SE2350715A1 - Locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking device (10) comprising- a first bolt (11) movable between an extended and a retracted position, - a second bolt (12) movable between an extended and a retracted position,- a control member (13) for operating the first bolt and the second bolt, said control member being linearly movable between a neutral position and an activated position,- a first activation mechanism ( 14) comprising a rotatable first follower (15) that is operatively connected to the control member (13),- a second activation mechanism ( 16) comprising a rotatable second follower (17) that is operatively connected to the control member (13), wherein the first activation mechanism (14) is configured to retract both the first bolt (11) and the second bolt (12) to retracted positions by a rotation of the first follower ( 15) causing a movement of the control member (13) to the activated position, and wherein the second activation mechanism (16) is also configured to retract both the first bolt (11) and the second bolt (12) to retracted positions by a rotation of the second follower (17) causing a movement of the control member (13) to the activated position.

Description

LOCKING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a locking device with two bolts that are both retracted by a control member in response to an activation at a first activation mechanism or a second activation mechanism. BACKGROUND Within the field of locking devices, developments are continually made to enable multiple functions in the limited space provided in a housing of the lock. Such functions include retraction and extension of a bolt in response to the operation of a handle or the insertion and rotation of a key in a cylinder. They may also include emergency functions that enable a lock to remain in the unlocked position to allow for emergency evacuation even if no key is presented to unlock the locking device.

There are many known locking devices, but they generally do not allow for versatile operation where different modes of activation are used to control operation of the lock. Where there are emergency functions, these are typically separate from the normal operation of the lock (such as e.g. an override mechanism that replaces the regular activation).

There is a need for further developments for locking devices that are versatile and overcome the drawbacks associated with the prior art. SUMMARY The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least to minimize the problems discussed above. This is achieved by a locking device according to the appended independent claim.

The locking device of the invention comprises a first bolt movable between an extended and a retracted position, a second bolt movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a control member for operating the first bolt and the second bolt, said control member being linearly movable between a neutral position and an activated position. The locking device also 1 comprises a first activation mechanism comprising a rotatable first folloWer that is operatively connected to the control member, and a second activation mechanism comprising a rotatable second follower that is operatively connected to the control member. The first activation mechanism is configured to retract both the first bolt and the second bolt to retracted positions by a rotation of the first follower causing a movement of the control member to the activated position. Furthermore, the second activation mechanism is also configured to retract both the first bolt and the second bolt to retracted positions by a rotation of the second follower causing a movement of the control member to the activated position.

The main advantage of the present invention is that the same function is achieved in the locking device, i.e. the retraction or extension of both the first and second bolts, by activating either the first or the second activation mechanism. This is due to the control member that operates both bolts and that is operatively connected to both activation mechanisms.

Suitably, the locking device also comprises an auxiliary bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position, Wherein the auxiliary bolt is further configured to move a first catch to a blocking position When the auxiliary bolt is in the retracted position, and Wherein the blocking position causes the first catch to prevent retraction of the first bolt from the extended position. When the locking device is mounted in a door, the auxiliary bolt is retracted by contact With a strike plate When the door is closed. By providing the auxiliary bolt that operates the first catch, the first bolt is held in the extended position While the door is closed to prevent unlocking of the locking device.

Also, the control member is suitably configured to operate the first catch so that a movement of the control member caused by the first activation mechanism or the second activation mechanism causes the first catch to move to a non-blocking position. Thereby, the control member is able to both move the catch and retract both bolts. This is advantageous both in providing a compact mechanism With few components and in ensuring that a single activation that causes movement of the control member is sufficient to unblock and retract the bolts.

Suitably, the first follower is configured to be operated by a cylinder. Thereby, the first activation mechanism comprises the cylinder and the locking device is operable by insertion of a key into the cylinder and a rotation that enables activation and operation of the first folloWer.

Also, the second follower may be a handle connector for connecting a handle to the second activation mechanism. Thereby, a convenient operation of the control member is achieved at activation of the second activation mechanism.

Using a cylinder to operate the first follower and a handle to operate the second follower renders the locking device particularly advantageous since it enables activation independently by insertion of a key in the cylinder and by a rotation of the handle, i.e. by different manners of activation for each of the activation mechanisms. Regardless of the manner of activation both bolts are retracted and optionally the first catch is moved to the unblocking position.

