EP3947868A1

EP3947868A1 - Mobile lock

Info

Publication number: EP3947868A1
Application number: EP20726328.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Erfindernennung liegt noch nicht vor Die
Original assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Soehne KG
Current assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Soehne KG
Priority date: 2019-05-17
Filing date: 2020-05-11
Publication date: 2022-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-11
Also published as: EP3947868B1; WO2020234019A1; US20220220774A1; EP3947868C0; DE102019113163A1; ZA202108671B

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile lock comprising a lock body and at least one securing part, in particular a U-bracket or block, which can be selectively locked to the lock body or released from the lock body. The lock body comprises at least one insertion opening for inserting the at least one securing part into the lock body, at least two sensors for detecting the securing part inserted into the lock body and for generating corresponding detection signals, an analysis and control circuit for ascertaining a current occupancy state of the lock body on the basis of the generated detection signals, wherein the analysis and control circuit is designed to assign different combinations of generated detection signals to different occupancy state of the lock body, and an electromechanical locking device which has at least one electrically drivable latch for locking the at least one securing part in the at least one insertion opening, said analysis and control circuit being designed to control the locking device.

Description

Mobile lock

The invention relates to a mobile lock with a lock body and at least one securing part, in particular a U-bracket or clamp, the at least one securing part optionally being lockable on the lock body or detachable from the lock body, and the lock body having at least one insertion opening for introducing the at least one securing part in the

Lock body and an electromechanical locking device which has at least one electrically drivable bolt for locking the at least one securing part in the at least one insertion opening.

Such a mobile lock can be designed, for example, as a U-bracket padlock, which has a rigid and essentially U-shaped bracket, the two legs of which can be inserted into a respective insertion opening and locked on the lock body. The legs of the bracket can have the same length, so that the bracket is inserted at the same depth into both insertion openings in the locked state, it also being possible for the legs to have different lengths. Such a design of the bail can make it possible that the long leg remains in an open position in the insertion opening assigned to it, while the short leg is released from the insertion opening so that the bracket can be pivoted about the long leg and is guided through an object to be secured can be.

Furthermore, the lock can be designed, for example, as a rope or chain lock, wherein the two ends of a rope or a chain can be attached to a Klo ben each, which is used as a securing part in an insertion opening of the Lock body can be introduced and locked therein. It is also possible to fix one end of the rope or the chain firmly to the lock body and only to provide a clamp that can be locked on the lock body at the other end. As a result, the cable can always be firmly connected to the lock, the cable end connected to the block being detachable from the lock body in the open position. It is also possible that one end of the rope or chain has a closed loop, by means of which a loop can be formed, and that a clamp that can be locked on the lock body is provided at the other end.

In order to make it possible to lock such a securing part on the lock body, the electromechanical locking device can comprise one or more electric motors to drive the at least one bolt. It is also possible to provide one or more electromagnets to drive the at least one bolt.

Such locks offer a variety of possible uses. For example, the locks can be used to secure cargo transported in containers or trucks, for which purpose a container door or a loading flap of a truck can be securely locked by the lock. To this end, different types of locks are conceivable, and the respective design of the lock can be adapted to the intended area of application.

In such mobile locks, the aim is fundamentally to achieve the greatest possible flexibility when using the lock, in particular with regard to the use of one or more of the various types of security parts mentioned above. It is an object of the invention to specify a mobile lock that is as flexible and comfortable as possible.

This object is achieved by a mobile lock with the features of claim 1 and in particular in that the lock body has at least two sensors for detecting the security part inserted into the lock body and for generating corresponding detection signals as well as an evaluation and control circuit for determining a current occupancy status of the Lock body includes depending on the generated detection signals, wherein the evaluation and control circuit is designed to assign different combinations of generated detection signals to different occupancy states of the lock body and to control the locking device.

The sensors provided on or in the lock body can transmit a respective signal to the evaluation and control circuit which represents the presence and / or the design of a securing part or a section of a securing part in the at least one insertion opening. The evaluation and control circuit can derive an occupancy status of the lock body from this. An occupancy state of the lock body is defined in particular by the type of the inserted securing part, its orientation and the depth of the introduction into the associated insertion opening or the associated insertion openings.

The orientation of the securing part can in particular relate to an arrangement of the securing part relative to the lock body in different Winkelstellun conditions, in particular in two angular positions different by 180 °. The orientation of the securing part can, for example, be distinguished by the insertion opening into which the long arm is inserted, designed as a U-bracket with legs of different lengths, which is introduced into two insertion openings for locking. By detaching the securing part from the lock body, that is to say can be completely removed, handling is facilitated in some applications, in particular with regard to reaching around an object to be secured by means of the securing part and the subsequent locking on the lock body. Furthermore, it increases the flexibility of the usability of the lock body, since it can also be used for several (identical or different) securing parts. In particular, it can be provided that the securing part can be released from the lock body in that the at least one bolt is electrically driven to move from a locking position into a release position.

Since the at least two sensors detect the safety part inserted into the lock body and send out a corresponding signal, different signals can be transmitted when the safety part is detected and when the safety part is not detected. With the arrangement of n sensors in the lock body, 2 ⁿ (2 to the power of n) combination options of detection signals are therefore generally possible, so that basically 2 ⁿ occupancy states of the lock body can be differentiated, in particular if these occupancy states are characterized by clear combinations of detection signals.

The information about the occupancy status of the lock body can be processed further and, if necessary, made available to the user in order to enable flexible and comfortable use of the lock. Since the evaluation and control circuit is designed to assign the detection signals under different occupancy states and to control the locking device, it is in particular also possible to take the information obtained directly into account when controlling the lock.

The sensors can be arranged at any point within the lock body, with an arrangement in the area of the insertion opening in particular. openings is possible in order to realize the detection of a safety part introduced into the insertion opening or an interaction with this in a particularly simple manner. The respective insertion opening of the lock body can in particular be designed as an elongated insertion channel.

In some embodiments, the lock body can have three or four sensors. In particular, the lock body can include two insertion openings, each of the insertion openings being assigned at least one sensor. This allows both insertion openings to be taken into account to determine the occupancy status and, in particular, detailed information to be gained when using a securing part which is inserted into both insertion openings for locking. However, it is also possible to arrange the three or four sensors on a single insertion opening, regardless of the number of insertion openings provided on the lock body.

In principle, the arrangement of three or four sensors further increases the number of possible combinations and thus distinguishable occupancy states, so that the additional information obtained can be used to expand the area of application of the lock and the flexibility of its use and control.

In some embodiments, two of the at least two sensors can be assigned to the same insertion opening of the lock body. If two sensors are provided on the lock body, they are accordingly arranged on or in the same insertion opening, while in a lock with three or four sensors, the sensors are distributed over different insertion openings.

Since two sensors are assigned to a common insertion opening, information about the depth of the insertion of the securing part into this insertion opening can be determined. For example, this can make it possible be able to recognize when a U-bracket with legs of different lengths, the long leg of the sen leads into the insertion opening with two associated sensors, is inserted with full length into the insertion opening. From such a complete introduction of the U-bracket it can be inferred, for example, that locking can or should take place. This, in turn, can be distinguished from when the long leg is only inserted so far that the short leg does not protrude into the insertion opening assigned to it and the lock is therefore in an open position. In this position it can be provided, for example, to pivot the U-bracket around the long leg held in the insertion opening in order to move the short leg on a circular path and to guide the U-bracket through an object to be secured.

By assigning two sensors to a common insertion opening, information about the design of the securing part can alternatively or additionally be determined, in particular about the shape, for example to encode different types of securing parts through different (detectable) designs in the area of the sensors.

It can be provided that the lock body has two insertion openings, at least one sensor being assigned to the one insertion opening and at least one sensor being assigned to the other insertion opening. This makes it possible to gain information about the occupancy status of the lock body with regard to both A guide openings. This can be used, for example, to detect a U-shaped securing part that is inserted into both insertion openings or, in the case of securing parts inserted into only one insertion opening, to detect the number of securing parts and, if applicable, their insertion depth.

In some embodiments, the respective sensor can be designed to at least switch between a detection state and a non-detection stand to be differentiated and accordingly to generate a positive or a negative detection signal. Such a requirement on the sensor allows a particularly simple design of the sensor and a simple evaluation of the signals, since only two types of signals are generated and processed and signal strengths that do not depend on the respective parameters have to be generated and evaluated. However, it is also possible to provide sensors which can deliver different signal strengths depending on the respective occupancy status and to evaluate them by means of the evaluation and control circuit. As a result, the number of possible combinations can in principle be increased with a fixed number of sensors, the complexity of the sensors and the evaluation and control circuit having to be adapted to these requirements.

