EP2921619A1 - Lock for securing mobile articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock for securing mobile objects, in particular bicycle lock, comprising a lock element (1) and a flexible strand element (2), wherein two ends (2a, 2b) of the lock by the lock element (1) are connected to each other, wherein the lock element (1) and the strand element (2) are designed as structurally separate, interconnectable elements, wherein the strand element (2) at each of its ends (2a, 2b) each have a closure element (6) and the lock element (1) has two separate connection regions (9), in which a respective closure element (6) can be verkuppelbar with the lock element (1).

Description

The invention relates to a lock for securing mobile objects. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a lock for securing bicycles. Such a lock may include in conventional generic training a lock element and a flexible strand element, wherein two ends of the lock by the lock element are connected to each other.

Locks of this type are known in the art in various designs and are based on the operative principle that a flexible strand element of the lock through openings or passages of a secured mobile object, such. of a bicycle, possibly even through or around immovable objects (e.g., fence, street lamp, etc.), so that the mobile object can not easily be stolen.

The previous solutions provide that the lock forms a structural unit, so the flexible strand element and the lock element at one end firmly connected to each other and are releasably connectable at the other end.

It is already a first problem that the end to which the lock element and strand element are firmly connected to each other, usually very large construction fails, so that a user is then forced to hindurchzufädeln the smaller free end of the strand element through openings or recesses on the object and attributed to the lock element, which is expensive in some cases.

It is also another problem that such a known lock has a non-changeable length, whereas users often need different lengths for different applications and then have to buy several locks.

Typical locksmiths of this type normally only provide a through-cut protection, i. the strand element is particularly inhibiting in order to prevent severing e.g. to withstand a bolt cutter. Other types of locks additionally provide an alarm function by sirens, e.g. when the lock is moved.

In all the different types of locks, the user must decide which lock he acquires, or must in doubt buy several different types of locks.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a lock that has a high universality and in particular can be adapted or extended at the request of a user in its functionalities or other designs.

This object is achieved in that the lock element and the strand element are designed as structurally separate, interconnectable elements, wherein the strand element at each of its two ends each having a closure element and the lock element has two separate connection areas in which a respective closure element with the lock element is verkuppelbar. In such a lock, the closure elements may preferably be identical to one another and also the connection regions may be identical to one another.

Such a lock has the advantage that one and the same lock element can be used with several different strand elements, each with identical closure elements. Thus, there is only a need for a user to purchase a single lock element and then optionally combine it with several different strand elements.

For example, it may provide an embodiment here that with the lock element different, differing in length and / or security functionality strand elements are connected. A lock element may e.g. form a set with several strand elements. It is therefore also possible to offer in shops next to a lock element several different strand elements, from which the buyer can choose each.

An embodiment may e.g. Provide that the strand elements are offered in different lengths, which eliminates the aforementioned disadvantage, so the user, for. for a bulky item, use a longer string item than for a less bulky item. The user can in each case use the same lock element.

Among cyclists, it is still very common to wear a lock like a belt around the waist, when the lock is not used and the user carries the lock with his bike. For such applications, the invention may even provide, in a set of lock element and a plurality of strand elements, to arrange and / or offer these several different strand elements according to hip circumferences, in particular according to typical belt widths. From such a set offered a user can choose the right size for him from lock element and strand element, so that in this way the transport of the castle is more comfortable overall.

An embodiment may provide, in particular for making the lock more comfortable, as in a belt, that the separate connection areas of the lock element are spaced in a longitudinal direction, in particular each centered on a central axis, preferably centered on a center axis of the lock element.

This ensures that the respective strand ends engage with sides of the lap element that are less than 180 degrees in this direction. Thus, a closed lock forms a ring in a plane, in particular like a belt.

The lock element may have a symmetry about said central axis with respect to its basic shape. This may be a rotational symmetry or in preferred embodiments a 180-degree symmetry, which means that the lock element is converted into itself with a rotation of exactly 180 degrees about the longitudinal center axis with respect to its basic shape.

