Coded combination lock

Abstract

The present invention relates to a combination lock which can be moved from a locked position to an open position by means of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is blocked against movement from the locked position to the open position by means of at least three rotatably adjustable bearing sleeves (1, 1a) by at least one bearing sleeve (1, 1a) in a locking position by a locking device (10) of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a). By arranging all bearing sleeves (1, 1a) in a release position, the locking mechanism can be moved from the locked position to the open position. A coding wheel (12) is arranged on each bearing sleeve (1, 1a), projecting partially into an opening (2) in a front cover (4). A test position of the respective bearing sleeves (1, 1a) can be detected through the opening (2) by means of an externally perceptible coding (6) of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a).The release position of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a) is adjustable by rotating the bearing sleeve (1, 1a) through a coding angle of the respective bearing sleeve (1, 1a) starting from the test position of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a). The coding angle of at least two bearing sleeves (1, 1a) differs. Furthermore, the invention relates to a suitcase with such a combination lock.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a combination lock, in particular a suitcase lock. The combination lock has a locking mechanism by means of which the combination lock can be moved from a locked position to an open position. The locking mechanism has at least three rotatably adjustable bearing sleeves. The locking mechanism is blocked against movement from the locked position to the open position by at least one bearing sleeve in a locking position by a locking device of the bearing sleeve. Furthermore, the locking mechanism is released for movement from the locked position to the open position by the arrangement of all bearing sleeves in a release position of each bearing sleeve. A coding wheel, which partially projects into an opening in a front cover, is also arranged on each bearing sleeve.In this process, a test position of each bearing sleeve can be detected by means of an externally perceptible coding of the bearing sleeve through the opening. The release position of the bearing sleeve can be set by rotating the bearing sleeve by a coding angle of the respective bearing sleeve, starting from the test position of the bearing sleeve. Furthermore, the invention relates to a suitcase, in particular for travel luggage, wherein the suitcase has a compartment which can be locked with such a combination lock.

[0002] Combination locks exist in various designs in the prior art. In particular, the coding wheels are arranged planarly in a single plane or coaxially on a common shaft. Typically, the locking mechanism must be unlocked to open the combination lock, and all coding wheels must be in their respective release positions for unlocking. To enable a user to recall the combination of release positions for all coding wheels, detectable key symbols are typically formed on a surface of the coding wheels. A key code specifies the combination of key symbols in a particular sequence in which all coding wheels or their respective bearing sleeves are in their respective release positions.

[0003] Since the key secret can be lost or forgotten, it is desirable for the combination lock to provide a means by which the key secret can be determined. However, disassembling the combination lock to analyze the locking mechanism relative to the positions of the bearing sleeves has proven to be very time-consuming and / or is generally impossible without destroying the locked item.

[0004] German patent DE 2261 029 A1 discloses a combination lock in the form of a buckle combination lock, commonly used for suitcases and luggage. In this design, the coding wheels are arranged coaxially on a common shaft by means of bearing sleeves. Furthermore, this buckle combination lock allows the user to customize the key secret by individually adjusting the rotational offset between the coding wheels and their respective bearing sleeves. This means that the key secret is more frequently changed unintentionally. To ensure that the lock can still be unlocked even if the key secret is not known, the design incorporates visually or haptically perceptible markings on the bearing sleeves.When the bearing sleeves are moved into a test position, these codes are recognizable from the outside by a user through openings and indentations.

[0005] In particular, it is known that the codings are arranged in a fixed coding angle relative to the blocking device of the bearing sleeves, which is identical for all bearing sleeves but known only to an authorized person.

[0006] By detecting the codes in the test position from the outside and, if necessary, subsequently rotating all coding wheels by the predefined coding angle, the bearing sleeves are moved into their respective release positions without the user having knowledge of the key secret. The codes are located in the same position on all bearing sleeves. In particular, the test position of the bearing sleeves can simultaneously be the release position, so that the coding angle is 0°. To open the buckle combination lock, it is sufficient in this case to arrange all bearing sleeves so that the codes on the respective bearing sleeves are in a row.

[0007] The problem with the solution for determining the key secret known from DE 2261 029 A1 is that unauthorized persons can also use the coding to open the combination lock unnoticed within a very short time if they can recognize the code and are aware of the coding angle. If they do not know the fixed coding angle, they can find it relatively quickly, as it is the same for all coding wheels. This allows, for example, the unauthorized exchange or addition of contents to the suitcase in the event of brief access. It is therefore desirable that unauthorized persons are unable to open the combination lock unnoticed, or only with considerable effort.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a combination lock and a case with this combination lock which overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art by making it more difficult to open the combination lock unnoticed without knowledge of the key secret, while at the same time preserving the possibility of a relatively simple determination of the key secret by an authorized person.

