Padlock

Abstract

A padlock comprises a lock body, a flexible shackle, and a locking mechanism. A first shackle end can be inserted into the lock body along an insertion axis and can be selectively locked to the lock body or released from it by the locking mechanism. A second shackle end can be attached to the lock body or is permanently fixed to it. When the second shackle end is attached to the lock body, the first shackle end, when detached from the lock body, can rotate about the insertion axis. Furthermore, the flexible shackle includes a guide for defining an insertion / rotational position of the first shackle end, in which the first shackle end can be inserted into the lock body and / or locked.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a padlock comprising a lock body, a flexible padlock shackle extending from a first shackle end to a second shackle end, and a locking mechanism. The first shackle end can be inserted into an insertion opening in the lock body along an insertion axis, and the locking mechanism is configured to selectively lock the inserted first shackle end against detachment from the lock body or to release it for detachment. The second shackle end can also be selectively attached to the lock body or permanently fixed to the lock body, wherein the first shackle end, when detached from the lock body, is rotatable about the insertion axis when the second shackle end is attached to the lock body.

[0002] For example, such a U-lock can be designed as a portable lock and / or a padlock to allow for flexible use in different locations. U-locks with flexible shackles can also be used, in particular, to secure two-wheeled vehicles, especially bicycles. For this purpose, the flexible shackle, with the first end detached from the lock body, can be guided around a section of the bicycle frame and a fixed object, such as a bicycle rack. Then, by inserting the first end of the shackle into the lock body and locking it in place, a closed loop is formed, securely connecting the bicycle to the fixed object.A flexible shackle, whose shape can be flexibly altered, particularly between the first and second ends, offers greater freedom in forming the loop compared to a rigid shackle. This allows U-locks with flexible shackles to be used comfortably in various locations and, for example, in confined spaces. A flexible shackle can, for instance, be a chain shackle or a rope shackle.

[0003] However, using such a flexible shackle presents a challenge: the shackle ends can rotate relative to each other around a connecting axis while the loop is being formed. This means that after the loop is formed, the first shackle end can be rotated relative to the second shackle end around this connecting axis, and consequently, when the second shackle end is attached to the lock body, also around the insertion axis along which the first shackle end is inserted into the lock body. Therefore, it may be necessary to enable the first shackle end to lock regardless of its rotational position relative to the insertion axis. For this purpose, a circumferential groove can be provided on the first shackle end, allowing a locking bolt to engage in the groove regardless of the shackle end's rotational position relative to the insertion axis.

[0004] However, forming such a circumferential groove requires an undesirably large amount of material to be removed from the first end of the shackle, which can lead to a loss of stability of the shackle against break-in attempts. Furthermore, the groove reduces the surface area with which the first end of the shackle can bear against the lock body, so that forming such a circumferential groove can result in undesirable security compromises. If, on the other hand, only a local recess is provided at the first end of the shackle for the engagement of a bolt, the first end of the shackle must be inserted into the lock body in the correct rotational position in order to lock it, which can result in complicated and inconvenient operation of the lock.

[0005] Therefore, one objective of the invention is to create a U-lock with a flexible shackle that offers increased security compared to conventional U-locks while providing comfortable handling.

[0006] This problem is solved by a padlock having the features of claim 1.

[0007] In this U-lock, the flexible U-lock includes a guide device designed to define an insertion rotation position of the first U-lock end relative to the insertion axis, particularly when inserting the first U-lock end into the lock body, in which the first U-lock can be inserted into the lock body and / or in which the first U-lock inserted into the lock body can be locked to the lock body.

[0008] By incorporating such a guide device into the flexible shackle, it can be ensured, in particular, that the first shackle end is always inserted into the lock body in the correct insertion position, in which the first shackle end can then be locked to the lock body. For example, the guide device can be designed to define the insertion position of the first shackle end such that, after the first shackle end is inserted into the lock body, a locking notch formed on one side of the first shackle end, rather than circumferentially, is aligned towards a bolt of the locking mechanism, so that, upon appropriate actuation of the locking mechanism, the bolt can engage in the locking notch to lock the first shackle end to the lock body.Furthermore, such a guide device can, for example in embodiments with a correspondingly designed locking mechanism, prevent the first end of the shackle from being inserted into the lock body in a rotational position that differs from the insertion rotational position, in which a bolt of the locking mechanism, for example pre-tensioned to a locking position, cannot be pushed back by the first end of the shackle and therefore already blocks the complete insertion of the first end of the shackle into the lock body.

[0009] In particular, the aforementioned guide device can be formed directly on the flexible locking shackle, so that the insertion rotation position can be determined by components arranged on the locking shackle and not, or at least not exclusively, by an interaction of the first shackle end with elements of the lock body. Therefore, elements for determining the rotation position of the first shackle end during insertion into the lock body can be provided on the flexible locking shackle, as explained in more detail below. The guide device can, in particular, comprise elements that are arranged on sections of the flexible locking shackle adjoining the first and / or second shackle ends.

[0010] While the first end of the shackle can be optionally locked to or detached from the lock body, allowing the flexible shackle to be guided around an object to be secured and forming the aforementioned loop, the second end of the shackle can be permanently attached to the lock body or also optionally attachable to or detached from the lock body. In the case of a second shackle end that can be optionally attached to the lock body, it can be provided, in particular, that the second shackle end can be inserted into a second insertion opening in the lock body and that the locking mechanism is designed to optionally lock the second shackle end inserted into the lock body against detachment from the lock body or to release it for detachment from the lock body.In such embodiments, the entire flexible shackle can be selectively detached from the lock body in order to lock the shackle by inserting the first and second shackle ends into respective insertion openings in the lock body. In such embodiments, it can therefore be further provided, in particular, that the guide device is also designed to define a second insertion rotation position of the second shackle end relative to a further insertion axis along which the second shackle end can be inserted into the lock body, in which the second shackle end can be inserted into the lock body and / or in which the second shackle end inserted into the lock body can be locked to the lock body.

[0011] In contrast, if the second shackle end is permanently attached to the lock body, it may be provided that the second shackle end cannot be released from the lock body by actuating the locking mechanism and / or cannot be detached from the lock body without damage.

[0012] The flexible shackle can be, for example, a chain shackle or a rope shackle, in particular a wire rope shackle.

[0013] In general, the flexible shackle can also be positioned in a way that allows it to extend in a straight line along a connecting axis from the first shackle end to the second. To enable the first shackle end to be inserted into the lock body from this position, the flexible shackle, and thus also the connecting axis, can be curved relative to this straight line, allowing the first shackle end to be aligned along the insertion axis. However, any rotation of the first shackle end relative to the second shackle end around the connecting axis can lead to a corresponding rotation of the first shackle end relative to its insertion position around the insertion axis, since such a rotation can be maintained when the flexible shackle is curved to insert the first shackle end into the lock body.

