SE548249C2

SE548249C2 - An electromagnetic locking device with a control arrangement

Info

Publication number: SE548249C2
Application number: SE2450999A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Lars Jensen; Olov Stendal
Original assignee: Stendals El Ab
Priority date: 2024-10-07
Filing date: 2024-10-07
Publication date: 2026-04-30
Also published as: SE2450999A1; WO2026080000A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking device comprising a locking bolt (31), a follower arrangement ( 10) comprising a follower (11) that is operatively connected to the locking bolt (31), a drive unit (41), a handle follower (61), and a control arrangement (20) that comprisesa transfer member (21),a drive member (23) operated by the drive unit (41) and connected to the transfer member (21)a handle member (24) operated by the handle follower (61), a handle coupler (50) configured to couple the handle member (24) to the transfer member (21) in an active state and to uncouple the handle member (24) from the transfer member (21) in a passive state so that a movement of the handle member (24) is not transferred to the transfer member (21),wherein the drive member (23) is configured to operate the handle coupler (50) between the active state and the passive state.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electromechanical locking devices.

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0004] Locking devices are used to secure buildings to ensure that only authorized persons carrying the correct key, tag or card are allowed to open doors. Typically, a locking device has an unlocked state where the door can be opened by using a handle, and a locked state where key, tag or card is required to unlock in order to open. In some locking devices, a handle on the inside of the door can be used to both unlock and open, whereas a handle on the outside of the door can only be used to open the door if the locking device is already in the unlocked state.

[0006] In order to meet security requirements, it is sometimes necessary to ensure that the locking device can only be unlocked by authorized persons during nighttime, but also desirable to allow any person to unlock and open the door from the inside during the day. This serves to secure the building at night but enable anyone to leave as desired in daytime and in particular to ensure that emergency evacuation is possible even in the event of power loss.

[0008] At present, differing requirements for night and daytime use are met by providing a locking device that ensures emergency evacuation but adding a second locking device that is locked only at night and that cannot be operated without proper authorization. However, it is costly and cumbersome to provide two locking devices for the same door and to ensure that the second one is activated only at certain times of day. There is also a risk that evacuation will be hindered if the second locking device is accidentally activated during the day.

[0010] There is therefore a need for an improved locking device that ensures that evacuation is possible while also providing a secure night mode to prevent unauthorized access.

[0011] 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 claims.

[0013] The locking device of the present invention comprises a locking bolt having an extended position corresponding to a locked state and a retracted position corresponding to an unlocked state, and a follower arrangement comprising a follower that is operatively connected to the locking bolt for moving the locking bolt. The locking device also comprises a drive unit and a handle follower for connecting to a handle.

[0015] Furthermore, the locking device comprises a control arrangement for controlling the follower arrangement, said control arrangement comprising a transfer member, a drive member and a handle member. The transfer member is coupled to the follower arrangement such that a movement along a first path causes a corresponding movement of the follower. The drive member is operated by the drive unit, and the drive member is also connected to the transfer member so that a movement of the drive member is transferred to the transfer member for moving the transfer member along the first path. The handle member is operated by the handle follower.

[0017] The control arrangement also comprises a handle coupler configured to couple the handle member to the transfer member in an active state so that a movement of the handle member caused by rotation of the handle follower is transferred to the transfer member for moving the transfer member along the first path. The handle coupler is also configured to uncouple the handle member from the transfer member in a passive state so that a movement of the handle member is not transferred to the transfer member. Furthermore, the drive member is configured to operate the handle coupler between the active state and the passive state.

[0019] The main advantage of the invention is that the handle follower is selectively coupled to the transfer member. When the handle coupler is in the active state, the bolt is retracted either by rotating the handle follower, by operating the drive unit in response to an activation by a tag, keycard or similar, or by using a key in a cylinder to rotate the follower arrangement by mechanical activation. In contrast, when the handle coupler is in the passive state, the handle member is disconnected from the transfer member so that rotation of the handle follower is not transferred to the follower arrangement. Thereby, the bolt can be retracted only by means of the drive unit or by using a key. It is also advantageous that the shift from the active state to the passive state and vice versa is performed by the drive member activated by the drive unit, so that the state of the handle coupler is changed in a quick and reliable way and only by an authorized person using the correct tag, keycard, or similar.

[0020] The locking device of the invention is thereby capable of switching from a day mode where the handle follower is coupled to the follower arrangement so that the bolt is retracted to unlock the door without requiring authorization to a night mode where authorization is necessary in order to unlock and open the door. It is highly advantageous to be able to switch the locking device from one mode to the other without requiring complicated modifications to the locking device or the use of additional locking devices to perform some of the functions. Instead, the switch takes place merely by activating the drive unit to ensure that the handle coupler connects or disconnects the handle member and the transfer member.