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by the combination lock with the features of claim 1 and a case with the features of claim 11. By having a different coding angle for at least two bearing sleeves, and by having a second coding which is designed as a key marking such that the coding angle of the respective bearing sleeve can be permanently assigned to the design of the key marking and thus determined, and by having the second coding designed as a key marking as a complete coloring of the bearing sleeve or the material of the bearing sleeve, or being perceptible by means of a testing tool, it is achieved that to move the locking mechanism into its open position it is not sufficient to rotate the bearing sleeves in such a way that the codings are arranged in a row or that all coding wheels are additionally rotated by the same coding angle.Therefore, unlocking the locking mechanism or opening the combination lock unnoticed is only possible if the coding angle of each individual coding wheel is known.

[0010] This also has the advantage that the user, such as a service technician from the case manufacturer, who knows all the assignments of the specific key markings to the specific coding angles, receives all the information needed to rotate the bearing sleeve into the release position and thus open the combination lock without knowing the key secret, directly from the respective bearing sleeve or from the first and second codings arranged on the bearing sleeve. Using the first coding, the user can detect the test position of the bearing sleeves, while the second coding reveals the coding angle by which the respective bearing sleeve must be rotated to move it into its release position.

[0011] The combination lock is unlocked according to the invention without knowledge of the key secret by the user detecting the first code on the respective bearing sleeve and thus bringing the bearing sleeves into their respective test positions. Starting from this test position, the user must then rotate the bearing sleeves by the respective coding angle, whereby the coding angles are different for at least two bearing sleeves, and then reaches the release position of the bearing sleeve. Since the coding angle of at least two bearing sleeves differs, the locking mechanism cannot be moved into its open position by simply sequentially matching the codes or by moving all bearing sleeves into their respective test positions.

[0012] Under the conditions of the invention, the coding angle of a maximum of two bearing sleeves can also be 0°, so that with two bearing sleeves the test position also corresponds to the release position. Since, in this case, at least one of the three bearing sleeves has a differentiated coding angle, the locking mechanism cannot be moved into its open position without knowledge of the at least one differing coding angle.

[0013] In particular, the bearing sleeves with different coding angles for a specific combination lock are selected randomly or by means of predetermined sequences of bearing sleeves with different coding angles, so that the coding angles of the bearing sleeves of a specific combination lock are not predictable if the specifically selected bearing sleeves are not known.

[0014] Advantageously, information about the coding angles of the bearing sleeves of a specific combination lock can be provided in the form of a security card included with the combination lock or the case, or stored in a database at the manufacturer. Preferably, the coding angles are paired with the serial number of the respective combination lock or with a serial number of a case in which the combination lock is mounted, such that the respective coding angles of the bearing sleeves can be retrieved from a database, particularly at the manufacturer's, using the serial number.

[0015] According to one possible embodiment, the combination lock and / or the case is marked with an alphanumeric code that is readable from the outside, in particular by means of a sticker, and the alphanumeric code identifies the coding angles of the bearing sleeves of the combination lock as an encrypted form converted by means of a cryptographic method, preferably in combination with a unique serial number of the combination lock.

[0016] Preferably, the coding angles of a combination lock, in particular the alphanumeric code, are stored in an RFID tag and can be read by a corresponding RFID reader. This RFID tag can be integrated into the combination lock itself or into the case in which the respective combination lock is mounted.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the combination lock, the markings formed on the bearing sleeves are visible from the outside through a test gap in an edge region of the respective coding wheel. The test gap is particularly advantageously configured between the respective coding wheel and a wall of the respective opening adjacent to the coding wheel, or between the coding wheel and another coding wheel arranged nearby. This design offers the advantage of easy access to the markings on the bearing sleeves for the user. The test gap can be expediently designed so that the user can visually identify the marking through it. Alternatively, the test gap can be designed to allow a testing tool to be inserted into the respective test gap and engaged with the bearing sleeve or the marking.

[0018] A special design of the combination lock provides that at least one of the codes is designed as a visually identifiable code. A suitable visual marking is, for example, a color code. One color can indicate the test position for the first code, and another color or a collection of colors can indicate the respective coding angle as a key marking. For example, such a design could look like this: yellow represents the test position, and green, blue, red, and white each indicate a coding angle, such as 90°, 180°, 270°, and 360°, respectively, or 0°. Advantageously, the coding angles correspond to an angle from the group of angles in steps of 360° / number of numbers of the key characters on the coding wheel; usually, ten key characters are arranged on a coding wheel, i.e., 0°, 36°, 72°, 108°, 144°, 180°, 216°, 252°, 288°, 324°.It is also possible for the position of the second coding on the bearing sleeve to already represent the first coding. For example, the design could consist of a blue dot on the bearing sleeve. The position of this blue dot indicates the test position, with the color blue signifying a coding angle of, for example, 180°. The bearing sleeve can expediently provide the second coding, designed as a key marking, by being entirely colored, or by the material of the bearing sleeve being colored.