[0014] Furthermore, the guide device can be specifically designed to determine the insertion rotational position of the first shackle end relative to the insertion axis when the shackle lock is handled correctly. In this respect, the guide device can, in principle, provide support for the correct insertion of the first shackle end into the lock body. However, if this support is disregarded, it may still be possible, at least in some embodiments, to move and / or insert the first shackle end into the insertion opening of the lock body in an incorrect rotational position. In other embodiments, the guide device can, however, be designed to allow insertion of the first shackle end only in the insertion rotational position when the second shackle end is attached to the lock body.In general, the guide device can also be designed to define a specific rotation angle for the insertion position, but not to be sensitive to whole rotations around the insertion axis, so that the insertion position can be determined as the rotation angle added to integer multiples of whole rotations around the insertion axis or integer multiples of 360 degrees.

[0015] Further embodiments are explained in the dependent claims, the description and with reference to the drawings.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first end of the shackle can only be inserted into and / or locked to the lock body in the insertion rotation position. For example, in such embodiments, a locking notch can be formed on one side of the first end of the shackle, which only points towards a bolt of the locking mechanism in the insertion rotation position to enable locking, whereas in other rotation positions the locking notch may not be aligned towards the bolt, so that the bolt cannot engage in the locking notch and the first end of the shackle cannot be locked.Furthermore, in some embodiments, a ramp may be provided at the first end of the shackle to be able to push back a bolt pre-tensioned into a locking position during the insertion of the first end of the shackle into the lock body, whereby such a ramp may only be correctly aligned in the insertion rotation position in order to cooperate with the bolt and to enable the insertion of the first end of the shackle.

[0017] In some embodiments, the guide device can be designed to prevent the first shackle end, once inserted into the lock body, from rotating around the insertion axis. In such embodiments, it can thus be ensured that the first shackle end, after being inserted into the lock body, no longer changes its rotational position relative to the insertion axis. This can be particularly relevant if locking the first shackle end is only possible in its insertion rotational position. By preventing rotation of the first shackle end, it can therefore be ensured that the first shackle end, once inserted into the lock body, can always be locked when the locking mechanism is actuated.

[0018] In some embodiments, the guide device may have a first shape detection element adjoining the first end of the shackle and a second shape detection element adjoining the second end of the shackle, wherein the shape detection elements may at least partially abut each other in the insertion rotation position when the first end of the shackle is inserted into the lock body and the second end of the shackle is attached to the lock body.

[0019] To ensure that the first shackle end is inserted into the lock body and the second shackle end is attached to it, the shape-sensing elements can bridge a gap between the first shackle end inserted into the lock body and the second shackle end attached to it, perpendicular to the insertion axis. Specifically, the insertion position of the shackle ends allows for simple detection of the insertion position by ensuring that the shape-sensing elements only align correctly when the first shackle end is in the insertion position relative to the insertion axis. Conversely, if the first shackle end is in a different position relative to the insertion axis, the shape-sensing elements cannot align correctly.In order to correctly insert the first end of the shackle into the lock body, only the form detection elements need to be brought into correct alignment with each other in such embodiments, whereby in this case the first end of the shackle can be inserted directly into the lock body in the insertion rotation position.

[0020] By connecting the shape-sensing elements to the respective ends of the shackle, the shape-sensing elements can be formed, in particular, on the shackle of the lock. Furthermore, with the first shackle end inserted into the lock body and the second shackle end attached to the lock body, the shape-sensing elements can be arranged, in particular, outside the lock body. In some embodiments, with the first shackle end inserted into the lock body and the second shackle end attached to the lock body, the shape-sensing elements can also be positioned directly adjacent to the lock body and / or bear against the lock body with their respective end faces facing the lock body.

[0021] For example, the shape detection elements can each have shape detection surfaces that are in contact with each other in the insertion rotation position of the first end of the bracket. If, however, the first end of the bracket is deflected relative to the insertion rotation position, the shape detection surface of the first shape detection element can also be deflected relative to the shape detection surface of the second shape detection element, so that the shape detection surfaces do not come into full contact. In this respect, the insertion rotation position in such embodiments can be defined, in particular, by the fact that the shape detection surfaces come into full contact with each other.

[0022] If the shape-measuring surfaces deviate from such a flat alignment, it may not be possible in some embodiments to insert the first end of the stirrup into the insertion opening, since, for example, a deflection of the shape-measuring surfaces relative to each other could also shift the position of the first end of the stirrup in the plane in which the insertion opening is located relative to the insertion opening. However, by simply aligning the shape-measuring surfaces so that they are in contact with each other, it can be ensured that the first end of the stirrup assumes the insertion rotation position and can be inserted into the insertion opening, thus enabling the first end of the stirrup to be locked in place after insertion.

[0023] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the form-sensing surfaces may interact in the form of a tongue-and-groove connection, so that, for example, the first form-sensing element may have a groove facing the second form-sensing element and the second form-sensing element may have a ridge facing the first form-sensing element, or vice versa, wherein the ridge may be guided through the groove when the first shackle end is inserted into the lock body, thereby defining the insertion rotational position. Such a groove and ridge may also be designed, for example, in the manner of a dovetail joint or a similar connection, in order to define, in addition to the insertion rotational position, a position of the first shackle end in a plane in which the insertion opening of the lock body is located, and to ensure that the first shackle end, when moving along the insertion axis, directly engages the insertion opening.

[0024] In general, the first shape-sensing element can be fixed against rotation about the insertion axis and / or the aforementioned connecting axis with the first end of the bracket. Therefore, in some embodiments, a rotational position of the first shape-sensing element relative to the insertion axis can directly determine a rotational position of the first end of the bracket. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the second shape-sensing element can also be fixed against rotation about a further insertion axis parallel to the insertion axis and / or the aforementioned connecting axis with the second end of the bracket.

[0025] In some embodiments, the shape detection elements can each have a shape detection surface, wherein the shape detection surfaces of the first shape detection element and the second shape detection element are opposite to each other in the insertion rotation position and, in the insertion rotation position, with the first shackle end inserted into the lock body and the second shackle end attached to the lock body, can lie against each other in a shape detection plane, in particular over a surface.

