luggage lock of the type disclosed herein for securing a piece of travel luggage.

[0069] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0070] They show: Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B a respective schematic representation of a piece of luggage with an integrated luggage lock in the open and closed state, Fig. 2A to 2C are schematic representations of luggage locks for security sections of luggage locked relative to the luggage lock, for security sections of luggage released by an electromechanical locking mechanism, and for security sections of luggage released by a locking cylinder. Fig. 3A to 3C each contain a schematic representation to further illustrate the locking of the safety sections in the luggage lock and Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B a respective schematic representation of a further embodiment of the luggage lock with an additional combination locking mechanism for locked and for security sections of the piece of luggage released by the combination locking mechanism.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 locking sections 19. Fig. 2B and Fig. Figure 2C, however, illustrates that the locking elements 41 can be operated by actuating an electromechanical locking mechanism 97 (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.

[0076] In order for the owner of the luggage lock 11 to release the locking sections 19 for movement relative to the luggage lock 11 and open the associated piece of luggage 13, the luggage lock 11 has the aforementioned electromechanical locking mechanism 97. The electromechanical locking mechanism 97 comprises a control unit 33 and a memory 31 in which a release code F is stored. Furthermore, the control unit 33 is connected to an interface 43 configured as a radio device 45, which functions as a code receiver 121.

[0077] How Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2B, this configuration of the luggage lock 11 with the electromechanical locking mechanism 97 enables the owner of the luggage lock 11 to transmit an opening code G to the code receiving device 121 of the luggage lock 11 using a mobile opening device 47, in particular a smartphone, in order to release the locking sections 19 from the lock body 15. The control unit 33 is configured to compare the received opening code G with the release code F stored in the memory 31 and to control an electric motor 101 to move an actuating section 99 if the received opening code G matches the stored release code F.If necessary, the opening code G may already include a command to control the electric motor 101 and to release the locking sections 19, or during or after the transmission of the opening code G, a corresponding command may be transmitted from the opening device 47 to the interface 43, so that the opening code G can ultimately serve to verify an authorization to control the electromechanical locking mechanism 97.

[0078] The actuating section 99, driven by the electric motor 101, engages the bolt 17, so that the bolt 17 can be pushed back by moving the actuating section 99 against the preload of the spring 95 and the locking elements 41 can be released for the aforementioned pivoting movement about the axes 88 and 89. Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2B, the locking sections 19 can therefore be removed from the insertion openings 91, with the locking elements 41 being driven by the locking sections 19 to the aforementioned pivoting movement about the axes 88 and 89 during the withdrawal of the locking sections 19 from the insertion openings 91 and 93. In order to supply the electromechanical locking mechanism 97 with the necessary electrical energy, in particular for the electric motor 101, the control unit 33 and / or the code receiving unit 121, an electrical energy source 102, which can be designed, for example, as a battery and / or accumulator, is also arranged in the lock body 15.

[0079] 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 illustrated 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.

[0080] 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).

[0081] While the electromechanical locking mechanism 97 thus enables the owner of the luggage lock 11 to operate the luggage lock 11 in a simple and convenient manner and to selectively lock the locking sections 19 in the lock body 15 or release them from the lock body 15, the luggage lock 11 also includes a locking cylinder 25 with a rotatable cylinder core 27, by which the locking sections 19 can be released by bypassing the electromechanical locking mechanism 97. This can, in particular, enable a security institution in possession of the matching key to open the luggage lock 11 non-destructively in order to carry out an inspection of the relevant piece of luggage 13.

[0082] In order to operate the locking cylinder 25, the cylinder core 27 has a key insertion opening 75 into which a matching key (not shown in the figures) can be inserted. If a matching key corresponding to the cylinder core 27 is inserted, the cylinder core 27 can be opened by the matching key into a Fig. 2C is transferred to the opening position A shown, in which the safety sections 19 are released for removal from the lock body 15.