Especially in this but also in other embodiments, it is advantageous if the lock element has a thickness perpendicular to the longitudinal extent, which is smaller than the width or height considered perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction. As a result, the lock element is replaced by the basic shape of a flat band section, which is particularly comfortable when worn in the manner of a belt.

In this case, the lock element may be formed as a linearly elongated body having a maximum extent in the longitudinal direction, wherein the plane front and rear surfaces, which are spaced by the thickness and parallel to each other and the surface normal to the longitudinal direction, rounded merge into each other.

The possibility of combining a lock element with several different strand elements not only opens up the possibility to choose different lengths for the strand elements, but also to give the castle altogether different or complementary functionalities by choosing different strand elements.

Thus, there is already the possibility to offer the customer different levels of security through various materials used in the strand element, whereby usually the amount of security is reflected in the purchase price. This allows the customer to select a suitable string element according to their budget. For example, strand element can be designed as a steel cable, for example with a further sleeve around it. Such string members will typically be cheap.

Another embodiment may provide that a strand of synthetic fiber, e.g. a para-aramid is formed, as it is known under the brand name "Kevlar". Such a high-tech fiber is usually expensive, but offers the advantage of a lower weight based on the achievable security level. A strand element of such a fiber may additionally be sheathed and optionally comprise further functional elements, e.g. metallic conductors.

The invention may provide in one embodiment that at least two different, selectable safety functions are integrated into a lock element, wherein in a flexible strand element at least one safety arrangement is provided, which is verifiable in its function by at least one of the safety functions of the lock element. Safety features integrated in the lock can e.g. be realized by an electronic system or by a software electronics in the lock element. Such electronics or software can then be used to check a safety arrangement of a strand element, e.g. with regard to proper functioning, integrity or other criteria or parameters.

For example, a strand element may comprise at least one electrical conductor, which is guided over the entire length of the strand element and makes electrical contact with the element at both ends. The flow of a test current generated by the lock element can e.g. are evaluated to determine if the strand has been severed. Here, the at least one electrical conductor forms the safety arrangement in the strand element, wherein the safety functionality is formed by the electronics in the lock element, which generates the test current and evaluates the flow or non-flow thereof and, if necessary, signals.

Another safety arrangement in the strand element can be formed, for example, by at least one vibration or position sensor whose measurement signal is evaluated by a safety functionality formed in the lock element by electronics. For this purpose, the at least one sensor is electrically connected to the Lock element connected when the lock is closed. Thus, if necessary, a movement of the lock or the secured object can already be signaled with the lock.

Yet another safety arrangement may e.g. be formed by at least one temperature sensor, which is arranged in the strand element, in particular near one or preferably near both ends. The measured temperature or a dependent resistance value can in turn be evaluated by electronics and / or software in the lock element. For example, can be determined so whether the attempt is made to embrittle the castle by icing and to blow by blows.

In addition to the specifically mentioned here, safety functionalities form any other functionalities can be realized, each provided to provide an electrically or data-interrogated safety arrangement in the strand element, which provides this desired functionality and provide electronics or software in the lock element, which the electrical or data retrieval of this security arrangement allows and the deviation from a target if necessary. Signaled, what acoustically and / or optically and / or by communication to a communication device, eg Mobile phone can be done.

The respective possible functionalities do not necessarily have to be safety-relevant; it is also conceivable to realize comfort functions or any other functions in this way in the exchangeable strand element and to have it evaluated by the lock element.

In the aforementioned embodiments, it may be provided for each possible functionality, in particular safety functionality, each to equip its own separate strand element with this one functionality. However, it can also be provided to realize a plurality of possible functionalities, in particular safety functionalities, simultaneously in one strand element. In each of these cases, however, a user can decide which one He wishes functionalities for his individual lock and buy one or more corresponding strand elements for the lock element.