[0026] In particular, the shape detection surfaces can be flat surfaces that extend along the shape detection plane. As explained above, this allows the insertion rotation position to be detected and / or determined by ensuring that the shape detection surfaces only come into contact with each other – especially across their entire surface – when the first shackle end is in the insertion rotation position. Furthermore, it can also be ensured that, when the shape detection surfaces are in contact with each other, the first shackle end is correctly positioned relative to a connecting line from the insertion opening to the second shackle end attached to the lock body, so that it can be inserted into the insertion opening.

[0027] In some embodiments, the shape detection plane can be aligned parallel to the insertion axis and / or perpendicular to a connecting line leading from the first end of the shackle to the second end of the shackle, when the first end of the shackle is inserted into the lock body and the second end of the shackle is attached to the lock body.

[0028] In such embodiments, the shape-sensing surfaces can therefore extend parallel to the insertion axis and / or perpendicular to a connecting line leading from the first to the second shackle end when the first shackle end is inserted into the lock body and the second shackle end is attached to the lock body. In particular, it can also be provided that the shape-sensing surface of the first shape-sensing element can be guided along or parallel to the insertion axis and along the shape-sensing surface of the second shape-sensing element during the insertion of the first shackle end into the lock body, whereby the first shackle end can be arranged in the insertion rotation position during such insertion.

[0029] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the shape detection plane can be positioned centrally with respect to the connecting line and / or centrally between the first and second ends of the shackle, when the first end of the shackle is inserted into the lock body and the second end of the shackle is attached to the lock body. The shape detection surfaces can therefore also be positioned in abutting each other centrally with respect to the connecting line.

[0030] With the first shackle end inserted into the lock body and the second shackle end attached to the lock body, the shape detection surfaces in some embodiments can have a maximum extent along a transverse direction oriented perpendicular to a connecting line leading from the first shackle end to the second shackle end, which is at least 90% of the extent of a section of the lock body adjoining the shape detection surfaces in the shape detection plane along the transverse direction and / or corresponds to the extent of the section of the lock body along the transverse direction.

[0031] In particular, the shape detection elements or their shape detection surfaces can thus extend at least in the shape detection plane in the transverse direction corresponding to the lock body, so that the shape detection elements can, in a sense, extend the lock body when the shackle end is inserted into the lock body and the second shackle end is attached to the lock body.

[0032] In particular, in some embodiments, the end faces of the shape detection elements facing the lock body can form a shape that corresponds to the shape of an end face of the lock body facing the shape detection elements when the shape detection elements are in contact with each other.

[0033] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the shape detection surfaces may have identical extent and / or shape along the transverse direction in the shape detection plane. This can make it possible, when the shape detection surfaces are in contact with each other, to determine the insertion rotation position, align the first shackle end in the correct position relative to the connecting line, and, by comparing the respective edges of the shape detection surfaces in the transverse direction, also determine the position of the first shackle end in the transverse direction, so that the first shackle end can be inserted into the lock body in the correct spatial position and in the insertion rotation position when the shape detection surfaces are in contact with each other.

[0034] In some embodiments, the shape-sensing surface of the first shape-sensing element can be guided along the shape-sensing surface of the second shape-sensing element during the insertion of the first shackle end into the lock body, even when the second shackle end is attached to the lock body. In particular, the first shackle end can thus be brought into the insertion rotation position by bringing the shape-sensing surface of the first shape-sensing element into contact with the shape-sensing surface of the second shape-sensing element. Subsequently, the shape-sensing surface of the first shape-sensing element can be slid along the shape-sensing surface of the second shape-sensing element into the insertion opening, while maintaining the insertion rotation position.

[0035] In some embodiments, the shape detection elements can be curved, at least partially, on a rear side opposite the respective shape detection surface. This makes it particularly easy to hold the shape detection elements comfortably in the palm of the hand when the first end of the shackle is inserted into the lock body.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first shape detection element can be designed in two parts, wherein the two parts of the first shape detection element can be plugged onto each other, in particular transversely to the insertion axis.

[0037] In particular, the two parts of the first shape detection element can form respective halves of the shape detection element, which can be plugged together during the manufacture of the lock shackle to facilitate easy assembly of the lock shackle. To enable such plugging, pins can be formed on the first part of the shape detection element and insertion channels can be formed on the second part of the shape detection element, into which the pins can be inserted when the two parts of the shape detection element are plugged together.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first shape detection element can be configured to receive a connecting section of the lock shackle adjoining the first shackle end in an interior of the first shape detection element and to hold it in a rotationally secure manner relative to the first shape detection element.

[0039] In particular, the connecting section of the lock shackle can be inserted into the interior of the first form sensing element by attaching two parts or halves of the first form sensing element to each other. Furthermore, it can be provided, for example, that the connecting section of the lock shackle can first be inserted into a first part of the first form sensing element, in order to then attach a second part of the first form sensing element to the first form sensing element and thereby position the connecting section within the interior of the first form sensing element.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first shackle end and the connecting section can be formed as a single piece, while in other embodiments, the first shackle end and the connecting section can be formed as two parts. In particular, the connecting section can thus be formed by a part of the shackle that connects to a section of the shackle forming the first shackle end and which can be inserted into the lock body.

[0041] In general, in some embodiments the connecting section can be non-rotatably connected to the first end of the bracket.

[0042] By designing the first form-sensing element to hold the connecting section of the shackle securely against rotation, it is particularly important to ensure that the connecting section cannot rotate around the insertion axis relative to the first form-sensing element. Furthermore, this rotation-proof holding of the connecting section, in the case of a rotationally fixed connection between the connecting section and the first shackle end, also prevents rotation of the first shackle end relative to the form-sensing element. Therefore, in such embodiments, the insertion rotational position can be reliably determined by defining a rotational position of the form-sensing element relative to the insertion axis.

[0043] In some embodiments, the connecting section may have a fixing section extending along the insertion axis, wherein the first shape detection element may have at least one blocking section that encompasses the fixing section at least partially, and in particular surrounds it completely.

[0044] In particular, the blocking section can encompass the fixing section on at least three sides to prevent rotation of the fixing section relative to the blocking section about the insertion axis. For example, the blocking section can accommodate the fixing section in a fork-like manner, although it is also possible for the blocking section to completely surround the fixing section, thereby fixing it against rotation relative to the blocking section and thus to the first form-sensing element. To achieve such a rotationally fixed connection, the blocking section can, in particular, encompass the fixing section in a plane oriented perpendicular to the insertion axis.