[0022] The handle coupler is suitably arranged on one of the transfer member and the handle member and the handle coupler is configured to extend an engagement portion into a movement path of the other of said transfer member and handle member in the active state to couple the transfer member to the handle member. Thereby, rotation of the handle follower is transferred to the transfer member in a stable and reliable way when the handle coupler is in the active state. The handle coupler couples the transfer member and the handle member to each other by being arranged on one and extending into the movement path of the other so that a movement of one of them causes a transfer of force to the engagement portion.

[0024] Suitably, the drive member is connected to the transfer member with a clearance so that the drive member is able to move a first distance without transferring a movement to the transfer member. Also, the handle coupler is suitably arranged at least partially in said clearance so that the drive member operates the handle coupler by moving the first distance. Thereby, the drive member is able to operate both the handle coupler and the transfer member in a convenient and reliable way. It is also beneficial that the transfer member does not move while the handle coupler is operated to ensure that the handle coupler reaches its desired state.

[0026] Also, the handle coupler may suitably be pivotably connected to the transfer member or the handle member and the engagement portion be arranged on a first side of the pivot for engaging the other of the transfer member and the handle member.

[0028] The handle coupler also suitably comprises a control portion, and the drive member is suitably configured to engage the control portion to pivot the handle coupler from the active state, where the engagement portion is extended, to the passive state where the engagement portion is not extended. Thereby, the handle coupler is reliably operated by the drive member to pivot between the active and passive states. It is particularly advantageous that the handle coupler is pivotable since this enables the engagement portion of the handle coupler to move in and out of the path of the handle member in a convenient way.

[0030] The handle coupler suitably comprises a second control portion arranged on the first side of the pivot, and the drive member is configured to engage the second control portion to pivot the handle coupler from the passive state to the active state. Thereby, the handle coupler is stable in both the active and the passive state and will remain in place until it is moved by the drive member. This is advantageous in controlling the state of the handle coupler since it ensures that any movement from one state to the other is the result of an operation of the drive member.

[0032] Alternatively, in some embodiments the handle coupler instead comprises a spring configured to bias the handle coupler towards the active state. This enables a simpler and more robust configuration of the locking device and ensures that the handle follower is coupled to the transfer member at all times except when the handle coupler is pushed to the passive state and held there.

[0033] As another alternative, in some embodiments the handle coupler comprises a spring configured to bias the handle coupler towards the passive state. This enables a simpler and more robust configuration of the locking device and ensures that the handle follower is uncoupled from the transfer member at all times except when the handle coupler is pushed to the active state and held there.

[0035] Suitably, the drive member is connected to the transfer member via the handle coupler. Thereby, movement of the drive member is coupled to the transfer member in a reliable and robust way.

[0037] The transfer member may suitably be connected to a catch, and an end of the first path suitably forms a blocking position where the catch blocks movement of the follower. Thereby, the follower is blocked as long as the transfer member remains in place.

[0039] In embodiments comprising a catch, the locking device may also comprise an operating arrangement connected to the follower and configured to operate the follower by transferring a rotation from the handle follower to the follower. Thereby, the handle follower is able to operate the follower as long as the catch is moved from the blocking position. This is particularly advantageous in that the operating arrangement can be made stronger and the control arrangement weaker, since the control arrangement does not have to transfer the force for rotating the follower as long as the force is sufficient to move the transfer member to release the catch. Components of the control arrangement can therefore be made in a cost and space efficient design since the larger force is handled by the operating arrangement. At the same time, the catch blocks rotation of the follower in the blocking position, so regardless of the strength of the operating arrangement the bolt cannot be retracted unless the handle coupler is in the active state to couple the handle member to the transfer member. Also, although the operating arrangement can be arranged close to the bolt and thereby also to an opening in the faceplate where the bolt protrudes, manipulation of the locking device by inserting an object to push on the operating arrangement and force a rotation of the follower is not possible as long as the catch remains in place.

[0041] Suitably, the operating arrangement comprises a first component arranged with a clearance to a second connection of the handle follower such that the handle follower rotates to release the catch before contacting the first component. Thereby, the handle follower is able to move the transfer member and thereby the catch from the blocking position before contacting the first component to cause rotation of the follower.

[0043] The follower arrangement may suitably be configured to return the handle coupler to the active state by mechanical activation of the follower. This enables a mechanical reset in the event of a power failure by using a key to rotate the follower.

[0045] Suitably, the locking device also comprises an inner housing in which the follower arrangement and the control arrangement are held. This renders the locking device more secure and minimizes the risk of manipulation. In particular, in embodiments comprising the catch, it protects the catch and hinders movement of the transfer member away from the blocking position due to manipulation.

[0047] Many additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood by the skilled person in view of the detailed description below.