Suitably, the locking device further comprises a second handle connector for connecting a second handle to the locking device, and the second handle connector is suitably operatively connected to the second bolt such that a rotation of the second handle connector causes retraction of the second bolt. Thereby, a second handle connector, suitably arranged on an opposing side of the locking device to the side Where the handle connector is arranged, enables retraction of the second bolt from the opposing side of the door Where the locking device is mounted. Such a retraction does not affect the first bolt, since the second handle connector is operatively connected to the second bolt itself rather than to the control member.

The locking device may further comprise a third activation mechanism comprising a rotatable third follower that is operatively connected to the control member, Wherein the third activation mechanism is configured to retract both the first bolt and the second bolt to retracted positions by a rotation of the third follower causing a movement of the control member to 3 the activated position. Thereby, an additional manner of activation is enabled, such as an emergency handle or a pushbar.

Suitably, the locking device also comprises an emergency mechanism having an emergency catch configured to prevent movement of the first bolt from the retracted position and Wherein the control member is configured to operate a catch holder of the emergency mechanism for releasing the emergency catch such that the emergency catch reaches a blocking position. Thereby, an emergency state is enabled Where operating the locking device to move the control member causes a retraction of the first bolt that is maintained after the activation of the locking device is completed. In an emergency, this efficiently enables evacuation through a door Where the locking device is mounted.

In embodiments With the emergency mechanism, the first activation mechanism may be configured to engage the emergency mechanism to prevent the emergency catch from reaching the blocking position. Thereby, using the first activation mechanism prevents operation of the emergency mechanism so that the normal operation is enabled.

Suitably, the first activation mechanism is also configured to reset the emergency mechanism by a rotation of the first follower causing the emergency catch to move from the blocking position to a non-blocking position Where the emergency catch is held by the catch holder. Thereby, the first activation mechanism enables a return from the emergency state to normal operation so that the locking device can be reset in an easy and convenient manner.

In some embodiments, the second activation mechanism is an emergency hub. Thereby, using the second activation mechanism to operate the locking device moves the emergency catch to the blocking position to reach the emergency state. As long as no reset is performed, the locking device remains in the emergency state and allows efficient evacuation.

Suitably, the locking device may comprise a third handle connector for connecting at least one handle to the locking device, and Wherein the third 4 handle connector is operatively connected to the second bolt such that a rotation of the third handle connector causes retraction of the second bolt.

This is particularly suitable in embodiments With the second activation mechanism in the form of an emergency hub. The third handle connector is then provided to enable a retraction of the second bolt Without affecting the control member or the emergency catch.

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 Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Fig. Fig. Fig. Fig. Fig. Fig.

Fig. 1 2a 2b Ba Bb 4a 4b 6a 6b discloses a locking device according to the invention; discloses a first embodiment of the locking device in an open state With all bolts in extended position; discloses the locking device of Fig. 2a from behind; discloses the first embodiment in a locked state With the auxiliary bolt retracted and the auxiliary catch in the blocking position; discloses the locking device of Fig. Ba from behind; discloses the first embodiment With all bolts retracted; discloses the locking device of Fig. 4a from behind; discloses the first embodiment With all bolts retracted; discloses the locking device of Fig. 5a from behind; discloses the first embodiment With all bolts retracted; discloses the locking device of Fig. 6a from behind; Fig. 7a discloses a second embodiment of the locking device in an open state With all bolts extended; Fig. 7b discloses the locking device of Fig. 7a from behind; Fig. 8a discloses the second embodiment With all bolts retracted; Fig. 8b discloses the locking device of Fig. 8a from behind; Fig. 9a discloses the second embodiment With the first bolt and auxiliary bolt retracted but second bolt extended; Fig. 9b discloses the locking device of Fig. 9a from behind; Fig. 10a discloses the second embodiment With all bolts retracted; Fig. 10b discloses the locking device of Fig. 10a from behind; Fig. 11a discloses the emergency mechanism; and Fig. 11b discloses the locking device of Fig. 11a from behind.

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 Fig. 1 discloses a locking device 10 according to the invention, With a housing 2 that encloses components of the locking device 10 and from Which a first bolt 11 and a second bolt 12 protrude. In some embodiments, an auxiliary bolt 21 is also provided. Each of the bolts 11, 12, 21 are movable so that they can be extended and retracted. It is to be noted that the auxiliary bolt 21 is not a necessary feature of the present invention.