[0045] In some embodiments, the connecting section can have a coupling section extending perpendicular to the insertion axis, wherein the first form-sensing element can axially overlap the coupling section on both sides with respect to the insertion axis. By such an overlap of a coupling section, the first form-sensing element can be coupled axially with respect to the insertion axis to the connecting section and thus to the first bracket end, in order to stably connect the connecting section to the first form-sensing element.

[0046] In some embodiments, the connecting section may further have an eyelet for coupling a chain link of a chain shackle and / or for guiding a rope section of a rope shackle. In particular, the connecting section can thus represent, in a sense, a connection for further sections of the flexible locking shackle. These further sections, in particular chain links and / or rope sections, may also exit the interior of the first shape-sensing element, in particular through an opening in the first shape-sensing element opposite the first shackle end.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first form-sensing element can have a form-sensing protrusion facing the lock body, and the lock body can have an associated form-sensing recess, wherein the form-sensing protrusion can engage in the form-sensing recess when the first shackle end is inserted into the lock body. Alternatively, however, the form-sensing protrusion on the lock body and the form-sensing recess on the form-sensing element can be configured in reverse. In particular, such engagement of a form-sensing protrusion with a form-sensing recess can define the position of the first shackle end relative to a plane in which the insertion opening is located, thus enabling the first shackle end to be correctly positioned for insertion into the insertion opening.

[0048] In some embodiments, the lock body may have a lock housing with a top facing the lock shackle and an outer housing that circumferentially overlaps the lock housing at the top with a rim section, wherein the top of the lock housing forms a base of the shape detection recess and the shape detection recess may be limited by the rim section.

[0049] In particular, the lock housing can be made of metal and serve to protect the components located inside the lock body, especially the locking mechanism, from external access and / or break-in attempts. Conversely, the outer housing can be made of plastic, for example, and can thus also be understood as a covering for the U-lock, for instance, to improve the feel of the U-lock during handling. For example, the outer housing can be slipped over the lock body, with the surrounding section axially securing the outer housing relative to the lock body by overlapping the top of the lock body with respect to the insertion axis.However, this overlapping can also directly create a recess on the top of the lock body, which in such embodiments can be used directly to form the shape detection recess and to check the position of the first shackle end during insertion into the lock body.

[0050] In some embodiments, one or more of the features described above in connection with the first shape detection element may also be provided individually or in combination with each other in the second shape detection element.

[0051] In this respect, the second shape detection element can, in some embodiments, be designed in two parts, wherein the two parts of the second shape detection element can be plugged onto each other, in particular transversely to the insertion axis.

[0052] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second shape detection element can be designed to receive a connecting section of the lock shackle adjoining the second shackle end in an interior of the second shape detection element and to hold it in a rotationally secure manner relative to the second shape detection element.

[0053] In some embodiments, the connecting section of the locking bar adjoining the second end of the bar may have a fixing section extending parallel to the insertion axis, wherein the second shape detection element may have at least one blocking section that at least partially encompasses, and in particular completely surrounds, the fixing section.

[0054] In some embodiments, the connecting section adjoining the second end of the bracket may have a coupling section extending perpendicular to the insertion axis, wherein the second shape detection element may overlap the coupling section axially with respect to the insertion axis or a further insertion axis aligned parallel to the insertion axis on both sides.

[0055] In addition, in some embodiments the second shape detection element can have a shape detection elevation facing the lock body and the lock body can have an associated shape detection recess, or vice versa, wherein the shape detection elevation can engage in the shape detection recess when the second shackle end is attached to the lock body, in particular when inserted into the lock body.

[0056] In some embodiments, the form detection recess provided for the second form detection element may also be limited by the aforementioned border section. In particular, the border section may define a single form detection recess, common to both form detection elements, into which the form detection protrusions of the two form detection elements can engage.

[0057] In some embodiments, the shape detection elements may have guide sections oriented obliquely outwards with respect to the lock body, through which the lock bolt can subsequently exit the shape detection elements, in particular from an interior of the shape detection elements.

[0058] Such outwardly directed guide sections make it possible in particular to ensure that the flexible shackle is guided diagonally outwards from the lock body, in order to comfortably form a loop with a larger diameter and to facilitate the handling of the shackle lock.

[0059] In some embodiments, the shape-sensing elements can be made of plastic. In this respect, the shape-sensing elements can be particularly lightweight and serve only to determine the insertion rotational position of the first shackle end and / or the second shackle end and / or the respective positions of the first shackle end or ends. However, the shape-sensing elements can be considered non-safety-relevant components of the shackle, so that detaching the shape-sensing elements from the other components of the shackle cannot, in particular, result in the shackle being broken open.

[0060] However, the first and second ends of the shackle, as well as connecting shackle sections, such as chain links or rope sections, may be made of metal and / or steel in particular to achieve the required resistance of the lock shackle to break-in attempts.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second end of the shackle can be permanently attached to the lock body. In particular, if the second end of the shackle is permanently attached to the lock body, it can be provided that the second end of the shackle cannot be released from the lock body by actuating the locking mechanism.

[0062] In other embodiments, the second end of the shackle can be inserted along a further insertion axis into a further insertion opening in the lock body, and the locking mechanism can be designed to selectively lock the second end of the shackle inserted into the lock body against detachment from the lock body, thereby securing it to the lock body, or to release it for detachment from the lock body. In particular, the further insertion axis can be aligned parallel to the insertion axis.

[0063] In some embodiments, the guide device may be designed to define a second insertion rotation position of the second shackle end relative to the further insertion axis when inserting it into the lock body, in which the second shackle end can be inserted into the lock body and / or in which the second shackle end inserted into the lock body can be locked to the lock body.

[0064] As previously explained, when a flexible shackle is completely detached from the lock body, the shackle ends can be rotated relative to each other, allowing the insertion position of the second shackle end to be fixed to ensure proper locking. This fixing of the second insertion position can be achieved, for example, by arranging a second form-sensing element adjacent to the second shackle end, which interacts with a first form-sensing element adjacent to the first shackle end. Furthermore, with such flexible shackle ends that are completely detachable from the lock body, it may be possible to insert the shackle ends into the lock body sequentially or simultaneously.In the case of simultaneous insertion, embodiments with appropriately designed shape detection elements may, for example, provide that the shape detection elements are first brought into contact with each other and then the two ends of the shackle are inserted into the lock body.

[0065] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may have at least one bolt that is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the first shackle end inserted into the lock body may be released from the lock body in the bolt's unlocked position. Furthermore, a locking notch may be formed on the first shackle end, into which the bolt engages in the locked position to lock the first shackle end to the lock body. In such embodiments, the locking notch may also be formed on only one side of the first shackle end, so that the bolt can only be moved into the locked position and inserted into the locking notch when the first shackle end is in the insertion position, but not in rotational positions that deviate from the insertion position relative to the insertion axis.

