Lock with flexible locking strand

Abstract

A lock for securing a movable object, in particular a two-wheeled vehicle, to a fixed structure comprises: a flexible locking strand which extends from a first end to a second end; a lock body which is permanently fixedly connected to the locking strand at the first end of the locking strand and which has a locking device, a bolt and a coupling section; and a counterpart which has a coupling section which is designed to be coupled to the coupling section of the lock body in order to close the lock. In a locked state of the lock, the lock body and the counterpart are coupled to one another via their coupling sections and, in addition, the bolt is in a securing position in which it secures the counterpart against release from the lock body. By actuating the locking device, the bolt can be adjusted from the securing position into a release position in which it releases the counterpart for release from the lock body. According to the invention, the counterpart is mounted on the locking strand so as to be movable along at least part of the extent of the locking strand between the first end and the second end and / or can be immovably fixed in a selectable position on the locking strand in an open state of the lock.

Description

[0001] Lock with flexible locking strand

[0002] The invention relates to a lock for securing a movable object, in particular a two-wheeler, to a fixed structure.

[0003] To secure a bicycle or other movable object, for example against theft, it is known to attach the object to a fixed structure (in particular a stationary structure) using a lock, which could be, for example, a lamppost or the strut of a bicycle stand. A common design for such locks is a lock body and an elongated locking element - such as a shackle, a chain, or a hinged rod arrangement - one end of which is usually permanently connected to the lock body and the other end of which can be selectively connected to the lock body and locked to it. In this way, the lock body and the locking element can form a closed loop that can connect the movable object to the fixed structure.Ideally, the loop passes through the moving object on the one hand and the fixed structure on the other.

[0004] In order to secure the movable object to the fixed structure in this way, the loop must have a circumference that is at least twice the distance between the points to be connected on the movable object or on the fixed structure. However, in many cases it is not possible to predict in advance how close the movable object can be positioned to a fixed structure suitable for securing. To ensure that the locks can still be used in as many different situations as possible to secure the movable object to a fixed structure, locks often have comparatively long locking elements. Particularly in locks that have a high security level and whose respective locking element is therefore comparatively thick and heavy, this leads to an overall large volume and weight of the respective lock.

[0005] Locks are also known in which the entire lock does not form a single loop, but rather one or more smaller loops are formed, at least one of which is formed by securing a portion of a flexible locking element to the lock body. Such locks typically require the locking element to be threaded through openings in the lock body once or even multiple times, which can complicate opening and closing the lock. Furthermore, in such locks, the locking element is typically secured by clamping it to the lock body, which may be insufficient for a high level of security of the lock in question.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a lock which enables a movable object, in particular a two-wheeler, to be secured to a fixed structure over comparatively large distances and which can be comparatively compact and lightweight, but can also have a high level of security and is also easy to operate.

[0007] The object is achieved by a lock having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims, the present description and the figures.

[0008] According to the invention, the lock comprises a flexible locking strand that extends from a first end to a second end. In the lock according to the invention, the locking element is thus designed as a locking strand and consequently has an elongated extension along a course that is not fixed due to the flexibility of the locking strand. The opposite ends of this extension are referred to here as the first end and the second end for conceptual differentiation. The locking strand serves in particular to bridge the distance between the movable object and the fixed structure. In addition, one or two loops formed from the locking strand can be used to attach the locking strand to the movable object or the fixed structure.For example, the locking strand can be attached to the movable object in the region of its first end and to the fixed structure in the region of its second end, or vice versa.

[0009] The locking strand is preferably designed as a chain, in particular as a round-link chain, a square chain, or the like, with the chain links preferably comprising a hardened metal as the material. Alternatively to being designed as a chain, the locking strand can be designed, for example, as a wire rope, in particular as a steel rope, or even as a textile rope. Particularly when the locking strand is designed as a chain, it is preferably sheathed to protect the movable object or the fixed structure from damage caused by the locking strand. For example, a textile sheathing can be provided.

[0010] According to the invention, the lock further comprises a lock body which is permanently and firmly connected to the locking strand at the first end of the locking strand, in particular directly, and which has a locking device, a bolt, and a coupling section. The lock body can, for example, comprise a lock housing in which the locking device and the bolt are at least partially accommodated. The locking strand can then be firmly connected to this lock housing. The coupling section can be formed as part of such a lock housing. The lock housing is preferably formed in one piece. The material of the lock housing can, in particular, be die-cast zinc or a hardened metal.

[0011] The locking device can, in particular, be a locking cylinder. However, other mechanisms are also generally considered, the operation of which requires the presence of a locking secret (key, code, biometric feature, authorization from an app, or similar). The locking device is connected to the deadbolt via a drive mechanism, so that the deadbolt can be adjusted by operating the locking device.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the invention, the lock comprises a counterpart having a coupling section which is designed to be coupled, in particular directly, to the coupling section of the lock body in order to close the lock. There is therefore no permanent coupling of the two coupling sections to one another, but the coupling can be carried out to close the lock and can also be reversed to open the lock - at least when the locking secret required for actuating the locking device is present. The coupling of the two coupling sections is decisive for whether the lock is open or closed: When the lock is closed (i.e. when the lock is closed), the lock body and the counterpart are coupled to one another via their coupling sections; when the lock is open (i.e.When the lock is in the closed state (i.e., when the lock is open), the coupling section of the lock body and the coupling section of the counterpart are released from one another. The closed state of the lock differs from the open state in particular in that, in the closed state, the lock has a loop formed by the section of the locking strand that extends from the lock body at the first end of the locking strand to the counterpart at its respective position along the locking strand, and is closed due to the coupling of the lock body to the counterpart. The length of said section, and thus of the loop, is variable, since the position of the counterpart on the locking strand can be changed, as explained further below.

[0013] The coupling section of the counterpart is not only generally suitable for coupling with the coupling section of the lock body, but is specifically designed for this purpose. For example, the coupling section of the counterpart can be designed to be at least substantially complementary to the coupling section of the lock body for this purpose. For a reliable coupling of the two coupling sections to one another, the coupling section of the counterpart (as well as the coupling section of the lock body) is preferably made of die-cast zinc or a hardened metal.

[0014] The coupling of the coupling section of the counterpart to the coupling section of the lock body can be achieved, in particular, by engaging one with the other or by mutual engagement. The relative movement that the coupling sections perform relative to one another during coupling (e.g., the aforementioned engagement) preferably has only a single degree of freedom; in contrast, movement in other directions is blocked, preferably by positive locking. Furthermore, the coupling sections can advantageously be guided against one another during coupling, thereby facilitating the coupling (closing of the lock).

[0015] Furthermore, the invention provides that, when the lock is locked, the lock body and the counterpart are coupled to one another via their coupling sections, and the bolt is in a securing position in which it secures the counterpart against detachment from the lock body. The locked state of the lock thus implies that the lock is in the closed state, with the closed state in the locked state being additionally secured by the bolt preventing the coupling section of the counterpart from detaching from the coupling section of the lock body.

