Modular closure system

A door having a modular locking system that in embodiments includes a dish which can be arranged on a first side of the door; an actuating lever that can be pivoted in relation to the dish for actuating the locking device that is on the other side of the door; a securing device for arresting the actuating lever on the dish; and a release module that disengages the arresting action; wherein the release module is an extension of the dish.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a modular locking system for a door, having a dish, which can be arranged on a first side of the door, having an actuating lever, which can be pivoted in relation to the dish and is intended for actuating a locking device, which can be arranged on the other side of the door and is intended for locking the door, having a securing device for arresting the actuating lever on the dish, and having a release module for disengaging the arresting action.

BACKGROUND

Such locking systems are used in a wide variety of areas and serve essentially to lock or to unlock a door, a window, a shutter or also other closing elements. Reference will be made hereinbelow to a door, as being representative of these different closing elements.

The outside of the door, in such locking systems, usually contains a dish, which can at least partially close or cover over at least one of the openings arranged in the door. An actuating lever is usually arranged on the dish, this actuating lever being coupled to a locking device, arranged on the inner side of the door, such that movement of the actuating lever can move the locking device back and forth between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the unlocking position, the door is movable and can be opened or closed. If the door is locked in the closed position, it is no longer movable and can be opened again only when the locking device is transferred back into the unlocking position.

In order to prevent undesired unlocking of the door, a securing device, which can be used to arrest the actuating lever on the dish, is usually provided. If the actuating lever has been arrested, it cannot be moved, and therefore nor can the locking device be pivoted into the unlocking position in order for the door to be unlocked.

To this extent, in order to unlock, and then to open, the locking device or the door, it is necessary first of all to disengage the arresting action of the actuating lever. A release means is provided for disengagement purposes, the release means interacting with the securing device and making it possible to disengage the arresting action of the actuating lever. As soon as the arresting action has been disengaged, the actuating lever can thus be moved, and so too can the locking device be moved back and forth again between the unlocking position and the locking position.

In the case of locking systems known from the prior art, it has also proven successful if, rather than being fixed to the rest of the constituent parts, the release means is designed in the form of a release module and can be changed over in a variable manner. A locking system having such a release module is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2017 108 446 A1. The release module of this locking system is connected to the dish in a disengageable manner and can be pulled out of the dish in the downward direction or pushed into the dish from below.

DE 20 2007 004 434 U1 likewise discloses a modular locking system in which a release module is provided, it being possible for this release module to be inserted into the dish from the front.

In the case of both locking systems described in the prior art, the dish forms a kind of frame or holder for the release module, and therefore, although they can be changed over fairly straightforwardly, the release modules have to be adapted to the dish or to the module holder of the dish, in which case the design of the release modules is subject to limits.

Taking this as the departure point, it is the object of the invention to specify a modular locking system with improved variability.

SUMMARY

This object is achieved in the case of a modular locking system of the type mentioned in the introduction in that the release module is designed in the form of an extension of the dish.

Designing of the release module in the form of an extension of the dish makes it possible for the release module to be designed in a variable manner independently of the dish. This is because it is no longer necessary for the release module to be inserted into the dish, and therefore neither is it necessary any longer for it to be adapted to the dish, in particular as far as its geometrical dimensions are concerned. Furthermore, the fact that the release module is independent of the dish also opens up the possibility of a plurality of release modules being used at the same time.

As far as the design of the release module is concerned, it has been found to be advantageous if the release module has a lock cylinder which, in a release position, disengages the arresting action of the actuating lever. The lock cylinder can be transferred into the release position, by rotation about an unlocking axis, for example by means of an appropriate key or an appropriate tool. If use is made of an incorrect key or an incorrect tool, the lock cylinder cannot move, and therefore neither is it possible for it to disengage the arresting action of the actuating lever. The lock cylinder need not necessarily be cylindrical; rather, it can be a locking means in the quite general sense. Use will be made hereinbelow of the term block cylinder, as being representative of a locking means.