[0019] As an alternative or supplement to the color marking as the first and / or second code, an advantageous embodiment provides that at least one of the codes is perceptible by touch using the testing tool. The tactilely perceptible code is expediently designed as a notch formed in the bearing sleeve. The notch can also be a slot extending completely through the bearing sleeve or a dent or groove formed in the bearing sleeve. Advantageously, the tactilely perceptible code is designed as a radially outward-pointing bulge or protrusion.

[0020] In particular, the test position can be determined using the test tool, with a colored marking indicating the test angle. This division into a haptically perceptible first coding and an optically perceptible second coding is particularly advantageous in the design where the first and second codings are located at the same position on the bearing sleeve. Thus, the test position can be easily detected using the test tool, and a glance, especially through the test gap, is sufficient to identify the second coding and therefore the coding angle, without having to scan the bearing sleeve.

[0021] A testing tool can be anything suitable for providing the user with haptic or visual feedback. In particular, the combination lock may be designed to have guides for the testing tool. These guides can limit the maximum size of the testing tool, thus restricting unauthorized individuals who do not possess the designated testing tool in their choice of alternative means to replace it. Furthermore, the guides have the advantage that the testing tool does not snag when inserted into the interior of the combination lock and is guided "blindly" directly to the bearing sleeve in such a way that the coding is easily detectable.

[0022] The testing tool can, for example, also be designed as an optical tool that illuminates the gap and simultaneously detects the wavelength of the light reflected from the bearing sleeve and thus the color of the coding.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the first coding is provided by means of a position of the haptically perceptible coding on the bearing sleeve. The position of the haptically perceptible coding can advantageously indicate the test position of the bearing sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, the second coding, designed as a key marking, is provided by means of a shape of the haptically perceptible coding. The shape can be designed such that the coding angle can be determined by means of the shape of the haptically perceptible coding. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the testing tool can be designed as a gauge. Preferably, for example, a second coding, designed as a notch and at least as a key marking, can have a width that can be determined with the testing tool, the shape of which indicates the coding angle.It has proven advantageous to have a set of gauges to enable the user to precisely determine the respective coding angle. It is useful to provide that the notches can have a width of 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm, with these representing coding angles of 120°, 240°, 360°, and 0°, respectively. Accordingly, the user can use three corresponding gauges to measure the notches to be tested and thus determine the width of the notch or the coding angle of the bearing sleeve.

[0024] In practice, it is advantageous for the locking mechanism to have an adjusting shaft. In particular, bearing sleeves with the coding wheels are arranged on the adjusting shaft so as to be rotatable independently of each other and coaxial to each other.

[0025] In particular, this design allows for a compact combination lock and locking mechanism with few components. Specifically, the adjusting shaft can be axially displaced in the release position of all bearing sleeves into a release position in which the locking mechanism is unlocked in the open position. Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that in the blocking position of at least one bearing sleeve, the adjusting shaft is blocked in a bolt position by means of the blocking device. The adjusting shaft is preferably designed such that in the bolt position, the locking mechanism is locked in the blocking position, preventing the combination lock from being opened.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, it is advantageously provided that the bearing sleeves with the coding wheels are arranged planarly relative to each other and rotatably independent of one another on their own adjusting shafts. For this purpose, the respective adjusting shafts are expediently arranged parallel to each other and offset from one another.

[0027] To increase the ease of use of the combination lock, the user is able to adjust the key secret. A special version of the combination lock is provided for this purpose, in which the coding wheels, particularly in the release position of the bearing sleeves, are axially displaceable relative to the respective bearing sleeves between a normal position, in which the coding wheel is fixed to the bearing sleeve, and a configuration position. It is advantageously designed that the coding wheels are displaceable relative to the respective bearing sleeves in such a way that, in the configuration position, the coding wheel can rotate freely relative to the respective bearing sleeve and can be remounted in the normal position with an angular offset on the bearing sleeve. By way of example, the coding wheel can thus be brought into a rotationally fixed position relative to the bearing sleeve.In the non-rotating configuration, the user can turn each coding wheel until it reaches the desired position. Once the coding wheel is in the desired position, it can be moved to the non-rotating configuration with the bearing sleeve. The bearing sleeve is advantageously positioned in its release position, allowing the user to open the combination lock by moving the coding wheels to the set position.

[0028] To help the user remember the position of the coding wheels, key symbols are provided on the outer surface of the coding wheels.

[0029] The key symbols on the coding wheels, which must be arranged in a specific sequence to unlock the combination lock, constitute the key secret. These key symbols can be visual, tactile, or acoustic. Specifically, they can be letters, numbers, characters, symbols, or a combination thereof. Each coding wheel can also have its own key symbols, independent of the other coding wheels, so that the key secret consists of a combination of numbers, letters, characters, etc.