[0016] In particular, it can be provided that the bolt secures the counterpart in the locked state of the lock against detachment from the lock body by blocking the aforementioned single degree of freedom according to which the coupling sections are moved relative to one another during coupling (and uncoupling). This can be achieved, for example, by the bolt blocking the (one) path along which the coupling section of the counterpart would have to be moved relative to the coupling section of the lock body in order to be released therefrom, or by the bolt engaging in an engagement recess formed on the coupling section of the counterpart.

[0017] For a compact lock design, the bolt is preferably constructed as a single piece. However, the bolt can also be complex and comprised of multiple parts, or multiple bolts can be provided, each of which can have the features described here and below for an individual bolt.

[0018] The bolt can be pre-tensioned into the securing position so that it is normally in the securing position. In this case, it is expedient if the bolt and / or the coupling section of the counterpart is / are designed so that the bolt is temporarily pushed out of the securing position by the coupling section during coupling. The bolt can be angular in shape to achieve a good locking effect. However, the bolt can also be round, for example cylindrical, or have a rounded or beveled portion so that it can be easily pushed back by the coupling section. Likewise, the coupling section of the counterpart can have a rounded or beveled portion to allow the bolt to be easily pushed back.

[0019] According to the invention, the bolt can be adjusted by actuating the locking device from the secured position to a release position, in which position it releases the counterpart for release from the lock body. If the bolt is not pre-tensioned into the secured position, it can preferably also be adjusted in the opposite direction, i.e., from the release position to the secured position, in particular also by actuating the locking device (opposite to the aforementioned actuation).

[0020] For the interaction of a locking device, in particular a locking cylinder, with a bolt such that the bolt can be adjusted by the locking device from one position to another position or between two positions, numerous mechanisms are known, which are also fundamentally conceivable here. An advantageously simple design results when the bolt can be moved linearly between the secured position and the released position and the locking device is designed as a locking cylinder and has an eccentric driver which, when the locking device is actuated, rotates about a cylinder axis of the locking cylinder perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bolt and in doing so directly acts on the bolt.However, the locking device does not necessarily have to be directly connected to the bolt; in principle, the locking device can also adjust the bolt via one or more elements arranged in between.

[0021] According to the invention, it is further provided that the counterpart is movably mounted on the locking strand along at least part of the extension of the locking strand between the first end and the second end and / or, in the open state of the lock, can be immovably fixed to the locking strand in a selectable position (along at least part of the extension of the locking strand between the first end and the second end). Advantageously, in both cases, the counterpart is (at least ultimately) fastened to the locking strand, namely by the movably mounted support on the locking strand and / or by the immovably fixed attachment to the locking strand. In both ways, it is achieved that the counterpart can be arranged in different positions on the locking strand.This allows the structure of the locking strand (in particular the length of each loop formed by the locking strand when the lock is closed) to be varied and thus flexibly adapted as required.

[0022] In the case of the aforementioned movable mounting, the counterpart can be movable along at least a section of the respective course of the locking strand, preferably at least substantially freely, so that it can be brought into a suitable position on the locking strand depending on the circumstances. In particular, the counterpart can be movable at least substantially over the entire extent of the locking strand from its first end to its second end. Preferably, however, the counterpart is not movable beyond either end of the locking strand. Furthermore, the mounting of the counterpart on the locking strand is preferably such that the counterpart cannot be detached from the locking strand even in the region between the two ends. In this respect, the counterpart can therefore be caught on the locking strand.However, it may also be possible to provide the option for the counterpart to be released from the locking cord, at least when the lock is not closed. However, due to the movable bearing, this is not absolutely necessary for positioning the counterpart on the locking cord.

[0023] This mobility does not necessarily have to be present in every state of the lock, but preferably at least when the lock is not closed. In particular, when the lock is locked, the mobility may also be restricted or eliminated, as explained further below.

[0024] Furthermore, the mobility may require actuation by a user. For example, it may be provided that the counterpart can only be moved along the locking strand according to the aforementioned mobility if a push button or other actuating element on the counterpart is actuated, which temporarily releases the counterpart's automatic fixation (e.g., by clamping) in its respective position on the locking strand.

[0025] Alternatively or in addition to the movable mounting of the counterpart on the locking strand, the counterpart can be immovably fixed to the locking strand in a selectable position, i.e., in one of several selectable positions, along at least part of the extension of the locking strand between the first end and the second end when the lock is in the open state. This means that the counterpart does not necessarily have to be movably mounted on the locking strand, but is also not permanently fixed to a specific position on the locking strand. Rather, it can be arranged and fastened to the locking strand in various selectable positions within said part of the extension of the locking strand in such a way that it is then immovable, thus maintaining the respective selected position (apart from any possible play).In this case, a limited number of defined, selectable positions for the counterpart can be specified within the said part of the extension of the locking strand. In principle, however, it is also possible for any position within the said part of the extension of the locking strand to be selectable, i.e. for the counterpart to be able to be immovably fixed to the locking strand in any desired position within the said part of the extension of the locking strand. If the counterpart is immovably fixed to the locking strand in a selected position, it is preferably arranged and fastened to the locking strand in a respective selected position in such a way that it cannot detach from the locking strand, or at least not automatically, at least when the lock is closed, and expediently cannot be detaches from the locking strand either.In order to adjust the counterpart between various selectable positions along the aforementioned portion of the locking strand's extension, it may be necessary to temporarily detach the counterpart from the locking strand. For this purpose, the counterpart may, for example, be disassemblable, as explained further below. However, alternatively, it may also be provided that the counterpart is fundamentally non-detachable from the locking strand (for example, if it is movably mounted on the locking strand as described). In this case, it is not necessary to detach the counterpart from the locking strand to adjust its position.

[0026] Because in the lock according to the invention, it is not the second end of the locking strand that is coupled to and secured with the lock body provided at the first end, but rather the counterpart that is movably mounted on the locking strand and / or can be immovably fixed in a selectable position, the entire lock does not form a single large loop when the lock is closed. Instead, a smaller loop of variable size is formed at the first end of the locking strand, with which the lock can be fastened to the movable object or the fixed structure. The remaining part of the locking strand can then bridge the distance between the movable object and the fixed structure in a single strand and be fastened to the fixed structure or the movable object with the second end.In this way, the movable object can be secured to the fixed structure even with a comparatively short locking strand over comparatively large distances. The coupling of the lock housing located at the first end of the locking strand with the counterpart located in a central region of the locking strand via the aforementioned, specially designed coupling sections and their additional locking by the bolt also ensures particularly reliable securing of the movable object.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the counterpart comprises a first part and a second part, which are assembled to form the counterpart by means of at least one fastening means. In other words, the first part and the second part can be connected to one another by means of the fastening means and then together form the counterpart. For example, the fastening means can be a screw with which the first part and the second part can be screwed together to form the counterpart. The first part and the second part are assembled to form the counterpart by means of the fastening element in such a way that the counterpart is immovably fixed in a selected position on the locking strand. The immovable fixing of the counterpart described above can therefore be achieved precisely by assembling the two parts by means of the fastening means.