In some embodiments, the respective sensor can have an electromechanical contact switch, a capacitive proximity switch, a magnetic switch, an optoelectronic interrupt switch or an optoelectronic proximity switch. The specific design of the sensor can be adapted to the respective requirements, in particular with regard to the area of application of the lock or the security parts to be detected, and is basically arbitrary. In particular, a sensor can be provided which enables a high level of durability and a simple possibility of detecting or interacting with the respective securing part.

It can be provided that a respective piece of information about a corresponding security part is stored in the evaluation and control circuit for the different occupancy states of the lock body. In such execution forms, the lock can include a non-volatile memory, which can be provided both as a structural component of the evaluation and control circuit or separately from it. By means of this memory, the evaluation and control circuit can, for example, refer to an assignment or look-up table (look-up table), so that information about a corresponding security part can be determined from the occupancy state of the lock body for ordered combinations of detection signals. As a result, it is in principle possible, please include several security parts that can be locked on the lock body, provide and make available to the user, whereby the full functionality of the lock adapted to the security part can be guaranteed through the detection of these security parts.

This information can be transmitted to the user, for example, or it can be evaluated whether a security part suitable for the lock and the desired application has been used. Possibly different actions, especially with regard to locking, may be necessary, sensible or possible for different security parts, so that the information about the security part corresponding to the occupancy state can be further processed and taken into account directly or in communication with the user when controlling the locking device.

In some embodiments, the evaluation and control circuit can be designed to evaluate a sequence of different combinations of generated detection signals or to assign different occupancy states of the lock body. In particular, the evaluation and control circuit can be designed to evaluate the various combinations of generated detection signals in the form of a respective sequence of various combinations. In other words, the evaluation and control circuit can be designed not only to evaluate a combination of generated detection signals, but rather to evaluate the presence of a specific plurality of combinations of detection signals, in particular in a specific order. By evaluating successive combinations of generated detection signals, a far-reaching determination of the respective occupancy status can be made even with a small number of sensors take place, for example, as regards the orientation or the insertion depth of the fuse protection part.

In some embodiments, the lock body can, as already mentioned, have at least two insertion openings, the at least one securing part being insertable into the at least two insertion openings in two different orientations, and in the evaluation and control circuit for the different occupancy states of the lock body a respective informa tion about the orientation of the at least one securing part is stored. For example, it can be recognized in which orientation a U-bracket with legs of different lengths is inserted into two insertion openings of the lock, i.e. in which of the two insertion openings the long leg and in which the short leg of the bracket is inserted. This offers a particular flexibility for the user, since the safety part can basically be inserted into the lock in any orientation and the functionality of the lock can be maintained regardless of the orientation by recognizing the orientation. The user therefore does not have to insert a locking part previously released or removed from the lock body into the lock in a certain orientation in order to be able to lock it, but can instead insert the locking part into the insertion openings as desired. It can also be possible for a securing part that is only inserted into one insertion opening to detect the insertion opening into which the securing part is inserted. This information can also be used, for example, to detect and, if necessary, transmit the possibility or necessity of inserting a further securing part into the open insertion opening or the necessity of a required lock to protect the interior of the lock body.

It can be provided that information about permissible positions of the at least one bolt is stored in the evaluation and control circuit for the different occupancy states of the lock body. That's the way it is For example, it is possible that in a certain occupancy state a transfer of a bolt into a locking position is not possible, since the path of movement of this bolt into the locking position is blocked by the inserted securing part. In such an occupancy state, the attempt to move the bolt into a locking position could lead to an overload and damage to the locking device. Furthermore, the transfer of a bolt into the locking position may not be useful if there is no securing part in the associated insertion opening, since the bolt in the locking position could be damaged when a securing part is inserted later or could undesirably prevent the insertion of the securing part.

Since the evaluation and control circuit can recognize a locking position in the above-mentioned examples as not permissible due to the respective occupancy states, this information can be taken into account when controlling the locking device, so that the evaluation and control circuit only sends a control signal for permissible bolt positions to the locking device out there. The control can take place both directly and in communication with the user. This information about permissible bolt positions can also be taken from an assignment or look-up table that is provided in a non-volatile memory, this memory being able to be integrated into the evaluation and control circuit as well as being provided separately from it.

In particular, the locking device can have two bolts, each information about permissible positions of both bolts being stored for the different occupancy states of the lock body.

In some embodiments, the locking device can have at least two latches that can be driven independently of one another. Thereby For example, a securing part that is inserted into two insertion openings can be flexibly locked in both insertion openings. In particular, a long leg of a U-bracket can still be held in the associated insertion opening, while a short leg is already removed from the lock body, so that the U-bracket can be pivoted around the long leg and passed through an object to be secured. Furthermore, in a lock body with several insertion openings, several securing parts can be flexibly inserted and locked or released.

The independent drive of the bolt can be achieved in particular by the electromechanical locking device having its own drive unit for each bolt, or by a common drive unit for several bolts is selectively effective for the several bolts, for example by using a link guide or a drive cam, whereby under different and in particular sequentially set positions of the bolt can be controlled.

The electromechanical locking device can generally have one or more electric motors, which can be designed in particular as a gear motor. A drive of the bolt by means of one or more electromagnets can also be provided.

It can be provided that the evaluation and control circuit is designed to control the electromechanical locking device as a function of the determined current occupancy state of the lock body. Since the locking device can both be controlled directly as a function of the occupancy state, while the control can also take place in further steps and in particular in communication with a user, but taking into account the current occupancy state. A control of the locking device includes depending on the current occupancy status accordingly also that there is only an admissibility check for an external control command so that a requested bolt movement is only carried out if the desired bolt position is also permissible or possible with the current occupancy of the lock body. For example, by taking into account the current occupancy status, overloading the locking device through attempts to move a bolt into a position that is impossible due to the occupancy status can be avoided. In turn, provision can be made for the evaluation and control circuit to access an allocation or look-up table available in a non-volatile memory in order to determine permissible bolt movements.

In some embodiments, the lock body can have a radio module that is connected to the evaluation and control circuit. This radio module can in particular be designed to receive or transmit signals via a cellular radio connection, a WiFi / WLAN connection and / or a Bluetooth connection. Such a radio module can enable flexible communication with the user, to which information about the lock and in particular the current occupancy status can be transmitted, with inquiries or commands from the user also being able to be received. In principle, communication between the user and the lock or its control can therefore take place without the user being in the immediate vicinity of the lock.

The radio module can be designed to transmit the current occupancy status of the lock body as a radio signal. Accordingly, the information obtained from the occupancy status of the lock body can be made available to the user. In this case, information about the current occupancy state of the lock body can only be transmitted and this can be processed by a receiving device of the user, for example a mobile radio device, in order to provide the information contained in the occupancy state. However, it is also possible that the occupancy status is already in the evaluation and Control circuit is analyzed and the information it contains is transmitted directly without the need for further evaluation.

In some embodiments, the radio module can be designed to receive a control command for the locking device by radio, the evaluation and control circuit being designed to control the locking device in response to the received control command. In such embodiments, the user can control and control the lock over greater distances and in particular open or close it himself in order to allow a person in the vicinity of the lock to access the secured object.

The lock body can have a GPS receiver (Global Positioning System) to determine a current position of the lock body, wherein the radio module can be designed to transmit the determined current position as a radio signal. As a result, the current position of the lock can be transmitted to the user, so that the user can check and track the position, for example while an object secured by the lock, such as a container, is being transported.

In some embodiments, the lock body can have an alarm device which, in particular, includes circuit monitoring, a sabotage contact, which comprises at least two sensors, an acceleration sensor and / or a shock sensor. By attaching such an alarm device, the security of the lock can be further increased in that the user or people in the vicinity of the lock can be made aware of an attempted manipulation or break-in by generating an alarm. It is possible to trigger an alarm signal as a function of detected vibrations or changes in the position of the lock, as the lock is in an attempt to break open due to the forces applied usually experiences a shock. One possible design of such an alarm device, in which an alarm is triggered on the basis of detected vibrations or changes in position, can be found in DE 10 2017 105 031 A1, for example. Furthermore, the at least two sensors that are already present can be used to detect a manipulation attempt, for example due to a change in the occupancy state of the lock body that cannot be traced back to an action by the user.

In some embodiments, the evaluation and control circuit can be designed to control the alarm device. For this purpose, the evaluation and control circuit can, for example, be connected to the sensors detecting a manipulation attempt and evaluate their signals in order to trigger an alarm. It can also be provided that the evaluation and control circuit can cause the alarm device to be switched off in order to prevent unnecessary energy consumption by the alarm device if the triggering of an alarm is not desired. This can be the case, for example, when the lock is in a transport state in which it experiences vibrations, but no disturbing alarm is to be triggered. This can be desirable if the lock is transported and moved between different locations without a security function. In particular, this control can also take into account the current occupancy status of the lock body, so that the alarm device can be switched off, for example, if the evaluation and control circuit, based on the occupancy status, detects that no security part has been inserted and the lock is therefore not in use.