A first activation mechanism 14 is provided for operating the locking device, and the first activation mechanism 14 comprises a first folloWer 15 that is operatively connected to a control member 13 (see Fig. 2a onWards) that is 6 configured to perform a linear movement inside the locking device 10 in order to operate the first bolt 11 and second bolt 12. The control member 13 is thus movable between a neutral position, where it does not affect any of the bolts 11, 12, and an activated position where the bolts 11, 12 are held in a retracted position.

The locking device 10 also comprises a second activation mechanism 16 that in turn comprises a rotatable second follower 17 that is also operatively connected to the control member 13.

The term "operatively connected" or "connected" is used herein to mean a connection between two components so that a movement or a force can be transferred from one to the other. Such connection may be formed by one component contacting the other directly or may alternatively be formed by one component acting on the other with a movement or a force that is transmitted through at least one intermediary component. Thus, when it is said that the first follower 15 is operatively connected to the control member 13, this is to be understood as the first follower 15 contacting the control member 13 so that a movement or a force applied to the first follower 15 is transferred directly to the control member 13 to cause a corresponding movement or force acting on the control member 13, or it may alternatively be understood as the first follower 15 acting on at least one intermediary component that in turn transfers the movement or force to the control member 13.

It is further to be noted that the design of each of the components disclosed herein and their manner of transferring movement or force to each other may be varied, as long as their function as disclosed herein is achieved.

Furthermore, the locking device 10 of the invention may comprise a third activation mechanism 18 that in turn comprises a third follower 19 that is operatively connected to the control member 13.

Each of the first and second follower 15, 17 and optionally also the third follower 19 are configured to retract both the first bolt 11 and the second bolt 12 to retracted positions by a rotation of any or all of the first, second 7 and third follower 14, 17, 19 causing a movement of the control member 13 to the activated position. Regardless of which activation mechanism 14, 16, 18 is used, both bolts 11, 12 can thereby be retracted into the locking device 1 to allow opening of a door in which the locking device 1 is mounted.

The activation mechanisms 14, 16, 18 may comprise a cylinder for insertion of a key or a handle connector for connecting a handle, an emergency handle or a pushbar, or any other suitable component for activation of a locking device that is known in the art. In one particularly advantageous embodiment disclosed below, the first activation mechanism 14 comprises a cylinder operable by a key and the second activation mechanism 16 and optionally also the third activation mechanism comprises a handle connector for a handle or emergency handle or pushbar. However, other combinations are also possible within the scope of the invention as will be readily understandable for the skilled person.

In the following, a number of embodiments will be described, and it is in particular to be noted that these embodiments can be combined and that features from one embodiment may freely be introduced into or combined with any other embodiment, as long as such an introduction or combination is not explicitly stated as unsuitable or undesirable. It is also to be noted that although the Figures show the first activation mechanism 14 at the top of the locking device 10 with the second activation mechanism 16 at the bottom or in the middle, other designs are also possible such as e.g. providing the first activation mechanism 14 in the middle position or at the bottom. However, what is said herein with regard to the features and operation of each of the activation mechanisms 14, 16, 18 is still valid regardless of where in the locking device 10 each of the activation mechanisms 14, 16, 18 is placed.

In order to facilitate understanding of the design and function of the invention, the figures from Fig. 2a onwards are shown without the housing 2.

In the following, an "open state" is to be understood as a state of the locking device when mounted in a door and the door being open. The first and second bolts 11, 12 are extended if not held retracted by a catch, and the auxiliary bolt 21 is extended since no strike plate held in a door jamb is present to push against it.

Similarly, a "closed state" is to be understood as a state of the locking device when mounted in a door and the door being closed. The first and second bolts 11, 12 are extended if not held retracted by a catch, and the auxiliary bolt 21 is retracted due to the interaction with the strike plate.

A "locked state" is to be understood as a state where at least one of the bolts (typically the first bolt 11) is held in the extended position in such a way that retraction of the bolt is blocked by a catch.

An "unlocked state" is to be understood as a state where both the first and second bolts 1 1, 12 can be retracted without requiring removal of a catch.

Fig. 2a-2b disclose the locking device 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The locking device 10 is in an open state with the first and second bolts 11, 12 and also with the auxiliary bolt 21 extended. The first activation mechanism 14 is configured to be operable by a cylinder in which a key can be manually inserted and rotated. Upon rotation of the cylinder, the first activation mechanism 14 is activated and the first follower 15 is rotated. The second activation mechanism 16 is configured to be operable by a handle (not shown) so that a rotation of the handle causes a corresponding rotation of the second follower 17 (see Fig. 2b). In this embodiment, the second follower 17 is a handle connector. Both the first follower 15 and the second follower 17 are connected to the control member 13 so that a rotation of one of the first follower 15 and second follower 17 is coupled to the control member 13 and causes a linear movement of the control member 13 from a neutral position as shown in Fig. 2a-2b to an active position (see Fig. 4a-4b). The movement of the control member 13 in turn causes retraction of both the first bolt 11 and the second bolt 12 as will be explained in detail further below.