The selectability of at least one of the safety functions in the lock element can be given in various ways.

One possibility may provide that data information is transmitted automatically by a communication between the lock element and the strand element, in particular from the strand element to the lock element, when these are connected to one another, in particular the lock is closed.

In this case, therefore, the strand element used shares with the lock element its possible one or more possible functions, and the lock element is parameterised on the basis of the data obtained, so that the steps necessary for testing the functionality, e.g. be executed in software or electronics. In this case, there is thus a fully automatic selection of the possible functions. The data transmission may take place between the strand element and the lock element, e.g. wired, but also wireless, e.g. by RFID technology or generally by near field communication.

Another embodiment may provide that a data information by means of a lock element and the strand element separate communication device, for example by a mobile phone by wireless telecommunications to the lock element is transferable. In this case, a user can, for example, in a so-called APP or otherwise in a software of his communication device to make the desired parameters suitable for strand element and transmit the necessary data to the lock element by communication, eg by mobile. So it is also possible to deselect certain security features, although the strand element offers them. An example would be the alarm in a glacial attempt, which is detected by Temepratursensoren. In winter at low temperatures, the castle could be suggested by the low ambient temperatures such a glacial attempt, although objectively none exists. This function could therefore be deselected eg in the winter in the lock element, whereas other functions remain activated.

A further possibility can provide that an electrical measured quantity, which is determined by a strand element, can be interrogated by measurement with a sensor in the lock element from a strand element. Here, the at least one functionality of the strand element may be coded in the measurand, e.g. in a resistance value, so that the lock element is parameterized as a function of the measured variable.

Another possibility can provide that a lock element basically queries all possible functionalities via one or more interfaces between lock element and strand element and evaluates all valid data. Thus, it may be that, from a specific interface of a specific functionality, no valid, i. come valid data, what the lock element recognizes that the connected strand element does not support the queried function, so that it is then not evaluated. In such a case, no parameterization is required and the lock element always evaluates all functions provided by a connected line element.

The above-described possibilities can also be combined with one another, in particular the latter with the option of deactivating individual or even all of them from the set of all monitorable functionalities. This can e.g. be done by software on a mobile phone that communicates with the lock element for this purpose.

In a preferred embodiment, in particular in combination with one or more of the previously described embodiments, the lock element may comprise a communication module for wireless communication between the lock element and a separate communication device, in particular a mobile telephone. For example, alarm conditions can be signaled, even if the Far away from the secured counterpart. Also, a parameterization or the query of status data from the lock or the lock element can be done remotely.

The invention provides in particular to unlock the lock element by communication between the communication device and Schloßelemenmt, if necessary. To lock, with an embodiment can provide that a lock is always automatic when one end of the strand element or its locking element is inserted into the lock element ,

A development may provide here that at least part of the antenna technology cooperating with the communication module is integrated in the line element. Thus, manipulation attempts are thwarted based on shielding the communication of the lock element to the owner of the secured object, e.g. by wrapping the lock element with aluminum foil.

A preferred development can provide here that a strand element has a plurality of parallel operating antenna elements, in particular distributed over the length of the strand element, in particular those arranged in / on a casing of the strand element. Thus, a wrapping of the strand element with aluminum foil does not lead to a sufficient shielding if not the entire strand element is wrapped, since always a part of the several antenna elements can perform its transmission function without shielding.

In order to prevent shielding attempts, it may also be provided that an electronic device of the lock element is set up to report a transmission and / or reception shielding. For example, the communication module can check the transmission and / or reception field strength over time, in particular starting with a comparison value that is detected at the time the lock is closed. If the transmission and / or reception field strength changes significantly over time, eg beyond an admissible change value, the communication module can signal this, in particular by means of communication to the communication device of the user, in particular before the connection breaks off by shielding.