[0030] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures and the dependent subclaims. They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a locking mechanism assembly, Fig. 2 is a side view of the locking mechanism assembly according to Fig. 1 in direction A according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a side view of the assembly of the locking mechanism according to Fig. 1 in direction B according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 4 a perspective view of a bearing sleeve of the assembly of the locking mechanism according to Figure 1 with a first embodiment of a locking device, Figs. 5 to 14. Views of exemplary variants of the bearing sleeve with a locking device according to Fig. 4 with different offsets for the coding, Fig. 15 a top view of the locking mechanism assembly in a blocking position, wherein the bearing sleeve is in a blocking position and a test position, Fig. 16 a sectional view of the locking mechanism assembly according to Fig. 15 along the dividing line C - C, Fig. 17 a top view of the locking mechanism assembly in the blocked position, with the bearing sleeve in a release position, Fig. 18 a sectional view of the locking mechanism assembly according to Fig. 17along the dividing line D - D, Fig. 19 a top view of the locking mechanism assembly in an open position, with the bearing sleeve in the release position, Fig. 20 a sectional view of the locking mechanism assembly according to Fig. 16 along the dividing line E - E and Fig. 21 a top view of another embodiment of the bearing sleeve with a further variant of the blocking device.

[0032] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0033] In the Figs. 1 to 3 and 15 to 20 The image shows a component of a combination lock. Specifically, it is a component of a combination lock designed / used as a suitcase lock.

[0034] The combination lock features a locking mechanism which is located in the Figs. 1 to 3 and 15 to 20partially shown. The combination lock can be moved from a blocked position to an open position using the locking mechanism.

[0035] The locking mechanism of the combination lock comprises at least three rotatably adjustable bearing sleeves. Figs. 1 to 3 and 15 to 20 Only one adjustable bearing sleeve 1 is shown, whereby the illustrated design can be transferred to all three provided bearing sleeves 1.

[0036] It is intended that the bearing sleeves 1 each have a locking position, exemplified in the Figs. 15 and 16 , and a release position, exemplified in the Figs. 17 to 20 , exhibit. The locking mechanism is such that at least one bearing sleeve 1 is in the blocking position of the bearing sleeve 1 by a blocking device 10 of the bearing sleeve 1 against a transfer from the, into the Figs. 15 to 18 depicted, blockage situation into the Figs. 19 and 20The depicted opening position is blocked. Furthermore, the locking mechanism is enabled by the arrangement of all bearing sleeves 1 in the release position of each bearing sleeve 1, allowing movement from the blocked position to the open position.

[0037] According to the representation of the individual bearing sleeves 1 in the Figs. 1 to 3 and 15 to 20, a coding wheel 12 is arranged on each bearing sleeve 1, partially projecting into an opening 2 in a front cover. Fig. 1 The perspective is chosen from an area inside the locking mechanism such that one looks outwards through opening 2 into an area outside the locking mechanism. In particular, the outer area is accessible to the user, so that the user can act on the respective coding wheel 12 protruding through opening 2, in particular by rotating it.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism, as in Figs. 1 to 3and 15 to 20, an adjusting shaft 18. Advantageously, the bearing sleeves 1 with the coding wheels 12 can be arranged independently rotatable from one another and coaxially to one another on the adjusting shaft 18. It has proven advantageous that the adjusting shaft is preferably designed such that the adjusting shaft 18, in the release position of all bearing sleeves 1, as shown in the Figs. 17 to 20 shown, axially displaceable into a release position in which the locking mechanism is unlocked in the open position, and in the blocking position of at least one bearing sleeve 1, as shown in the Figs. 15 and 16 shown in a bolt position in which the locking mechanism is locked in the blocking position, blocked by means of the blocking device 10. An example is shown in Fig. 1 An advantageous variant of this design is shown using a bearing sleeve 1 arranged on the adjusting shaft 18.

[0039] In the Fig. 16, 18 and 20In the illustrated embodiment, a radially inwardly projecting lug advantageously engages as a locking device 10 in a groove 20 formed on an outer surface of the adjusting shaft 18 corresponding to the lug. Preferably, the groove 20 has a release section 22 extending axially to the adjusting shaft and a locking section 24 that intersects the release section 22 and rotates around the adjusting shaft 18.

[0040] Especially if the nose, as in Fig. 16 As shown, the bearing sleeve 1 is arranged in the blocking section 24, and is rotatable relative to the adjusting shaft 18. As long as the nose is not located in the area of ​​the intersection between release section 22 and blocking section 24, the bearing sleeve 1 is expediently in its blocking position, and the locking mechanism is blocked against movement from the blocked position to the open position.

[0041] In particular, axial displacement of the adjusting shaft 18 relative to the bearing sleeves 1 is blocked.

[0042] Advantageously, it is provided that when the bearing sleeve 1 is adjusted rotationally to the adjusting shaft 18 in such a way that the nose, as in Fig. 18 As shown, the respective bearing sleeve 1 is located in its release position in the area of ​​the intersection between release section 22 and blocking section 24. The bearing sleeve 1 can be advantageously positioned as shown in Fig. 20As shown, the locking mechanism is transferred into the axially extending release section 22, provided that all bearing sleeves 1 of the locking mechanism, with their respective lugs, are also arranged in their respective release positions analogous to the aforementioned bearing sleeve 1, or in particular, if they are arranged with their respective lugs in the area of ​​the intersection between release section 22 and blocking section 24. Advantageously, in this state, with all bearing sleeves 1 in their release positions, the locking mechanism can be transferred from the blocked position to the open position.