The control member 13 is connected to the first bolt 11 by a first bolt operator 51 that is pivotable and that comprises a protrusion 511 (see Fig. 2b and 2c) that pushes on the first bolt 11 or a holder mounted on or integrated with the first bolt 11. Thus, the control member 13 contacts the first bolt operator 51 and causes it to pivot, thereby also causing the protrusion 511 to push the first bolt 11 to the retracted position. It is to be noted that the connection between the control member 13 and the first bolt 11 may be designed in other ways in other embodiments, as long as the function of transferring the movement from the control member 13 to the first bolt 11 and causing the retraction is achieved.

Similarly, the control member 13 is connected to the second bolt 12 by a second bolt operator 52 that comprises a protrusion 521 that pushes on the second bolt 21 or a holder mounted on or integrated with the second bolt 21. The second bolt operator 52 is pivotably arranged so that a movement of the control member 13 causes a rotation of the second bolt operator 52, thereby retracting the second bolt 12. It is to be noted that the connection between the control member 13 and the second bolt 12 may be designed in other ways in other embodiments of the invention, as long as the function of transferring the movement from the control member 13 to the second bolt 12 and causing the retraction is achieved.

In this embodiment of the invention, all of the first bolt 11, second bolt 12 and auxiliary bolt 21 are biased towards their extended positions. This means that they will each return to their extended positions unless there is a counteracting force that forces them against the bias to the retracted position. As soon as the counteracting force is released, the bolts 11, 12, 21 are extended.

Also shown in Fig. 2a-2b is a first catch 22 that is configured to be activated by the auxiliary bolt 21 to block a retraction of the first bolt 11 (see below). Furthermore, on an opposite side of the door from the second activation mechanism 16, a second handle connector 31 is provided and configured to be connected to a second handle (not shown). The second handle connector 31 is operatively connected to the second bolt 12 to enable a retraction of the second bolt when using the second handle to rotate the second handle connector 31. However, the second handle connector 31 is not connected to the second follower 17 and also not to the control member 13, so rotating the second handle connector 31 will not affect a position of the control member 13.

When the locking device 10 is mounted in a door, the first activation mechanism 14 with the cylinder is typically available from both sides of the door to enable unlocking and opening of the door by using a key. The second activation mechanism 16 is typically available from an inner side of the door (i.e. a side of the door that faces into a room or building) whereas the second handle connector 31 is available from an outer side of the door (i.e. a side of the door that faces outwards from the room or the building. Thereby, when the door is closed a person inside the room or building can use the first handle to activate the second activation mechanism 16 or rotate the key in the cylinder to activate the first activation mechanism 14 in order to retract both bolts 11, 12 and open the door. A person outside the room or building can insert and rotate the key to activate the first activation mechanism 14 in order to retract both bolts 11, 12, but if no key is available the only possible action is to rotate the second handle to activate the second handle connector 31 and retract only the second bolt 12. This is highly advantageous since a person inside the room or building does not require a key to unlock and open the door, whereas a person outside the room or building must use the key to retract the first bolt 11. This in turn means that the door is locked from the outside but can be opened from the inside without requiring any authorization such as possessing the correct key.

The operation of the locking device 10 will now be described in detail starting from Fig. 3a that shows the locking device 10 in the closed position with both bolts 1 1, 12 extended but the auXiliary bolt 21 retracted. The auxiliary bolt 21 is operatively connected to the first catch 22 so that retraction of the auxiliary bolt 21 causes the first catch 22 to move to a blocking position as shown in Fig. 3a-3b. This is a position where the first catch 22 blocks retraction of the first bolt 11. 11 In this embodiment, the auxiliary bolt 21 is connected to the first catch 22 by a contact surface 21 1 on the auxiliary bolt 21 pushing on a corresponding contact surface 221 on the first catch 22. The first catch 22 is pivotably arranged so that a push against the corresponding contact surface 221 causes rotation of the first catch 22 to the blocking position where a stop surface 222 is held in the way of the first bolt 11 so that retraction is no longer possible. In other embodiments, other designs of the connection between the auxiliary bolt 21 and the first catch 22, and between the catch 22 and the first bolt 11, are also possible as long as they are able to achieve the function described herein. Also, in embodiments lacking the auxiliary bolt 21, the first catch 22 can be activated in another way, such as e. g. by the first bolt 11 moving to the extended position. The first catch 22 can in such embodiments be biased towards the blocking position or can be moved to the blocking position in any other suitable way.