[0083] To enable this, a radially outwardly projecting locking lug 29 is rotationally coupled to the cylinder core 27. This lug engages an actuating section 99 and drives the actuating section 99 into a translational movement as the cylinder core 27 rotates. The actuating section 99, in turn, rests against the bolt 17, so that the bolt 17 can be forced back into the unlocked position E by this movement of the actuating section 99 against the force of the spring 95, without requiring actuation of the electromechanical locking mechanism 97. Therefore, the locking sections 19 can also be released for movement relative to the luggage lock 11 by actuating the locking cylinder 25. In other words, actuating the locking cylinder 25 thus allows the locking section 19 to be released relative to the luggage lock 11, bypassing the electromechanical locking mechanism 97.

[0084] The design of the luggage lock 11 with the locking cylinder 25 thus enables, in particular, a security institution to open the luggage lock 11 non-destructively during checks by inserting a key provided to the security institution into the key insertion opening 75 and turning the cylinder core 27 to the open position A. After a check, the security sections 19 can also be reinserted into the insertion openings 91 and 93 and the cylinder core 27 into the Fig. 2A illustrates the starting position being reversed so that the piece of luggage 13 can be properly secured again after the inspection and can be continued in this manner during a further journey.

[0085] However, in order for the owner of the luggage lock 11 to be able to trace such opening processes, the luggage lock 11 also has a detection device 35 which is connected to the control unit 33. The detection device 35 is designed to detect the release of the locking sections 19 and / or a movement of the locking sections 19 relative to the luggage lock 11 and, in particular, to distinguish between the release of the locking sections 19 by the electromechanical locking mechanism 97 or by the locking cylinder 25.

[0086] How Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2B, the detection device 95 comprises a sensor 81 which, as a result of the release of the locking sections 19 by the electromechanical locking mechanism 97, is contacted by a contact section 105 arranged on the actuating section 99. The sensor 81 consequently sends a first detection signal D1 to the detection device 35, which is transmitted to the control device 33 and can be interpreted by the control device 33 as indicating the release of the locking sections 19 by the electromechanical locking mechanism 97.

[0087] Furthermore, the detection device 35 comprises two additional sensors 85 and 87, which are arranged such that, after the locking sections 19 are removed from the insertion openings 91 and 93, the sensors 85 and 87 are contacted by the locking elements 41 driven by the locking sections 19. As a result, the sensors 85 and 87 emit detection signals D4 and D5, so that the control device 33 can also detect that the locking sections 19 have actually been released from the luggage lock 11 and that the piece of luggage 13 has therefore likely been opened.

[0088] The control unit 33 can be configured to record the acquisition of the detection signals D1, D4 and / or D5 in the memory 31. Furthermore, the control unit 33 is connected to a clock 37 and a position determination device 39 and can be configured to record in the memory 31 the time and / or location at which the detection signals D1, D4 and D5 were acquired.

[0089] Based on the according to Fig. The detection signals D1, D3, and D4 transmitted by 2B can thus be documented in memory 31, indicating that the luggage lock 11 was opened by actuating the electromechanical locking mechanism 97 and that the safety sections 19 were released from the lock body 15. If such an opening process is registered after the owner of the luggage lock 11 has handed over the relevant piece of luggage 13, the documentation in memory 31 can therefore provide evidence that the luggage lock 11 was opened without authorization by manipulating the electromechanical locking mechanism 97. This information can be used, for example, in the investigation of thefts and / or the subsequent addition of contraband.

[0090] Fig. Figure 2C further illustrates that the detection device 35 includes an additional sensor 83, which, when the locking cylinder 27 is turned into the open position A, is contacted by a contact section 77 arranged on the actuating section 69 and emits a second detection signal D2. The control device 33 can be configured to use the detection signal D2 to recognize that the locking sections 19 have been released from the luggage lock 11 by actuating the locking cylinder 25, and to document the corresponding information in the memory 31. Furthermore, the detection signals D4 and D5 are again emitted by the sensors 85 and 87, so that the control device 33 can also document that, after the locking cylinder 25 has released the locking sections 19, the locking sections 19 have actually been released from the lock body 15 and the piece of luggage 13 has thus presumably been opened.The detection of signals D2, D4, and D5 can thus indicate, in particular, that an inspection has been carried out by a security institution. However, these signals can also be triggered, for example, if an unauthorized opening operation has been carried out using a counterfeit key. Furthermore, information about the time or location of the release of the security sections 19 can be stored in memory 31 by reading the clock 37 or the position detection device 39.