[0028] By releasing the fastening means, the counterpart can be disassembled, in particular such that the first part and the second part of the counterpart are no longer connected to one another, but are separated from one another. The counterpart can be detachable from the locking strand in this way, preferably only in this way. It is also preferred that the fastening means be secured against detachment when the lock is in the closed state, i.e., when the lock body and the counterpart are coupled to one another via their coupling sections. This can be achieved, in particular, by making the fastening means inaccessible when the lock is in the closed state.For example, it can be provided that a part of the fastening means required for loosening the fastening means, in the case of a screw in particular the head of the screw, is accessible when the lock is open, but is covered by the lock body when the lock is closed and is thus inaccessible.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the counterpart has a bearing section with a through-channel through which the locking strand extends. Preferably, the bearing section and the coupling section are formed together as a single-piece component; thus, they are integrally formed with one another or are connected to one another by a material bond. The bearing section and the coupling section can be made of, in particular, die-cast zinc or a hardened metal.

[0030] If the counterpart comprises said first part and said second part, it is further preferred that the first part of the counterpart comprises a first part of the bearing portion and the coupling portion of the counterpart, and the second part of the counterpart comprises a second part of the bearing portion of the counterpart, so that when the counterpart is disassembled, the through-channel is divided along its length (and thus laterally open). In this case, the first part of the bearing portion and the coupling portion are preferably formed together as a single-piece component.

[0031] The bearing section can, for example, be annular or sleeve-shaped. Preferably, the bearing section has at least substantially a cylindrical shell shape. In particular, the through-channel can have an at least substantially circular cross-section. The through-channel does not necessarily have to have a straight course; rather, the course of the through-channel can also be curved or angled. The coupling section is then preferably arranged on a convex side (outside of the curvature of the course) of the bearing section. As can be seen from the possible annular shape, the through-channel does not necessarily need to have a particular length. However, the length of the through-channel along its course is preferably at least twice as long as its extension transversely thereto (i.e., twice as large as its diameter in the case of a circular cross-section).

[0032] Since the locking strand extends through the through-channel, the counterpart encloses the locking strand with its bearing section, wherein the through-channel is preferably permanently closed circumferentially. The counterpart can advantageously be fastened to the locking strand precisely because the locking strand extends through the through-channel, for example so that the counterpart arranged on the locking strand in a respective position is held on the locking strand. Furthermore, because the locking strand extends through the through-channel, the counterpart can also be movably mounted (as described above) along at least part of the extension of the locking strand.

[0033] The said part of the extension along which the counterpart is movably mounted and / or can be fixed immovably in a selectable position can be defined precisely by the fact that it corresponds to a section of the locking strand that is small enough to pass through the through-channel, i.e. whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the through-channel (or generally whose dimensions transverse to the course of the locking strand are smaller than the dimensions of the through-channel transverse to its course). The said part of the extension of the locking strand can be limited by sections of the locking strand or by elements arranged on the locking strand that have dimensions that are too large to pass through the through-channel (transverse to the course of the locking strand or the through-channel). Preferably, the lock body is too large to pass through the through-channel.In this case, the said part of the extension, along which the counterpart is movably mounted and / or immovably fixable in a selectable position, can extend to the first end of the locking strand and be limited there by the lock body.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferred if the said part of the extension, along which the counterpart is movably mounted and / or immovably fixed in a selectable position, is also limited in the opposite direction. According to an advantageous embodiment, an end section is provided at the second end of the locking strand that is too large to pass through the passage channel. This end section can be formed as part of the locking strand or as an independent element of the lock, which is firmly and preferably permanently connected to the second end of the locking strand.

[0035] In addition to limiting the said part of the extension along which the counterpart is movably mounted and / or can be fixed immovably in a selectable position, the said end section can fulfill further functions, in particular serving to securely connect the lock at the second end of the locking strand to the movable object or the fixed structure. For example, it is fundamentally conceivable for the lock to be designed such that the second end of the locking strand is or will be permanently mounted to the movable object. The end section can then be formed by a structure of the lock suitable for mounting on the movable object. Furthermore, the end section can be one of the connecting sections mentioned below, which serve to temporarily and detachably fasten the lock to the movable object or to the fixed structure.According to a further advantageous embodiment, the locking strand has a connecting portion at its second end, which is designed as an eyelet, through which the lock body and a portion of the locking strand encompassing the first end can be threaded to form a closed loop. The closed loop is expediently formed around the fixed structure, the movable object, or a respective portion thereof, so that the lock is thereby secured to the fixed structure or the movable object.

[0036] The eyelet must be large enough to allow the lock body and the aforementioned part of the locking strand to pass through it. Preferably, the counterpart, which is movably mounted on the locking strand and / or immobilized in a selected position, can also be passed through the eyelet so that it can be threaded through the eyelet along with the lock body and the aforementioned part of the locking strand.

[0037] The eyelet can, for example, be designed as a ring made of hardened metal. Such a design can be particularly useful if the locking strand is designed as a round link chain. In this case, the ring can be connected as an additional chain link to the last chain link of the remaining round link chain. So that the first end of the locking strand, including the lock body arranged thereon, as well as an adjoining part of the locking strand, can be guided through the eyelet, the ring preferably has a larger diameter than the other chain links. Alternatively or additionally, the ring can be circular, while the chain links can have an oval shape, the shape of a flattened circle, or an elongated shape consisting of two parallel lines whose ends pointing in the same direction are each connected to one another by a semicircle.The eyelet enables the lock to form a further loop in a comparatively simple manner, in addition to the loop formed by coupling the lock body with the counterpart, without the need for an additional locking device or other locking mechanism for this additional loop. Since one loop is formed in the region of the first end and the other loop in the region of the second end of the locking strand, the lock, in its closed state, can have the overall shape of two loops connected by a single-strand section. Ideally, the loops are made as small as possible in order to enclose the movable object or the fixed structure as tightly as possible, whereby the single-strand section formed by the remaining locking strand can be correspondingly long.Therefore, the distance range within which the lock can be used to secure a movable object to a fixed structure is comparatively large.

[0038] According to an alternative embodiment, the locking strand has a connecting section at its second end, which is designed as a clamp for securing in a clamp receptacle of the movable object or the fixed structure. For this purpose, the connecting section can in particular have structures that enable positive locking in a clamp receptacle. For example, the connecting section (or at least a protruding, free end of the connecting section) can be rotationally symmetrical and have axial undercuts, for example in the form of one or more annular grooves, in order to be able to be engaged behind by a locking element of the clamp receptacle and thus secured against leaving the clamp receptacle.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment, the counterpart has a longitudinal shape that is aligned at least substantially parallel to the course of the locking strand in the region of the respective position of the counterpart on the locking strand. The fact that the counterpart has a longitudinal shape can in particular mean that the counterpart has at least substantially its greatest extent in a longitudinal direction and has substantially smaller extensions in transverse directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which extensions each amount, for example, to at most three-quarters, preferably at most two-thirds, in particular at most half, of the extension in the longitudinal direction. The alignment of the longitudinal shape parallel to the course of the locking strand can in particular relate to this longitudinal direction.