Thus, as long as the first catch 22 is in the blocking position, the first bolt 11 cannot be retracted and the locking device 10 is therefore in the locked state .

It is to be noted that the first catch 22 is not a necessary feature of the locking device 10 and that embodiments that lack the auxiliary bolt 21 may also lack the first catch 22 altogether. In such embodiments, the control member 13 acts to retract the first bolt 11 and the second bolt 12 in response to the activation of the locking device 10 as disclosed herein.

In the first embodiment, the control member 13 is configured to operate the first catch 22 when moving from the neutral position to the active position. This is achieved by a catch protrusion 131 on the control member 13 pushing on a meeting surface 223 on the first catch 22 when moving from the neutral position of Fig. 3a-3b to the active position of Fig. 4a-4b, i.e. upwards in the figures. Preferably, there is a clearance provided in the connection between the control member 13 and the first bolt operator 51 or between the first bolt operator 51 and the first bolt 11, so that the first catch 22 is removed from the blocking position to a non-blocking position before the first bolt 11 is retracted to a point where it is blocked by the first catch 12 22 in the blocking position. In this way, movement of the first catch 22 and the retraction of the first bolt 11 take place smoothly and efficiently.

When the locking device 10 is activated by the first activation mechanism 14, e.g. by insertion and rotation of the key in the cylinder comprised in or connected to the first activation mechanism 14, this causes a movement in the locking device 10 from the closed position of Fig. 3a-3b to the unlocked open state of Fig. 4a-4b.

First, the rotation in the first activation mechanism 14 causes the first follower 15 to rotate (in the clockwise direction in Fig. 3a and Fig. 4a), pushing with a first follower arm 151 against a counter surface 132 of the control member 13 so that the control member 13 moves upwards in the Figures. This movement of the control member 13 to the active position causes pivoting of the first bolt operator 51 to retract the first bolt 11 and pivoting of the second bolt operator 52 to retract the second bolt 12. Also, by the catch protrusion 131 of the control member 13 pushing on the meeting surface 223 of the first catch 22 the catch 22 is moved to the non-blocking position so that the first bolt 11 can move unhindered.

These movements cause the locking device 10 to reach the unlocked open position as shown in Fig. 4a-4b. It is to be noted that the second follower 16 and the second handle connector 31 have not moved from their neutral position of Fig. 3a-3b; the open unlocked state of Fig. 4a-4b has been reached by activation of the first activation mechanism 14 only. It is to be noted that the auxiliary bolt 21 is also retracted. This is achieved by the first bolt 1 1 comprising a contact surface that contacts the auxiliary bolt 21 and pushes it to the retracted position. As long as long as the rotation of the first follower 15 is maintained, the first bolt 11 and second bolt 12 together with the auxiliary bolt 21 are held in the retracted position shown in Fig. 4a-4b.

The operation of the locking device 10 when activated by the second activation mechanism 16 will now be described with reference to Fig. 3a-3b that show the neutral position and to Fig. 5a-5b that show the active position of the control member 13. 13 Starting from Fig. 3a-3b, an activation of the second activation mechanism 16 takes place by a rotation of the second follower 17 caused by a person pivoting a handle mounted in the second follower 17. This in turn causes a second follower arm 171 to push against a counter surface 133 on the control member 13 so that the rotation of the second follower 17 results in a linear movement upwards of the control member 13.

The control member 13 moves the first catch 22 and retracts the first bolt 11 and second bolt 12 in the same way as described above for the activation by the first activation mechanism 14. The active position is shown in Fig. 5a-5b, where the rotation of the second follower 17 is clearly visible and where it can also be seen that the first follower 15 and the second handle follower 31 are still in their neutral positions. The position shown in Fig. 5a-5b, similar to Fig. 4a-4b described above, corresponds to the first and second bolts 11, 12 being retracted and the auxiliary bolt 21 in turn being retracted by the first bolt 11. With the auxiliary bolt 21 retracted, as described above, the first catch 22 would be in the blocking position unless the control member 13 is active as shown in the figure.