[0049] DRAWINGS

[0051] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, wherein

[0053] Fig. la discloses a planar view from a first side of a locking device according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the locking device in a locked state;

[0054] Fig. 1b discloses an enlarged view of components of circle A in Fig. 1a;

[0055] Fig. 2a discloses a planar view of the locking device of Fig. 1a from a second side opposite to the first side;

[0057] Fig. 2b discloses an enlarged view of components of circle B in Fig. 2a;

[0058] Fig. 2c discloses an enlarged view of components of circle C in Fig. 2a;

[0059] Fig. 3a discloses a planar view from a third side of the locking device of the first embodiment, the third side being perpendicular to the first side and the second side;

[0061] Fig. 3b discloses an enlarged view of components of circle D in Fig. 3a;

[0062] Fig. 4a discloses a planar view from the first side of the locking device of the first embodiment with a bolt retracted by a handle follower to an unlocked state;

[0064] Fig. 4b discloses a planar view from the third side of the locking device of Fig. 4a;

[0066] Fig. 4c discloses a planar view from the second side of the locking device of Fig. 4a;

[0068] Fig. 5a discloses a planar view from the first side of the locking device of the first embodiment with a bolt retracted by a drive unit to an unlocked state;

[0070] Fig. 5b discloses a planar view from the third side of the locking device of Fig. 5a;

[0072] Fig. 5c discloses an enlarged view of components of circle E in Fig. 5a;

[0073] Fig. 5d discloses a planar view from the second side of the locking device of Fig. 5a;

[0075] Fig. 6a discloses a planar view of a control arrangement of the locking device of the first embodiment from the third side with a handle coupler in an active state;

[0076] Fig. 6b discloses a section of Fig. 6a taken along the line F-F;

[0077] Fig. 6c discloses a section of Fig. 6a taken along the line G-G;

[0078] Fig. 6d discloses an enlarged view of components of circle H in Fig. 6a; Fig. 7a discloses a planar view of a control arrangement of the locking device of the first embodiment from the third side with a handle coupler in a passive state;

[0079] Fig. 7b discloses a section of Fig. 7a taken along the line I-I;

[0080] Fig. 7c discloses a section of Fig. 7a taken along the line J-J;

[0081] Fig. 7d discloses an enlarged view of components of circle K in Fig. 7a; Fig. 8a discloses a perspective view of the control arrangement of Fig. 6a; Fig. 8b discloses an enlarged view of components in circle L in Fig. 8a; Fig. 9a discloses a perspective view of components of the follower arrangement and control arrangement inside an inner housing; Fig. 9b discloses a planar view of the inner housing of Fig. 9a;

[0082] Fig. 10a discloses a planar view from the third side of the control arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention with the handle coupler in the active state;

[0083] Fig. 10b discloses a planar view from the first side of the control arrangement of Fig. 10a;

[0084] Fig. 10c discloses a perspective view of the control arrangement of Fig. 10a; Fig. 10d discloses an enlarged view of components of circle M in Fig. 10c; Fig. 11a discloses a planar view from the third side of the control arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention with the handle coupler in the passive state;

[0085] Fig. 11b discloses a planar view from the first side of the control arrangement of Fig. 11a;

[0087] Fig. 11c discloses a perspective view of the control arrangement of Fig. 1 la;

[0088] Fig. 11d discloses an enlarged view of components of circle N in Fig. 11c;

[0089] and

[0091] Fig. 12 discloses the locking device of the invention with a housing.

[0093] 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.

[0095] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] The present invention of a locking device 1 will now be described, starting with a locked state of Fig. 1-3 where a locking bolt 31 is extended and proceeding with Fig. 4 that shows the locking device 1 in an unlocked state caused by operation of a handle follower 61 as well as Fig. 5 that shows the unlocked state caused instead by operation of a drive unit 41. Components of a control arrangement 20 and their interaction will then be described in detail with reference to the subsequent Figures. Components of the locking device that are not central to the present invention will be described only briefly.

[0099] The terms “connected” or “operatively connected” when used herein are to be understood as one component being connected to another component in such a way that a force or movement can be transferred from one component to the other. This may mean that a first component is configured to contact a second component directly or that there is at least one intermediate component between them that transfers the force or movement from the first component to the second.

[0100] Fig. 1a discloses the locking device 1 with a locking bolt 31 extending through an opening in a faceplate 100. The locking bolt 31 is shown as a hook bolt that is extended and retracted by pivoting on a hook bolt pivot 311, but in some embodiments, it can instead be a bolt with a linear or curved motion. The locking bolt 31 is movable between a locked state shown in Fig. la where it is extended so that when mounted in a door it is able to protrude into an opening of a strike plate (not shown) to prevent opening of the door, and an unlocked state shown e.g. in Fig. 4a where it is retracted to allow opening of the door. A follower arrangement 10 with a rotatable follower 11 is provided in the locking device 1 for operating the locking bolt 31 from the locked state to the unlocked state and vice versa. The follower 11 is operatively connected to the locking bolt 31 and in the first embodiment comprises a follower arm 12 that serves to transfer the rotation of the follower 11. In other embodiments, the movement of the follower 11 can be transferred in other ways, as long as the locking bolt 31 can be operated by rotating the follower 11. A cylinder may be mounted in the follower arrangement 10 to enable mechanical operation of the locking device 1 by a key or similar.