[0066] As previously explained, particularly with this type of shackle design, it may be necessary to insert the first shackle end into the lock body in the correct insertion rotation position to enable locking. However, the locking notch, which is only formed on one side, prevents excessive weakening of the first shackle end compared to a circumferential groove and increases the surface area with which the first shackle end can bear against the lock body, thus achieving a more reliable and secure locking of the first shackle end overall.

[0067] Furthermore, the second shackle end, particularly in embodiments where the second shackle end is detachable from the lock body, can also have a locking notch formed on one side of the second shackle end. The locking mechanism can therefore, in particular, have two bolts to lock the shackle ends to the lock body and / or to release them from the lock body.

[0068] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may have a rotatable cam, wherein the bolt can be driven from an unlocking position to a locking position by rotating the cam.

[0069] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the locking mechanism may also include a bolt pre-tensioned into the locking position, wherein such a bolt, for example also by means of a rotatable cam, may be selectively locked against movement against the pre-tension in the locking rotational position or released to be displaced into the unlocking position. In particular, such a pre-tensioned bolt may enable an automatic function, in that the bolt may, for example, be retracted against the pre-tension by inserting the first shackle end, so that after complete and correct insertion of the first shackle end, it automatically snaps back into the locking position and locks the first shackle end to the lock body.

[0070] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include an electric motor to drive the cam. Such a locking mechanism can therefore be designed as an electromechanical locking mechanism and may further include, in particular, a power source, for example a battery or accumulator, to provide the electrical energy required to power the electric motor. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may, for example, include a key-operated cylinder to drive the cam and / or be designed as a purely mechanical locking mechanism.

[0071] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a control device designed to drive the electric motor to the unlocked position upon receipt of an authentication signal.

[0072] In some embodiments, the control unit can further be connected to an authentication device for receiving the authentication signal, wherein the authentication signal can comprise a biometric parameter, in particular a fingerprint, or a code, in particular a sequence of numbers, that can be entered at the authentication device. For example, the authentication device can therefore have a fingerprint sensor and / or an input device for entering a code, and the control unit can be configured to compare a detected fingerprint or other detected biometric parameter and / or an entered code with data stored in a memory of the padlock in order to control the electric motor to drive the cam into the unlocking rotation position if the received data matches the stored data.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can also be connected to a radio device designed to receive the authentication signal via a radio connection. For example, a mobile network connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a Bluetooth connection, and / or an NFC connection can be used to control the U-lock, particularly via a smartphone.

[0074] The invention further relates, independently of the padlock, to a flexible padlock shackle for selective locking on a lock body of an associated padlock, in particular a padlock according to one of the embodiments described above, which extends from a first shackle end to a second shackle end, wherein the first shackle end is rotatable relative to the second shackle end about a connecting axis leading from the first shackle end to the second shackle end, and wherein the flexible padlock shackle comprises a guide device which is designed to define an insertion rotation position of the first shackle end relative to the connecting axis for insertion of the first shackle end into the lock body.

[0075] As explained above, a flexible shackle can be positioned in such a way that it extends along the connecting axis. For insertion into a lock body, the flexible shackle, and thus the connecting axis, can be curved, although any rotation of the first shackle end relative to the second shackle end along the connecting axis can be maintained during such curvature. However, as explained above, the guide device formed on the shackle can make it possible to define an insertion rotational position of the first shackle end relative to an insertion axis along which the first shackle end can be inserted into the lock body, and thus also the rotational position of the first shackle end relative to the second shackle end relative to the connecting axis.

[0076] In particular, the insertion rotation position of the first shackle end can be a rotation position in which the first shackle end can be inserted into the lock body and / or in which the first shackle end inserted into the lock body can be locked to the lock body.

[0077] Furthermore, the flexible shackle may incorporate one or more of the features of the flexible shackle explained above in connection with the shackle lock disclosed herein. In particular, the flexible shackle may therefore include shape-sensing elements adjoining the shackle ends, incorporating one or more of the features explained above in this context.

[0078] The invention is explained below by way of example using a specific embodiment with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0079] Fig. 1 a padlock with a lock body to which a flexible padlock shackle is locked, Fig. 2 the padlock with the flexible padlock detached from the lock body, Fig. 3 a representation of a locking mechanism of the padlock for selectively locking the padlock ends of the flexible padlock that can be inserted into the lock body, Fig. 4 a further representation of the flexible padlock detached from the lock body, Fig. 5 a representation of the respective, widely separated padlock ends of the flexible padlock, to which respective shape-sensing elements for defining insertion rotation positions of the padlock ends for insertion into the lock body are attached, Figs. 6A and 6B perspective views of a first padlock end of the flexible padlock with the shape-sensing element attached to it. Fig. 7 shows a representation of the first end of the iron and the adjoining shape detection element, wherein the shape detection element is formed in two parts and a part of the shape detection element has been removed, and Fig. 8A and 8B show respective views of the two parts of the shape detection element.

[0080] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a U-lock 11 with a lock body 13 to which a flexible shackle 15 is attached, which is exemplified as a chain shackle with several chain links 37. However, the representation of the shackle 15 as a chain shackle is purely exemplary; alternatively, a rope shackle could also be used as the flexible shackle 15. Furthermore, a chain shackle could, for example, have a different number of chain links 37 than shown, be larger or smaller than the chain links 37 shown, and / or have a different overall length.

[0081] Furthermore, the padlock 11 is exemplified as an electronic padlock, wherein an authentication device 83 with a fingerprint sensor 85 is provided on the lock body 13 to check a fingerprint and to release the padlock 15 or at least a first padlock end 19 from the lock body 13 if the received fingerprint matches a fingerprint (or data representing it) stored in a control device 81 (see also Fig. 3 , 5 as well as 6A and 6B).

[0082] Furthermore, it is already being said that Fig. 1It is evident that a first shape detection element 29 and a second shape detection element 31 are provided directly adjacent to the lock body 13 and the lock shackle 15, which, when the lock shackle 15 is connected to the lock body 13, bear against each other with their respective shape detection surfaces 33 and 35. In particular, the shape detection surfaces 33 and 35 are shown in the Fig. 1 The configuration of the shackle lock 11 shown is arranged in a shape detection plane F and extends in the shape detection plane F, which is located centrally on the lock body 13. As explained in more detail below with reference to the further figures, the shape detection elements 29 and 31 make it possible, in particular, to define the respective insertion rotation positions E1 and E2 of the shackle ends 19 and 21 of the lock shackle 15, in which the shackle ends 19 and 21 can be inserted into the lock body 13 and locked thereon (see also Figs. 2 to 8B ).