Fig. 6a-6b disclose an alternative embodiment that differs from those described above by the second activation mechanism 16 being arranged in the middle of the locking device. The second activation mechanism 16 still has the second follower 17 that acts with the second follower arm 171 against the counter surface 133 of the control member 13 so that the control member 13 is moved to the active position and thereby moves the first catch 22 and the first bolt 11 and second bolt 12.

The second activation mechanism 16 of the alternative embodiment may be configured for use with a handle inserted into the second follower 17 or may alternatively be used with another mode of operation such as a thumbturn, a cylinder with a key, a pushbar, or any other suitable device for rotating the second follower.

Also, in the alternative embodiment the second handle follower 31 is still provided at the lower end of the locking device 10 and configured to receive a 14 handle or other similar device for rotating the second handle follower 31. Also, a third handle follower 32 is provided on the opposite side of the door from the second handle follower 31 and a third handle may be mounted in the third handle follower 32. The third handle follower 32 is suitably similar or identical in design and use as the second handle follower 31 but may also differ as long as the function disclosed herein can be achieved. In the alternative embodiment, both the second handle follower 31 and the third handle follower 32 are arranged to retract the second bolt 12 by moving the second bolt 12 or a holder or other component attached to or integrated with the second bolt 12. The retraction takes place by a second handle follower arm 311 or third handle follower arm 321 of one of the second and third handle follower 31, 32, respectively, contacting a counter surface 121 on the second bolt 12 and moving the second bolt 12 to the retracted position.

In the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 6a-6b, the locking device 10 is designed with a split spindle so that the second handle follower 31 and the third handle follower 32 are able to move independently of each other. However, in some alternative embodiments only one second handle follower 31 is provided so that a rotation of a handle on one side of the door will cause the rotation of the second handle follower 31.

A second embodiment of the invention is disclosed in Fig. 7a onwards and will now be described in detail. It is in particular to be noted that the second embodiment will mainly be described where it differs from any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. Any feature or function that is not explicitly stated to be different from any of the other embodiments is to be understood as similar or identical.

Fig. 7a discloses the locking device 10 according to the second embodiment with the first activation mechanism 14 and the second activation mechanism 16 that operate as disclosed above. In this version of the second embodiment, the second activation mechanism 16 is arranged in the middle of the locking device with the second handle connector 31 at the lower end and configured to operate only the second bolt 12 as disclosed above. The third handle connector 32 is also provided as disclosed above, but alternatively only the second handle connector 31 is provided and is configured to be operable from both sides of the locking device 10.

The second embodiment of the locking device 10 differs from the other embodiments disclosed herein mainly by the addition of an emergency mechanism 41 that is configured to hold the first bolt 11 in the retracted position and thereby prevent the locking device 10 from locking in an emergency situation. Thereby, the first bolt 11 will remain retracted so that the door in which the locking device 10 is mounted can be opened by retracting only the second bolt 12. This means that any person can use a handle mounted in the second handle connector 31 or optionally the third handle connector 32 to open the door without requiring a key or any other authorization. In the event of an emergency such as a fire or other crisis, the emergency mechanism 41 thus serves to enable a quick and reliable evacuation or a safe return into a building if a danger should be present that requires persons to go into the building rather than escape from it. It is particularly advantageous that it is clearly visible to a person approaching the door and looking at the space between the locking device 10 and the strike plate that the first bolt 11 is retracted when the locking device 10 is in the emergency state. This means that the person will instantly view the door as unlocked and possible to open and pass. Compared to prior art locking devices where an emergency state may be formed by the bolt being extended but collapsible/pivotable to enable opening, it is highly beneficial that the locking device 10 of the present invention shows the first bolt 11 as retracted and thereby not hindering to opening the door. In particular in stressful emergency situations, it is a great advantage to show the locking device 10 as unlocked to encourage people to pass through the door.

The emergency mechanism 41, once activated, remains in place with an emergency catch 42 holding the first bolt 11 in the retracted position. When the emergency mechanism 41 is to be de-activated, this is achieved by the first follower 15 acting on the emergency mechanism 41 to cause a catch holder 43 to hold the emergency catch 42 and allow movement of the first bolt 11 again. This means that the first activation mechanism 14 is 16 configured to reset the emergency mechanism, and where the first activation mechanism 14 is configured to be operable by a key in a cylinder this means that only an authorized person that is in possession of the correct key is able to reset the emergency mechanism 41.