[0102] In the locking device 1 of the present invention, the follower arrangement 10 is controlled by the control arrangement 20 that is in turn operated by a drive unit 41 or a handle follower 6 1.

[0104] The locking device 1 of the first embodiment also comprises a second bolt 32 that is operated by the handle follower 6 1 from an extended position shown in Fig. la to a retracted position shown in Fig. 4a. It is to be noted, however, that the second bolt 32 is an optional feature of the locking device 1 and that some embodiments have only the bolt 31.

[0106] In the following, the locking device 1 will be referred to as “locked” when the bolt 31 is extended and “unlocked” when the bolt 31 is retracted. Similarly, the word “closed” will refer to a state where the second bolt 32 is extended so that the door in which the locking device 1 is arranged is closed, whereas “open” will refer to a state where the second bolt 32 is retracted so that the door can be opened.

[0107] The control arrangement 20 comprises a transfer member 21 and configured to interact with the follower arrangement 10 so that a movement of the transfer member 21 along a path P causes a corresponding movement of the follower 11. In the first embodiment, the interaction takes place by teeth 211 of the transfer member 21 meshing with teeth 111 of the follower 11 so that a linear movement of the transfer member 21 causes rotation of the follower 11 . In other embodiments, the interaction can instead take place by the transfer member 21 interacting with the follower 11 in any other suitable way as long as a movement is transferred from one to the other. In the first embodiment, the transfer member 21 is connected to a catch 22 that is integrated with the transfer member and extends from the transfer member 21 so that the transfer member 21 reaches a blocking position at an end position of the path P in which the catch 22 prevents rotation of the follower 11. This end position is shown in Fig. 1b, where the catch 22 blocks the follower arrangement 10 so that rotation of the follower 11 is prevented, thereby ensuring that the locking bolt 31 remains in the extended position and preventing manipulation of the locking bolt 31 to force it to rotate into the locking device 1.

[0109] Although the catch 22 is integrated with the transfer member 21 in the first embodiment, other embodiments may instead comprise a catch that is mounted on the transfer member 21 or that is connected to the transfer member 21 with at least one intermediate component. Any such designs are possible within the scope of the present invention, as long as the catch 22 is able to reach its blocking position when the transfer member 21 is at an end of its path P. Also, it is to be noted that the catch 22 is an optional component of the present invention.

[0111] The control arrangement 20 further comprises a drive member 23 operated by the drive unit 41 and a handle member 24 operated by the handle follower 61, as well as a handle coupler 50 that is movable between an active state where the handle member 24 is coupled to the transfer member 21 so that a rotation of the handle follower 61 can be transferred to the follower arrangement 10 and a passive state where the handle member 24 is uncoupled from the transfer member 21 so that the handle follower 6 1 cannot be used to operate the follower arrangement 10. The drive member 23 is connected to the transfer member 21 so that the drive unit 41 is able to operate the follower arrangement 10 by moving the transfer member 21, and the state of the handle coupler 50 is also controlled by the drive member 23. In this way, the drive unit 41 is configured to both operate the follower arrangement 10 and change the state of the handle coupler 50 to determine if the follower arrangement 10 can be operated also by the handle follower 61.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the handle coupler 50 is arranged on the transfer member 21, but in the second embodiment (see Fig. 10-11) it is instead arranged on the handle member 24.

[0115] Fig. 2a shows the locking device 1 of Fig. la from a second side that is opposite to the first side, i.e. a side that is parallel to the first side. This shows how the drive unit 41, in the first embodiment in the form of an electric motor, acts on the drive member 23 so that a rotation is transferred to a linear movement. The drive member 23 is arranged with a clearance to the transfer member 21 . When moving upwards in Fig. 2a, the drive member 23 moves a first distance d in the clearance to change the state of the handle coupler 50 before reaching an interaction portion 211 of the transfer member 21 and moving the transfer member 21 by pushing against the interaction portion 211 (see Fig. 6a-6b). This causes the movement of the drive member 23 to be transferred to the transfer member 21 to rotate the follower 11 of the follower arrangement 10. When the drive member 23 instead moves downwards in Fig. 2a, it pulls the drive member 21 along to cause rotation of the follower 1 1 in the opposite direction. The interaction of the components of the control arrangement 20 will be explained in detail below with reference to Fig. 6-7.

[0117] Also shown in Fig. 2a is a second handle follower 63 that is configured to operate the second bolt 32. The locking device 1 of the first embodiment comprises two handle followers 61, 63, of which only the handle follower 61 is configured to operate the control arrangement 20. In this way, each of the handle follower 61 and the second handle follower 63 can be used to retract the second bolt 32 into the locking device to enable opening of the door when it is unlocked, but only the handle follower 61 can be used to both retract the second bolt 32 and unlock the locking bolt 31. In each of the handle followers 61, 63, a handle can be mounted in a manner known in the art.