In some embodiments, the lock body can comprise a radio module or the radio module already mentioned, which is designed to send out an alarm as a radio signal. This means that the user can be informed about attempts at manipulation, even if he is not in the immediate vicinity of the lock. det. As a result, the user can initiate or carry out the necessary measures to protect the secured object, so that any manipulation attempts can be made more difficult by this possibility of transmitting the alarm.

The radio module can be designed to receive a control command for the alarm device by radio, wherein the evaluation and control circuit can be designed to control the alarm device in response to the received control command. This possibility of external control of the alarm device can in turn increase the flexibility of the user, for example by being able to switch off the alarm device temporarily to reduce the energy consumption of the lock or to suppress an unintentional triggering of the alarm, for example while the lock is being transported chick.

In some embodiments, the lock body can have an electrical energy source (e.g. battery, accumulator) to supply energy to further components of the mobile lock, wherein the evaluation and control circuit can be configured to supply energy to at least one of the further components, in particular in Depending on the determined current occupancy of the lock body to control. As a result, certain components or functions can be deactivated at least temporarily, for example a radio module, an alarm device or a GPS receiver, if these are not required due to the current use of the lock. Excessive and unnecessary energy consumption can thus be prevented, so that the lock can be used for a long time without interruptions for charging or changing the electrical energy source. In particular, the current occupancy status of the lock body can be taken into account in the control or the selective deactivation of the energy supply. For example, various components, such as a radio module or an alarm device, can be switched off if, based on the current occupancy status, it is detected that no security part has been inserted into the lock body and the lock is therefore not in use. If the occupancy status changes due to the introduction of the securing part, the components can be activated again. The energy consumption of the lock can thus be adapted to the current use of the lock and minimized accordingly for the respective application.

The invention also relates to a lock system with a mobile lock according to one of the embodiments described above and with at least one further safety part, the at least one safety part already described and the further safety part being designed to trigger the generation of different combinations of detection signals when either at least one securing part or the further securing part is inserted into the at least one insertion opening of the lock body. It is thus possible to obtain information about the respectively inserted security part from the combinations of the detection signals and to evaluate it. Furthermore, the information about the inserted security part can optionally be further processed or transmitted to a user.

In such a lock system, several different security parts can be locked alternatively to each other and / or together on the lock body, and the respective occupancy state of the lock body can be determined and taken into account by the evaluation and control circuit. As a result, the lock body can be used flexibly, since it can optionally be used for several different securing parts. In some embodiments, for example, one securing part can be a U-shaped bracket (with two legs of the same length or of different lengths that occupy two insertion openings of the lock body) and the at least one further securing part can be a latch (which only occupies one insertion opening in the lock body). include.

In some embodiments, the evaluation and control circuit can be designed to assign the different combinations of detection signals to a respective security part. This can be done by providing a non-volatile memory with an assignment or look-up table in which the information about the security part corresponding to a specific combination of detection signals is stored. This memory can be provided both as part of the evaluation and control circuit and as a separate component.

This differentiation of the different securing parts makes it possible to carry out various other actions, such as movements of the bolts that are adapted to the securing part or the control of locking or release positions of the bolts that are suitable for the securing part, or to request such actions from the user.

The lock system can comprise an adapter which can be inserted into the at least one insertion opening of the lock body. In particular, the adapter can be designed such that it can be connected to a securing part and this securing part can be introduced into the at least one insertion opening together with the adapter. As a result, different types of securing parts can be adapted to the lock body and locked on the lock body, even if the securing part in question is not designed directly for the lock body or its insertion opening (s). The adapter can also serve to close an insertion opening, while a safety tion part is introduced into another insertion opening in order to protect the interior of the lock body, for example, from contamination or wear and tear by entering liquid.

In some embodiments, the adapter can be designed to trigger the generation of a predetermined combination of detection signals alone and / or together with an assigned securing part when the adapter is inserted into the at least one insertion opening. Since the adapter (alone and / or together with an assigned securing part) triggers a predetermined combination, it is possible to detect an adapter inserted into the insertion opening, this information also being taken into account when controlling the lock and in particular the locking device can.

It can be provided that the predetermined combination differs from the combinations of detection signals that are triggered by the already described one security part and / or the further security part of the lock system. Through this distinction, the generated detection signal can be clearly assigned to the adapter and this can be recognized by the evaluation and control circuit.

In some embodiments, the further securing part or a third securing part of the lock system can optionally be lockable on the lock body when the adapter is inserted into the at least one insertion opening, or it can be inserted into the at least one insertion opening together with the adapter and on the lock body be locked. In particular, it may be possible to introduce the respective securing part into the insertion opening without an adapter, but then it cannot be locked securely and firmly. For example, a U-bracket, the cross-sectional diameter of which is too small to be securely locked in the at least one insertion opening of the lock body are connected to an adapter that enables the U-bracket to be securely locked on the lock body.

It may be possible both to first introduce an adapter into an Einführöff voltage, whereupon the securing part is inserted, and to connect the adapter to the securing part first and then to introduce the connected parts together. Furthermore, the adapter can be used, for example, to enlarge the cross-sectional diameter of a securing part, while it may also be possible to extend a securing part through the adapter and thereby to enable locking of the securing part in the lock body.

By means of such an adapter, the flexibility with regard to the areas of application of the lock can consequently be significantly expanded, since a large number of securing parts can be locked on the lock body due to the possibility of connecting to the adapter. In particular, the user can choose security parts adapted to his or her requirements and lock them on the lock body, and it is also possible to flexibly change the security parts if the mobile lock is used in a different area of application or to secure another object.

In this respect, the present invention also relates, independently of the mobile lock explained, which has sensors for detecting the security part introduced into the lock body and an electromechanical locking device, furthermore generally to a lock system with a lock, at least one security part (in particular a U- Bracket or clamp) and an adapter of the type described above, the lock having a lock body with at least one insertion opening into which the adapter can be inserted, and the at least one securing part optionally on the lock body can be locked when the adapter is inserted into the at least one insertion opening.

In such a lock, the lock body can have a (in particular purely mechanical or electromechanical) locking device with at least one bolt for locking the at least one securing part in the insertion opening. In some embodiments, the at least one securing part can be detachable from the lock body in a release position of the locking device or of the at least one bolt, i.e. be completely removable. In some embodiments, the lock body can have two insertion openings.

By means of such an adapter, different types of securing parts can be adapted to the lock body and locked to the lock body, even if the securing part in question is not designed directly for the lock body or its insertion opening (s).

The invention is described below with reference to the drawings. These only show possible embodiments of a mobile lock or a lock system and are in no way to be understood as final representations. Rather, further embodiments can be found in the description and in the claims.

Show it:

1 shows a schematic representation of a mobile lock with two insertion openings and four sensors for detecting an inserted security part, Fig. 2 shows schematic representations of various states of occupancy of a lock body of a mobile lock with two insertion openings and two sensors for detecting an inserted security part, the sensors each being assigned to one of the two insertion openings,

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of various states of occupancy of a lock body of a mobile lock with two insertion openings and two sensors, the sensors being assigned to the same insertion opening,

4 and 5 are schematic representations of various states of occupancy of a lock body of a mobile lock, which is part of a lock system with two different types of security parts, with two insertion openings and three sensors for detecting the inserted security part, two sensors of one and one sensor of the other Insertion opening are assigned,

Fig. 6 to 8 schematic representations of different states of a lock body of a mobile lock which is part of a lock system with three different types of security parts and an adapter, with two Einführöff openings and four sensors for detecting the inserted security part or the adapter, the two A guide opening is assigned two sensors.

The mobile electronic lock 11 shown schematically in Fig. 1 is designed as a U-bracket lock and has a substantially U-shaped safety part 15, which with the legs 33 and 35 of the U-bracket in the two Insertion openings 14 and 16 of the lock body 13 is introduced and optionally lockable on the lock body 13 or detachable from it. The two legs 33 and 35 of the securing part 15 are of different lengths, so that the long leg 33 is inserted deeper into the associated insertion opening 14 than the short leg 35 into the associated insertion opening 16. This execution of the mobile lock 11 as a U -Barlock and the design of the securing part 15 as a U-bracket with legs 33 and 35 of different lengths are each only used for the schematic representation of a mobile lock 11. There are further embodiments of the mobile lock 11, for example as a rope, chain or folding lock with appropriate fuse parts, as well as other embodiments of a U-shaped fuse part 15, in particular with legs 33 and 35 of equal length, are possible.