[0043] It has proven advantageous that the blocking device 10 of the bearing sleeve 1 blocks the bearing sleeve 1 against rotation around the adjusting shaft 18 in the axially extending release section 22 outside the intersection between release section 22 and blocking section 24. This effectively prevents unintentional adjustment of the locking mechanism.

[0044] According to an alternative assembly of the locking mechanism, the bearing sleeves 1, 1a with the coding wheels 12 are arranged planarly relative to each other and rotatable independently of one another on their own adjusting shafts. Advantageously, the respective adjusting shafts are arranged parallel to each other and offset from one another.

[0045] The bearing sleeves 1 show, as in the Figs. 15 and 16 Each test position is shown. In particular, the bearing sleeve 1 is located in the exemplary embodiment. Figs. 15 and 16 both in the test position and simultaneously in the blocking position. The test position of the respective bearing sleeves 1 can be detected through the opening 2 in the front cover 4 by means of an externally perceptible coding 6 of the bearing sleeve 1. In the Figs. 1 to 3A special embodiment of the coding 6 is shown, wherein the coding 6 is formed as a notch in the bearing sleeve 1, which is formed by means of a Figs. 1 to 3 The test tool 8 shown is detectable.

[0046] According to the invention, the release position of the bearing sleeve 1 can be adjusted by rotating the bearing sleeve 1 through a coding angle of the respective bearing sleeve 1, starting from the test position of the bearing sleeve 1. Different embodiments of bearing sleeves 1 according to the invention, which differ in relation to the Fig. 1 The illustrated assembly provides different coding angles; these are in the Figs. 5 to 14 As shown. According to the invention, it is further provided that the coding angle of at least two bearing sleeves 1 differs.

[0047] The exemplary embodiment of the assembly according to the Fig. 1 a bearing sleeve 1 is shown, which is located in the Fig. 4and 5 to 14 The variant of the bearing sleeve 1 shown corresponds to this. In particular, the coding angle is determined by the position and design of the blocking device 10 and the arrangement of the coding 6 of the bearing sleeve 1. Accordingly, the Figs. 5 to 14 The illustrated design variants of the bearing sleeve 1, due to their respective different arrangements of the coding 6 relative to the blocking device 10, advantageously all have a different coding angle.

[0048] The codings 6 formed on the bearing sleeves 1 are expediently perceptible from the outside through a test gap in an edge region of the respective coding wheel 12. In the case of the Fig. 15, 17 and 19In the illustrated embodiments, the test gap is advantageously formed between the coding wheel 12 and an edge region of the opening 2. In an embodiment not shown, the test gap is expediently formed between two adjacent coding wheels 12. It has proven advantageous if the opening 2 has separating webs, so that each coding wheel 12 projects into a separate region of the opening such that a separating web is formed between each of the coding wheels 12.

[0049] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the bearing sleeves 1 each have a second coding 6. In particular, the second coding 6 is designed as a key marking such that the coding angle of the respective bearing sleeve 1 can be determined by means of the key marking.

[0050] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that at least one of the codes 6 is haptically perceptible by means of a testing tool 8. In particular, this embodiment is advantageous in the Figs. 1 to 3 and 15 to 20 The coding 6 is advantageously designed as a notch formed in the bearing sleeve 1. According to the Figs. 1 to 3In the illustrated embodiment, this notch can be detected by a test tool 8, which can be inserted from the outside, in particular through the test gap that is expediently formed between the edge of the opening and the coding wheel 12. The test tool 8 can therefore be expediently inserted through the opening 2 into the area of ​​the bearing sleeve 1. Preferably, the user can bring the coding 6 of the bearing sleeve 1 into contact with the test tool 8 by rotating the bearing sleeve 1. Expediently, the contact between the coding 6 and the test tool 8 produces a haptic and preferably also an acoustic signal, which indicates to the user that the bearing sleeve 1 has reached its test position.

[0051] A particular embodiment of the combination lock further provides that the haptically perceptible coding 6 on the bearing sleeve 1 is a coding 6 designed as a key marking. The haptically perceptible coding 6 is expediently designed such that the second coding 6, designed as a key marking, is provided by means of a shape of the haptically perceptible coding 6, the shape of which depends on the coding angle, and the respective coding angle can be determined by means of the shape of the coding 6.