[0083] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 1 The shape detection elements 29 and 31 each have guide sections 61 extending obliquely outwards from the lock body 13, from which chain links 37 of the lock shackle 15 emerge, adjoining the shape detection elements 29 and 31. Due to this oblique orientation of the guide sections 61, a loop extending outwards from the lock body 13 with a larger diameter compared to a guide of the chain links 37 parallel to the shape detection plane F can be formed particularly conveniently by means of the flexible lock shackle 15.

[0084] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows that the shackle 15 can be selectively detached from the lock body 13, so that the aforementioned first shackle end 19 and the aforementioned second shackle end 21, between which the shackle 15 extends along a connecting axis A curved in the configuration shown, can be removed from the lock body 13. This can, for example, make it possible to guide the shackle 15 around an object to be secured and, by subsequently locking it to the lock body 13, to form a closed loop that encloses the object. For this purpose, the shackle ends 19 and 21 and the shape detection elements 29 and 31 can be, as shown, Fig. 5This shows, in particular, that they can also be separated from each other. In order to insert the shackle ends 19 and 21 into the lock body 13 and lock them to the lock body 13, the lock body 13 has an insertion opening 23 and a second insertion opening 25, wherein the first shackle end 19 can be inserted into the insertion opening 23 along an insertion axis E1 and the second shackle end 21 can be inserted into the second insertion opening 25 along a further insertion axis E2. By way of example, the insertion axes E1 and E2 are aligned parallel to each other and also parallel to the form detection plane F (see, for example, also Fig. 4 ).

[0085] Fig. 3 further illustrates one within the in Fig. 3A locking mechanism 17, not shown, is arranged on the lock body 13. This mechanism allows the first shackle end 19 and the second shackle end 21 to be selectively locked to the lock body 13 or released from it. Both the first shackle end 19 and the second shackle end 21 have a locking notch 73, which is formed on one side of the respective shackle end 19 or 21. In the Fig. 3 In the arrangement shown, the locking notches 73 are aligned in the direction of a respective bolt 63 of the locking mechanism 17, wherein the bolts 63 are forced into a locking position 62 by a cam 75 positioned in a locking rotation position 69 and engage in the locking notches 73 in order to secure the shackle ends 19 and 21 against detachment from the lock body 13.

[0086] However, in order to release the shackle ends 19 and 21 from the lock body 13, the cam 75 is connected to an electric motor 77 and can be driven to rotate by the electric motor 77, wherein a power source 79, for example a battery, is arranged in the lock body 13 to supply the electric motor 77. Starting from the in Fig. 3 In the locking position 69 of the cam 75 shown, the cam 75 can be rotated, for example counterclockwise, by appropriately controlling the electric motor 77 in order to achieve an unlocking position 71, in which the respective unlocking recesses 105 are aligned in the direction of the bolts 63, so that when the shackle ends 19 and 21 are pulled out of the lock body 13, the bolts 63 are pushed back into the unlocking recesses 105 of the cam 75 and the shackle ends 19 and 21 can be removed from the lock body 13.

[0087] To control the electric motor 77 and thus the cam 75, the padlock 11 has a control device 81, which is connected to the Fig. 1 The control unit 81 is connected to the authentication device 83 shown. The control unit 81 can be configured to compare a fingerprint detected by the fingerprint sensor 85 with data stored on the control unit 81, in particular in non-volatile memory, and to drive the cam 75 into the unlocking rotary position 71 by appropriately controlling the electric motor 77 if the detected fingerprint matches the stored data. In addition, the control unit 81 is also connected to a radio device 87 in order to receive, for example, an unlock command and / or a lock command via a radio connection and, for example, from an authorized smartphone.

[0088] As an alternative to the electromechanical locking mechanism provided in this embodiment, a purely mechanical locking mechanism could also be provided, in which the cam 75 could, for example, be actuated by a key-operated cylinder. Furthermore, in other embodiments, it could be provided that only the first shackle end 19, but not the second shackle end 21, is detachable from the lock body 13, whereas the second shackle end 21 can be permanently attached to the lock body 13. This could be achieved, for example, by not having a release recess 105 on the cam 75 into which the bolt 63 associated with the second shackle end 21 can be displaced.

[0089] By forming the locking notch 73 on only one side of the shackle ends 19 and 21, material weakening of the shackle 15 at the shackle ends 19 and 21 can be minimized. Furthermore, the shackle ends 19 and 21 can bear against the lock body 13 over a large area, and especially on the side opposite the locking notches 73, thus ensuring reliable locking of the shackle 15.

[0090] However, due to the locking notches 73 being only formed on one side, the difficulty arises that the shackle ends 19 and 21 can only be locked to the lock body 13 when the shackle ends 19 and 21 are in the Fig. 3The respective insertion positions D1 and D2 are illustrated in the lock body 13, in which the locking notches 73 are aligned towards the bolts 63. Due to the flexible design of the lock shackle 15, however, the first shackle end 19 can rotate about the insertion axis E1 even when the second shackle end 21 is already inserted into the lock body 13. Conversely, the second shackle end 21 can also rotate about the second insertion axis E2 when the first shackle end 19 is inserted into the lock body 13.In general, the shackle ends 19 and 21 are rotatable relative to each other about the aforementioned connecting axis A when at most one of the shackle ends 19 and 21 is attached to and / or locked to the lock body 13, so that the shackle ends 19 and 21 can be rotated relative to the intended insertion positions D1 and D2 when detached from the lock body 13 and, for example, while the shackle 13 is being guided around an object to be secured. However, since the shackle ends 19 and 21 can only be locked to the lock body 13 in the respective insertion position D1 or D2, this can, in principle, lead to inconvenient operation of such padlocks with flexible shackle arms.

[0091] To address this problem, the shackle 15 has a guide device 27 with the aforementioned shape-sensing elements 29 and 31, which are connected to the shackle ends 19 and 21. By forming shape-sensing surfaces 33 and 35 on the shape-sensing elements 29 and 31, the guide device 27 can define the insertion rotation positions D1 and D2 for the shackle ends 19 and 21, whereby the shackle ends 19 and 21 can assume the respective insertion rotation position D1 or D2 when the shape-sensing surfaces 33 and 35 are, as shown in Fig. 1The shackle ends 19 and 21 are shown lying against each other and arranged in the form-check plane F. Although the shackle ends 19 and 21 can still be rotated about the connecting axis A and thus the respective insertion axis E1 or E2 when the shackle ends 19 and 21 are detached from the lock body 13, only the form-check surfaces 33 and 35 need to be brought into contact with each other to ensure that the shackle ends 19 and 21 assume the correct insertion rotation position D1 or D2. The insertion rotation positions D1 and D2 can thus be easily set and checked, so that convenient handling of the shackle lock 11 can be achieved with a high level of security due to the shackle ends 19 and 21 being designed with locking notches 73 on only one side.