The operation of the second embodiment of the locking device 10 will now be described with reference to Fig. 7a onwards, with focus on the operation of the emergency mechanism 41 as such.

Thus, Fig. 7a-7b show the locking device in the open state with all bolts extended, i.e with both the first and second bolts 11, 12 and the auxiliary bolt 21 extended. This means that the locking device 10 is not held against a strike plate that would cause the auxiliary bolt 21 to be retracted so that the first catch 22 is moved to the blocking position.

The emergency mechanism 41 is shown in detail in Fig. 11a-11b and comprises the emergency catch 42 and the catch holder 43. In this embodiment, the emergency catch 42 is biased towards the blocking position so that the blocking position is achieved as long as there is no force to counteract the bias. The catch holder 43 when held in its neutral position blocks the bias from pushing the emergency catch 42 to the blocking position (see Fig. 11b) by a protrusion 431 blocking an emergency catch protrusion 421, in this embodiment in the form of a hook. The bias may be achieved by a spring or by any other suitable means.

Fig. 8a-8b show the locking device 10 activated by the second activation mechanism 16 so that the second follower 17 is pivoted and the control member 13 is moved to the active position. The control member 13 comprises a catch release surface 134 that contacts the catch holder 43 and moves it to a release position (see Fig. 8b) that enables the bias to urge the emergency catch 42 towards the blocking position (see Fig. 8a). In this embodiment, preventing the first bolt 11 from being extended takes place by a lower end 421 of the emergency catch 421 being held against a stop surface 112 that forms part of the first bolt 11 or of a component attached to the first bolt 11. Thus, when the emergency catch 42 is in the blocking 17 position, the first bolt 11 cannot return to its extended position even When the control member 13 is no longer in the active position.

It is advantageous that the emergency catch 42 is provided With a bias and is moved to the blocking position by releasing the catch holder 42 since this causes a very reliable activation of the emergency catch 42. When active, it takes a force acting against the bias to return the emergency catch 42 to the neutral position, and this ensures that an accidental return to the neutral position caused by external forces such as knocks acting on the locking device 10 can be avoided. It is highly beneficial that the emergency state is reliable and cannot be accidentally cancelled since this ensures that the door Where the locking device 10 is mounted can be easily opened and closed Without also being locked. Also, since auxiliary bolt 21 is held in the retracted position by the first bolt 11, the first catch 22 is unable to block the first bolt 11 as long as the emergency mechanism 41 is active.

The second activation mechanism 16 is in the second embodiment suitably an emergency hub that is connected to an emergency handle or a pushbar for operation in an emergency. Due to the movement of the emergency catch 42 to the blocking position by operation of the control member 13, this means that the emergency state is reached every time the control member 13 is activated unless another mechanism in the locking device 10 counteracts this. When activating the second activation mechanism 16, the emergency state is reached in a stable and reliable Way so that the subsequent evacuation from or secure entry into the room or building can take place.

A counteraction of the emergency mechanism 41 is in the second embodiment achieved by the first activation mechanism 14. This means that an activation of the locking device 10 by activating the first activation mechanism 14 does not cause the emergency mechanism 41 to reach the blocking position, and that if the emergency mechanism 41 is already engaged and moved to the blocking position as shown in Fig. 8a-8b, an activation of the first activation mechanism 14 causes a reset of the emergency mechanism 41. 18 Fig. 9a-9b shows the locking device 10 in the emergency state with the first bolt 11 held in the retracted position by the emergency catch 42 but with the second bolt 12 free to move. The second bolt 12 can be moved by the second activation mechanism 16 moving the control member 13 to the active position as described above, or alternatively by the second handle follower 31 and optionally the third handle follower 32 operable by a handle to cause the retraction of the second bolt 12 as also described above. Any operation of the second activation mechanism 16 or the second handle follower 31 or optionally third handle follower 32 will thus cause a retraction of the second bolt 12 but will not affect the emergency catch 42 that will remain in the blocking position.

Fig. 10a-10b show the reset of the emergency mechanism 41 and the return of the locking device 10 to its neutral position. The first activation mechanism 14 is activated and the first follower 15 is pivoted. The first follower arm 151 acts on the counter surface 132 of the control member 13 as disclosed above, but the first follower arm 151 also acts on a reset surface 421 of the emergency catch 42 and pushes it against the bias so that the neutral state of the emergency catch 41 is achieved. In this embodiment, the first follower arm 15 comprises a protrusion 152 that slides along the reset surface 421 when the first follower arm 51 is pivoted, but in other embodiments the interaction of the first activation mechanism 14 and the emergency catch 41 can be designed in other ways as long as the emergency catch 41 is returned to the neutral position.

