EP4165267A1

EP4165267A1 - Adapter for a locking device, and locking assembly comprising an adapter and a locking device

Info

Publication number: EP4165267A1
Application number: EP21734553.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jan Stendal; Lars Jensen; Anders Hannu
Original assignee: Stendals el AB
Current assignee: Stendals el AB
Priority date: 2020-06-12
Filing date: 2021-06-11
Publication date: 2023-04-19
Also published as: EP4165266A2; SE2050711A1; WO2021251896A2; SE545946C2; WO2021251896A3; WO2021251895A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adapter for a locking device having a first handle configured to operate a first bolt operating mechanism of a locking device and a second handle configured to operate a second bolt operating mechanism of the locking device. The invention also relates to a locking assembly comprising a locking device and such an adapter. The adapter comprises an override mechanism that operationally connects the second handle to the first bolt operating mechanism via a transmission mechanism provided in connection with the first handle.

Description

ADAPTER FOR A LOCKING DEVICE, AND LOCKING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING AN ADAPTER AND A LOCKING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an adapter for a locking device having a first handle configured to operate a first bolt operating mechanism of a locking device and a second handle configured to operate a second bolt operating mechanism of the locking device. The invention also relates to a locking assembly comprising a locking device and such an adapter.

BACKGROUND

Within the field of locking devices, adapters may be used as separate components that are added to an existing locking device in order to alter functions of the locking device with only minimal modifications to the locking device itself.

One type of such adapters is used as emergency exit devices and are mounted on the locking device on the inside of a door to enable evacuation. Often, it is desirable to allow evacuation from inside of a building while at the same time preventing undesired entrance from outside.

This type of adapter has two separate handles, one that is used in normal operation for operating one bolt of the locking device for opening a door that is not locked. Unlocking the door can take place by using a key or an electromechanical activation such as a keycard or tag that activates a motor for unlocking another bolt. However, for evacuation purposes another handle is sometimes provided that is able to operate both of the bolts.

A problem with existing solutions within this field is that evacuation may be hindered when a person using the door also pushes on the door, causing a load on the locking device, or when one of the handles is blocked. The transfer of forces from the adapter to the locking device may in such cases jam the locking bolt so that retracting the bolt is rendered difficult or even impossible. It is also vital that the desired functions can be achieved simply by using the adapter so that both unlocking and opening of the door may be caused by a single action of a user, since evacuation situations are generally stressful and successful evacuation may be prevented if multiple actions are required.

There is a need within this field for improved adapters that are stable and convenient and that allows for operating bolts in a locking device without requiring substantial structural modifications to the locking device itself. There is also a need for an emergency exit device that is always able to unlock and open a door when needed and that still prevents unauthorized access from an outside of the door.

SUMMARY

The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least to minimize the problems discussed above. This is achieved by an adapter, an adapter assembly and a locking assembly according to the appended independent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention an adapter for use with a locking device is provided. Such locking device has a first bolt with a first bolt operating mechanism and a second bolt with a second bolt operating mechanism. The adapter comprises an adapter body, a first handle mounted in a first part of the adapter body and arranged to operate the first bolt operating mechanism of the locking device, and a second handle mounted in a second part of the adapter body and arranged to operate the second bolt operating mechanism of the locking device. The adapter further comprises a transmission mechanism for transmitting a rotational movement from the first handle to the first bolt operating mechanism. The transmission mechanism comprises a first coupling member rotationally fixed to the first handle and provided with a first engaging member, and a second coupling member arranged to be rotationally fixed to the first bolt operating mechanism and provided with a second engaging member and an override member. The first engaging member is arranged in relation to the second engaging member so that the first engaging member rotating in a first rotational direction will engage with the second engaging member and bring the second coupling member into rotation. The second coupling member rotating in the first rotational direction will however not bring the first coupling member into rotation. The adapter further comprises an override mechanism connected to the second handle and arranged to be activated by the rotational movement of the second handle and upon activation engage with the override member of the second coupling member and bring the second coupling member into rotation in the first rotational direction.

The adapter has the main advantage that the first handle can be operated to control both the first bolt operating mechanism and the second bolt operating mechanism of a locking device with an efficient transfer of forces and while preventing any blockage of the second handle from hindering this operation. Due to the clearance provided in the transmission mechanism, the first bolt causes a smooth transfer of force to the second bolt operating mechanism of the locking device regardless of a position or state of the second handle so that evacuation is always possible using only one single action. This in turn renders the adapter both safer and more stable than existing solutions within this field. According to one embodiment of the invention the override mechanism comprises a first transfer element fixed to the second handle and at least a second transfer element connected to the first transfer element and arranged to engage with the override member. The second transfer element is arranged to upon activation by the first transfer element move a first distance without engaging with the override member and after moving the first distance arranged to engage with the override member to bring the second coupling member into rotation. Thereby, the first handle is able to operate the transmission mechanism in an efficient and convenient way so that both the first bolt operating mechanism and the second bolt operating mechanism of the locking device are activated by the first handle.

According to one embodiment the second transfer element is a pivoted lever that is arranged to pivot a first arc length without engaging with the override member and arranged to pivot a second arc length during which the pivoted lever engages with the override member and brings the second coupling member into rotation. According to one embodiment the second transfer element is a linear moving member suspended in the adapter body and arranged to be activated by the first transfer element and the linear moving member arranged to move a first distance without engaging with override member and arranged to move a second distance during which the linear moving member engages with the override member and brings the second coupling member into rotation. These embodiments may be relevant in situations where a load is applied to the door, for instance by a person pushing against the door since the bolts are retracted in series rather than simultaneously. Thus, regardless of such loads the locking device is able to function as intended so that evacuation is possible in all situations. Transferring forces to the transmission mechanism with one or more linear moving members may be a highly suitable solution that provides safe and stable operation while at the same time requiring few components so that the adapter is rendered compact.