[0052] For example, the haptically perceptible code 6 can be represented as a notch, as in the Figs. 1 to 14 , 15, 16, 18 , 20 and 21 The coding angle can be conveniently determined by means of the shape of the key marking, whereby the width 14 of the notch indicates the respective coding angle. The width 14 of the notch is particularly important in Fig. 4marked. The testing tool 8 is conveniently designed as a gauge for determining the width 14 of the notch or for checking the coding angle. An example is shown in Fig. 3 A test tool 8 designed as a gauge is shown. It is advantageous that a set of test tools 8 designed as gauges, each gauge corresponding to a specific width 14 of the notch, can be used to determine the width 14 of the notch or the respective coding angle. In the Fig. 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the gauge has a width 16 which corresponds to the width 14 of the notch-shaped coding 6. In particular, the user can detect a coding angle by precisely matching the respective widths 14 and 16, as exemplified in the Figs. 1 to 3 The illustrated embodiment is 180°.

[0053] In particular, in the Figs. 1 to 3A particular embodiment is shown in which the haptically perceptible coding 6 of the bearing sleeve 1 provides both a first coding 6 for detecting the test position of the bearing sleeve 1 and a second coding 6, designed as a key marking, for determining the coding angle. Advantageously, the first coding 6, by means of which the test position of the bearing sleeve 1 can be detected, is provided by means of a position of the haptically perceptible coding 6 on the bearing sleeve 1, and simultaneously, by means of the shape of the haptically perceptible coding 6, in which the Figs. 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the second coding 6, designed as a key marking, is provided by means of the width 14 of the notch, by means of which the coding angle can be determined.

[0054] Another embodiment of the invention, not shown, consists in at least one of the codes 6 being designed as an optically recognizable code 6, in particular a colored marking. Advantageously, the haptically perceptible code 6 can also be designed in such a way that it is additionally optically perceptible.

[0055] The optically perceptible coding 6 can be expediently designed in such a way as to reveal to the user the test position of the bearing sleeve 1 and / or the coding angle.

[0056] A combination of a haptically perceptible coding 6 and an optical, especially colored, coding 6 can be particularly advantageous. For example, the first coding 6 for detecting the test position of the bearing sleeve 1 can be designed as a haptically perceptible coding 6, while the second coding 6, designed as a key marking, is designed as an optically perceptible coding 6 for determining the coding angle. Advantageously, the first coding 6 is provided by means of a position of the haptically perceptible coding 6 on the bearing sleeve 1. The optically perceptible coding 6 can expediently be arranged or designed independently of the first, especially haptically perceptible, coding 6 on the bearing sleeve 1.

[0057] According to a particular embodiment, the first and second codings 6 are provided by forming a haptically perceptible coding 6 with a colored marking. The test position of the bearing sleeve 1 can be detected by the position of the haptically perceptible coding 6, and the coding angle can be detected by means of the coloring.

[0058] Especially with regard to the in the Fig. 3 , 16 , 18 and 20 The illustrated embodiment shows that the coding 6 of the bearing sleeve 1 is aligned with the blocking device 10, expediently also in the Figs. 4 and 5As shown. According to this embodiment, the release section 22, which extends axially to the adjusting shaft 18, is advantageously located on the side facing away from the opening 2. The bearing sleeve 1 is in its test position, in particular, when the coding 6 points towards the opening 2, so that it can be detected, especially with the test tool 8. Since the locking device 10 and the coding 6 are aligned with each other, to move the bearing sleeve 1 into its release position, the bearing sleeve must be rotated about the adjusting shaft 18 until the locking device 10 reaches the release section 22 formed on the opposite side or the intersection of the release section and the locking section. This advantageously results in the following for the Fig. 1 , 4 and 5 , 16, 18 and 20 bearing sleeve 1 shown, referring to the one in Figs. 1 to 3 and 15 to 20 The illustrated assembly has a test angle of 180°.

[0059] The following are examples of the test angles of the in Figs. 6 to 14 The bearing sleeves 1 shown refer to the ones in Figs. 1 to 3 and 15 to 20 The illustrated assembly is listed, where the test angle depends on the direction of rotation, i.e., on a rotation of the bearing sleeve 1, clockwise or counterclockwise: It is appropriate

[0060] the test angle during the Fig. 6 The illustrated design of the bearing sleeve 1 216° or 144°, depending on the direction of rotation, the test angle during the in Fig. 7 The illustrated design of the bearing sleeve 1 252° or 108°, depending on the direction of rotation, the test angle during the in Fig. 8 The illustrated design of the bearing sleeve 1 288° or 72°, depending on the direction of rotation, the test angle during the in Fig. 9 The illustrated design of the bearing sleeve 1 324° or 36°, depending on the direction of rotation, the test angle during the in Fig. 10The illustrated design of the bearing sleeve 1 is 360° or 0°, regardless of the direction of rotation; the test angle during the in Fig. 11 The illustrated design of the bearing sleeve 1 is 36° or 324°, depending on the direction of rotation; the test angle during the test is shown in the Fig. 12 The illustrated design of the bearing sleeve 1 is 72° or 288°, depending on the direction of rotation; the test angle during the test is shown in the Fig. 13 The illustrated design of the bearing sleeve 1 is 108° or 252°, depending on the direction of rotation; the test angle during the measurement is shown. Fig. 14 The illustrated design of the bearing sleeve 1 has 144° or 216°, depending on the direction of rotation.