The securing part 15 can be locked ver by two bolts 25 and 26 on the lock body 13. The latches 25 and 26 can be driven independently of one another by an electromechanical Verrie gelungseinrichtung 23 and can assume a locking position or release position or be transferred from one position to the other. For the independent drive of the two bolts 25 and 26, the locking device can have one or more electric motors, which can in particular be designed as a gear motor, or one or more electromagnets. In order to realize an independent drive with only one electric motor or one electromagnet, for example a link guide or a drive cam can be provided, whereby different and in particular sequentially set positions of the bolts 25 and 26 can be controlled.

In the illustration shown, the latches 25 and 26 are in the Verriege treatment position and each engage in an indentation 36 of the long leg 33 and the short leg 35 to lock the securing part 15 against removal. For the purposes of illustration, the indentations 36 are wider than the latches 25 and 26 shown, it being possible for a precisely fitting design to accommodate the latches 25 and 26 to be desired in order to limit the freedom of movement of the securing part 15 in the locked state as much as possible. Furthermore, the securing part 15 in the lower region of the long leg 33 can have a notch 37 running around it, in which the bolt 25 can engage in a state in which the short leg 35 has already been removed from the lock body 13. Through this engagement of the bolt 25 in the notch 37 when the leg 35 is released, the securing part 15 can hold ge in the lock body 13 and prevent uncontrolled loosening and on the other hand, the securing part 15 can be pivoted about the axis of the long leg 33, around the U- To be able to lead bracket or securing part 15. To engage in the notch 37, an engagement position of the latches 25 and 26 can be provided, which match both the locking position and can be different from this.

The mobile lock 11 further comprises four sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 for detecting the security part 15 inserted into the lock body 13. Two of the sensors, the sensors 17 and 19, are assigned to the insertion opening 14, while the other two sensors 18 and 20 of the insertion opening 16 are assigned. An inserted securing part 15 can thus be detected in both insertion openings 14 and 16 by the sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20. This number of sensors for detecting the inserted securing part 15 and their arrangement on the insertion openings 14 and 16 is purely exemplary.

The sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 can tion part 15, for example, an electromechanical contact switch aufwei sen to detect the introduced fuse. The specific design of the sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 can be adapted to the respective requirements with regard to the area of application of the mobile lock 11, with a simple interaction of the transmitters sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 with the securing part 15 can be vorgese hen to detect it.

The sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 can be designed to differentiate between a detection and a non-detection state of the securing part 15 and accordingly to emit a positive or a negative detection signal. For example, a positive signal can be sent out when the securing part 15 is detected in the area of a sensor 17, 18, 19 or 20, and a negative signal can be generated when the securing part 15 is not detected. In the illustration shown, the sensors 17, 18 and 19 can therefore generate a positive signal due to the detection of the securing part 15, while the sensor 20 generates a negative signal.

With an arrangement of a number n of such sensors, which can distinguish between a detection and a non-detection state, basically 2 ⁿ (2 to the power of n) different combinations of detection signals can be generated and distinguished. The mobile lock 11 shown with an arrangement of four sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 consequently allows the generation of sixteen different combinations of detection signals that can potentially be assigned to corresponding occupancy states of the lock body 13. While such a design of the sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 can enable the simplest possible signal generation and signal evaluation, it can in principle also be provided that the sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 can generate further, distinguishable signal strengths in order to Increase the number of possible combinations.

The sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 are connected to an evaluation and control circuit 21 which evaluates and analyzes the signals transmitted or their combination. This evaluation and control circuit 21 is designed in particular to detect various combinations of detection signals that are generated by the Sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 are transmitted to assign different states of the lock body 13 to occupancy. Such an occupancy state is defined by the introduced securing part 15, the depth of the introduction of the securing part 15 into one or both of the insertion openings 14 and 16 and the Orientie tion of the introduced securing part 15. In Fig. 1, the Occupancy is therefore determined by a U-bracket designed as a securing part 15 with legs of different lengths 33 and 35, which is completely, ie as far as possible, inserted into the insertion openings 14 and 16 of the lock body 13 and the type is oriented that the long leg 33 is inserted into the insertion opening 14 and the short leg 35 is inserted into the insertion opening 16. Further possible occupancy states are shown and explained in particular in FIGS.

Since the evaluation and control circuit 21 can assign different combinations of detection signals to different occupancy states of the lock body 13, the parameters characterizing this occupancy state can be determined. For this purpose, the evaluation and control circuit 21 can include, for example, a non-volatile memory in which an assignment or look-up table is stored, so that, for example, information about a corresponding security element 15 can be available for the different occupancy states. Furthermore, information about possible orientations of the securing part 15 or permissible positions of the bolts 25 and 26 can be stored in such a memory for the different occupancy states of the lock body 13. As in the example in FIG. 1, the memory can be integrated into the evaluation and control circuit 21, but can also be provided separately from it.

Furthermore, the evaluation and control circuit 21 is connected to the locking device 23 and is designed to control it and thus to determine the movement of the bolts 25 and 26. In particular, this control can take into account the determined current occupancy status of the lock body pers 13, for example by checking the admissibility of certain positions of the bolts 25 and 26 and only outputting a control signal for the transfer to an admissible position. If, for example, no securing part 15 has been inserted into the lock body 13, transferring the bolts 25 and 26 into their locking position is generally not useful or permissible, since the bolts 25 and 26 could be damaged when the securing part 15 is subsequently inserted. Since the evaluation and control circuit 21 can detect the occupancy status of the lock body 13 with the safety part 15 removed, it can recognize the locking position of the bolts 25 and 26 as not permitted for this occupancy state and no control signal to transfer the bolts 25 and 26 into the locking position output. Damage to the latch 25 and 26 or the securing part 15 during a subsequent import of the securing part 15 can therefore be avoided by such an admissibility check.

Furthermore, the evaluation and control circuit 21 can take into account the determined current occupancy of the lock body 13, for example, to the extent that before the bolts 25 and 26 are moved into the locking position, it is checked whether the securing part 15 is completely inserted into the lock body 13.

Another possible functionality of the evaluation and control circuit 21 is to monitor whether, based on a determined current occupancy status of the lock body 13, a change in the detection signals of the sensors 17, 18, 19, 20 occurs, although the bolts 25 and 26 are not moving was initiated; from this, in particular, a manipulation or attempted break can be concluded.

A radio module 27, which is connected to the evaluation and control circuit 21, is also arranged in the lock body 13. This radio module 27 For example, the current occupancy status of the lock body 13 or the information obtained therefrom about an inserted securing part 15 and its insertion depth and orientation can be transmitted to a user. This transmission can take place, for example, via a cellular connection, a WiFi / WLAN connection and / or a Bluetooth connection. Furthermore, commands from a user can be received via the radio module 27, which are transmitted to the evaluation and control circuit 21, so that a user can in particular control the locking device 23 via a mobile radio device. Thus, a locked mobile lock 11 can be unlocked, for example, by an authorized user without the latter being in the immediate vicinity of the lock 11, so that he can grant other people access to a secured object, for example the contents of a container transferred to the destination can. By controlling the mobile lock 11 in this way, in particular taking into account the current occupancy status of the lock body 13, flexible and versatile use of the mobile lock 11 can be achieved.

Furthermore, the lock body 13 can optionally include a GPS receiver 29, by means of which the current position of the mobile lock 11 can be determined. This GPS receiver 29 is also coupled to the radio module 27 via the evaluation and control circuit 21, so that the current position of the mobile lock 11 can be transmitted to or queried by a user. In this way, a user can determine and track the current position of the mobile lock 11 at any time, in particular when the object secured by the mobile lock 11 is moved or transported.

In order to further increase the security of the mobile lock 11, an alarm device 31 connected to the evaluation and control circuit 21 can optionally be provided, by which an alarm is triggered if a manipulation attempt is detected. To detect such a manipulation attempt, the Alarm device 31, in particular a circuit monitoring device, a sabotage contact, the sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20, an acceleration sensor and / or a shock sensor. Since a lock 11 is usually exposed to great forces when attempting to break into it, vibrations often occur that can be detected by an acceleration or vibration sensor so that an alarm can be triggered by the alarm device 31. Furthermore, as explained above, a change in the occupancy status that cannot be traced back to an action by the authorized user can indicate a manipulation or attempted break-in so that the sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 can also be used to to know such an attempt.

In order to provide further protection against attempted break-ins, the radio module 27 can be designed to transmit an alarm signal generated by the alarm device 31 to a user by radio. As a result, a user who is not in the vicinity of the mobile lock 11 can also be informed of an attempted manipulation or break-in so that he can take the necessary measures to protect the object to be secured.