The second handle may be arranged to engage directly with the second transfer element instead of with the first transfer element. This provides for an flexibility in the design of the adapter.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first handle and second handle comprises a push bar. Thereby, the adapter may also be used in situations where a push bar is considered more appropriate than a handle, and by the push bar also being rotatably arranged the operation of the adapter may be realized without requiring substantial structural modifications. According to one embodiment the override member of the second coupling member is arranged in relation with the second transfer element so that second coupling member may rotate at least a distance in the first rotational direction without the override member engaging with the second transfer element. The override member may be an arm extending radially outwards from the main body of the second engaging member. The arm has a leading side being the foremost part of the override member during rotation in the first rotational direction and an opposite trailing side The second transfer element may preferably be arranged to only contact the trailing side of the override member. Thereby, the operation of the first handle is decoupled from the operation of the second handle, which may be of importance in security reasons or in emergency situations.

According to one embodiment the first coupling member of the transmission mechanism is a first shaft mounted in the first handle and the first engaging member is a first protrusion provided on the end surface of the first shaft facing the locking device. The second coupling member is a second shaft, or a socket provided on the second shaft and provided with a second protrusion provided on the end surface of the second shaft facing the first handle. The second coupling member further comprises an intermediate member provided with an opening with a first contact surface and a second contact surface The override member is arranged on and extending from the intermediate member. The first protrusion is arranged to contact the first contact surface and the second contact surface is arranged to contact the second protrusion as the first shaft rotates in the first rotational direction, and wherein the opening is extended so that a play is formed to provide the clearance between the second protrusion and the first contact surface in the first rotational direction. Thereby, the transmission mechanism may be designed in an efficient and compact way, requiring few components while at the same time providing the desirable functions in both transferring forces from the first handle to the first bolt operating mechanism and at the same time allowing the second handle to override the second handle so that the second bolt operating mechanism may be operated in emergency situations.

According to one embodiment of the invention the first coupling member of the transmission mechanism is provided with an opening and an inner engaging member directly connected to the first handle and arranged such as the first coupling member is rotationally fixed to the first handle, and wherein the first engaging member is positioned radially outwards of the inner engaging member of the first coupling member. The first handle may comprises a protruding portion arranged to be accommodated by the opening of the first coupling member. The protruding portion having a cross section of non-circular shape and the opening of the first coupling member having a corresponding geometry and arranged to provide a tight fit engagement with the protruding portion of the first handle. The cross section of the protruding portion of the first handle may have at least one flat portion and wherein the opening of the first coupling member has a corresponding flat portion. Thereby, a strong connection is established between the handle and the first coupling member.

According to one embodiment of the invention the first engaging member is provided with a leading surface and a trailing surface, and the second engaging member is provided with a contact surface and a free surface, wherein the leading surface of the first engaging member faces the contact surface of the second coupling member and the trailing surface faces the free surface of the second engaging member and wherein the rotational movement in the first rotational direction is transmitted from the first coupling member by the leading surface being in contact with the contact surface. The handle assembly typically has a rested position corresponding to the first handle being in its upper end position and the bolt being extended.

In the rested position the first engaging member is arranged in a relative position with the second engaging member with a first arc length provided between leading surface of the first engaging member and the contact surface of the second engaging member, and a second arc length provided between the free surface of the second engaging member and the trailing surface of the first engaging member. The second arc length defines a clearance which the second engaging member may rotate in the first rotational direction before meeting the trailing surface. Thereby, the transmission mechanism may be provided in an alternative design in an efficient and compact way, requiring few components while at the same time providing the desirable functions in both transferring forces from the first handle to the first bolt operating mechanism and at the same time allowing the second handle to override the second handle so that the second bolt operating mechanism may be operated in emergency situations.

According to one aspect of the invention an adapter assembly is provided. The adapter assembly comprises a first adapter as described above. The adapter assembly further comprises a second adapter comprising a second adapter housing, an outer handle, and a second transmission mechanism. The second transmission mechanism comprises a first coupling member rotationally fixed to the outer handle and provided with a first engaging member, and a second coupling member arranged to be rotationally fixed to the first bolt operating mechanism and provided with a second engaging member. The first engaging member is arranged in relation to the second engaging member so that the first engaging member rotating in the rotational direction for activating the movement of the first bolt via the first bolt operating mechanism will engage with the second engaging member and bring the second coupling member into rotation. Thereby, the first handle is able to override both the second handle and the second adapter handle of the second adapter, so that operation of both the first bolt and the second bolt are possible even where one or both of the second handle and the second adapter handle are blocked. This is particularly advantageous where emergency evacuation could be hindered by a person or an object blocking or jamming the handle on the outside of the door. According to one aspect of the invention a locking assembly is provided. The locking assembly comprises a locking device having a first bolt operating mechanism for operating a first bolt and a second bolt operating mechanism for operating a second bolt. The locking device further comprises the adapter described above. The adapter is arranged in connection with a first side of the locking device so that the first handle of the adapter is operatively connected to the first bolt operating mechanism and so that the second handle of the adapter is operatively connected to the second bolt operating mechanism. The locking assembly may comprise the adapter assembly described above. Thereby, the advantages described above with reference to the adapter according to the present invention is achieved.

Many additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood by the skilled person in view of the detailed description below.

DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, wherein Figures la-b schematically illustrate an embodiment of the adapter according to the invention in exploded perspective views and in b) including a locking device which the adapter typically is mounted in connection to;

Figures 2a-d schematically illustrate in planar front view the function of the adapter according to the embodiment the invention illustrated in figures la-b; Figure 3 schematically illustrates in planar front view one embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4a-d schematically illustrate in planar front view the function of the adapter according to the embodiment the invention illustrated in figure 3;

Figure 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the adapter assembly according to the invention in an exploded perspective view; Figures 6a-b schematically illustrates one embodiments of the transmission mechanism according to the invention in exploded perspective views; and

Figures 7a-b schematically illustrates one embodiments of the transmission mechanism according to the invention in an exploded perspective view.

All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the respective embodiments, whereas other parts may be omitted or merely suggested. Any reference number appearing in multiple drawings refers to the same object or feature throughout the drawings, unless otherwise indicated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Terms such as ’’top”, “bottom”, upper”, lower”, “below”, “above” etc are used merely with reference to the geometry of the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings and/or during normal operation of the device/devices and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner.

In the description and common to all embodiments the term “rested position” is used to describe a handle assembly used with a locking device being in a non-activated position, typically characterized by the handle being in its upper position and the bolt which the handle directly operates being in its extended (locking) position. The term “activated position” refers to the position wherein the handle has been pressed down to its and position and the associated bolt being fully retracted into the locking device. “First rotational direction Ri” is used to describe the rotational direction associated with the handle being pressed down to retract the associated bolt and “second rotational direction Ri” is used to describe to opposite rotational direction.

The term “handle” should be interpreted to also include knob, bar (emergency bar), lever and other parts commonly associated to the operation of a locking device. In some instances, for example utilizing a bar or a lever, the rotational movement typically used for operating a bolt is typically provided by the bar/lever interacting with intermediate members, transforming the linear motion to a rotational movement. Also such intermediate members are included in the term “handle”. “Handle being pressed down” and similar expressions referring to the operation of the locking mechanism should be understood to also apply to for example a knob being turned in the direction associated with maneuvering the locking device, pressing the bar towards the door etc.

The term “door” is used herein as a non-limiting example in illustrating how the adapter assembly and locking device according to the invention is commonly utilized. All types of parts or elements wherein a locking device is known to be found is included in “doors”, including but not limited to gates, lids and housings.

The adapter 180 according to the invention is schematically illustrated in Figures la-b and Figure 3, wherein a) illustrates the parts of the adapter 180 and b) the adapter 180 in relation to a locking device 110 to which the adapter 180 typically is mounted and interacts with. The locking device 110 may be a conventional and commercially available prior art locking device that is suitable for use with an adapter 180 according to the invention. The locking device 110 comprises a first bolt 115a operated with a first bolt operating mechanism 116a and a second bolt 115b operated with a second bolt operating mechanism 116b. The bolt operating mechanisms 115a, 115b are operated by a rotational movement, typically transmitted to the bolt operating mechanisms 115a, 115b via shafts. To each bolt operating mechanisms 115a, 115b and bolts 116a, 116b an activation angle may be described, the activation angle defining the rotation in a specific rotational direction of the bolt operating mechanisms required to move the bolt from a fully extended position to a fully retracted position, the fully retracted position typically associated to opening a door to which the locking device 110 is mounted.

The adapter 180 according to one aspect of the invention comprises an adapter body 185, a first handle 120a, a second handle 120b, a transmission mechanism 100 and an override mechanism 190. The first handle 120a is mounted in a first part of the adapter body 185 and arranged to operate the first bolt operating mechanism 116a of the locking device 110 via the transmission mechanism 100. The transmission mechanism 100 comprises a first coupling member 130 rotationally fixed to the first handle 120 and provided with a first engaging member 130, and a second coupling member 140 arranged to be rotationally fixed to the first bolt operating mechanism 116a and provided with a second engaging member 142. The first engaging member 132 is arranged in relation to the second engaging member 142 so that the first engaging member 132 rotating in a first rotational direction Ri_, which is the rotational direction for activating the movement of the first bolt 115a, will engage with the second engaging member 142 and bring the second coupling member 140 into rotation. The second coupling member 140 rotating in the first rotational direction Ri will not bring the first coupling member 130 into rotation. The transmission mechanism 100 may be seen as a one-way rotational decoupler and various implementations will be discussed below. The second coupling member 140 is further provided with an override member 148.

The second handle 120b is mounted in a second part of the adapter body 185 and arranged to operate the second bolt operating mechanism 116b of the locking device 110. The second handle 120 b is further linked to the operation of the first bolt through the override mechanism 190. The override mechanism 190 is provided to activate the first bolt 115a from the second handle 120b. The override mechanism 190 is in connection with the second handle 120b and arranged to be activated by the rotational movement of the second handle 120b and upon activation engage with the override member 148 of the second coupling member 140 and bring the second coupling member 140 into rotation in the first rotational direction Ri. Thereby, the first bolt operating mechanism 116a is activated and the first bolt 115a retracted.

According to embodiments of the invention the override mechanism 190 comprises a first transfer element 191 that is connected to the second handle 120b, for example rotationally fixed to the second handle 120b, and at least a second transfer element 192; 392 that is operationally connected to the first transfer element 191. The second transfer element 192; 392 is arranged to engage with the override member 148 and is arranged to upon activation by the first transfer element 191 move a first distance without engaging with the override member 148. This will initiate the retraction of the second bolt 115b. After moving the first distance second transfer element 192; 392 is arranged to engage with the override member 148 to bring the second coupling member 140) into rotation. Thereby the first bolt 115b will be retracted with a delay as compared to the second bolt 115b. The length of the delay given by the relation between the first and second distances. The adapter 180 may further comprise a spring, for example a spiral spring 187, acting on the first transfer element 191 and arranged to bring the first transfer element 191 and the second handle 120b back to its neutral position.