[0061] In particular, the coding wheels are 12, as in Fig. 1The coding wheels 12 are shown with an inner bearing opening 26, allowing them to be axially slid onto the respective bearing sleeves 1. To transmit a rotation of the coding wheels 12 to the bearing sleeve 1, it has proven advantageous for the coding wheels 12 to have an inwardly pointing toothing 28, which engages in a retaining geometry 30 on an outer circumference of the bearing sleeves 1 such that the rotation of the respective coding wheel 12 can be transmitted to the bearing sleeve 1 in at least one direction of rotation.

[0062] To improve the arrangement of the coding wheels 12 on the bearing sleeves 1, it can be provided that the bearing sleeves 1 have a bearing section 32 and a contact section 34 with an increased diameter, which preferably, as in Fig. 4The mounting section 34, shown as a collar, has the advantage that when the respective coding wheel 12 is axially pushed onto the respective bearing sleeve 1, the coding wheel 12 cannot be moved beyond the bearing sleeve 1, but rests against the mounting section 34 as an end stop. It can also be advantageously provided that the retaining geometries 30 project axially from the mounting section 34, the retaining geometries 30 preferably extending over a partial section of the bearing section 32, as shown in Fig. 4 As shown, extend. According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the retaining geometries 30 extend axially completely over the bearing section 32 of the bearing sleeve 1 from the mounting section 34.

[0063] In particular, the bearing sleeves 1 are formed in one piece, especially monolithically in one piece.

[0064] A specific embodiment of the invention provides that the coding wheels 12 are axially displaceable relative to the respective bearing sleeves 1 between a normal position, in which the coding wheel 12 is fixed to the bearing sleeve 1 without rotation, and a configuration position. Advantageously, the embodiment provides that in the configuration position the coding wheel 12 is freely rotatable relative to the respective bearing sleeve 1 and can be remounted in the normal position with an angular offset on the bearing sleeve 1.

[0065] In particular, the coding wheel 12 and the bearing sleeve 1 are adjusted rotationally in stages. This is exemplified by, in particular, Fig. 3 The depicted coding wheel 12 has ten steps, each step having an angular offset of 36° to the preceding step. The in the Figs. 5 to 14 The depicted variants of the bearing sleeves 1 are all expediently equipped with the in Fig. 1The depicted locking mechanism can be combined, or the bearing sleeves 1 are designed to be interchangeable. Accordingly, in the Figs. 5 to 14 All possible test angles for a coding wheel 12 adjustable in ten steps or adjustable bearing sleeve 1 are shown.

[0066] In particular, a stepwise rotary adjustment of the coding wheel 12 or the bearing sleeve 1 can be provided by a detent geometry 36 formed on an outer cylindrical surface. Especially in the Fig. 1In the illustrated embodiment, axially extending notches across the outer surface of the coding wheel 12 are designed as detent geometries 36 such that a correspondingly designed detent element (not shown), in particular an elastic detent arm, engages in the respective notches during the rotary adjustment of the coding wheel 12. Advantageously, the detent arm fixes the coding wheel 12 in the respective position, whereby the fixation can be overcome by a sufficiently large torque.

[0067] In Fig. 21 An alternative variant of the bearing sleeve 1a is shown. This variant, similar to the one in Fig. 4 The bearing sleeve 1 shown has a bearing section 32 for arranging a coding wheel 12 and a contact section 34 for axially blocking a displacement of the coding wheel 12. Unlike the bearing sleeve 1 according to Fig. 4 However, it is intended that the bearing sleeve 1a according to Fig. 21does not have a radially inwardly pointing nose as a blocking device 10. In the case of the Fig. 21 In the bearing sleeve 1 shown, the blocking device 10 is provided by the enlarged diameter of the system section 34, in particular the collar, wherein the system section 34 is at least at one point on its circumference, as shown in Fig. 21 shown, has a clearance 38.

[0068] The in Fig. 21 The bearing sleeve 1 shown is used in particular in combination with a locking bolt guided parallel to the actuating shaft 18, which is axially displaceable in the release position of all bearing sleeves 1 into a release position in which the locking mechanism is unlocked in the open position and is blocked in the blocking position of at least one bearing sleeve 1 in a bolt position in which the locking mechanism is locked in the blocking position by means of the blocking device 10 designed as a contact section 34.