[0119] Furthermore, Fig. 2a shows an operating arrangement 70 that connects the handle follower 61 to the follower arrangement 10. In this embodiment, the operating arrangement 70 comprises a first component 71 with a linear movement and a second component 72 that is pivotable, but in other embodiments the operating arrangement 70 can be designed in other ways as long as it is able to transfer a rotation of the handle follower 61 to cause a corresponding rotation of the follower 11. The operating arrangement 70 is suitable in embodiments that comprise the catch 22 connected to the transfer member 21. As long as the catch 22 is in place, the operating arrangement 70 cannot rotate the follower 11 but as soon as the catch 22 is released from the blocking position, the rotation of the handle follower 61 is transferred through the operating arrangement 70 to the follower 11. The release of the catch 22 in turn requires the control arrangement 20 to be operated by the handle member 24, i.e. that the handle coupler 50 is in the active state as has been described above. It is to be noted that the catch 22 can also be released by the drive unit 41 and/or by inserting a key into a cylinder of the follower arrangement 10.

[0121] The advantage of the operating arrangement 70 is that the components of the control arrangement 20 can be made in a more cost and space efficient way, since a majority of the force required to rotate the follower 11 is transferred in a sturdy and reliable way from the handle follower 61 through the operating arrangement 70. This means that the handle member 24 only has to be strong enough to move the transfer member 21 and release the catch 22. Also, even though the operating arrangement 70 is placed near the bolt 31 in Fig. 2a and therefore also near openings in the faceplate 100, the locking device 1 cannot be manipulated by inserting an object through the opening in the faceplate 100 and attempting to force the operating arrangement to rotate the follower 11, since the catch 22 efficiently blocks any such rotation.

[0123] Fig. 2b discloses a connection 62 that transfers movement the rotation of the handle follower 61 to the handle member 24. In the first embodiment, the connection 62 extends into a space between an upper contact portion 241 and a lower contact portion 242 of the handle member 24, so that a rotation of the handle follower 61 causes the connection 62 to contact the upper contact portion 241 or the lower contact portion 242 and thereby push the handle member upwards or downwards. In other embodiments, the handle follower 61 can be connected to the handle member 24 in another way, such as by a protrusion of the handle follower 61 being connected or joined to the handle member, or by the handle follower 61 being integrated with the handle member 24. Also, if a spring is provided to return the handle member 24 to its neutral position, the upper contact portion 241 can be removed and only the lower contact portion 242 used. Other designs are also possible as long as the rotation of the handle follower 61 is transferred into the control arrangement 20.

[0125] Fig. 2c discloses a second connection 64 of the handle follower 61 that connects to the first component 71 of the operating arrangement 70. This shows in more detail how the rotation of the handle follower 61 is coupled to the first component 71 to cause a linear movement. Also, Fig. 2c shows a clearance c between the second connection 64 and the first component 71 to allow the handle follower 61 to rotate to release the catch 22 before contacting the first component 71.

[0127] The first component 71 is in the first embodiment configured to return to its original position by gravity when the handle follower 61 no longer pushes against it, but in some embodiment the first component 71 can instead be biased.

[0129] Fig. 3a-3b disclose the locking device 1 from a third side that is perpendicular to the first and the second side, i.e. from a side opposite to the faceplate 100. This shows the control arrangement 20 and its interaction with the drive unit 41, the follower arrangement 10 and the handle follower 61. In Fig. 3a-3b, the handle coupler 50 is in the active state.

[0131] The transfer member 21 is at the end of the path P with the catch 22 fitting into a blocking opening 13 of the follower arrangement 10. The handle coupler 50 is pivotably mounted on the transfer member 21 in a pivot 52 and is in the active state with an engagement portion 51 of the handle coupler 50 extended towards the handle member 24. The handle member 24 comprises a handle member contact portion 243 that in the first embodiment protrudes so that a movement of the handle member 24 causes the handle member contact portion 243 to engage with the engagement portion 51 and pull the handle coupler 50 downwards in Fig. 2d. Since the handle coupler 50 is mounted on the transfer member 21 , the movement is transferred to the transfer member 21 to cause a movement along the path P. The handle member 24 moves along a third path P3, in the first embodiment a linear path downwards, and the engagement portion 51 of the handle coupler 50 is available to the handle member contact portion 243 by extending into the third path P3 so that the movement of the handle member contact portion 243 pushes on the engagement portion 51 and brings the handle coupler 50 and the transfer member 21 along. In general, the handle coupler 50 of the first embodiment is arranged on the transfer member 21 and configured to extend the engagement portion 51 into a movement path of the handle member 24. This movement path is the third path P3. For the second embodiment, the handle coupler 50 is instead arranged on the handle member 24 and configured to extend the engagement portion 51 into a movement path of the transfer member 21. This movement path is a fourth path P4 (see Fig. 10-11).