According to embodiments of the invention the override member 148 of the second coupling member 140 is arranged in relation with the second transfer element 192; 392 so that second coupling member 140 may rotate at least a distance in the first rotational direction Ri without the override member 148 engaging with the second transfer element 192. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures la-b and 3 this is realized by the override member 148 of the second engaging member 142 being an arm extending radially outwards from the main body of the second engaging member 142. The arm 142 has a leading side being the foremost part of the override member 148 during rotation in the first rotational direction Ri and an opposite trailing side. The second transfer element 192 is arranged to only contact the trailing side of the override member 148, and thereby the second coupling member 140 may rotate without engaging with the second transfer element 192; 392 and hence not effect the second bolt 115b.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures la-b and 2a-d the second transfer element is a pivoted lever 192. The pivoted lever 192 is arranged to pivot a first arc length, h, without engaging with the override member 148 and arranged to pivot a second arc length, h, during which the pivoted lever 192 engages with the override member 148 and brings the second coupling member 140 into rotation. As appreciated by the skilled person, the pivoted lever 192 may also be arranged to directly engage with the override member 148 which would result in a simultaneous operation of the first and second bolts 115a, 115b.

The interplay between the parts of the adapter 180 comprising a pivoted lever 192 is schematically illustrated in Figures 2a-d, wherein: a) is a neutral position with both the first bolt 115a and the second bolt 115b extended; b) the first handle 120a has been pressed down and only the first bolt 115 is affected via the transmission mechanism 100 and the first bolt operating mechanism 116a; c) the second handle 120b has been partly pressed down but only effects the second bolt 115b; d) the second handle 120b has been further pressed down and also the first bolt 115a is affected via the pivoted lever 192 engaging with the override member/arm 148 of the second coupling member 140.

According to one embodiment the second handle (120b) is arranged to directly engage with the second transfer element (192; 392). The second transfer element (192) may, if a pivotable member, be rotationally fixed to the second handle (120b). In case of a linear moving member (392) the second handle (120b) may be engaged with a rack/gear arrangement. The second transfer element (192, 392) is operatively connected to the first transfer element (191) and arranged to engage with the override member (148). Typically and preferably, the second transfer element (192, 392) is arranged move a first distance without engaging with the override member (148) and after moving the first distance arranged to engage with the override member (148) to bring the second coupling member (140) into rotation.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 and 4a-d the second transfer element 192 is a linear moving member 392 suspended in the adapter body 185 and arranged to be activated by the first transfer element 191. The linear moving member 392 may be arranged to move a first distance without engaging with override member 148. Alternatively, as illustrated the first transfer element 191 is arranged to move a is arranged to pivot an arc length, Li, before engaging with the linear moving member 392. The linear moving member 392 is arranged to move a second distance, L2, during which the linear moving member 392 engages with the override member 148 and brings the second coupling member 140 into rotation. Linear moving member 392 may for example be realized as a rod or a set of rods, a rack or a set of racks, or as a wire arrangement. According to one embodiment the linear moving member 392 is a rod which is provided with a first hook 393 and a second hook 394. The first hook 393 is arranged to engage with the first transfer element 191 and the second hook 394 is arranged to engage with the override member 148.

The interplay between the parts of the adapter 180 comprising the linear moving member 392 is schematically illustrated in Figures 4a-d, wherein: a) is a neutral position with both the first bolt 115a and the second bolt 115b extended; b) the first handle 120a has been pressed down and only the first bolt 115 is affected via the transmission mechanism 100 and the first bolt operating mechanism 116a; c) the second handle 120b has been partly pressed down but only effects the second bolt 115b; d) the second handle 120b has been further pressed down and also the first bolt 115a is affected via the linear moving member 392 engaging with the override member/arm 148 of the second coupling member 140.

According to one aspect of the invention a locking assembly is provided comprising the adapter 180, a first handle 120a and a second handle 120b for mounting on one side of a door. The locking assembly further comprises the locking device 110 which comprises a first bolt 115a operated with a first bolt operating mechanism 116a in connection with the first handle 120a, and a second bolt 115b operated with a second bolt operating mechanism 116b, optionally in connection with the second handle 120b. The locking assembly further comprises an outer handle and possibly a second adapter for mounting on the other side of the door. The outer handle is typically in connection with the first bolt operating mechanism 116a and hence, operates the same bolt as the first handle 120a but from the other side.

According to one aspect of the invention an adapter assembly 580 is provided. The adapter assembly 580 is schematically illustrated in Figure 5 and compromises the adapter 180 described with references to Figures 1-4 including a first handle 120 and a second handle 120b. These parts are typically mounted on one side of a door. The adapter assembly 500 further comprises a second adapter 580 comprising a second adapter housing 585 and a handle referred to as an outer handle 520, and a second transmission mechanism 500. The adapter assembly may also comprise one or more housings 531 which at least partly covers the parts of the transmission mechanisms 100; 500. Present in Figure 6, for the purpose of indicating the interaction between the first adapter 180 and the second adapter 580, is a first and second shaft 550, 551 that are operating the first and second bolt operating mechanisms (not shown). The second adapter 585 does typically not have an override mechanism. The second transmission mechanism 500 is similar to the transmission mechanism 100 described above but lacks the override member 148. Hence the second transmission mechanism 500 comprises a first coupling member 530 rotationally fixed to the outer handle 520 and provided with a first engaging member 532, and a second coupling member 540 arranged to be rotationally fixed to the first bolt operating mechanism 116a and provided with a second engaging member 542. The first engaging member 532 is arranged in relation to the second engaging member 542 so that the first engaging member 532 rotating in a first rotational direction Ri_, which is the rotational direction for activating the movement of the first bolt 115a, will engage with the second engaging member 542 and bring the second coupling member 540 into rotation. The second coupling member 540 rotating in the first rotational direction Ri will not bring the first coupling member 530 into rotation.