In respect of the variability of the device, it has been found to be advantageous if a plurality of release modules are provided and can be optionally inserted as an extension of the dish. Depending on requirements, the release modules which are to be used can be selected from a multiplicity of different release modules, and the different release modules can differ in terms of their lock cylinder. To this extent, it is possible, for example, for the different release modules to require different keys or different tools to rotate the lock cylinders. For the purpose of disengaging the arresting action of the actuating lever, it is possible, to this extent, to provide a certain tool/lock-cylinder combination or key/lock-cylinder combination. Furthermore, it is also possible for the release modules to differ in terms of their size and geometrical dimensions.

It is also advantageous if a plurality of the release modules can be used together, wherein the arresting action of the actuating lever can be disengaged by any individual one of the release modules. It is therefore not always necessary to select just one release module from the different release modules; rather, it is also possible to select a plurality of release modules and then use these together. In the case of this design, the arresting action can be disengaged just by a single release module being released. The plurality of release modules can extend the dish together and be positioned adjacent to one another.

It is also possible for the release modules to be designed in the form of endpieces or intermediate pieces. The intermediate pieces can be provided between the dish and an endpiece or a further intermediate piece. If just one release module is provided, this can be designed in the form of an endpiece. If use is made of yet further release modules in addition, these can be designed in the form of intermediate pieces and introduced between the dish and the endpiece. The contour of the end region of the endpiece can be different to that of the intermediate piece, for example the endpiece can be rounded at the lower end. Although the endpieces and the intermediate pieces advantageously do not differ in terms of their functionality, they can be provided with different lock cylinders.

It is further advantageous if use is made of a plurality of release modules with different lock cylinders. This makes it possible for the arresting action to be disengaged by means of different keys and/or different tools. It is often desirable, for example, for different people to be able to unlock the door, even though these people do not have, or should not have, the same key. The use of a plurality of release modules with different lock cylinders therefore means that each person can have an individual key which can release just one of the release modules. To this extent, the door can then be unlocked by means of different keys. The use of two different release modules has proven successful in practice.

In respect of the position of the release module, it has been found to be advantageous if this module is arranged below the dish. The release module can be at one end, in particular an upper end, adjacent to the dish, and can thus extend the dish in the downward direction. The release module can be inserted into an opening in the door below the dish from the front, that is to say from the direction of the first side of the door. The release module can have the same width as the dish, and it therefore appears as if the release module itself is part of the dish. It also the case that an opening in the door of a constant width can also be reliably covered as a result of this design. If a plurality of release modules are used at the same time, these can be arranged in a row one below the other. In an alternative design, however, it is also possible for the release module to extend the dish in the upward direction and, accordingly, to be arranged above the dish.

The release module can furthermore also have a guide element, which is designed in particular in the form of a guide pin and via which the release module can be guided in the dish. If the release module extends the dish in the downward direction, the guide element can be arranged in the upper end region of the release module. It has been found to be particularly advantageous to have two guide elements which are designed in the form of guide pins and run parallel to one another. The dish can have a holder for the guide elements, it being possible for the guide elements to engage in said holder. The release module can be retained on the dish via the guide elements.

It has also been found to be advantageous if the release module has a bearing region for bearing on the door. The bearing region allows the release module to bear with surface-area contact on the first side of the door and to cover an opening in the door. The release module can thus be mounted directly on the door, and it is not imperative for the dish to be connected directly to the release module. The bearing region can have three bearing surfaces, in particular two lateral ones and an upper or lower bearing surface, and it is therefore possible for three sides of the release module to bear on the door. The bearing region can be designed in dependence on the position of the release module. If the release module is designed, for example, in the form of an intermediate piece, then the bearing region can comprise just two lateral bearing surfaces. If the release module is designed in the form of an endpiece, the bearing region can additionally comprise an upper or a lower bearing surface, depending on whether the release modules extend the dish in the upward or downward direction. The bearing region can be designed in the manner of a collar.

In respect of the dish, it has been found to be advantageous if this dish has a holding contour for holding the actuating lever. In the arrested position, the actuating lever can be located in the holding contour and therefore be connected to the dish in a form-fitting manner. A rotary movement of the actuating lever is then not possible on account of this form fit. For actuating purposes or for unlocking the door, the actuating lever first of all has to be pivoted out of the holding contour of the dish. For this purpose, the actuating lever can be pivoted out of the excess about a pivot axis running, in particular, parallel to the door. From a certain angle, it is then possible for the actuating lever to be pivoted in relation to the dish about an actuating axis, wherein the actuating axis can be arranged perpendicular to the door and perpendicularly to the pivot axis. This movement of the actuating lever about the actuating axis then allows the door or the locking device to be locked or unlocked. In the pivoted-in position, the actuating lever can be held in a flush state in the holding contour, in which case it does not project in relation to the dish. The actuating lever can be prestressed into the pivoted-out position via a spring element, and therefore, when the arresting action is disengaged, the actuating lever is automatically pivoted out of the holding contour.