The mobile lock 11 also has an electrical energy source, not shown, by means of which the other components and in particular the evaluation and control circuit 21, the locking device 23, the alarm device 31, the radio module 27 and the GPS receiver 29 are supplied with energy . It can be provided that the energy supply of the other components of the mobile lock 11 is controlled by the evaluation and control circuit 21. In particular, the evaluation and control circuit 21 can be designed to separate the other components from the energy supply or to switch off the components temporarily in order to reduce the energy consumption of the mobile lock 11. For example, the alarm device 31 can be switched off when the mobile lock 11 is being transported while the mobile lock 11 is not used for security, so that triggering an alarm on the basis of detected vibrations is not desired. This can take place in particular on the basis of a command transmitted by the user to the radio module 27. In addition, the radio module 27 or the GPS receiver 29 can also be switched off temporarily in order to reduce the energy requirements of the mobile lock 1.

This control of the energy supply can also be done taking into account the current occupancy status of the lock body 13 by, for example, one or more components can be switched off if, based on the occupancy status, it is recognized that no securing part 15 is inserted into the lock body 13 and the mobile lock 11 is therefore is currently not in use for backup purposes. In particular, the evaluation and control circuit 21 can be designed to deactivate the alarm device 31 and / or put it in a state of reduced energy consumption compared to a monitoring operation if the determined current occupancy state of the lock body 13 shows that there is currently no safety part 15 is inserted into the lock body 13. The energy saving resulting therefrom enables the mobile lock 11 to be used for a long time without the need to replace or charge the electrical energy source.

2 to 8 each show schematically different occupancy states of lock bodies 13 of mobile locks 11 and the combinations of detection signals corresponding to the occupancy states that are generated by a selection of sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 arranged in the respective lock body 13 when one is detected introduced fuse part 15, 43 or 47 or an Adap age 45 are generated. A sensor marked with an "X" illustrates the generation of a positive, the detection of a securing part 15, 43 or 47 or the adapter 45 transmitting signal, while sensors that are not filled in and are only shown in a circle indicate the transmission of a negative signal in a non-detection state.

The lock bodies 13 of the mobile locks 11 shown each have two insertion openings 14 and 16 and comprise a U-bracket designed Si securing part 15, which can be inserted with the two legs 33 and 35 into the insertion openings 14 and 16 and optionally locked on the lock body 13 or is solvable. The legs 33 and 35 of the securing part 15 are designed to be of different lengths, the leg 33 being longer than the leg 35. This Ausfüh approximate form of both the mobile lock 11 with two insertion openings 14 and 16 and the securing part 15 as a U-bracket with legs 33 and 35 of different lengths is purely exemplary, in particular a different design of the lock body 13 with a different number of insertion openings and a Another securing part 15, for example also as a U-bracket with legs 33 and 35 of equal length, can be provided.

4 and 5 also show a lock system which, in addition to the mobile lock 11 and the securing part 15, comprises two securing parts 43 designed as clamps. 6 to 8 show a lock system with a mobile lock 11, the U-shaped locking part 15, two wide Ren designed as a clamp locking parts 43 and a U-shaped third securing part 47 and an adapter 45, which with the third securing part 47 can be connected to its locking on the lock body 13.

The mobile lock 11 shown in Fig. 2 comprises two sensors 17 and 18 for detecting the inserted securing part 15, which are each assigned to one of the two A guide openings 14 and 16. Such an arrangement or number of sensors basically allows four different ones to be generated Combinations of detection signals that can be assigned to different occupancy states of the lock body 13.

In the occupied state (A), the securing part 15 designed as a U-bracket is completely inserted into the two insertion openings 14 and 16 so that it can be locked on the lock body 13. The securing part 15 is oriented so that the long leg 33 is inserted into the insertion opening 14 and the short leg 35 is inserted into the insertion opening 16. Both sensors 17 and 18 detect the securing part 15 in the respective associated insertion openings 14 and 16 and send accordingly positive detection signals. The combination of two positive detection signals can thus be assigned to the occupancy state (A), this occupancy state (A) corresponding to the safety part 15 inserted completely into the lock body 13.

In the occupied state (B), the securing part 15 is again completely inserted into the lock body 13, but in the opposite orientation (angular position rotated by 180 ° with respect to the vertical axis), so that the long leg 33 into the insertion opening 16 and the short leg 35 into the insertion opening 14 is introduced. The two sensors 17 and 18 each emit a positive detection signal for this occupancy state (B) too, so that the combinations in the occupancy states (A) and (B) do not differ. Thus, although the information of the completely inserted securing part 15, but no information about its orientation can be obtained from the respective combinations. For many applications, this indistinguishability of the occupancy states (A) and (B) does not result in any restrictions. In particular, it can be sufficient to obtain information about the complete insertion of the securing part 15.

In the occupied state (C), the securing part 15 is only partially inserted into the lock body 13, so that the long leg 33 partially into the insertion opening 16 is inserted, while the short leg 35 is released from the insertion opening 15. Accordingly, the sensor 18 assigned to the insertion opening 16 generates a positive signal, while the sensor 17 assigned to the insertion opening 14 and in the non-detection state emits a negative detection signal. As a result, the evaluation and control circuit 21 (Fig. 1) can derive information about the orientation of the locking part 15 when the locking part 15 is inserted into the lock body 13, for example, before the occupancy state (B) of complete insertion is reached about into which insertion opening (namely 16) the long leg 33 is inserted. For this purpose, the evaluation and control circuit 21 can be designed to evaluate a sequence of different combinations of generated detection signals or to assign different occupancy states of the lock body 13.

Even in the occupied state (D), the securing part 15 is partially inserted into the lock body 13, it being oriented such that the long leg 33 is partially inserted into the insertion opening 14, while the short leg 35 is released from the insertion opening 16. For this occupancy state (D), the sensor 17 arranged on the insertion opening 14 sends a positive signal and the sensor 18 of the insertion opening 16 arranged on the insertion opening 16 sends a negative signal.

From the occupancy states (C) and (D), the information of a partially introduced security part 15 and its orientation can consequently be obtained, since the combinations of detection signals generated differ from one another. This information can be used, for example, to hold the partially inserted long leg 33 of the securing part 15 by controlling the locking device 23 shown in FIG. 1 in the respective insertion opening 14 or 16 so that the securing part 15 is pivoted about this long arm 33 can be. This can be done, for example, by the respectively assigned bolt 25 or 26 engages in a circumferential notch 37 arranged in the lower region of the long leg 33. Because the combinations generated in the occupancy states (C) and (D) can be distinguished, the orientation of the securing part 15 can also be clearly determined, as explained, and the provided latch 26 or 25 can be brought into the engaged position, while the other latch 25 or 26 can be placed in the release position.

In the occupied state (E), the securing part 15 is completely detached from the lock body 13, so that neither the sensor 17 nor the sensor 18 grasp a securing part and both sensors 17 and 18 emit a negative signal. A securing part 15 removed from the lock body by 13 can thus be assigned to this combination of two negative detection signals. Such information can be used, for example, to move the latches 25 and 26 of the locking device 23 into a release position so that the fuse element 15 can be inserted.

Already by this arrangement of two sensors 17 and 18, four occupancy states of the lock body 13 can consequently be identified on the basis of the combinations of detection signals generated by the sensors 17 and 18. Only the occupancy states (A) and (B) cannot be directly distinguished from one another due to the identical combination of the detection signals. Since these occupancy states, however, correspond to a fully inserted Si securing part 15 with only different orientation, the same control processes are generally provided for these anyway, such as transferring both bolts 25 and 26 into the locking position. The control of the locking device 23 can thus be adapted to the respective occupancy state and flexible use of the lock 11 can be achieved, since the user can insert the securing part 15 in any orientation with full functionality. In particular, the assignment of the occupancy states (C) and (D) to the respective combinations of detection signals is only clear if the mobile lock 11 is not part of a lock system with other securing parts. Thus, the respective combinations of detection signals from sensors 17 and 18 could also be generated when a further securing part 43 designed as a block is inserted into one of the insertion openings 14 and 16, in which case other control processes may be provided or useful (cf. . Also Figs. 5 and 7).

The mobile lock 11 shown in Fig. 3 in turn comprises two sensors 17 and 18, both of which are arranged along the insertion opening 14, but at different insertion depths, while no sensor is provided for detecting a securing part 15 inserted into the insertion opening 16. This arrangement of the sensors 17 and 18 also basically allows four different combinations of detection signals to be generated.

In the occupied state (A), the securing part 15 is fully inserted into the lock body 13 and can thus be locked on it, the long leg 33 being inserted into the insertion opening 14 and the short leg 35 being inserted into the insertion opening 16. As a result of the detection of the securing part 15, both the sensor 17 and the sensor 18 generate a positive detection signal which can be assigned to the securing part 15 inserted completely into the insertion opening 14 with the long leg 33.