In the embodiments described above the second handle 120b has been described as acting directly on the first transfer element 191. Alternatively, the second handle 120b is arranged to interact directly to another member of the override mechanism, for example the second transfer element 192. The second handle 120b may for example be rotational fixed to the pivoted lever 192 which in turn drives the first transfer element 191 which rotates the second bolt operating mechanism 116b. Also in the embodiments utilizing the linear moving member 392, the second handle 120b may interact first with the linear moving member 392, for example by the linear moving member 392 being a rack in meshing interaction with a member rotationally fixed to the second handle 120b.

Versions of the transmission mechanism 100 and/or the second transmission mechanism 500 which are utilized in embodiments of the invention and is schematically illustrated in Figures la-b will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 6a-b.

The transmission mechanism 100/500 comprises the first coupling member in form of a stop washer 130 and the second coupling member a connector 140 which are arranged, from the outside and in towards the locking device 110, with a handle 120, a rotationally fixed housing 125, the stop washer 130 the connector 140, a shaft 150, the shaft arranged to connect to a first bolt locking mechanism 116a. These parts have a common rotational axis, A. The shaft 150 shares the common rotational axis A with the handle assembly 100 and the shaft 150 may according to one embodiment, in the mounted state, extend from the locking device 110 through the connector 140, the stop washer 130 and the rotationally fixed housing 125 and may end within an opening 121 of the handle 120. There is a first rotational direction, Ri, associated with the handle 120 being pressed downwards and causing the first bolt 116 to retract from an extended position and making it possible to open the door.

The opening 121 of the handle 120 may be arranged to receive a portion of the shaft 150 and dimensioned such that the shaft 150 can rotate freely around the rotational axis A within the opening 121.

The opening 131 of the stop washer 130 may, similarly to the opening 121 of the handle 120, be dimensioned such that the shaft 150 can rotate freely around the rotational axis within the opening 131. The stop washer 130 is further provided with an inner engaging member 135 directly connected to the handle 120 and arranged such as the stop washer 130 is rotationally fixed to the handle 120. The stop washer 130 is preferably detachably fixed to the handle 120, which may be achieved in different ways. According to one embodiment the handle 120 comprises a protruding portion 122 arranged to be accommodated by and match the opening

131 of the stop washer 130. The handle protruding portion 122 may have a cross section of non circular shape and the opening 131 of the stop washer 130 having a corresponding geometry so that a tight fit engagement is achieved. One embodiment of a suitable geometry is a semi circular cross-section with at least one, preferably two, flat portions as depicted in Figure 6a. This would assure a secure transfer of the rotational movement and force, yet the parts could be easily mounted and demounted. Alternatively, the protrusion 122 of the handle 120 has polygonal cross-section and the opening 131 of the stop washer 131 a corresponding shape. The stop washer 130 further comprises at least one first engaging member 130 in form of an outer engaging member 132 which is arranged to engage with a part of the connector 140 and bring the connector 140 in rotational movement in the first rotational direction Ri.

The connector 140 is provided with an opening 141 arranged to at least partly receive the shaft 150 such that the connector 140 is rotationally fixed to the shaft 150. The connector further comprises at least one second engaging member in form of a connector engaging member 142. The connector engaging member 142 is arranged to engage with the outer engaging member

132 of the stop washer 130. The connector of the transmission mechanism 100 further comprises the override member 148. According to one embodiment of the invention the outer engaging member 132 of the stop washer 130 is positioned radially outwards of the inner connecting member 125 of the stop washer 130. The stop washer may, as illustrated in Figure 6a, be an essentially flat washer with a non-circular opening 131 for receiving and engage with the protruding portion 122 of the handle 120, and the outer engaging member 132 provided on the outer perimeter of the stop washer and extending inwards from the inner surface of the stop washer 130 towards the locking device. This can be seen as the rotational force produced by pressing part of the handle 120 downwards is transmitted from the handle 120 from the outside of the rotating part of the handle 120 via the stop washer and the connector 130 to the shaft 150. This is in contrast to prior art assemblies wherein the rotational force is transmitted from inside a handle directly to a shaft. The stop washer 130 and the connector 140 are arranged so that the stop washer 130 rotating in the first rotational direction Ri will bring the connector 140 into rotation, while the connector 140 rotating in the first rotational direction Ri will not bring the stop washer 130 and hence not the handle 120 into rotation, at least not during the rotational distance/angle associated with going from the rested position to the activated position.

According to the embodiment schematically illustrated in Figures 6a-b the stop washer 130 is arranged to transmit rotational movement to the connector 140 only via the outer engaging member 132 being in contact with the connector engaging member 142. The outer engaging member 132 has a leading surface 132a and a trailing surface 132b and the connector engaging member 142 has a contact surface 142a and a free surface 142b, wherein leading and trailing should be understood in relation to the first rotational direction, Ri. The leading surface 132a of the outer engaging member 132 faces the contact surface 142a of the connector 140 and the trailing surface 132b faces the free surface 142b of the connector engaging member 142. The rotational movement is transmitted from the stop washer 130 by the leading surface 132a being in contact with the contact surface 142a. During normal operation, i.e going from the rested position to the activated position the free surface 142b of the connector 140 is not brought into contact with the trailing surface 132b of the outer engaging member 132.