[0040] The counterpart, which is movably mounted on the locking strand and / or immovably fixed in a selected position on the locking strand, occupies a specific position along the course of the locking strand. The longitudinal shape of the counterpart is preferably aligned at least substantially parallel to the direction of the locking strand in the region of this position. In this case, exact parallelism does not preferably have to exist, but the said longitudinal direction and the direction of the locking strand in the region of the position of the counterpart can deviate from one another by a few degrees, for example by up to 30°, preferably by a maximum of 20°, in particular by a maximum of 10°. If the counterpart has the said bearing section with the through-channel, the longitudinal shape (with respect to the said longitudinal direction) is preferably aligned at least substantially parallel to the course of the locking strand through the through-channel.If the locking strand has a curved course in the area of ​​the position of the counterpart, for example because the through-channel is curved, the said parallel alignment can be related to a central direction of this curved course of the locking strand.

[0041] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the coupling section of the lock body and the coupling section of the counterpart are designed in the manner of a dovetail guide or in the manner of a T-slot guide. An advantage of such guides is that the relative movement undergone by the lock body and the counterpart during coupling (and uncoupling) has only a single degree of freedom, which is stabilized against break-in attempts by relatively large mutual guide surfaces. Advantageously, a relatively small locking engagement perpendicular to the degree of freedom of this relative movement is sufficient to block this degree of freedom and thus lock the lock body and the counterpart to each other.

[0042] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the lock body and the counterpart adjoin one another along a boundary plane when the lock body and the counterpart are coupled to one another via their coupling sections, wherein one of the coupling sections comprises a coupling projection which is perpendicular to the boundary plane (from the lock body orfrom the counterpart), wherein the other coupling section comprises a coupling receptacle with an insertion opening perpendicular to the boundary plane and a side opening parallel to the boundary plane and merging into the insertion opening, and wherein the coupling projection can be inserted in an insertion direction parallel to the boundary plane through the insertion opening into the coupling receptacle into a coupling position in which it extends through the side opening and engages behind a respective one of two opposite edge sections of the side opening with two wing sections projecting opposite one another transversely to the insertion direction.

[0043] In particular, a contact surface of the lock body and a contact surface of the counterpart can abut one another if the lock body and the counterpart are coupled to one another via their coupling sections. The boundary plane can then correspond to the plane in which the two contact surfaces abut one another. In this respect, an embodiment is further advantageous in which one of the coupling sections comprises a coupling projection that extends perpendicularly from the respective contact surface (of the lock body orof the counterpart), wherein the other coupling section comprises a coupling receptacle with an insertion opening perpendicular to the respective contact surface and a side opening formed in the respective contact surface and merging into the insertion opening, and wherein the coupling projection can be inserted in an insertion direction parallel to the contact surfaces through the insertion opening into the coupling receptacle into a coupling position in which it extends through the side opening and engages behind a respective one of two opposite edge sections of the side opening with two wing sections projecting opposite one another transversely to the insertion direction.

[0044] The fact that the coupling projection can be inserted into the coupling receptacle in the insertion direction (and can, in principle, be removed from the coupling receptacle in the opposite direction) preferably corresponds to the single degree of freedom mentioned above, which the relative movement required for coupling the lock body to the counterpart has. It is preferred that the coupling projection and the coupling receptacle are designed such that the coupling projection is guided by the coupling receptacle during insertion into the coupling receptacle, for example, by one or more surfaces of the coupling projection sliding along one or more surfaces of the coupling receptacle.

[0045] Due to the wing sections, the coupling projection can have a T-shape in cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction. The cross-section of the coupling receptacle perpendicular to the insertion direction can be designed to complement this. Depending on whether the guide surfaces of the wing sections are aligned obliquely or parallel to the boundary plane or the contact surfaces, the coupling projection and the coupling receptacle can, as already mentioned, be designed in the manner of a dovetail guide or in the manner of a T-slot guide. The fact that the wing sections are engaged by the edge sections of the side opening not only contributes to reliable guidance of the coupling projection in the coupling receptacle, but also ensures that the coupling projection is positively secured against leaving the coupling receptacle perpendicular to the boundary plane or the contact surfaces (i.e. out through the side opening).

[0046] According to an advantageous development, the coupling projection, in the coupling position, further engages behind a further edge portion of the side opening with a front portion protruding in the insertion direction. This edge portion is preferably arranged opposite to the insertion opening with respect to the insertion direction. Due to the positive engagement of the front portion with the further edge portion, the coupling projection can be further stabilized in the coupling position, in particular against the coupling being pried open.

[0047] According to a further advantageous development, in the locked state of the lock, the bolt engages through the coupling receptacle into an engagement recess formed on the coupling projection, or through the coupling projection into an engagement recess formed on the coupling receptacle, such that it blocks the coupling projection in the coupling position from leaving the coupling receptacle. In particular, this engagement can block the aforementioned advantageously single degree of freedom of the relative movement required for coupling the lock body to the counterpart (or for releasing the lock body from the counterpart). The engagement recess can, for example, be formed in a surface of the coupling projection that faces in the direction in which the coupling projection protrudes (from the lock body or from the counterpart).

[0048] According to a further advantageous embodiment, in the closed state of the lock, the first end of the locking strand and an end of a section of the locking strand opposite the first end, which connects the lock body to the counterpart, are aligned at an acute angle to each other. The position of this opposite end and thus the length of said section depend on the current position of the counterpart along the extension of the locking strand. In particular, the end of said section opposite the first end can open into said through-channel of the counterpart.

[0049] When the lock is closed, this section forms the loop mentioned above. The ends of its path (namely, the first end of the locking strand and the opposite end of the section) converge at an acute angle. This can be caused, in particular, by the respective shape of the lock body and the counterpart, and their relative arrangement when the lock is closed.For example, a mouth opening of the lock body, through which the first end of the locking strand for connection to the lock body opens into the lock body, and a mouth opening of the through-channel, through which said opposite end of said section of the locking strand opens into the through-channel, can be aligned accordingly in the closed state of the lock (in particular, the two planes in which each of the mouth openings is located can intersect at an obtuse angle).

[0050] By aligning the first end of the locking strand and the end of said section of the locking strand opposite the first end at an acute angle to one another, it can be achieved on the one hand that the loop of the locking strand formed by said section can enclose a relatively large area (and thus a relatively large movable object or fixed structure) for a certain length of the section (compared to an angle of, for example, 0 degrees, i.e. a parallel alignment).On the other hand, with regard to the movable mounting of the counterpart on the locking strand, it is achieved that in the event of a violent attempt to separate the counterpart from the lock body by applying tensile forces to the locking strand, a force component is created along the extension of the locking strand, thus promoting an evasive movement of the counterpart along the extension of the locking strand, so that a tearing off of the coupling sections of the counterpart and the lock body is effectively prevented (compared to an obtuse angle of alignment or an angle of 180 degrees). The aforementioned acute angle can, in particular, have a value in the range of 40 degrees to 80 degrees.

[0051] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the lock body or the counterpart has a blocking element which, in the locked state of the lock, assumes a blocking position in which it interacts with the locking strand in such a way that it restricts the counterpart's mobility along the extension of the locking strand (compared to the fundamental mobility of the counterpart, at least in the open state of the lock, at least along the aforementioned part of the extension of the locking strand between its first end and its second end) and / or immovably fixes it in a selected position on the locking strand. In particular, when the blocking element is movably mounted on the locking strand and the lock is in the locked state, it can interact with the locking strand in such a way that it fixes the counterpart in a fixed position (within a certain tolerance).Several such locking elements can also be provided.