In the occupied state (B), the securing part 15 is again completely in the

Lock body 13 inserted, but it is oriented such that the long leg 33 is inserted into the insertion opening 16 and the short leg 35 is inserted into the insertion opening 14. The sensor 17 consequently transmits a positive and the sensor 18 a negative detection signal. The occupancy state (B) can thus from Occupancy state (A) can be distinguished, but the combination of the detection signals generated by sensors 17 and 18 corresponds to that of the occupancy state (D).

In this occupancy state (D), the securing part 15 is only partially inserted into the lock body 13, the long leg 33 being partially inserted into the insertion opening 14, while the short leg 35 is released from the lock body 13. Accordingly, the sensor 17 transmits a positive and the sensor 18 a negative detection signal here too. It is therefore not possible to distinguish the occupancy states (B) and (D) from one another on the basis of the generated combinations of detection signals.

The combinations of detection signals generated for the occupancy states (C) and (E) also do not differ from one another. In the occupied state (C) the securing part 15 is partially inserted into the lock body 13, the long leg 33 being partially inserted into the insertion opening 16, while the kur ze leg 35 is released from the insertion opening 14. Since no sensors are arranged at the insertion opening 16, only negative detection signals from the sensors 17 and 18 are transmitted. In the occupied state (E), the securing part 15 is completely detached from the lock body 13, so that in turn both sensors 17 and 18 trigger negative detection signals.

Such an arrangement of the sensors 17 and 18 can consequently allow the most clear information possible to be obtained if the flexibility of the user with regard to the possible orientation of the securing part 15 is restricted. In particular, if the long leg 33 can only be inserted into the insertion opening 14 by mechanical coding, the possible occupancy states (A), (D) and (E) can be clearly distinguished from one another and the information obtained from this can be further processed and, for example, for control the locking device 23 can be used. Such a restriction can take place, for example, by designing the insertion openings 14 and 16 with different diameters, so that the long leg 33 can only be inserted into an insertion opening 14 designed with a larger diameter. The short leg 35 can have a smaller cross-sectional diameter so that it can also be introduced into the insertion opening 16 and the securing part 15 can thus only be used in the desired orientation. By designing the Einführöffnun gene 14 and 16 with different diameters, the correct orientation of the securing part 15 can also be easily recognized by the user.

In addition to this possibly undesired restriction of the flexibility of the user, with such an arrangement of the sensors 17 and 18, only three of the four possible combinations of detection signals can be distinguished or generated when the safety part 15 is inserted.

In order to be able to achieve full usability of the sensors 17 and 18, the arrangement of the sensors 17 and 18 shown in FIG. 1 in the lock body 13 of the mobile lock 11 can therefore be provided.

4 and 5 show a lock system with a mobile lock 11, which comprises three sensors 17, 18 and 19, sensors 17 and 19 being assigned to the insertion opening 14 and the sensor 18 being assigned to the insertion opening 16. Thus, basically eight different combinations of detection signals can be generated by the sensors 17, 18 and 19. The arrangement of two sensors 17 and 19 on the insertion opening 14 and one sensor 18 on the insertion opening 16 is only an example and other, in particular the reverse, arrangement can also be provided. In addition to the securing part 15 designed as a U-bracket with a long limb 33 and a short limb 35, the lock system comprises two further securing parts 43 designed as clamps. Possible states of occupancy of the lock body 13 with the The securing part 15 designed as a U-bracket is shown in FIG. 4, possible occupancy states with the securing parts 43 designed as a clamp in FIG. 5.

In the occupied state (A), the securing part 15 is completely inserted into the lock body 13 and can be locked on it. The long leg 33 is guided into the insertion opening 14 and the short leg 35 into the insertion opening 16. Accordingly, all sensors 17, 18 and 19 generate a positive detection signal. This combination of detection signals can be clearly assigned to the occupancy state (A) with regard to the introduction of the securing part 15, so that information about the insertion depth as well as the orientation of the securing part 15 can be obtained directly from it.

In the occupied state (B), the securing part 15 is fully inserted into the lock body via 13, but differs in its orientation from the occupied state (A) such that the long leg 33 into the insertion opening 16 and the short leg 35 into the insertion opening 14 is introduced. The combination of positive detection signals from sensors 17 and 18 with a negative detection signal from sensor 19 is consequently assigned to this occupancy state (B). With this arrangement of three sensors 17, 18 and 19, the orientation of a fully inserted security part 15 can consequently be recognized by the occupancy states (A) and (B) being assigned to different combinations of detection signals.

In the occupied state (C), the securing part 15 is partially inserted into the lock body 13, the long leg 33 partially remaining in the insertion opening 16, while the short leg 35 is released from the insertion opening 14. A positive signal from sensor 18 and negative signals from sensors 17 and 19 are generated for this occupancy state (C). In the occupied state (D), the securing part 15 is partially inserted in the reverse orientation into the lock body 13, so that the long leg 33 partly remains in the insertion opening 14, while the short leg 35 is released from the insertion opening 16. This occupancy state (D) is characterized by a positive signal from sensor 17 and negative signals from sensors 18 and 19. Thus, the combinations of the detection signals for occupancy states (C) and (D) also differ, so that both the insertion depth and the orientation of the security part 15 clearly emerge from the combinations of detection signals and this information can be further processed. On the basis of the information ascertained, for example, the bolts 25 and 26 can be moved into a locking position for locking the securing part 15 in the occupancy states (A) and (B). When the occupancy states (C) and (D) are recognized, the bolt 26 or 25, which is assigned to the insertion opening 14 or 16 into which the long leg 33 is inserted, can also be brought into an engagement position, so that the securing part 15 can be pivoted about the long leg 33.

In the occupancy state (E) of Fig. 4, the securing part 15 is completely released from the lock body 13 and all sensors 17, 18 and 19 generate negative detection signals De. This occupancy state (E) can also be clearly assigned to the securing part 15 that has been completely detached from the lock body 13.

With regard to an exclusive use of the securing part 15, the complete information about the depth of the insertion and the orientation of the inserted securing part 15 can thus be determined by means of the sensors 17, 18 and 19. In contrast to the arrangement of two sensors 17 and 18 shown in FIG. 1, the orientation of a completely inserted securing part 15 in the occupancy states (A) and (B) can also be detected directly. Nevertheless, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5, it is also possible in principle to predetermine a single possible orientation for the introduction of the securing part 15 designed as a U-bracket into the lock body 13 by means of mechanical coding.

Fig. 5 shows further occupancy states of the lock body 13, which result from the introduction of two more, belonging to the lock system and formed as a block locking parts 43.

In the occupied state (F), both securing parts 43 are completely inserted into one of the insertion openings 14 and 16 each. All sensors 17, 18 and 19 detect the respective securing part 43 and generate a positive detection signal. This combination of the detection signals in the occupancy state (F) therefore does not differ from the combination of the occupancy state (A) in which the safety part 15 is completely inserted. The indistinguishability of the occupancy states (A) and (F) is usually unproblematic in practice, since the securing parts 15 and 43 are completely inserted in both occupancy states, so that locking or unlocking of the securing parts 15 or 43 is usually provided . Since when the fuse part 15 is transferred from the occupancy state (A) to the occupancy state (D), the sensors 18 and 19 also send changed signals, while in the case of a Fieraus exception one of the fuse parts 43 only the signals from the respective insertion opening 14 or 16 Change associated sensors, by evaluating the sequence of different combinations of generated detection signals, the transfer of the safety part 15 to the occupancy state (D) can be recognized and the control can be adapted accordingly.

In the occupied state (G), the safety part 43 assigned to the insertion opening 14 is released from the lock body 13, while the other safety part 43 is completely inserted into the insertion opening 16. Accordingly, the Sensor 18 a positive detection signal, while sensors 17 and 19 each emit a negative detection signal. This combination of the detection signals does not differ from the combination of the occupancy state (C), so that with this arrangement of the sensors it is not possible to differentiate between the two occupancy states. However, since either the long leg 33 of the securing part 15 or the securing part 43 on the lock body 13 should be locked or held in these occupancy states, the flexibility of the usability of the lock is only slightly restricted by this match of the combinations of detection signals .

The indistinguishability of the combinations or the occupancy states (C) and (G) can only prove to be problematic if the A grip position of the insertion opening 16 associated bolt 26 for pivoting holding of the long leg 33 in the occupancy state (C) of the Locking position should differ so that different positions of the bolt 26 should be permissible in the occupancy states (C) and (G). This can be counteracted, for example, by designing the notch 37 in the lower region of the leg 33 that is adapted to this circumstance.