Figure 6b illustrates, in a planar view, the connector 140 and stop washer 130 being in the rested position wherein the outer engaging member 132 is arranged in a relative position with the connector engaging member 142 so that, in the first rotational direction, Ri, a first arc length di is provided between leading surface 132a of the outer engaging member 132 and the contact surface 142a of the connector engaging member 142. A second arc length d2 is provided between the free surface 142b of the connector engaging member 142 and the trailing surface 132b of the outer engaging member 132. The second arc length d defines a clearance 145 which the connector engaging member 142 may rotate in the first rotational direction Ri before meeting the trailing surface 132b and preferably without engaging with any part of the stop washer 130. The clearance 145 may be provided for example as a portion of the connector 140 having a smaller radius giving a peripherical depression or a as cut-out in the main body of the connector 140 and/or in the stop washer 130. The clearance 145 may also be provided as a cut out in the connector 140 for receiving the outer engaging member 132. As realized by the skilled person one or more cut-outs could equally well be provided in the stop washer 130 and the connector engaging member 142 extending from a main body of the connector 140 into the cut outs of the stop washer 130. Alternatively to providing a cut-out or peripherical depression forming the clearance 145, both the connector engaging member 142 and the outer engaging member 132 may be provide as protrusions on respective otherwise flat surfaces facing each other.

According to one embodiment the stop washer 130 has a main body 130b and the outer engaging member 132 extending both radially out from the main body 130b and in a longitudinal direction towards the connector 140. The main body 130b of the stop washer 130 may be essentially circular with the connector engaging member 142 extending from the otherwise circular periphery_. The connector engaging member 142 is provided with contact surface 142a arrange to face the leading surface 133 of the of the stop washer 130 and a free surface 142b facing the trailing surface 132b. Preferably, the first arc lengths di between leading surface 132a of the outer engaging member 132 and the contact surface 142a of the connector engaging member 142 is significantly shorter than second arc length d2 provided between the free surface 142b of the connector engaging member 142 and the trailing surface 132b of the outer engaging member 132. More preferably, the first arc length di is at least 5 times and even more preferably at least 10 times shorter than the second arc length d2. According to one embodiment the leading surface 132a of the stop washer 130 is arranged to, in the rested position, abut the contact surface 143a of the connector 140. Thereby the outer engaging member 132 directly brings the connector (140) in rotation upon rotation in the first direction Ri. It is typically an advantage to not have a delay, which may be the result if the leading surface 132a does not abut, or at least is very close to, the contact surface 143a in the rested position, in the transmission of the rotational movement from the handle 120, via the stop washer 130 to the connector 140. According to one embodiment the stop washer 130 has an essentially circular main body 130b and at least two outer engaging members 132 that each extends radially out from the main body 130b and also in the longitudinal direction to encompass at least part of the connector 140 in then mounted. Each outer engaging members 132 is provided with a leading surface 132a and a trailing surface 133b. The leading surface 132a and the trailing surface 133b defines the extension of the engaging members 133 in the circumferential direction of the stop washer 130. The connector 140 is provided with a corresponding number of connector engaging members 142 with contact surfaces 143a and free surfaces 143b. With reference to the rested position the leading surface 132a of a first outer engaging member 132 abuts, or is close to, the contact surface 133a of a first connector engaging member 143. Consecutive connector engaging members 142 are arranged with an arc length in-between them and the arc length is chosen in relation to the circumferential extension of the outer engaging members 142 so that a predetermined clearance is provided in-between the free surface 142b of the first connector engaging member 140 and the trailing surface 133b of the next outer engaging member 132 in the rotational direction Ri.

As appreciated by the skilled person, the details of engaging members of the stop washer 130 and the connector 140 may be varied in many ways and provide the function of direct engagement in the first rotational direction Ri and engagement only after a predetermined arc length, or angle, in the opposite rotational direction R2. In particular, the skilled person would appreciate that the design of engaging members could be interchanged between stop washer 130 and the connector 140, with regards to, for example, a cut-out being provided in the stop washer 130 instead of in the connector 140 and the connector engaging members 132 extending into, or over, the stop washer 130.

An activation angle may be associated to the first bolt operating mechanism 115a and corresponding to the first bolt 116 being fully retracted. According to embodiments the outer engaging member or members 132 of the stop washer 130 and the connecter engaging member or members of the connector 140 are arranged so that the length of the clearance 145 corresponds to an angle of rotation that the connector 140 may rotate freely starting from the rested position in the first rotational direction Ri is at least the same as the activation angle. It could be advantageous to have a margin so that the angle of the rotation is about 10% or even about 20% larger than the activation angle. According to one embodiment the transmission mechanism 100/500 further comprises the rotationally fixed housing 125 which is provided with a depression 126 open to the side facing the locking device 110. The depression 126, which also could be in the form of a cut-out, is extended a distance in the first rotational direction Ri. The outer engaging member 132 of the stop washer 130 is extended in the direction given by the rotational axis A towards the handle 120 and part of outer engaging member 132 is received in the depression 126. Hence, the dimensions of the depression will define the maximum angle of rotation of the handle 120 around the rotational axis A. As an alternative embodiment the stop washer 130 may be provided with members extending towards the handle which are separate from the outer engaging members 132 and which extending members extends into the depression 126.