[0052] The restriction of mobility can generally result from an increase in friction between the counterpart and the locking strand, which serves, for example, to hold the counterpart in a particular position on the locking strand by means of the locking element against the force of gravity. Preferably, however, the mobility is restricted more specifically or more severely (alternatively or in addition to an increase in friction). In particular, the mobility of the counterpart can be restricted to a specific distance by the locking element, so that the distance along which the counterpart can be moved on the locking strand becomes shorter due to the interaction of the locking element with the locking strand.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the locking element can be drive-effectively coupled to the locking device of the lock body, whereby this coupling can be effected via the bolt or can be independent thereof. The drive-effective coupling can be such that, by means of the locking device, the locking element can be adjusted into the aforementioned locked position, in which it interacts with the locking strand (and the mobility of the counterpart is thus restricted and / or the counterpart is immovably fixed in a selected position on the locking strand), and / or such that, by means of the locking device, the locking element can be adjusted into a released position, in which it does not interact with the locking strand (and the mobility of the counterpart is thus not restricted and / or the counterpart is not immovably fixed in a selected position on the locking strand).

[0054] Similar to the bolt, the locking element can be pre-tensioned into the locked position. The locking device then only needs to be drive-coupled to the locking element for adjustment into the released position. However, the locking device can be designed to secure the locking element (directly or indirectly) in its locked position when the lock is locked, so that whether the locking element can leave the locked position depends on the current state of the locking device, for example the rotational position of a driver of the locking device. It can also be provided that the locking element interacts with the locking strand even when the lock is closed but not yet locked, in such a way that it restricts the mobility of the counterpart and / or fixes it immobile in a selected position.This interaction of the locking element with the locking strand can occur, for example, through the aforementioned pre-tension. However, it is also conceivable that the locking element interacts with the locking strand, thus restricting the mobility of the counterpart and / or immobilizing the counterpart, coupling the lock body to the counterpart, and thus bringing the lock into the closed state.

[0055] For example, the locking element can be mounted on the counterpart so as to be adjustable between the said locking position and the said release position and can be forced into the locking position as a result of the coupling of the lock body to the counterpart, in particular by the coupling section of the lock body (e.g. by direct loading), or, if it is already in the locking position (e.g. due to pre-tensioning), can be held in the locking position.

[0056] Alternatively, the locking element can also be formed as part of the coupling section of the lock body, which cooperates with the locking strand by coupling the lock body with the counterpart, for example by coming into contact with the locking strand through the coupling.

[0057] In principle, the locking element can interact with the locking strand even when the lock is in the open state in such a way that it restricts the counterpart's mobility along the extension of the locking strand and / or fixes it immovably in a selected position on the locking strand. For example, the locking element can be mounted on the counterpart so that it can be adjusted between the aforementioned locked position and the aforementioned released position and pre-tensioned into the locked position so that it interacts with the locking strand in the aforementioned manner. The restriction of mobility orThe locking element is designed to remove the immovable fixing of the counterpart by the locking element, at least in the open state of the lock (possibly also in the closed but still unlocked state of the lock, but preferably not in the locked state of the lock), preferably in a simple manner, such as by means of a push button provided on the counterpart, the actuation of which moves the locking element into the released position. In the locked state (possibly also in the closed but still unlocked state) of the lock, however, the locking element can preferably not leave the locked position, for example because it is held in the locked position (directly or indirectly) by the coupling section of the lock body, by the bolt, or by a driver of the locking device.

[0058] According to an advantageous development, the blocking element acts upon the locking strand in the locked state of the lock and / or the blocking element engages the locking strand in the locked state of the lock. The aforementioned interaction of the blocking element with the locking strand, by which the counterpart is restricted in its mobility along the extension of the locking strand and / or immobilized in a selected position on the locking strand, can thus consist in the blocking element acting upon the locking strand and / or engaging the locking strand, at least in the locked state of the lock.

[0059] By applying force, a frictional fixation of the counterpart to the locking strand can be achieved. In particular, the locking element can clamp the locking strand, preferably within the aforementioned through-channel of the counterpart. The locking element can further interact with the locking strand in the manner of a sheet clamp or jaw clamp, whereby it is expedient for at least two locking elements to be provided. In particular, the locking elements can interact with the locking strand in a manner corresponding to that described in DE 10 2014 106 227 A1 for the interaction of two clamping jaws with the cable of a cable locking system.

[0060] If the locking element engages with the locking strand when the lock is locked, it can be designed, for example, as a pin or spike, or even as a screw. If the locking strand is designed as a wire rope or textile rope, the locking element can, for example, engage between the wires or fibers of the locking strand. If the locking strand is designed as a chain, the locking element can engage with a respective one of the chain links of the locking strand, in particular by passing through the respective chain link. If the locking strand has a sheath, the locking element can be designed to penetrate the sheath and engage through the sheath into the core of the locking strand, in particular to pass through the core and penetrate the sheath again on the opposite side, or even to merely engage in the sheath. In this case, a textile sheath is particularly advantageous.

[0061] According to a further advantageous development, the locking element reduces the cross-section of the passage channel when the lock is locked. The aforementioned interaction of the locking element with the locking strand, through which the counterpart is restricted in its mobility along the extension of the locking strand and / or immobilized in a selected position on the locking strand, can thus consist in the locking element reducing the cross-section of the passage channel when the lock is locked.

[0062] Particularly if the locking strand does not have a constant cross-section, such a reduction in the cross-section of the through-channel can restrict the mobility of the locking strand through the through-channel in a form-fitting manner. For example, if the locking strand is designed as a chain, reducing the cross-section of the through-channel can essentially fix the position of the counterpart along the extension of the locking strand to a chain link currently located in the through-channel.This is because, if the locking element is pressed against a respective chain link within the passage channel, it can act on the respective chain link (if necessary after the latter has aligned itself accordingly as a result of the action) perpendicular to the plane in which this chain link lies, whereby the two chain links directly connected to this chain link then necessarily lie in a plane tilted relative to this plane and therefore cannot be guided past the locking element.

[0063] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the locking element is arranged (at least partially) on the counterpart in the locking position and is secured by the lock body against leaving the locking position in the locked state of the lock, preferably also in the closed but still unlocked state of the lock, but can be released from the counterpart (for example in order to change the position of the counterpart on the locking strand) when the lock body is released from the counterpart, i.e. when the lock is in the open state.

[0064] For example, in the locked position, the locking element can engage with or pass through the counterpart. In particular, the locking element can be identical to the aforementioned fastening means by means of which a first part and a second part of the counterpart can be assembled to form the counterpart. The locked position of the locking element can then in particular correspond to a position of the fastening means in which it connects the first part and the second part of the counterpart. For example, the locking element or fastening means can be a screw by means of which the first part and the second part can be screwed together, wherein the screw simultaneously engages with the locking strand, in particular passes through the locking strand, and thereby restricts the mobility of the counterpart along the locking strand and / or immovably fixes the counterpart in a selected position on the locking strand.In this respect, the screw is in its locked position when the first part and the second part of the counterpart are screwed together via it.

[0065] In the locked state of the lock, preferably also in the closed but still unlocked state of the lock, the lock body can secure the locking element against leaving the locked position in particular by covering the locking element so that it is not accessible from the outside and / or by blocking a path along which the locking element would have to be moved in order to leave the locked position.