In the occupied state (H), a securing part 43 is completely inserted into the insertion opening 14, while no securing part 43 is located in the insertion opening 16. The sensors 17 and 19 consequently generate positive detection signals, while the sensor 18 emits a negative detection signal. With this orientation of the two securing parts 43 or their introduction, an unambiguous assignment can take place, since such a combination of the detection signals is not generated in any other occupancy state and in particular not when the securing part 15 is inserted. In the occupancy state (E) of FIG. 5, both securing parts 43 are again completely detached from the lock body 13, so that all sensors 17, 18 and 19 send out a negative detection signal.

With this arrangement of three sensors 17, 18 and 19, a large number of the possible occupancy states can already be clearly identified, so that flexible and adapted control of the locking device 23 can be made possible. Six of the eight possible combinations of detection signals that are possible in principle are generated by the two securing parts 15 and 43, the unused combination of a positive signal from sensor 19 in the event of negative signals from sensors 17 and 18 being generated, for example, by an adapter 45 inserted into insertion opening 14 (cf. Fig. 8), or by the fact that a securing part in the fully inserted state has a recess or the like in the area of the sensors 17 and 18, so that only the sensor 19 but not the sensors 17 and 18 generate a positive detection signal . The remaining combination of two positive signals from sensors 17 and 18 in the event of a negative signal from sensor 19 could also be generated by introducing two short clamps or a U-bracket, which is formed with two equally long, short legs.

6 to 8 show possible occupancy states of a lock body 13, which, corresponding to FIG. 1, comprises four sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20, with sensors 17 and 19 being assigned to insertion opening 14 and sensors 18 and 20 being assigned to insertion opening 16 are. With this arrangement of four sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20, a total of sixteen distinguishable combinations of detection signals can be generated. The mobile lock 11 is also part of a lock system that comprises the securing part 15 designed as a U-bracket, two further securing parts 43 designed as clamps, a third securing part 47, also designed as a U-bracket, and an adapter 45. The securing part 47 is designed such that it can be connected to the adapter 45 and only can be locked in the connected state on the lock body 13. This can be the case, for example, when the cross-sectional diameter of the short leg 35 of the securing part 47, which is connected to the adapter 45, is too small to be securely locked on the lock body 13 without the adapter 45 can.

6 shows possible occupancy states of the lock body 13 with the securing part 15, FIG. 7 shows possible occupancy states with the securing parts 43 formed as a block, and FIG. 8 shows possible occupancy states with the securing part 47 and the adapter 45.

In the occupied state (A) of FIG. 6, the securing part 15 is completely inserted into the lock body 13, the long leg 33 being inserted into the insertion opening 14 and the short leg 35 being inserted into the insertion opening 16. For this occupancy state (A), sensors 17, 18 and 19 each generate a positive and sensor 20 a negative detection signal.

In the occupied state (B), the securing part 15 is completely inserted in the reverse orientation into the lock body 13, so that the long leg 33 is inserted into the insertion opening 16 and the short leg 35 is inserted into the insertion opening 14. For this occupancy state, sensors 17, 18 and 20 generate a positive and sensor 19 a negative detection signal.

Both the occupancy state (A) and the occupancy state (B) can be clearly assigned to the fully inserted safety part 15 and its orientation, so that this information can be taken from the combinations of detection signals.

In the occupancy states (C) and (D), the securing part 15 is partially inserted into the lock body 13, the two occupancy states differ with regard to the orientation of the securing part 15. Due to the introduction of the long leg 33 into the insertion opening 16 in the state of occupancy (C), the sensor 18 generates a positive detection signal, while the sensors 17, 19 and 20 trigger negative detection signals. In the opposite orientation of the occupancy state (D), the sensor 17 generates a positive detection signal, while the sensors 18, 19 and 20 send out negative signals. These two occupancy states can consequently also be distinguished from one another on the basis of the respective combination of detection signals and the information about the insertion depth and the orientation of the securing part 15 can be determined from the combination. This information can be used, for example, when controlling the locking device 23, depending on the orientation of the securing part 15, to bring either the bolt 25 or the bolt 26 into an engagement position so that it engages in the notch 37 in the lower region of the long leg 33 and the securing part 15 can be pivoted about the long leg 33.

In the occupied state (E) of FIG. 6, the securing part 15 is completely released from the lock body 13, so that all sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 send out negative detection signals.

Since the combinations of the detection signals of all occupancy states of the lock body 13 with the securing part 15 differ from one another, these combinations can be clearly assigned to the respective occupancy state. The information about the insertion depth and the orientation of the securing part 15 is thus available at all times (in particular even without evaluating a sequence of different combinations of detection signals), and this information can be processed or transmitted to the user and used flexibly to control the locking device 23 in particular. In the occupancy state (F) of FIG. 7, two safety parts 43 designed as a block are completely inserted into the insertion openings 14 and 16. Accordingly, all sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 generate positive detection signals. This combination of detection signals can also be clearly assigned to the complete introduction of the two security parts 43, so that the occupancy status (F) can also be identified.

In the occupancy states (G) and (Fl), one of the securing parts 43 is fully inserted into one of the insertion openings 14 or 16, while the other securing part 43 is released from the lock body 13. Accordingly, the sensors, which are arranged on the respective insertion opening 14 or 16 into which a securing part 43 is inserted, generate positive detection signals, while the other sensors in each case negative detection signals outside. These combinations of detection signals are also clearly assigned to the respective occupancy states (G) or (Fl), so that it is also possible to detect when only one securing part 43 is inserted into the lock body 13 and to determine the associated insertion opening 14 or 16 . The detection of only one inserted securing part 43 can be used, for example, to inform the user of the need to introduce the second securing part 43 or a closure for the open insertion opening 14 or 16. Such a message or the request for complete closure of the lock body 13 can prevent the interior of the lock body 13 from being damaged by dirt or fluids entering, and attempts to break through an unlocked opening 14 or 16 can be counteracted.

In the occupancy state (E) of FIG. 7, both securing parts 43 are released from the lock body 13, so that all sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 send out negative detection signals. Fig. 8 shows possible states of occupancy of the lock body 13 with a hedging part 47 that can be connected to an adapter 45 that can be inserted into the insertion openings 14 and 16. The short leg 35 of the securing part 47 formed as a U-bracket is designed such that its insertion into one of the insertion openings 14 or 16 cannot be detected by the sensors 17 or 18 and it can only be locked in connection with the adapter 45 on the lock body 13 is. This can be the case, for example, if the short leg 35 has a cross-sectional diameter that is too small to be able to be securely locked on the lock body 13 without the adapter 45.

As can be seen from the occupancy state (M), the adapter 45 is also designed in such a way that, when it is fully inserted into one of the insertion openings 14 or 16, it is triggered by the sensor 19 or located at the bottom of the insertion opening 14 or 16 20 is detected. Accordingly, in the occupancy state (M), in which the adapter 45 is inserted into the insertion opening 14, only the sensor 19 generates a positive detection signal, while the sensors 17, 18 and 20 emit negative detection signals. This combination of detection signals is consequently to be clearly assigned to the adapter 45 inserted into the insertion opening 14. The unambiguous assignment of a combination of detection signals, in which only the sensor 20 emits a positive signal, to an adapter 45 inserted into the insertion opening 16 results accordingly.

The configuration of the adapter 45 in such a way that the adapter 45 triggers the generation of a positive detection signal from the sensor 19 or 20 arranged at the bottom of the insertion opening 14 or 16 when the adapter 45 is inserted into one of the insertion openings 14 or 16 can be achieved, for example be that the adapter 45 is provided at its lower end (in the area of the sensor 19 or 20) with an elevation or with a larger diameter than at its upper area (in the area of the sensor 17 or 18). The occupancy states in which the securing part 47 connected to the adapter 45 and inserted into the lock body 13 can be determined uniquely.

In the occupied state (I) of FIG. 8, the securing part 47 is fully inserted into the lock body 13, the long leg 33 being inserted into the insertion opening 14, while the short leg 35 is connected to the adapter 45 and inserted into the insertion opening 16. For this occupancy state (I), the sensors 17, 19 and 20 generate positive detection signals, while the sensor 19 sends out a negative signal.

With a reversed orientation of the securing part 47 and the adapter 45 in the occupied state (J), the sensors 18, 19 and 20 generate a positive signal, while the sensor 17 sends out a negative signal. The combinations of the detection signals in the occupancy states (I) and (J) consequently differ from those of other possible occupancy states of the lock body 13 and can accordingly be clearly assigned to a fully inserted securing part 47 connected to the adapter 45 and its orientation.