A further development can also provide that the lock has an energy converter in addition to an energy store, in particular a battery or a rechargeable battery. If, for example, the internal energy store is exhausted and the lock is closed, usually a closing operation, in particular unlocking, can no longer be carried out.

The energy converter now makes it possible to supply energy from the outside in such a case. The energy converter may e.g. based on induction, i. To implement an irradiated electromagnetic wave or an external magnetic field in voltage / current in the lock element and to obtain enough energy for a Unlocking process.

It can also be provided to convert a mechanical movement into electrical energy with the converter, in particular wherein the energy converter comprises a piezoelectric element. By applying force to the piezoelectric element, charge separation may occur, so that sufficient energy is available for an unlocking process. For example, the lock element can have an actuatable handle with which such a piezoelement can be actuated.

• Figur 1 zeigt die Darstellung eines geschlossenen Schlosses. Das Schloss umfasst ein Schloßelement 1 und ein Strangelement 2, dass mit seinen beiden freien Ende 2a und 2b mit dem Schloßelement 1 verbunden ist. Es ist hier vorgesehen, dass das Schloßelement 1 ein Kommunikationsmoduls aufweist, z.B. mit einer SIM-Karte, um nach einem Mobilfunkstandard mit einem Telekommunikationsgerät, z.B. einem Mobiltelefon 3 zu kommunizieren.

An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail in the following figures:

• FIG. 1 shows the representation of a closed lock. The lock comprises a lock element 1 and a strand element 2, which is connected with its two free ends 2a and 2b with the lock element 1. It is provided here that the lock element 1 has a communication module, eg with a SIM card, in order to communicate according to a mobile radio standard with a telecommunication device, eg a mobile telephone 3.

According to the general idea of the invention and regardless of this specific embodiment, a lock according to the invention thus does not have any closing means manually accessible from outside on the lock element. An opening of the lock is made by communicating with the communication device 3 an opening message, e.g. is sent as an SMS to the lock element 2 and this responds by receiving this message by unlocking.

Since it may happen that SMS messages are delivered delayed by a mobile service provider, the invention may also provide regardless of the embodiment shown here quite generally that a lock element or its communication unit also by telephony, e.g. can be called from the mobile phone and enters into a voice dialogue with the user of the mobile phone, so that also in the context of the voice dialogue can be unlocked.

The invention can provide that a lock can also be done by communication in the same two ways mentioned above, or that a lock automatically occurs whenever the strand element is connected with both ends with the lock element. In this case, according to the invention, in a connection of only a first of both ends, at first only a connection which can be released again without communication, that is, a connection can be produced. the first end can be withdrawn from the lock element until the second end is connected to the lock element. Here after, the lock is locked and can only be unlocked by communicating with a communication device.

For example, by a software application on a mobile phone so the opening / unlocking and, if necessary, the closing can be effected.

The FIG. 1 shows further that the strand element 2 may have a smaller cross-section than the lock element 1 and extends in the region of the ends 2a / 2b on the cross-sectional size and shape of the lock element 1.

The strand member 2 may be formed as described in the general part, e.g. as a steel cable, several adjacent jet cables or as a sliver, e.g. from a para-aramid. Each of these embodiments may also have a jacket, e.g. also a wire mesh or plastic hose or the like.

According to the invention, but not shown here, the strand element 2 used in each case has the at least one safety arrangement which, together with electronics or software in the lock element, forms the safety function of the lock, e.g. a safety arrangement to detect severing (e.g., an electrical conductor), detect icing (e.g., a temperature sensor), or detect motion (e.g., a vibration or attitude sensor) or the like. Thus, the benefit can be determined by the optional use of different strand elements and, if necessary, the internal configuration of the lock element its functions.

The FIG. 2 shows the possibility to wear the lock of the invention as a belt when, for example, a bicycle 3 is in use. Here, the advantage is that the user 5 can select a strand element 2 among a set of possible different lengths and thus, for example, selects one that corresponds to the hip circumference together with the lock element 1. This allows a comfortable carrying.