[0069] Advantageously, the locking bolt has contact elements corresponding to the system sections 34, with one contact element being provided for each bearing sleeve 1 or for each system section 34. In particular, in the blocking position of the bearing sleeve 1, the respective contact element of the locking bolt rests axially against the system section 34, which is designed as a blocking device 10, such that axial displacement of the locking bolt is positively blocked. Advantageously, the clearance 38 in the system section 34 of the Fig. 21The bearing sleeve 1 and the respective contact element are designed to correspond to each other in such a way that, in the release position of the bearing sleeve 1, the contact element does not axially contact the contact section 34 of the bearing sleeve 1. In particular, this ensures that, when all bearing sleeves 1 are arranged in their respective release positions, the locking bolt can be axially moved into its release position, whereby the contact elements of the locking bolt can be guided below the respective clearances 38. Reference symbol list

[0070] 1 Bearing sleeve 1a Alternative bearing sleeve 2 Through hole 4 Front cover 6 Coding 8 Test tool 10 Locking device 12 Coding wheel 14 Notch width 16 Gauge width 18 Adjusting shaft 20 Groove 22 Release section 24 Locking section 26 Inner bearing opening 28 Toothing 30 Retaining geometry 32 Bearing section 34 Contact section 36 Detent geometry 38 Release

Claims

1. Combination lock, in particular a suitcase lock, comprising a locking mechanism by means of which the combination lock can be transferred from a blockage position into an opening position, wherein, by means of at least three rotationally adjustable bearing sleeves (1, 1a), the locking mechanism is, by at least one bearing sleeve (1, 1a) in a blocking setting of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a), blocked by a blocking device (10) of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a) so as to be prevented from being transferred from the blockage position into the opening position, and, by virtue of all of the bearing sleeves (1, 1a) being arranged in a release setting of each bearing sleeve (1, 1a), said locking mechanism is released for a movement from the blockage position into the opening position, wherein, on each bearing sleeve (1, 1a), there is arranged a coding wheel (12) which projects partially into an aperture (2) in a front cover (4), wherein a checking setting of each of the bearing sleeves (1, 1a) can be detected through the aperture (2) on the basis of a coding (6), which is perceptible from the outside, of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a), wherein the release setting of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a) can be set by virtue of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a) being rotated through a coding angle of the particular bearing sleeve (1, 1a) proceeding from the checking setting of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a), characterized in that the coding angles of at least two bearing sleeves (1, 1a) differ, and the bearing sleeves (1, 1a) have a second coding (6) which is formed as a key marking such that the coding angle of the particular bearing sleeve is fixedly assigned to the form of the key marking and can thus be determined, and the second coding, formed as a key marking, is formed as an all-over coloration of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a) or of the material of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a) or is haptically perceptible by means of a checking tool (8).

2. Combination lock according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the codings (6) is formed as a visually identifiable coding (6), in particular as a colored labeling.

3. Combination lock according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the haptically perceptible second coding (6) is formed as a notch formed in the bearing sleeve (1, 1a), which notch has a width which is determinable as a key marking by means of the checking tool, wherein the width indicates the coding angle.

4. Combination lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coding (6), by means of which the checking setting of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a) can be detected, is provided by means of a position of the haptically perceptible coding (6) on the bearing sleeve (1, 1a), and the second coding (6), which is formed as a key marking and by means of which the coding angle can be determined, is provided by means of a form of the haptically perceptible coding (6).

5. Combination lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism has an actuating shaft (18), and the bearing sleeves (1, 1a) having the coding wheels (12) are arranged on the actuating shaft (18) so as to be mutually independently rotatable and so as to be coaxial with respect to one another, wherein, when all of the bearing sleeves (1, 1a) are in the release setting, the actuating shaft (18) is movable axially into a release position, in which the locking mechanism is in the opening position and unlocked, and when at least one bearing sleeve (1, 1a) is in the blocking setting, said actuating shaft is blocked, by means of the blocking device (10), in a locking position in which the locking mechanism is locked in the blockage position.

6. Combination lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing sleeves (1, 1a) having the coding wheels (12) are arranged in planar fashion with respect to one another, and so as to be mutually independently rotatable, on respectively dedicated actuating shafts, wherein the actuating shafts run parallel to one another and are offset with respect to one another.

7. Combination lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coding wheels (12) are movable relative to the respective bearing sleeves (1, 1a) axially between a normal setting, in which the coding wheel (12) is fastened rotationally conjointly to the bearing sleeve (1, 1a), and a configuration setting such that, in the configuration setting, the coding wheel (12) is freely rotatable relative to the associated bearing sleeve (1, 1a) and can be re-installed into the normal setting with an angular offset on the bearing sleeve (1, 1a).

8. Combination lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coding angles are paired with the serial number of the particular combination lock or with a serial number of a suitcase in which the combination lock is installed, such that, based on the serial number, the associated coding angles can be retrieved from a database.

9. Combination lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coding angle is applied, as an alphanumeric code in encrypted form and so as to be identifiable from the outside, to the combination lock or to a suitcase in which the particular combination lock is installed.

10. Combination lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coding angles are stored in an RFID tag and can be read out by means of a corresponding RFID reader, wherein, expediently, the RFID tag is / can be formed on the combination lock itself or in particular on the suitcase in which the particular combination lock is installed.

11. Suitcase, in particular for luggage, having a receiving space which can be closed by means of a combination lock according to the preamble of Claim 1, characterized in that the combination lock has the characterizing features of Claim 1.

12. Suitcase according to Claim 11, characterized in that the combination lock has the features of at least one of Claims 2 to 10.

Images