[0091] The configuration of the luggage lock 11 with interface 43 as a radio device 45 also makes it possible to read the memory 31 and the information stored therein, particularly with regard to releasing and / or moving the locking sections 19, via interface 43. In particular, the opening device 47, especially a smartphone, can also be used for this purpose. For example, an application (app) can be installed on the mobile opening device 47 that enables communication with the luggage lock 11 and reading of the speaker 31. However, reading the memory 31 may require proof of authorization and / or identity, which can also be requested in such an application. The opening device 47 can therefore also function as a reader for reading the memory 31.

[0092] The luggage lock 11 disclosed herein thus generally enables convenient and simple operation for the owner, with the possibility of non-destructive opening by a security institution. Furthermore, the detection device 35 fulfills the requirement to be able to trace any opening processes. However, with luggage locks 11 featuring an electromechanical locking mechanism 97, the further problem may arise that the authorized owner can no longer operate the luggage lock 11 by activating the electromechanical locking mechanism 97 if the energy source 102 of the electromechanical locking mechanism 97 is depleted or the opening device 47 is unavailable. In both cases, a remedy must first be found by recharging the energy source 102, for example via a charging socket (not shown in the figures), or by obtaining the opening device 47.

[0093] To address this problem, another approach can be taken based on the Fig. 4A and Fig. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 4B is used. In this embodiment, an electromechanical locking mechanism 97 is also provided, which can be actuated by an owner of the luggage lock 11. A locking cylinder 25 is available for the security institution, by means of which the locking sections 19 can be released, bypassing the electromechanical locking mechanism 97. This is illustrated by the Fig. 4A and Fig. The luggage lock 11 illustrated in 4B also has a detection device 35 and a control device 33 with a memory 31, so that the based on the Fig. 2A to 2C also explained the functions of the luggage lock 11 according to the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B can be implemented.

[0094] In addition to the electromechanical locking mechanism 97 and the locking cylinder 25, the following is included in the design based on the Fig. 4A and Fig. However, as illustrated in Figure 4B, the luggage lock 11 also provides a combination locking mechanism 21 by means of which the locking sections 19 can be selectively released from the luggage lock 11, bypassing the electromechanical locking mechanism 97 and the locking cylinder 25.

[0095] Fig. Figure 4A first illustrates a situation with locked locking sections 19, in which the bolt 17 engages the locking elements 41, whereby the locking sections 19 can be released by the electromechanical locking mechanism 97 and the locking cylinder 25 as explained above. The additional combination locking mechanism 21 has several code rings 73 on which a numerical code Z can be manually set. Provided that, as Fig. 4A shows that a numerical code Z is set on the code rings 73, which does not correspond to one in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4B, if the code ring 73 (or coupling rings not shown, which are rotationally linked to the code ring 73) corresponds to the locking secret 23, the code rings 73 (or coupling rings not shown in the figures, which are rotationally linked to the code rings 73) block movement of a locking bar 63. However, if the code ring 73 is set to the locking secret 23, 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 4B. Fig. 4B is shown.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 forced back into the unlocked position E against the force of the spring 95 in order to disengage from the locking elements 41 and release the locking elements 41. Due to the released locking elements 41, the locking sections 19 can thus be removed from the insertion openings 91 and 93, whereby the locking elements 41 can be driven by the locking sections 19 to the aforementioned pivoting movement about the axes 88 and 89 during the withdrawal of the locking sections 19 from the insertion openings 91 and 93.

[0098] Thus, the combination locking mechanism 21 offers the owner of the luggage lock 11, who alone has access to the lock secret 23, a way to open the luggage lock 11 when the electrical energy source 102 of the electromechanical locking mechanism 97 is exhausted or the opening device 47 is not available, without the owner having to carry a key, first provide a way to replace and / or recharge the electrical energy source 102 or obtain the opening device 47.