[0066] When the lock is open, however, the locking element can be released from the counterpart, thus leaving the locked position. If the locking element also functions as the aforementioned fastening means, releasing the locking element can simultaneously detach the two parts of the counterpart from each other and thus disassemble the counterpart, which, depending on the design, may be necessary to change the position of the counterpart on the locking strand.

[0067] The invention is explained further below by way of example only with reference to the figures.

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a lock according to the invention in the locked state. Fig. 2 shows a section of the lock shown in Fig. 1 in the open state.

[0069] Fig. 3 shows the section of the lock shown in Fig. 1 in the open state in a partially sectioned view.

[0070] Fig. 4 shows the section of the lock shown in Fig. 1 in the locked state in a partially sectioned view with a schematically shown additional modification.

[0071] Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a lock according to the invention.

[0072] In Figs. 1 to 4, an exemplary first embodiment of a lock 11 according to the invention is shown in a partially simplified representation. Fig. 1 shows the entire lock 11 in a closed state of the lock 11, in which a lock body 13 and a counterpart 15 of the lock 11 are coupled to one another via their coupling sections 17, 19.

[0073] The lock 11 serves to secure a movable object to a fixed structure and further comprises a flexible locking strand 21 extending from a first end 23 to a second end 25. The locking strand 21 is designed as a round-link chain comprising a plurality of chain links 27 (not all of which are provided with a reference numeral for the sake of clarity). Furthermore, the locking strand 21 is encased in a textile sheath 29, which is represented by a dashed line in Fig. 1 and is not shown in the other figures.

[0074] The lock body 13 is permanently connected to the locking strand 21 at the first end 23 and comprises a locking device 31, which is designed as a locking cylinder, and a bolt 33, which is most clearly visible in Figs. 3 and 4. (Due to the great similarity between Figs. 3 and 4, but the limited space in Fig. 4, some reference numerals have been omitted in Fig. 4, which can be directly deduced from a direct comparison with Fig. 3.)

[0075] The counterpart 15 comprises a bearing section 35 formed integrally with the coupling section 19 (cf. Figs. 3 and 4), which is at least substantially cylindrical in shape. As a result, the bearing section 35 has a through-channel 37 through which the locking strand 21 extends. Due to this arrangement, the counterpart 15 is movably mounted on the locking strand 21 along the extent of the locking strand 21 between the first end 23 and the second end 25, so that it is held on the locking strand 21 and can be arranged in various positions on the locking strand 21 along said extent of the locking strand 21. The position of the counterpart 15 on the locking strand 21 is therefore not fixed, but the counterpart 15 can basically be freely displaced along the locking strand 21.However, the counterpart 15 cannot be released from the locking strand 21 because the lock body 13 at the first end 23 and an end portion 38 at the second end 23 of the locking strand 21 are each too large to pass through the passage channel 37.

[0076] The coupling section 17 of the lock body 13 comprises a coupling receptacle 39, while the coupling section 19 of the counterpart 15 comprises a coupling projection 41. The coupling receptacle 39 has an insertion opening 43 and a side opening 45 oriented perpendicularly thereto, which merge into one another. The coupling projection 41 and the coupling receptacle 39 are designed such that the coupling projection 41 can be inserted in an insertion direction E through the insertion opening 43 into the coupling receptacle 39 into the coupling position shown in Figs. 1 and 4. In the coupling position, the coupling projection 41 extends through the side opening 45. The coupling projection 41 has an at least substantially T-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction E. The coupling receptacle 39 is designed to be complementary to the insertion opening 43, at least in the area of ​​the insertion opening.Due to this design, the coupling projection 41, in the coupling position, engages behind each of two opposite edge portions 49 of the side opening 45 of the coupling receptacle 39 with two wing portions 47 projecting opposite one another transversely to the insertion direction E. The coupling portion 17 of the lock body 13 and the coupling portion 19 of the counterpart 15 are thus designed in the manner of a T-slot guide. Furthermore, the coupling projection 41 has a front portion 51 projecting in the insertion direction E, with which it engages behind another edge portion 53 of the side opening 45 of the coupling receptacle 39 in the coupling position.

[0077] When the coupling projection 41 is in the coupling position, the lock body 13 and the counterpart 15 are coupled to each other via their coupling sections 17, 19. The lock 11 is then in a closed state, which is shown in Figs. 1 and 4. When the lock body 13 and the counterpart 15 are released from each other, the lock 11 is in an open state, which is shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0078] Due to the described design of the coupling sections 17, 19, the lock body 13 and the counterpart 15, when coupled together and also when released from each other again, can be displaced relative to each other exclusively along the insertion direction E. The relative movement of the lock body 13 and the counterpart 15 therefore has only a single degree of freedom. For this reason, it is advantageously sufficient to block this one degree of freedom to prevent the counterpart 15 from being released from the lock body 13 and to thus place the lock 11 in a locked state. The bolt 33 is provided for this purpose.

[0079] The bolt 33 is pretensioned into the securing position shown in Figs. 2 to 4. In this securing position, the bolt 33 projects into the coupling receptacle 39 and can thus, in the closed state of the lock (i.e., when the coupling projection 41 is in its coupling position), engage through the coupling receptacle 39 into an engagement recess 55 formed on the coupling projection 41 (see Fig. 4), thereby blocking the aforementioned degree of freedom, so that the coupling projection 41 cannot leave the coupling position.

[0080] To open the lock 11, the bolt 33 can be moved from the locking position to a release position by actuating the locking device 31, which, upon actuation, applies a driver (not visible in the figures) to the bolt 33. In this release position, the bolt 33 no longer projects into the coupling receptacle 39, so that the aforementioned degree of freedom is no longer blocked and the coupling projection 41 can be removed from the coupling receptacle 39 opposite to the insertion direction E. The lock 11 is then unlocked, so that the lock body 13 and the counterpart 15 can be separated from one another.

[0081] In the closed state of the lock 11, a contact surface 57 of the lock body 13 and a contact surface 59 of the counterpart 15 abut one another. The two contact surfaces 57, 59 lie in a boundary plane G, along which the lock body 13 and the counterpart 15 adjoin one another (see Fig. 1). The coupling receptacle 39 extends from the contact surface 57, in which the side opening 45 is formed, into the lock body 13 (see in particular Fig. 2); the coupling projection 41 protrudes perpendicularly from the contact surface 59. Starting from its first end 23, the locking strand 21 initially extends into the through-channel 37 of the counterpart 15. The lock body 13 and the counterpart 15 are designed such that the two ends of this section of the locking strand 21, namely the first end 23 and an end 61 of the section opposite the first end 23, converge at an acute angle to one another.Overall, this section of the locking strand 21, when the lock 11 is closed and possibly locked, forms a closed loop together with the lock body 13 and the counterpart 15, which are then coupled to one another (see Fig. 1). This loop can be used to fasten the lock 11 to the movable object or the fixed structure. Due to the mobility of the counterpart 15 on the locking strand 21, the length of said section is variable, so that the loop can be tightened tightly around the movable object or the fixed structure.