In the occupancy states (K) and (L), the securing part 47 is partially inserted into the lock body 13 so that the long leg 33 partially remains in the respective insertion opening 16 or 14, while the short leg 35 is detached from the associated insertion opening 14 or 16 is. The adapter 45, however, is located completely in the associated insertion opening 14 or 16. In the occupied state (K), the sensor 18 and the sensor 19 generate positive signals, while the sensors 17 and 20 emit negative signals. In the occupancy state (L), on the other hand, the sensors 17 and 20 send positive signals, while the sensors 18 and 19 transmit negative signals. Thus, the combinations of detection signals of the occupancy states (K) and (L) differ both from one another and from the combinations of other rer possible occupancy states of the lock body 13, so that these occupancy states (K) and (L) can also be clearly assigned.

In the lock system shown, fourteen of the sixteen possible combinations of detection signals from sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20 are used to detect occupancy conditions. The remaining combination of positive detection signals from sensors 19 and 20 in the case of negative detection signals from sensors 17 and 18 could be generated, for example, by two adapters 45 which are inserted into one of the insertion openings 14 and 16. Such an adapter 45 could, for example, also secure another U-bracket in which both legs 33 and 35 have a cross-sectional diameter that is too small to be able to be locked on the lock body 13. Furthermore, the combination of positive detection signals from sensors 17 and 18 with negative detection signals from sensors 19 and 20 could be generated by a U-bracket with two equally long and short legs or the insertion of two short clamps.

With such a mobile lock 11 and in particular with the arrangement of four sensors 17, 18, 19 and 20, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a large amount of information can consequently be obtained, processed and made available to a user. This information allows flexible use of the mobile lock 11 with regard to the selection of the securing parts 15, 43 and 47 and in particular the control of the locking device 23. The flexible use of the mobile lock 11 can be further increased if the lock system comprises one or more adapters 45 so that a wide variety of securing parts 15, 43 and 47 can be guided into the lock body 13 and locked on it. Thus, a user can choose the securing part 15, 43 or 47 that is suitable for a specific application. It should also be noted that, even without the adapter 45, it is fundamentally possible for the upper sensors 17, 18 not to generate a detection signal when the securing part is completely inserted, while one or both of the lower sensors 19, 20 generate a detection signal. For example, such a securing part, as explained for the adapter 45, can have a recess or the like in the area of the upper sensors 17 and 18. With another type of sensor 17, 18, 19, 20, such as a magnetic switch, a corresponding coding can take place. It should also be noted that an adapter 45 of the type explained enables a locking part 47 to be adapted even in the case of a lock without sensors 17, 18, 19, 20 (in particular in the case of a mobile lock with purely mechanical or also with electromechanical locking).

Reference list

1 1 mobile lock

13 lock body

14 insertion opening

15 safety part

16 insertion opening

17 first sensor

18 second sensor

19 third sensor

20 fourth sensor

21 Evaluation and control circuit

23 Locking device

25 first bolt

26 second latch

27 radio module

29 GPS receiver

31 Alarm device

33 long legs of a U-bracket

35 short legs of a U-bracket

36 indentation

37 notch

43 further safety part

45 adapters

47 third securing part

Claims

Expectations

1. Mobile lock (11), with a lock body (13) and at least one securing part (15), in particular a U-bracket or clamp,

wherein the at least one securing part (15) can optionally be locked on the lock body (13) or detachable from the lock body (13), and wherein the lock body (13) comprises:

at least one insertion opening (14, 16) for inserting the at least egg NEN securing part (15) into the lock body (13);

at least two sensors (17, 18, 19, 20) for detecting the securing part (15) inserted into the lock body (13) and for generating corresponding detection signals;

an evaluation and control circuit (21) for determining a current occupancy state of the lock body (13) as a function of the generated detection signals, the evaluation and control circuit (21) being designed to generate various combinations of detection signals generated different occupancy states of the lock body (13) to assign; and

an electromechanical locking device (23) which has at least one electrically drivable bolt (25, 26) for locking the at least one securing part (15) in the at least one insertion opening (14, 16), the evaluation and control circuit (21) for this purpose is designed to control the locking device (23).

2. Mobile lock according to claim 1,

wherein the lock body (13) has three or four sensors (17, 18, 19, 20).

3. Mobile lock according to one of claims 1 or 2,

wherein two of the at least two sensors (17, 19; 18, 20) are assigned to the same insertion opening (14; 16) of the lock body (13).

4. Mobile lock according to claim 3,

wherein the at least two sensors (17, 19; 18, 20) which are assigned to the same insertion opening (14; 16) of the lock body (13) are arranged along the insertion opening (14; 16) at different insertion depths.

5. Mobile lock according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the lock body (13) has two insertion openings (14, 16), where at least one sensor (17) is assigned to the one insertion opening (14) and at least one sensor (18) is assigned to the other insertion opening (16).

6. Mobile lock according to claim 5,

wherein two sensors (17, 19) of one insertion opening (14) and two Sen sensors (18, 20) of the other insertion opening (16) are assigned.

7. Mobile lock according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the respective sensor (17, 18, 19, 20) is designed to differentiate at least between a detection state and a non-detection state and accordingly to generate a positive or a negative detection signal.

8. Mobile lock according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the respective sensor (17, 28, 19, 20) has an electromechanical contact switch, a capacitive proximity switch, a magnetic switch, an optoelectronic interrupt switch or an optoelectronic proximity switch.

9. Mobile lock according to one of the preceding claims,

each information about a corresponding securing part (15, 43, 47) being stored in the evaluation and control circuit (21) for the different occupancy states of the lock body (13).

10. Mobile lock according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the evaluation and control circuit (21) is designed to assign at least four different combinations of generated detection signals to different occupancy states of the lock body (13).

11. Mobile lock according to one of the preceding claims,

the lock body (13) having at least two insertion openings (14, 16), the at least one securing part (15) being insertable into the at least two insertion openings (14, 16) in two different orientations, and with the evaluation and Control circuit (21) for the un different occupancy states of the lock body (13), a respective piece of information about the orientation of the at least one safety part (15) is stored.

12. Mobile lock according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein in the evaluation and control circuit (21) for the different occupancy states of the lock body (13) a respective information is stored about permissible positions of the at least one bolt (25, 26).

13. Mobile lock according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the locking device (23) has two bolts (25, 26) which can be driven independently of one another.

14. Mobile lock according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the evaluation and control circuit (21) is designed to control the locking device (23) as a function of the determined current occupancy state of the lock body (13).

15. Mobile lock according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the lock body (13) has a radio module (27) which is connected to the evaluation and control circuit (21).

16. Mobile lock according to claim 15,

wherein the radio module (27) is designed to transmit the current occupancy state of the lock body (13) as a radio signal;

and or

wherein the radio module (27) is designed to receive a control command for the locking device (23) by radio, wherein the evaluation and control circuit (21) is designed to control the locking device (23) in response to the received control command.

17. Mobile lock according to claim 15 or 16,

the lock body (13) having a GPS receiver (29) to determine a current position of the lock body (13), the radio module (27) being designed to transmit the current position determined as a radio signal. 18. Mobile lock according to one of claims 15 to 17,

wherein the lock body (13) has an alarm device (31) which in particular a circuit monitoring, a sabotage contact, the we least two sensors (17,

18, 19, 20), an acceleration sensor and / or a shock sensor.

19. Mobile lock according to claim 18,

wherein the radio module (27) is designed to send out an alarm signal as a radio signal;

and or

wherein the radio module (27) is designed to receive a control command for the alarm device (31) by radio, the evaluation and control circuit (21) being designed to control the alarm device (31) in response to the received control command .

20. Mobile lock according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the lock body (13) has an electrical energy source for supplying energy to further components (27, 29, 31) of the mobile lock (11), the evaluation and control circuit (21) being designed to provide energy to at least one of the others Components th (27, 29, 31) to control depending on the determined current occupancy state of the lock body (13).

21. Lock system with a mobile lock (11) according to one of the preceding claims

and with at least one further securing part (43), the one securing part (15) and the further securing part (43) being designed to trigger the generation of different combinations of detection signals when either one securing part (15) or the other Securing part (43) is inserted into the at least one insertion opening (16) of the lock body (13).

22. Lock system according to claim 21,

wherein the evaluation and control circuit (21) is designed to assign the un ferent combinations of detection signals to a respective safety part (15, 43).

23. Lock system according to claim 21 or 22,

wherein the lock system comprises an adapter (45) which can be inserted into the at least one insertion opening (14, 16).

24. Lock system according to claim 23,

wherein the adapter (45) is designed to produce a predetermined combination of detection signals when the adapter (45) is inserted into the at least one insertion opening (14, 16), the predetermined combination preferably being different from the at least one securing part (15) and / or the further securing part (43) differentiates triggered combinations of detection signals.

25. Lock system according to claim 23 or 24,

wherein the further securing part (43) or a third securing part (47) of the lock system can optionally be locked to the lock body (13) when the adapter (45) is inserted into the at least one insertion opening (16).