[0099] Furthermore, the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, that the detection device 35 of the illustrated luggage lock 11 has a further sensor 79, which is contacted by a contact section 71 arranged on the actuating section 69 when the bolt 17 is pushed back by means of the combination locking mechanism 21 and the locking sections 19 are released. The sensor 79 consequently sends a detection signal D3, which is detected by the detection device 95 and transmitted to the control unit 33. The control unit 33 can also record the detection signal D3 in the memory 31 in order to be able to record the release of the locking sections 19 by means of the combination locking mechanism 21. In addition, in the Fig.Figure 4B again illustrated the situation: sensors 85 and 87 emit the detection signals D4 and D5, so that the actual removal of the safety sections 19 from the insertion openings 91 and 93 can again be recorded and documented. Reference symbol list 11 Luggage lock 13 pieces of luggage 15 lock bodies 17 bars 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 Opening device 49 handle 51 zipper 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 87 Sensor 88 axle 89 Axle 91 Insertion opening 93 Insertion opening 95 spring 97 electromechanical locking mechanism 99 Actuation section 101 Electric motor 102 electrical energy source 103 Inlet opening 105 Contact section 107 first container part 109 second container part 111 Interior 113 Luggage lock slot 119 luggage bodies 121 Code receiving device A Open position B closed state D1 detection signal D2 detection signal D3 detection signal D4 detection signal D5 detection signal E unlocking position F Release code G Opening code 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

Electronic luggage lock (11) for securing a piece of luggage (13) which can be opened non-destructively by a security institution, comprising an electromechanical locking mechanism (97) by which a security section (19) of the piece of luggage (13) can be selectively locked or released relative to the luggage lock (11), an electronic control device (33) for controlling the electromechanical locking mechanism (97), a locking cylinder (25) with a cylinder core (27) rotatable into an open position (A) by means of 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 electromechanical locking mechanism (97), a detection device (35) which is configured toto detect, directly or indirectly, 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, D5) to the control unit (33), wherein the control unit (33) is configured to document the receipt of the detection signal (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5) in a memory (31). Electronic 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, D5) was received and / or a location at which the detection signal (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5) was received. Electronic 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 the electromechanical locking mechanism (97) 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). Electronic 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. Electronic luggage lock (11) according to claim 5, wherein reading the memory (31) requires proof of authorization and / or identity. Electronic luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a release code (F) is stored in the memory (31) and wherein the control unit (33) is connected to a code receiving unit (121) which is configured to receive an opening code (G) from a mobile opening device (47) via a wireless connection, wherein the control unit (33) is configured to compare the received opening code (G) with the stored release code (F) and to control the electromechanical locking mechanism (97) to release the security section (19) if the received opening code (G) matches the stored release code (F). Electronic luggage lock (11) according to claim 7, wherein the release code (F) comprises an opening device identifier individually assigned to the opening device (47), wherein the control unit (33) is configured to control the electromechanical locking mechanism (97) to release the security section (19) when the received opening code (G) corresponds to the opening device identifier. Electronic luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a combination locking mechanism (21) on which a numerical code (Z) can be manually set, wherein the security section (19) of the piece of luggage (13) can be selectively released by the combination locking mechanism (21) by bypassing the electromechanical locking mechanism (97) relative to the luggage lock (11) by setting a numerical code (Z) on the combination locking mechanism (21) which corresponds to a secret code (23), wherein the security section (19) can be released by bypassing the combination locking mechanism (21) by turning the cylinder core (27) into the open position (A). Electronic luggage lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking section (19) of the luggage (13) comprises a movable handle (49) of a zipper (51), an engagement strip of a buckle closure or a fixed bracket of the luggage (13). 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 an electronic luggage lock (11) integrated into the luggage (13) according to one of the preceding claims, 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 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 an electronic luggage lock (11) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: - the security section (19) of the piece of luggage (13) is locked by the luggage lock (11), - the security section (19) is subsequently released, and - the release of the security section (19) and / or a movement of the security 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 by reading the memory (31). Use of a luggage lock (11) according to one of claims 1 to 10 for securing a piece of luggage (13).

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