[0082] The remaining part of the locking strand 21 extends from the counterpart 15 to its second end 25, at which the lock 11 can be connected to the movable object or the fixed structure (namely the one to which the lock 11 is not already connected at its first end 23). For this purpose, the locking strand 21 can have a connecting section 63 at its second end 25, which in the embodiment shown is designed as an eyelet and is identical to the end section 38 mentioned above. The diameter of the eyelet is large enough that the lock body 13, the locking strand 21 and the counterpart 15 movably mounted thereon can be threaded through the eyelet. In this way, a further loop can be formed at the second end 25 of the locking strand 21 (cf. Fig. 1), which can be used to attach the lock 11 to the movable object or to the fixed structure.This loop can also be tightened tightly around the movable object or the fixed structure (due to the mobility of the eyelet along the locking strand 21 running through it).

[0083] The remaining section of the locking strand 21, which is part of neither loop, connects the two loops to one another and thus serves to bridge the distance between the movable object and the fixed structure. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, which is intended to provide an overview of the basic structure of an exemplary lock 11 according to the invention, this section is comparatively short. However, the lock 11 can also comprise a longer locking strand 21. Since a single strand is sufficient to bridge the distance between the loop attached to the movable object and the loop attached to the fixed structure, the lock 11 according to the invention can nevertheless be short compared to a lock that encloses the movable object and the fixed structure by means of a single loop connecting both.

[0084] To minimize the risk of leaving any space between a respective loop and the movable object or fixed structure for the insertion of a prying tool, it is advantageous if at least one of the loops can be fixed in length. For this purpose, the lock body 13 or the counterpart 15 can have a locking element 65 which, in the locked state of the lock 11, interacts with the locking strand 21 in such a way that it restricts the mobility of the counterpart 15 along the extension of the locking strand 21, in particular fixing it to a fixed position.

[0085] Fig. 4 shows such a locking element 65, provided in this example on the lock body 13, so that the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is modified compared to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The locking element 65 is shown only schematically and without any necessary adaptations to the lock body 13 and the counterpart 15, which would have to have suitable passages or guides for a movable mounting of the locking element 65 through which the locking element 65 can extend.

[0086] In Fig. 4, the locking element 65 is in a locking position in which it reduces the cross-section of the through-channel 37 and acts upon the locking strand 21 within the through-channel 37. Specifically, it acts upon a single one of the chain links 27, which is thereby automatically aligned such that it is acted upon substantially perpendicular to the plane in which it lies. The two adjacent chain links 27, which necessarily lie in planes substantially perpendicular to the aforementioned plane, are then positively blocked by the locking element 65 against passing through the through-channel 37.

[0087] The locking element 65 is expediently coupled to the locking device 31, so that it can be moved from the shown locking position into a released position by actuating the locking device 31, in which position it no longer restricts the mobility of the counterpart 15 along the extension of the locking strand 21. As an alternative to the shown design of the locking element 65, the locking element 65 could also be designed, for example, as a pin or mandrel, which, in its locked position, penetrates a respective one of the chain links 27.

[0088] Fig. 5 shows a simplified representation of an exemplary second embodiment of a lock 11 according to the invention. The lock 11 of the second embodiment is very similar to the lock 11 of the first embodiment in its general structure, which is why the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding elements of the two locks 11 and why the following essentially only describes how the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment. A key difference is that the counterpart 15 in the second embodiment is assembled from a first part 67 and a second part 69, which are formed separately from one another.To connect the first part 67 and the second part 69 to each other to form the counterpart 15, a fastening means 71 in the form of a screw is provided, which extends through the first part 67 and, when the counterpart 15 is assembled, is screwed into the second part 69 of the counterpart 15. For this purpose, the first part 67 and the second part 69 of the counterpart 15 have corresponding bores, of which at least the bore provided on the second part 69 is designed as a threaded bore.

[0089] The first part 67 of the counterpart 15 comprises a first part of the bearing section 35 and the coupling section 19 of the counterpart 15. The second part 69 of the counterpart 15 comprises a second, namely the remaining, part of the bearing section 35. The separation between the first part and the second part of the bearing section 35 runs along the through-channel 37. On the one hand, the fastening means 71 for connecting the two parts 67, 69 to one another extends through the through-channel 37; on the other hand, the through-channel 37 is thereby divided along its course if, as shown in Fig. 5, the two parts 67, 69 of the counterpart 15 are not connected to one another by the fastening means 71.

[0090] The counterpart 15 can thus be detached from the locking strand 21 by loosening the fastening means 71 and, conversely, can be fastened to the locking strand 21 by connecting the two parts 67, 69 of the counterpart 15 to one another by means of the fastening means 71. The counterpart 15 can be positioned along the extension of the locking strand 21 between its first end 23 and its second end 25 on the locking strand 21, i.e., it can be arranged in various selectable positions on the locking strand 21. In the respective selected position, in which it is arranged on the locking strand 21 and held to one another as a result of the connection of the two parts 67, 69 of the counterpart 15 to one another by means of the fastening means 71, it is then (at least substantially) immovably fixed.Because the fastening means 71 extends through the through-channel 37 when the counterpart 15 is assembled, it inevitably also penetrates the respective chain link 27 of the locking strand 21 located in the through-channel 37, so that the mobility of the counterpart 15 along the locking strand 21 is limited to the play that remains for the fastening means 71 within the respective chain link 27. The counterpart 15 is immovably fixed to the respective selected position on the locking strand 21 in that in order to reposition the counterpart 15, the counterpart 15 would first have to be disassembled by loosening the fastening means 71.

[0091] Since the fastening means 71 restricts the mobility of the counterpart 15 along the extension of the locking strand 21 (and even fixes it immovably to a selected position on the locking strand), the fastening means 71 thus simultaneously represents a locking element 65 in the sense described above. The position of the fastening element 71, in which it fastens the two parts 67, 69 of the counterpart 15 to one another, corresponds to the locking position of the locking element 65.

[0092] If the locking strand 21 has a textile sheath 29 (not shown in Fig. 5; cf. Fig. 1 ), it can be provided that the fastening means 71 extends through this textile sheath 29 into the locking strand 21 and on the opposite side of the locking strand 21, in turn through the textile sheath 29 and out of the locking strand 21. To facilitate this, sleeves 73 can be provided at at least some positions suitable (and thus selectable) for the arrangement of the counterpart 15 on the locking strand 21, each extending from one side of the textile sheath 29 through a respective chain link 27 to the opposite side of the textile sheath 29 and thereby providing a free passage for the fastening means 71. Three such sleeves 73 are indicated in dashed lines in Fig. 5.In this case, in particular depending on the length of the locking strand 21, a sleeve 73 can be provided at even more selectable positions along the extension of the locking strand 21.

[0093] Alternatively or in addition to sleeves 73 provided on the locking strand 21, a similar sleeve can also be provided on the first part 67 or the second part 69 of the counterpart 15, preferably formed integrally with the respective part 67 or 69. Such a sleeve (not shown in Fig. 5) can help to pierce the locking strand 21 (and optionally its textile sheath 29) to, so to speak, pave the way for the fastening means 71. Furthermore, it can serve to protect the fastening means 71 against damage, for example, from the respective chain link 27.