[0092] To further assist the correct insertion of the shackle ends 19 and 21, a shape detection recess 51 is formed on a top surface 57 of the lock body 13, wherein the shape detection elements 29 and 31 each have shape detection protrusions 49 which engage in the shape detection recess 51 when the shackle ends 19 and 21 are inserted into the lock body 13 (see in particular Fig. 2 as well as 4 and 5). The shape detection recess 51 is bounded by a surrounding section 107, with which an outer housing 55, which may be made of plastic in particular, overlaps a lock housing 53, within which the locking mechanism is arranged. A base 59 of the shape detection recess 51 is therefore formed by the top 57 of the lock housing 53.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, from Fig. 2It is evident that the shape-sensing elements 29 and 31 have an identical extent L with respect to a transverse direction Q oriented perpendicular to a connecting line V between the insertion openings 23 and 25, so that the shackle ends 19 and 21 can also be correctly positioned in the transverse direction Q by aligning the shape-sensing surfaces 33 and 35 in the transverse direction Q. Furthermore, the extent L of the shape-sensing elements 29 and 31 in the transverse direction Q corresponds to the extent L of the lock body 13 within the shape-sensing plane F, and a shape of the shape-sensing elements 29 and 31 on an end face facing the lock body 13 corresponds to a shape of the lock body 13 on an end face facing the shape-sensing elements 29 and 31, so that the shape-sensing elements 29 and 31 effectively extend the lock body 13.

[0094] Furthermore, it is particularly evident from Fig. 6BIt is evident that the first shape query element 29 shown there is curved on one side opposite the shape query surface 33 and has a curved section 89 in order to be held comfortably.

[0095] The Figs. 7 to 8BThe figures further illustrate that the first shape detection element 29 is designed in two parts, comprising a first part 39 and a second part 41, or respective halves, which can be plugged into one another. For this purpose, the first part 39 has insertion openings 93 and insertion channels 45, whereas the second part 41 has insertion sections 91 that can be inserted into the insertion openings 93 and pins 43 that can be inserted into the insertion channels 45. In addition, the second part 41 also has an insertion channel 45, whereby, for example, a pin (not shown in the figures) can be inserted into the insertion channels 45 before connecting the parts 39 and 41, in order to connect the parts 39 and 41 together.

[0096] In particular Fig. 7Figure 29 shows that the first form-sensing element 29 is designed to receive a connecting section 47 of the locking shackle 15, which adjoins the first shackle end 19, within an interior space 103 of the form-sensing element 29. The connecting section 47 is shown here as an integral part of the first shackle end 19 and has a fixing section 95, which is enclosed by three blocking sections 97 of the first form-sensing element 29 to secure the connecting section 47 against rotation within the first form-sensing element 29. Furthermore, the connecting section 47 has a coupling section 99, wherein the form-sensing element 29 overlaps the coupling section 99 axially on both sides with respect to the insertion axis E1, thereby also coupling the form-sensing element 29 axially to the connecting section 47 and thus to the first shackle end 19.In particular, by holding the first end of the stirrup 19 in a rotation-proof manner, it can be ensured that by setting the rotational position of the shape detection element 29, the rotational position of the first end of the stirrup 19 is also set with respect to the insertion axis E1.

[0097] The second shape detection element 31 can in particular correspond to the first shape detection element 29 and also be designed in two parts in order to be able to accommodate a connecting section adjoining the second end of the bracket 21 in a rotationally secure manner in an interior of the second shape detection element. Reference symbol list

[0098] 11 Shackle lock 13 Lock body 15 Flexible shackle 17 Locking mechanism 19 First shackle end 21 Second shackle end 23 Insertion opening 25 Further insertion opening 27 Guide device 29 First shape detection element 31 Second shape detection element 33 Shape detection surface 35 Shape detection surface 37 Chain link 39 First part 41 Second part 43 Pin 45 Insertion channel 47 Connecting section 49 Shape detection elevation 51 Shape detection recess 53 Lock housing 55 Outer housing 57 Top 59 Bottom 61 Guide section 63 Bolt 65 Locking position 67 Unlocking position 69 Locking rotation position 71 Unlocking rotation position 73 Locking notch 75 Cam 77 Electric motor 79 Power source 81 Control device 83 Authentication device 85 Fingerprint sensor 87 Radio unit 89 Curved section 91 Plug-in section 93 Insertion opening 95 Fixing section 97 Blocking section 99 Coupling section 101 Eyelet 103 Interior 105 Release recess 107 Surround section A Connecting axis E1 Insertion axis E2 Further insertion axisFForm query level D1Introduction rotary position D2Second introduction rotary position LExtension QTransverse direction VConnecting line

Claims

1. A padlock (11) comprising a lock body (13), a flexible padlock shackle (15) extending from a first shackle end (19) to a second shackle end (21), and a locking mechanism (17), wherein the first shackle end (19) can be inserted along an insertion axis (E1) into an insertion opening (23) of the lock body (13), and wherein the locking mechanism (17) is configured to selectively lock the first shackle end (19) inserted into the lock body (13) to the lock body (13) or to release it from the lock body (13), wherein the second shackle end (21) can be selectively attached to the lock body (13) or permanently attached to the lock body (13), wherein the first shackle end (19) released from the lock body (13) is rotated about the insertion axis (E1) when the second shackle end (21) is attached to the lock body (13). is rotatable, and wherein the flexible locking shackle comprises a guide device (27) which is designed toto define an insertion rotation position (D1) of the first shackle end (19) with respect to the insertion axis (E1) in which the first shackle end (19) can be inserted into the lock body (13) and / or in which the first shackle end (19) inserted into the lock body (13) can be locked to the lock body (13).

2. Padlock (11) according to claim 1, wherein the first padlock end (19) can only be locked to the lock body (13) and / or inserted into the lock body (13) in the insertion rotation position (D1); and / or wherein the guide device (27) is designed to prevent rotation of the first padlock end (19) inserted into the lock body (13) about the insertion axis (E1).