The shaft 150 may have different cross-sectional geometries and also vary in length. The connector 140 which engages with the shaft 150 should have a corresponding cross-sectional geometry to secure a tight rotational fit. The embodiment described with references to Figures 6a-b allows for shaft 150 of different lengths and/or for mounting in doors of different thickness, in that the shaft 150 passes through the stop washer 140 and the handle 120a may accommodate a varying portion of the length of the shaft 150. Alternatively, the shaft 150 does not extend through all parts. According to one embodiment the opening 141 of the connector 140 is not a through opening, i.e. the opening is closed on the side of the connector facing the stop washer 130 and the shaft ends withing the opening 141. In that case the stop washer 130 and the handle 120 do not need to have openings, at least not openings arranged to receive a shaft. Also, the shaft 150 may be arranged to not extend further than the stop washer in the direction towards the handle 120, in which case the handle 120 may not be provided with an opening.

One embodiment of the adapter 180 according to the invention comprises transmission mechanism 100 and the second transmission mechanism 500 and is schematically illustrated in Figures 7a-b, wherein b) is a close-up of the adapter 180. The first coupling member of the transmission mechanism 100/500 is a first shaft 730 mounted in the first handle 120a and the first engaging member is a first protrusion 732 on the end surface of the first shaft 730, the end surface facing the locking device 110. The second coupling member 740 is a second shaft 750 or a socket 751 provided on the second shaft 750 and provided with a second protrusion 752 provided on the end surface of the second shaft 750 facing the first handle 120a. The second coupling member 740 further comprising an intermediate member 747, the intermediate member 747 provided with an opening 741 with a first contact surface 742a and a second contact surface 742b arranged within the opening. The second protrusion 752 in combination with the first contact surface 742a and a second contact surface 742b corresponds to the second engagement member 142. The override member 148 is preferably arranged on and extending from the intermediate member 747. Alternatively, the override member 148 may be provided on another part of the second coupling member, for example the socket 751. The first protrusion 732 is arranged to contact the first contact surface 742a and the second contact surface 742b is arranged to contact the second protrusion 752 as the first shaft 730 rotates in the first rotational direction. The opening 741 is extended so that a play is formed to provide the clearance between the second protrusion 752 and the first contact surface 742a in the first rotational direction.

One of the handles may be connected to, or being part of a push bar, which are commonly utilized in emergency exit arrangements.

The embodiments described above are to be understood as illustrative examples of the system and method of the present invention. It will be understood that those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and changes may be made to the embodiments. In particular, different part solutions in the different embodiments can be combined in other configurations, where technically possible. Further, features from the various embodiments described herein may freely be combined, unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination would be unsuitable.

Claims

1. Adapter (180) for a locking device (110), the locking device (110) comprising a first bolt (115a) with a first bolt operating mechanism (116a) with a predetermined first rotational direction (Rl) for operation the first bolt (115a) and a second bolt (115b) with a second bolt operating mechanism (116b), the adapter (180) comprising:

- an adapter body (185),

- a first handle (120a) mounted in a first part of the adapter body (185) and arranged to operate the first bolt operating mechanism (116a) of the locking device (110),

- a second handle (120b) mounted in a second part of the adapter body (185) and arranged to operate the second bolt operating mechanism (116b) of the locking device (110), a transmission mechanism (100) for transmitting a rotational movement from the first handle (120a) to the first bolt operating mechanism (116a), the transmission mechanism (100) comprising:

- a first coupling member (130) rotationally fixed to the first handle (120a) and provided with a first engaging member (132),

- a second coupling member (140) arranged to be rotationally fixed to the first bolt operating mechanism (116a) and provided with a second engaging member (142) and an override member (148), and wherein the first engaging member (132) is arranged in relation to the second engaging member (142) so that the first engaging member (130) rotating in a first rotational direction (Ri) will engage with the second engaging member (142) and bring the second coupling member (140) into rotation, while the second coupling member (140) rotating in the first rotational direction (Ri) will not bring the first coupling member (130) into rotation, and wherein the adapter (180) further comprises:

- an override mechanism (190) connected to the second handle (120b) and arranged to be activated by the rotational movement of the second handle (120b) and upon activation engage with the override member (148) of the second coupling member (140) and bring the second coupling member (140) into rotation in the first rotational direction (Ri).

2. The adapter (180) according to claim 1, wherein the override mechanism (190) comprises a first transfer element (191) connected to the second handle (120b) and at least a second transfer element (192; 392) connected to the first transfer element (191) and arranged to engage with the override member (148), wherein the second transfer element (192) is arranged to upon activation by the first transfer element (191) move a first distance without engaging with the override member (148) and after moving the first distance arranged to engage with the override member (148) to bring the second coupling member (140) into rotation.

3. The adapter (180) according to claim 1, wherein the override mechanism (190) comprises a first transfer element (191) and at least a second transfer element (192; 392), wherein the second transfer element (192) is rotationally fixed to the second handle (120b), is operatively connected to the first transfer element (191) and arranged to engage with the override member (148) and is arranged move a first distance without engaging with the override member (148) and after moving the first distance arranged to engage with the override member (148) to bring the second coupling member (140) into rotation.

4. The adapter (180) according to any of the claims 1 -3, wherein the override member (148) of the second coupling member (140) is arranged in relation with the second transfer element (192; 392) so that second coupling member (140) may rotate at least a distance in the first rotational direction (Rl) without the override member (148) engaging with the second transfer element (192).

5. The adapter (180) according to claim 4, wherein the override member (148) of the second engaging member (142) is an arm extending radially outwards from the main body of the second engaging member (142), the arm having a leading side being the foremost part of the override member (148) during rotation in the first rotational direction (Ri) and an opposite trailing side, and wherein the second transfer element (192) is arranged to only contact the trailing side of the override member (148).