FIG. 3 shows a view of a free end 2a of the strand element 2 and the corresponding counterpart of the lock element 1, so the unlocked state of the castle. It can be seen that the lock element is a flat-band-like body with a longitudinal extension in the direction of extension of the strand element and a respective flat / flat front and back, which merge rounded into one another at the edge. Here, the 2-fold rounding radius can form the thickness of the lock element.

The free end 2a of the strand element 2, as well as the other end 2b, not shown, a locking element 6, which in the outer cross-section of the Cross-sectional shape of the lock element 1 (viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal extent) substantially to a large scale and a central constriction or material dilution 7 simulates. The locking element has at a distance from the front end a perpendicular to the extension direction of the strand element 2 extending groove or notch into which a groove corresponding to the locking element in the lock element can engage when the lock is locked. Such a locking element can be formed for example by one or more ball, are movable perpendicular to the groove bottom or in the movement can be blocked, which is triggered by the communication described above.

The opening 9 in the lateral end face of the lock element 1 corresponds to the cross section of the locking element and, like this, has the basic shape of an 8.

The lock element 1 has around the opening 9 extending around a recess 10, e.g. as a groove, e.g. follows in the course of the surface of the lock element, so here does not imitate the constriction. On the side of the strand element 2, this has at the free end 2a and 2b, a same shape or the same course corresponding sealing lip 11 which engages in the inserted state of the strand end into the recess 10 and thus provides a water resistance or at least a spray water protection.

Claims (10)

Lock for securing mobile objects, in particular bicycle lock, comprising a lock element (1) and a flexible strand element (2), two ends (2a, 2b) of the lock being connectable to each other by the lock element (1), characterized in that the lock element ( 1) and the strand element (2) are designed as structurally separate elements which can be connected to each other, wherein the strand element (2) has a closure element (6) at each of its ends (2a, 2b) and the closure element (1) has two separate connection regions ( 9), in which a respective closure element (6) can be verkuppelbar with the lock element (1). Lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the separate connecting portions (9) are spaced in a longitudinal direction, in particular each lie on a central axis of the lock element (1), in particular around which the lock element (1) has a symmetry with respect to its basic shape, in particular one 180 degree symmetry. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock element (1) is formed as a linearly elongated body with a maximum extent in the longitudinal direction, wherein the plane front and rear surfaces whose surface normal to the longitudinal direction, rounded merge into each other. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the lock element (1) different, differing in length and / or security functionality strand elements (2) are connectable. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a lock element (1) at least two different, selectable safety functions are integrated, wherein in a flexible strand element (2) at least one safety arrangement is provided, the function of at least one of the safety functions of Lock element (1) is verifiable. Lock according to claim 5, characterized in that a selectability of at least one of the safety functions is given as a function of: a. A data information which is automatically transmitted by a communication between them in a connection between the lock element (1) and the strand element (2); b. a data information, which by means of a lock element (1) and the strand element (2) separate communication device (3) by wireless telecommunications to the lock element (1) is transferable. c. an electrical measured variable which is determined by a strand element (2) and which can be interrogated by a sensor in the lock element (1) from a strand element (2) by measurement. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock element (1) has a communication module for wireless communication between the lock element (1) and a separate communication device (3), in particular a mobile telephone, wherein at least a part of the antenna technology cooperating with the communication module is integrated in the strand element (2). Lock according to claim 7, characterized in that a strand element (2) has a plurality of parallel operating elements distributed in particular over the length of the strand element (2) Has antenna elements, in particular, which are arranged in / on a shell of the strand element (2). Lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electronics of the lock element (1) set up to report a transmitting and / or receiving shield. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to an energy storage, in particular a battery or a battery having an energy converter, in particular by means of the mechanical movement is convertible into electrical energy, in particular wherein the energy converter comprises a piezoelectric element.

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