In this embodiment, the emergency mechanism 44 further comprises a spring 44 that urges the catch holder 43 towards the neutral state where the emergency catch 41 is held in the non-blocking position by the protrusion 431 interacting with the hook 421. This ensures that the catch holder 43 holds the emergency catch 42 in the neutral state at all times except when the catch holder 43 is pushed against the bias.

As shown in Fig. 10a-10b, activating the first activation mechanism 14 causes both the operation of the control member 13 and the retraction of the first and second bolts 11, 12 as disclosed above and the reset of the 19 emergency mechanism 41. When the first activation mechanism 14 is returned to its neutral position, the control arm 13 also moves to its neutral position and since the emergency mechanism 41 is now no longer active and instead is in a non-blocking position, the first bolt 11 is free to return to its extended position.

It is to be noted that features from the various embodiments described herein may freely be combined, unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination Would be unsuitable.

Claims (12)

1. Locking device (10) comprising - a first bolt (11) movable between an extended and a retracted position, - a second bolt (12) movable between an extended and a retracted position, - a control member (13) for operating the first bolt and the second bolt, said control member being linearly movable between a neutral position and an activated position, - a first activation mechanism (14) comprising a rotatable first follower (15) that is operatively connected to the control member (13), - a second activation mechanism (16) comprising a rotatable second follower (17) that is operatively connected to the control member (13), wherein the first activation mechanism (14) is configured to retract both the first bolt (11) and the second bolt (12) to retracted positions by a rotation of the first follower (15) causing a movement of the control member (13) to the activated position, and wherein the second activation mechanism (16) is also configured to retract both the first bolt (11) and the second bolt (12) to retracted positions by a rotation of the second follower (17) causing a movement of the control member (13) to the activated position.

2. Locking device according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary bolt (21) movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the auxiliary bolt (21) is further configured to move a first catch (22) to a blocking position when the auxiliary bolt (21) is in the retracted position, and wherein the blocking position causes the first catch (22) to prevent retraction of the first bolt (11) from the extended position.

3. Locking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control member (13) is configured to operate the first catch (22) so that a movement of the control member (13) caused by the first activation mechanism (14)or the second activation mechanism (16) causes the first catch (22) to move to a non-blocking position. .

4.Locking device according to any of claims 1-3, Wherein the first follower (15) is configured to be operated by a cylinder. .

5.Locking device according to any previous claim, Wherein the second follower (17) is a handle connector for connecting a handle to the second activation mechanism (16). .

6.Locking device according to claim 5, Wherein the locking device further comprises a second handle connector (31) for connecting a second handle to the locking device, and Wherein the second handle connector (31) is operatively connected to the second bolt (12) such that a rotation of the second handle connector (31) causes retraction of the second bolt (12). .

7.Locking device according to any previous claim, Wherein the locking device (10) comprises a third activation mechanism (18) comprising a rotatable third follower (19) that is operatively connected to the control member (13), Wherein the third activation mechanism (18) is configured to retract both the first bolt (11) and the second bolt (12) to retracted positions by a rotation of the third follower (19) causing a movement of the control member (13) to the activated position. .

8.Locking device according to any of claims 1-4, further comprising an emergency mechanism (41) having an emergency catch (42) configured to prevent movement of the first bolt (11) from the retracted position and Wherein the control member (13) is configured to operate a catch holder (43) of the emergency mechanism (41) for releasing the emergency catch (42) such that the emergency catch (42) reaches a blocking position.

9. Locking device according to claim 8, Wherein the first activation mechanism (14) is configured to engage the emergency mechanism (41) to prevent the emergency catch (42) from reaching the blocking position.

10. Locking device according to claim 9, Wherein the first activation mechanism (14) is configured to reset the emergency mechanism (41) by a rotation of the first follower (15) causing the emergency catch (42) to move from the blocking position to a non-blocking position Where the emergency catch (42) is held by the catch holder (43).

11. Locking device according to any of claims 8-10, Wherein the second activation mechanism (16) is an emergency hub.

12. Locking device according to any of claims 8-1 1, further comprising a third handle connector (32) for connecting at least one handle to the locking device, and Wherein the third handle connector (32) is operatively connected to the second bolt such that a rotation of the third handle connector (32) causes retraction of the second bolt.