[0133] The engagement portion 51 of the handle coupler 50 is on a first side 5 11 of the pivot 52, and on a second side 531 of the pivot 52 is a control portion 53 that extends towards the drive member 23 or at least into a second path P2 of the drive member 23 in the clearance. When the drive member 23 moves along the second path P2, this pushes the control portion 53 to pivot the handle coupler 50 out of the way of the drive member 23 to reach the passive state. By this movement of the handle coupler 50, the engagement portion 51 is moved out of the third path P3 so that a movement of the handle member 24 no longer causes the handle member contact portion 243 to push the handle coupler 50 along.

[0134] The drive unit 41 is in the first embodiment an electric motor that operates by rotating a pin 42 with teeth that meshes with a rack of the drive member 23 so that the rotation of the pin 42 is transferred to a linear movement. In some embodiments, the drive unit 41 may be of another kind (such as e.g. an electromagnetic drive unit) as long as a movement can be transferred to the drive member 23.

[0136] When the drive member 23 moves along the second path P2 in a direction upwards in Fig. 3a, it will move as described above in a clearance with the transfer member 21 along the first distance d and operate the handle coupler 50 to the passive state. After passing the first distance d, a drive member contact portion 23 1 pushes on the interaction portion 211 of the transfer member 21 to move the transfer member 21 along the first path P. When the drive member 23 moves in a direction downwards in Fig. 3a, the drive member contact portion 231 will instead contact the engagement portion 51 of the handle coupler 50 so that the movement is transferred to the transfer member 21 via the handle coupler 50.

[0138] As will be shown below in Fig. 6-7, the drive member 23 of the first embodiment comprises the drive member contact portion 231 for operating the transfer member 21, but a separate second drive member contact portion 232 for operating the handle coupler 50 from the active state to the passive state. It is to be noted that the drive member contact portion 231 and the second drive member contact portion 232 may in some embodiments be integrated to form a single contact portion.

[0140] Fig. 4a-4c disclose the locking device 1 in the unlocked state where the locking bolt 31 is retracted. This is caused by a rotation of the handle follower 61 that is transferred via the connection 62 to the handle member 24 that in turn pushes the handle coupler 50 downwards in Fig. 4a-4b and thereby also causes the transfer member 21 to move so that the follower 11 is rotated. Fig. 4a and Fig. 4c show in particular how the second bolt 32 is also retracted by the handle follower 61 and that the second handle follower 63 is not rotated. Furthermore, Fig. 4b in particular shows that the handle member 24 has moved downwards but that the drive member 23 remains in its neutral position. The clearance between the drive member 23 and the transfer member 21 enables the transfer member 21 to move to a lower end position of the path P without forcing the drive member 23 to move along, and this is highly advantageous in protecting the drive unit 41 from forced rotation that would in time damage the drive unit 41 and decrease its lifespan.

[0142] Fig. 5a-5d disclose the locking device 1 in the unlocked state where the locking bolt 31 is retracted by the drive unit 41. In this situation, the drive member 23 has contacted the handle coupler 50 to push the handle coupler 50 and the transfer member 21 toward the lower end of the path P as shown in Fig. 5a, whereas the handle member 24 remains in its neutral position (see in particular Fig. 5b-5c where this is shown in detail). The second bolt 32 is not retracted by the handle follower 61 or the second handle follower 63, and in this situation the door can remain closed until a person rotates one of the handles mounted on the handle connectors 61, 63, or alternatively the second bolt 32 is configured to rotate around a vertical axis when subjected to a force from the strikeplate (not shown) so that the door can be opened without requiring use of the handles. This retraction of the second bolt 32 is well known in the art and will not be described in detail.

[0144] In Fig. 5a-5d, the handle coupler 50 is still shown in its active position with the engagement portion 51 extended towards the handle member 24, but the drive unit 41 is configured to switch it to the passive state by moving the drive member 23 upwards along the first distance d within the clearance to the transfer member 21 . In this upper position (see Fig. 7a-7d), the handle coupler 50 is pivoted to retract the engagement portion 51 from the handle member 24 but it remains available to the drive member 23 to enable operation by the drive unit 4 1. In the first embodiment, the handle coupler 50 is not biased so that it remains in its current state (active or passive) until moved by the drive member 23. In the first embodiment, the handle coupler 50 suitably comprises two control portions 53, one on either side of the pivot 52, so that a movement of the drive member 23 in one direction causes the handle coupler 50 to switch to the passive state whereas a movement in an opposite direction causes the handle coupler 50 to switch to the active state. In other embodiments, the handle coupler 50 is biased towards the active state, suitably by a spring (see Fig. 8a-8b and Fig. 10-11), to ensure that the handle follower 61 is coupled to the handle coupler 50 at all times except when specifically uncoupled by the drive unit 41. In yet other embodiments, the handle coupler 50 can be designed to have a linear movement instead of a pivoting movement and can be biased towards one of the states or none of them to remain stable except when subjected to a force from the drive member 23.