[0094] Conveniently, the fastening means 71, which also functions as a locking element 65, is covered by the lock body 13 when the coupling section 17 of the lock body 13 and the coupling section 19 of the counterpart 15 are coupled together, so that it is inaccessible. Consequently, the fastening means 71 / locking element 65 is secured in the closed state, and even more so in the locked state of the lock 11 in its locking position, by the lock body 13 against leaving the locking position. However, if the lock 11 is opened and the lock body 13 is thus released from the counterpart 15, the fastening means 71 / locking element 65 is accessible again and can be released at least from the second part 69 of the counterpart 15, preferably also from the first part 67 of the counterpart 15, in order to reposition the counterpart 15 on the locking strand 21 as required. Reference symbol

[0095] 11 Castle

[0096] 13 Lock body

[0097] 15 counterpart

[0098] 17 Coupling section of the lock body

[0099] 19 Coupling section of the counterpart

[0100] 21 locking strand

[0101] 23 first end of the locking strand

[0102] 25 second end of the locking strand

[0103] 27 chain links

[0104] 29 Textile covering

[0105] 31 Locking device

[0106] 33 bars

[0107] 35 storage section

[0108] 37 Through channel

[0109] 38 final section

[0110] 39 Coupling recording

[0111] 41 Coupling projection

[0112] 43 Insertion opening

[0113] 45 side opening

[0114] 47 wing section

[0115] 49 marginal section

[0116] 51 front section

[0117] 53 further edge section

[0118] 55 engagement recess

[0119] 57 Contact surface of the lock body

[0120] 59 Contact surface of the counterpart

[0121] 61 opposite end of a section of the locking strand

[0122] 63 Connecting section 65 Locking element

[0123] 67 first part of the counterpart

[0124] 69 second part of the counterpart

[0125] 71 Fasteners 73 Sleeve

[0126] E Insertion direction

Claims

Claims 1. A lock (11) for securing a movable object, in particular a two-wheeler, to a fixed structure, comprising: a flexible locking strand (21) extending from a first end (23) to a second end (25); a lock body (13) permanently connected to the locking strand (21) at the first end (23) of the locking strand (21) and having a locking device (31), a bolt (33), and a coupling portion (17); and a counterpart (15) having a coupling portion (19) designed to be coupled to the coupling portion (17) of the lock body (13) for closing the lock (11);wherein, in a locked state of the lock (11), the lock body (13) and the counterpart (15) are coupled to one another via their coupling sections (17, 19), and the bolt (33) is in a securing position in which it secures the counterpart (15) against detachment from the lock body (13), wherein the bolt (33) is adjustable by actuating the locking device (31) from the securing position into a release position in which it releases the counterpart (15) for detachment from the lock body (13), and wherein the counterpart (15) is mounted movably on the locking strand (21) along at least part of the extension of the locking strand (21) between the first end (23) and the second end (25) and / or is immovably mounted on the locking strand (21) in a selectable position in an open state of the lock (11). can be determined.; 2. Lock according to claim 1, wherein the counterpart (15) has a first part (67) and a second part (69) which are assembled to the counterpart (15) by means of at least one fastening means (71) in such a way that the counterpart (15) is immovably fixed in a selected position on the locking strand (21), wherein the counterpart (15) can be disassembled by releasing the fastening means (71), and wherein the fastening means (71) is secured against loosening when the lock (11) is in the closed state, in particular by being inaccessible when the lock (11) is in the closed state.

3. Lock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the counterpart (15) has a preferably annular or sleeve-shaped bearing portion (35) with a through-channel (37) through which the locking strand (21) extends.

4. Lock according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the first part (67) of the counterpart (15) comprises a first part of the bearing section (35) and the coupling section (19) of the counterpart (15) and the second part (69) of the counterpart (15) comprises a second part of the bearing section (35) of the counterpart (15), so that when the counterpart (15) is disassembled, the through-channel (37) is divided along its course.

5. Lock according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the lock body (13) is too large to pass through the through channel (37).

6. Lock according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein an end portion (38) provided at the second end (25) of the locking strand (21) is too large to pass through the through channel (37).

7. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking strand (21) has at its second end (25) a connecting portion (63) which is designed as an eyelet through which the lock body (13) and a part of the locking strand (21) comprising the first end (23) can be threaded to form a closed loop.

8. Lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking strand (21) has at its second end (25) a connecting portion which is designed as a clamp in order to be secured in a clamp receptacle of the movable object or the fixed structure.

9. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the counterpart (15) has a longitudinal shape which is aligned at least substantially parallel to the course of the locking strand (21) in the region of the respective position of the counterpart (15) on the locking strand (21).

10. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling section (17) of the lock body (13) and the coupling section (19) of the counterpart (15) are designed in the manner of a dovetail guide or in the manner of a T-slot guide. 1 1. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock body (13) and the counterpart (15) adjoin each other along a boundary plane (G) when the lock body (13) and the counterpart (15) are coupled to each other via their coupling sections (17, 19), wherein one of the coupling sections (17, 19) comprises a coupling projection (41) which projects perpendicularly to the boundary plane (G), wherein the other coupling section (17 or 19) comprises a coupling receptacle (39) with an insertion opening (43) perpendicular to the boundary plane (G) and a side opening (45) which is parallel to the boundary plane (G) and merges into the insertion opening (43), and wherein the coupling projection (41) can be inserted in an insertion direction (E) parallel to the boundary plane (G) through the insertion opening (43) into the coupling receptacle (39) into a coupling position in which it extends through the side opening (45) and engages behind a respective one of two opposite edge sections (49) of the side opening (45) with two wing sections (47) which project opposite one another transversely to the insertion direction (E).

12. Lock according to claim 11, wherein the coupling projection (41) in the coupling position further engages behind a further edge portion (53) of the side opening (45) with a front portion (51) projecting in the insertion direction (E).

13. Lock according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the bolt (33) in the locked state of the lock (11) engages through the coupling receptacle (39) into an engagement recess (55) formed on the coupling projection (41) or through the coupling projection (41) into an engagement recess (55) formed on the coupling receptacle (39) in such a way that it blocks the coupling projection (41) in the coupling position against leaving the coupling receptacle (39).

14. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed state of the lock (11) the first end (23) of the locking strand (21) and an end (61) of a section of the locking strand (21) opposite the first end (23), which connects the lock body (13) to the counterpart (15), are aligned at an acute angle to one another.

15. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock body (13) or the counterpart (15) has a blocking element (65) which, in the locked state of the lock (11), assumes a blocking position in which it cooperates with the locking strand (21) in such a way that it restricts the counterpart (15) in its mobility along the extent of the locking strand (21) and / or fixes it immovably in a selected position on the locking strand (21).

16. Lock according to claim 15, wherein the locking element (65) in the locked state of the lock (11) acts on the locking strand (21) and / or engages in the locking strand (21).

17. Lock according to claim 3 and according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the locking element (65) reduces a cross-section of the through-channel (37) in the locked state of the lock (11).

18. Lock according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the locking element (65) is arranged on the counterpart (15) in the locking position and is secured against leaving the locking position by the lock body (13) in the locked state of the lock (11), but can be released from the counterpart (15) when the lock body (13) is released from the counterpart (15).

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