3. U-lock (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide device (27) has a first shape detection element (29) adjoining the first shackle end (19) and a second shape detection element (31) adjoining the second shackle end (21), wherein the shape detection elements (29, 31) in the insertion rotation position (D1) with the first shackle end (19) inserted into the lock body (13) and the second shackle end (21) attached to the lock body (13) are at least partially in contact with each other.

4. U-lock (11) according to claim 3, wherein the shape detection elements (29, 31) each have a shape detection surface (33, 35), wherein the shape detection surfaces (33, 35) of the first shape detection element (29) and of the second shape detection element (31) are opposite to each other in the insertion rotation position (D1) and in the insertion rotation position (D1) with the first shackle end (19) inserted into the lock body (13) and the second shackle end (21) attached to the lock body (13) they are in contact with each other in a shape detection plane (F).

5. U-lock (11) according to claim 4, wherein the shape detection plane (F) is aligned parallel to the insertion axis (E1) and / or perpendicular to a connecting line (V) leading from the first shackle end (19) to the second shackle end (21).

6. Padlock (11) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the shape detection surfaces (33, 35) – with the first padlock end (19) inserted into the lock body (13) and the second padlock end (21) attached to the lock body (13) – have a maximum extent (L) along a transverse direction (Q) oriented perpendicular to a connecting line (V) leading from the first padlock end (19) to the second padlock end (21), which is at least 90 percent of an extent (L) of a section of the lock body (13) adjoining the shape detection surfaces (33, 35) in the shape detection plane (F) along the transverse direction (Q) and / or corresponds to the extent (L) of the section of the lock body (13) along the transverse direction (Q).

7. Padlock (11) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the shape detection surface (33) of the first shape detection element (29) is guideable along the shape detection surface (35) of the second shape detection element (31) when the second padlock end (21) is attached to the lock body (13) during the insertion of the first padlock end (19) into the lock body (13); and / or wherein the first shape detection element (29) is designed in two parts, wherein the two parts (39, 41) of the first shape detection element (29) are attachable to each other, in particular transversely to the insertion axis (E1).

8. Padlock (11) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the first shape detection element (29) is configured to receive a connecting section (47) of the padlock shackle (15) adjoining the first shackle end (19) in an interior (103) of the first shape detection element (29) and to hold it in a rotationally secure position relative to the first shape detection element (29); in particular, wherein the connecting section (47) has a fixing section (95) extending along the insertion axis (E1), wherein the first shape detection element (29) has at least one blocking section (97) that at least partially encompasses, and in particular surrounds, the fixing section (95); and / or in particular wherein the connecting section (47) has a coupling section (99) extending perpendicular to the insertion axis (E1), wherein the first shape detection element (29) overlaps the coupling section (99) axially with respect to the insertion axis (E1) on both sides.

9. U-lock (11) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the first shape detection element (29) has a shape detection elevation (49) facing the lock body (13) and wherein the lock body (13) has an associated shape detection recess (51), or vice versa, wherein the shape detection elevation (49) engages in the shape detection recess (51) when the first shackle end (19) is inserted into the lock body (13); in particular wherein the lock body (13) has a lock housing (53) with a top surface (57) facing the lock shackle (15) and an outer housing (55) which fully overlaps the lock housing (53) at the top surface (57) with a rim section (107), wherein the top surface (57) of the lock housing (53) forms a base (59) of the shape detection recess (51) and the shape detection recess (51) is limited by the rim section (107).

10. U-lock (11) according to one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the shape detection elements (29, 31) have guide sections (61) inclined obliquely outwards with respect to the lock body (13), through which the lock shackle (15) exits the shape detection elements (29, 31); and / or wherein the shape detection elements (29, 31) are made of plastic.

11. U-lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second shackle end (21) is permanently attached to the lock body (13);or wherein the second shackle end (21) can be inserted along a further insertion axis (E2) into a further insertion opening (25) of the lock body (13) and wherein the locking mechanism (17) is configured to selectively lock the second shackle end (21) inserted into the lock body (13) against loosening from the lock body (13) or to release it from the lock body (13), wherein the further insertion axis (E2) is in particular aligned parallel to the insertion axis (E1), wherein the guide device (27) is in particular configured to define a second insertion rotation position (D2) of the second shackle end (21) with respect to the further insertion axis (E2), in which the second shackle end (21) can be inserted into the lock body (13) and / or in which the second shackle end (21) inserted into the lock body (13) can be locked to the lock body (13).

12. Padlock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism (17) has at least one bolt (63) which is movable between an unlocked position (67) and a locked position (65), wherein the first shackle end (19) inserted into the lock body (13) is released from the lock body (13) in the unlocked position (67) of the bolt (63), and wherein a locking notch (73) is formed on the first shackle end (19) into which the bolt (63) engages in the locked position (65) to lock the first shackle end (19) to the lock body (13), wherein the locking notch (73) is formed on one side of the first shackle end (19) so that the bolt (63) is only engaged when the first shackle end (19) is positioned in the insertion rotation position (D1), but not when the Insertion rotation position (D1) differing rotation positions,can be moved into the locking position (65) and inserted into the locking notch (73).

13. Padlock (11) according to claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism (17) has a rotatable cam (75), wherein the bolt (63) can be driven by rotating the cam (75) from an unlocking rotary position (71) to a locking rotary position (69) and from the unlocking position (67) to the locking position (65); in particular, wherein the locking mechanism (17) has an electric motor (77) and / or a key-operated lock cylinder for driving the cam (75).

14. Padlock (11) according to claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism (17) comprises an electric motor (77) for driving the cam (75), wherein the locking mechanism (17) comprises a control device (81) which is configured to drive the electric motor (77) to drive the bolt (63) into the unlocked position (67) upon receipt of an authentication signal; in particular wherein - the control device (81) is connected to an authentication device (83) for receiving the authentication signal, wherein the authentication signal comprises a biometric parameter, in particular a fingerprint, or a code, in particular a sequence of numbers, which can be entered at the authentication device (83), and / or - the control device (81) is connected to a radio device (87) which is configured to receive the authentication signal via a radio link.

15. Flexible locking shackle (15) for selectively locking to a lock body (13) of an associated shackle lock (11), in particular a shackle lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims, which extends from a first shackle end (19) to a second shackle end (21), wherein the first shackle end (19) is rotatable relative to the second shackle end (21) about a connecting axis (A) leading from the first shackle end (19) to the second shackle end (21), and wherein the flexible locking shackle (15) comprises a guide device (27) which is configured to define an insertion rotation position (D1) of the first shackle end (19) with respect to the connecting axis (A) for insertion of the first shackle end (19) into the lock body (13).

Images