[0146] Fig. 6a-6d and Fig. 7a-7d disclose the control arrangement 20 without the other components of the locking device 1 to further facilitate understanding of the invention. Fig. 6a-6d disclose the control arrangement 20 with the handle coupler 50 in the active state so that the handle member 24 is able to contact the engagement portion 51. Fig 7a-7d disclose the control arrangement 20 with the handle coupler 50 in the passive state, so that a movement of the handle member 24 will not be transferred to the handle coupler 50. Fig. 8a-8b also show the control arrangement 20 and in particular the interaction of the second drive member contact portion 232 with the control portion 53 of the handle coupler. Also, Fig. 8a-8b show an embodiment with a spring 55 that is arranged on the pivot 52 to bias the handle coupler 50 towards the active state. In some embodiments, this spring 55 can be used to ensure that the handle coupler 50 is securely held in the active state at all times except when the drive member 23 acts on the control portion 53. In other embodiments (see e.g. Fig. 6a-6d and Fig. 7a-7d), the handle coupler 50 is not biased and will remain in its current state (active or passive) until moved by the drive member 23. Also, in some embodiments (not shown), the spring 55 can instead be used to bias the handle coupler 50 towards the passive state to ensure that the handle follower 61 is coupled to the transfer member 21 only when the drive member 23 operates the handle coupler 50 to the active state.

[0148] In the drawings, the locking device 1 is shown with a faceplate but without a housing to facilitate understanding of the invention. It is to be noted, however, that the locking device 1 when used is typically arranged inside a housing and that many components (e.g. a pivotable bolt) are mounted on the housing (see Fig. 12).

[0150] Fig. 9a-9b show the follower arrangement 10 and the control arrangement 20 mounted in an inner housing 80 for stability and protection against manipulation. This inner housing 80 is arranged inside a housing that also holds all other components of the locking device 1 . As can be seen from Fig. 9a-9b, the inner housing 80 allows access to the follower 11 for the follower arm 12 and/or the operating arrangement 70 but protects other components of the follower arrangement 10 and control arrangement 20 and hides them from view.

[0152] When the handle follower 61 of the first embodiment has been rotated to retract the bolt 31, i.e. when the handle member 24 is coupled to the transfer member 21 and able to cause rotation of the follower 11, the bolt 3 1 will remain in the retracted position until returned by the drive unit 41 or by mechanical reset by a key inserted in a cylinder of the follower arrangement 10. The handle follower 61 itself returns to its neutral position, either by a spring acting on the handle follower 61 itself or by a spring acting on the handle member 24.

[0154] It is to be noted, however, that some embodiments can instead operate to return the bolt 31 to the extended position when the handle follower 61 is released. Such embodiments use a connection between the handle member 24 and transfer member 21 also when the handle member 24 moves back to its original position so that the handle member 24 moves the transfer member 21 in both directions.

[0156] Another advantage of the present invention is that the handle coupler 50 can be reset to the active position by a mechanical reset in the event of a power failure. If the drive unit 41 loses power when the drive member 23 is in a raised position acting on the handle coupler 50 (see e.g. Fig. 7b), the handle follower 61 cannot be used to retract the bolt 31. By inserting a key to rotate the follower 11, a user can move the transfer member 21 downwards, thereby forcing the drive member 23 downwards. By rotating the follower 11 in an opposite direction, the transfer member 21 is moved upwards and the handle coupler 50 is returned to the active state by interaction with the drive member 23 while the drive member 23 remains motionless to reach the position shown in Fig. 6b-6c. It is highly advantageous to be able to mechanically reset the handle coupler 50 in this way. It is also advantageous that the handle member 24 cannot be uncoupled from the handle coupler 50 by using the key in the cylinder, since this ensures that the handle follower 61 cannot be disconnected from the follower arrangement 10 inadvertently. Evacuation can thereby not be hindered in the event of a power loss.

[0158] Fig. 10a-10d and Fig. 11a-11d disclose a second embodiment of the control arrangement 20 that differs from the first embodiment by the handle coupler 50 being arranged on the handle member 24 instead of on the transfer member 21. This means that the handle coupler 50 is configured to extend the engagement portion 51 into the fourth path P4 of the transfer member 21 so that a movement of the handle member 24 causes the handle coupler 50 to pull the transfer member 21 along. In other respects the second embodiment is similar or identical to the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The handle coupler 50 is operated by the drive member 23 from the active state shown in Fig. 10a-10d to the passive state shown in Fig. 11a- 11d. As shown in Fig. 10c- 10d, the drive member 23 is not connected to the transfer member 21 via the handle coupler 50, but instead via a protrusion 213 on the transfer member.

[0160] The operation of the control arrangement 20 of the second embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment, apart from the handle coupler 50 being arranged on the handle member 24. When the handle member 24 moves in a downward direction in Fig. 10a- 10d, the handle coupler 50 contacts a second interaction portion 212 of the transfer member 21 so that the transfer member 21 is pulled along. In Fig. 11a-11d, the handle coupler 50 is pivoted to the passive state so that the handle coupler 50 is not able to contact the second interaction portion 212.