6. The adapter (180) according to any of claims 2-5, wherein the second transfer element (192) is a pivoted lever (192) that is arranged to pivot a first arc length (h) without engaging with the override member (148) and arranged to pivot a second arc length (I2) during which the pivoted lever (192) engages with the override member (148) and brings the second coupling member (140) into rotation.

7. The adapter (180) according to any of claims 2-5, wherein the second transfer element (192) is a linear moving member (392) suspended in the adapter body (185) and arranged to be activated by the first transfer element (191) and the linear moving member (392) arranged to move a first distance (Li) without engaging with override member (148) and arranged to move a second distance (L2) during which the linear moving member (392) engages with the override member (148) and brings the second coupling member (140) into rotation.

8. The adapter (180) according to claim 7, wherein the linear moving member (392) is a rod provided with a first hook (393) arranged to engage with the first transfer element (191) and a second hook (394) arranged to engage with the override member (148).

9. The adapter (180) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the second handle and first handle is a push bar.

10. The adapter (780) according to any of claims 1-9, wherein

- the first coupling member of the transmission mechanism (100) is a first shaft (730) mounted in the first handle (120a) and the first engaging member is a first protrusion (732) provided on the end surface of the first shaft (730) facing the locking device (110),

- the second coupling member (740) is a second shaft (750) or a socket (751) provided on the second shaft (750) and provided with a second protrusion (752) provided on the end surface of the second shaft (750) facing the first handle (120a), and the second coupling member (740) further comprising an intermediate member (747), the intermediate member (747) provided with an opening (741) with a first contact surface (742a) and a second contact surface (742b) arranged within the opening, and wherein the override member (148) is arranged on and extending from the intermediate member (747), and wherein the first protrusion (732) is arranged to contact the first contact surface (742a) and the second contact surface (742b) is arranged to contact the second protrusion (752) as the first shaft (730) rotates in the first rotational direction, and wherein the opening (741) is extended so that a play is formed to provide the clearance between the second protrusion (752) and the first contact surface (742a) in the first rotational direction.

11. The adapter (180) according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the first coupling member

(130) of the transmission mechanism (100) is provided with an opening (131) and an inner engaging member (135) directly connected to the first handle (120a) and arranged such as the first coupling member (130) is rotationally fixed to the first handle (120a), and wherein the first engaging member (132) is positioned radially outwards of the inner engaging member (135) of the first coupling member (130).

12. The handle assembly (100) according to claim 11, wherein the first handle (120a) comprises a protruding portion (122) arranged to be accommodated by the opening

(131) of the first coupling member (130), the protruding portion (122) having a cross section of non-circular shape and the opening (131) of the first coupling member (130) having a corresponding geometry and arranged to provide a tight fit engagement with the protruding portion (122) of the first handle (120a).

13. The handle assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein the cross section of the protruding portion (122) of the first handle (120a) has at least one flat portion and wherein the opening (131) of the first coupling member (130) has a corresponding flat portion.

14. The handle assembly (100) according to any of claims 11-13, wherein the first engaging member (132) is provided with a leading surface (132a) and a trailing surface (132b), and the second engaging member (142) is provided with a contact surface (142a) and a free surface (142b), wherein the leading surface (132a) of the first engaging member (132) faces the contact surface (142a) of the second coupling member (140) and the trailing surface (132b) faces the free surface (142b) of the second engaging member (142), and wherein the rotational movement in the first rotational direction (Ri) is transmitted from the first coupling member (130) by the leading surface (132a) being in contact with the contact surface (142a).

15. The handle assembly (100) according to claim 14, wherein the handle assembly (100) has a rested position corresponding to the first handle (120a) being in its upper end position and the bolt (115) being extended, and wherein in the rested position the first engaging member (132) is arranged in a relative position with the second engaging member (142) with a first arc length (di) provided between leading surface (132a) of the first engaging member (132) and the contact surface (142a) of the second engaging member (142), and a second arc length (d2) provided between the free surface (142b) of the second engaging member (142) and the trailing surface 132b of the first engaging member (132), the second arc length (d2) defining a clearance (145) which the second engaging member (142) may rotate in the first rotational direction (Ri) before meeting the trailing surface (132b).

16. An adapter assembly (580) comprising a first adapter (180) according to any of the claims 1-15, the first adapter (180) associated with one side of the locking device (110) The adapter assembly (500) further comprises a second adapter (580) comprising a second adapter housing (585), an outer handle (520), and a second transmission mechanism (500), wherein the second transmission mechanism (500) comprises

-a first coupling member (530) rotationally fixed to the outer handle (520) and provided with a first engaging member 532,

-a second coupling member (540) arranged to be rotationally fixed to the first bolt operating mechanism (116a) and provided with a second engaging member (542), and wherein the first engaging member (532) is arranged in relation to the second engaging member (542) so that the first engaging member (532) rotating in the rotational direction for activating the movement of the first bolt (115a) via the first bolt operating mechanism (116a) will engage with the second engaging member (542) and bring the second coupling member (540) into rotation.

17. A locking assembly comprising at least one locking device (110) having a first bolt operating mechanism (116a) for operating a first bolt (115a) and a second bolt operating mechanism for operating a second bolt, and wherein the locking assembly further comprises an adapter (180) according to any of claims 1-15, wherein the adapter (180) is arranged in connection with a first side of the locking device (110) so that the first handle (120a) of the adapter is operatively connected to the first bolt operating mechanism (116a) and so that the second handle (120b) of the adapter is operatively connected to the second bolt operating mechanism (116b).

18. The locking assembly according to claim 16, comprising the adapter assembly according to claim 16.