[0161] The handle coupler 50 is biased towards the active state, so the passive state is achieved only when the drive member 23 has moved to the position of Fig. 11b to push the control portion 53 to the left in the figure.

[0163] In the second embodiment, the engagement portion 51 is integrated with the control portion 53 but in other embodiments they can instead be separate parts of the handle coupler 50. Also, in the second embodiment the engagement portion 51 and the control portion 53 are on the same side of the pivot 52, whereas they are on opposite sides in the first embodiment.

[0165] Fig. 12 discloses the locking device 1 of the invention with a housing 90. As shown in the Figure, only the bolt 31 and the second bolt 32, the follower 11 and the handle follower 61 are accessible from outside the housing with the other components hidden inside.

[0167] In some embodiment of the invention, the handle coupler 50 is not pivotable but instead has a linear or curved movement.

[0169] 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

1. Locking device (1) comprising

- a locking plunger (31) having an extended position corresponding to a locked state and a retracted position corresponding to an unlocked state,

- a rower assembly (10) comprising a rower (11) operatively connected to the locking piston (31) for displacing the locking piston,

- a drive unit (41),

- a push rod (61) for connection with a push rod,

- a steering assembly (20) for steering the rower assembly (10), said steering assembly (20) comprising

a transmission means (21) coupled to the rower assembly (10) such that a movement of the transmission means (21) along a first path (P) causes a corresponding rotary movement of the rower (11),

a drive means (23) driven by the drive unit (41), the drive means (23) being connected to the transmission means (21) such that a movement of the drive means (23) is transmitted to the transmission means (21) to displace the transmission means (21) along the first path (P),

a printing means (24) driven by the printing rower (61),

a pressure clutch (50) arranged to couple the pressure member (24) to the transmission member (21) in an active state such that a movement of the pressure member (24) caused by rotation of the pressure paddle (61) is transferred to the transmission member (21) to displace the transmission member (21) along the first path (P), the pressure clutch (50) further being arranged to disengage the pressure member (24) from the transmission member (21) in a passive state such that a movement of the pressure member (24) is not transferred to the transmission member (21),

wherein the drive means (23) is arranged to drive the pressure clutch (50) between the active state and the passive state.

2. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure coupling (50) is arranged on one of the transmission member (21) and the pressure member (24), and wherein the pressure coupling (50) is arranged to extend an engagement part (51) into a movement path of the other of said transmission member (21) and pressure member (24) in the active state to couple the transmission member (21) to the pressure member (24).

3. Locking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive member (23) is connected to the transmission member (21) with a clearance such that the drive member (23) can move a first distance (d) without transmitting a movement to the transmission member (21), and wherein the pressure clutch (50) is arranged at least partially in said clearance such that the drive member (23) drives the pressure clutch (50) by moving the first distance (d).

4. A locking device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the pressure coupling (50) is pivotally connected to the transmission member (21) or the pressure member (24) in a pivot pin (52).

5. A locking device according to claim 4, wherein the push-pull coupling (50) further comprises a guide member (53) on a second side of the pivot pin (52), and wherein the drive member (23) is arranged to engage the guide member (53) to pivot the push-pull coupling (60) from the active state where the engagement member (51) is extended to the passive state where the engagement member (51) is not extended.

6. A locking device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the push-pull coupling (50) comprises a second guide part (54) arranged on a first side of the pivot pin (52), and wherein the drive member (23) is arranged to engage the second guide part (54) to pivot the push-pull coupling (50) from the passive state to the active state.

7. A locking device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the pressure clutch (50) comprises a spring (55) arranged to bias the pressure clutch (50) towards the active state.

8. Locking device according to any one of claims 1-4 or 6, wherein the pressure clutch (50) comprises a spring (55) arranged to bias the pressure clutch (50) towards the passive state.

9. Locking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive member (23) is connected to the transmission member (21) via the pressure coupling (50).

10. A locking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission means (21) is connected to a latch (22) and wherein one end of the first path (P) forms a blocking position where the latch (22) blocks movement of the rower (11).

11. The locking device of claim 10, further comprising an actuation assembly (70) connected to the rower (11) and adapted to actuate the rower (11) by transmitting a rotation from the thrust rower (61) to the rower (11).

12. A locking device according to claim 11, wherein the actuator assembly (70) comprises a first component (71) arranged with a clearance to a second connection (64) of the push rod (61) such that the push rod (61) rotates to release the latch (22) before it comes into contact with the first component (71).

13. A locking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rower assembly (10) is arranged to return the pressure clutch (50) to the active state by mechanical activation of the rower (11).

14. A locking device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an inner housing (80) in

which the rudder assembly (10) and the steering assembly (20) are housed.