In this context, it has also been found to be advantageous if the release module has also a holding contour, which is in alignment with the holding contour of the dish. This makes it possible for the actuating lever, in the pivoted-in position, to be held in both holding contours in a form-fitting manner. The holding contour of the dish can thus be extended by the holding contour of the release module. In terms of its width and depth, the holding contour of the release module can be designed in exactly the same way as the holding contour of the dish. If a plurality of release modules are used, all the release modules can have a holding contour, these holding contours being in alignment with one another.

In respect of the actuating lever, it has also been found to be advantageous if the actuating lever has an actuating portion and a lock-cylinder cover, which is connected to the actuating portion in an articulated manner. In the pivoted-in position of the actuating lever, the lock-cylinder cover can cover the release module or release modules, in which case the lock cylinders are not visible. The lock cylinders can thus be protected, for example, against dirt or other external influences. The lock-cylinder cover can be arranged in the holding contour of the release module or of the release modules. However, the release module can be moved in relation to the actuating portion even when the actuating lever has been arrested. Therefore, for the purpose of unlocking the door, it is possible first of all for the lock-cylinder cover to be pivoted in relation to the actuating portion and for the lock cylinder thus to be exposed. In a next step, a key or tool can then be used to rotate the lock cylinder about the unlocking axis and thus to move the same into the release position, as a result of which the arresting action of the actuating lever is then disengaged and the actuating lever can be pivoted out of the holding contour. The axis about which the lock-cylinder cover can be pivoted in relation to the actuating portion can run parallel to the door and perpendicularly to the unlocking axis.

In order for the lock-cylinder cover to be retained reliably on the release module, it has been found to be advantageous if the release module has a retaining element. The retaining element can preferably be arranged in the region of the holding contour and be designed in the form of a magnet, which firmly holds the magnetizable lock-cylinder cover. The corresponding retaining force can prevent the situation where the lock-cylinder cover can be accidentally pivoted and the lock cylinder exposed. If the lock cylinder is to be rotated, first of all the lock-cylinder cover has to be swung up, for which purpose it is necessary to overcome the force of the retaining element.

It has also been found to be advantageous if the lock-cylinder cover has a handling portion which projects in relation to the release module, in particular in a direction parallel to the door. Even when the lock-cylinder cover is held in the holding contour, it can be swung up by hand via the handling portion.

In respect of the locking and unlocking of the door, it has been found to be advantageous if the actuating lever is connected to the locking device via an actuating spindle. The actuating spindle can extend through the door and be coupled for rotation to the actuating lever. The locking device can comprise a lock case with locking rods, which are arranged on the lock case and, when the actuating lever moves, can be moved into a locking position or an unlocking position. In the locking position, the locking rods can engage in a fixed frame of the door, or can engage behind this frame, in which case the door is secured in relation to the frame and cannot be opened. As an alternative, or in addition, the locking device can have a casement lock, which can be coupled for rotation to the actuating lever. It is also the case that, in the locking position, the casement lock can engage in the frame, or engage behind the same, for the purpose of securing the door.

It has further been found to be advantageous if a cover for covering the release module is provided, wherein the cover is connected to the dish or to the securing device, in particular in a disengageable manner. The cover can be connected to the dish or to the securing device from the second side of the door, and can therefore cover the release module from the second side of the door. The cover can therefore protect the release module and also the securing device, for example, against dirt. The cover can be designed in the manner of a cuboid with an open side and can have the open side fitted over the release module from the rear. The cover can be placed on the door or on the second side of the door. The cover can be connected to the dish and/or to the securing device via screws. It is also possible for the cover to be connected both to the dish and to the securing device. It is not necessary for the release module to be connected directly to the dish and/or to the securing device; rather, it can be connected to the dish and/or to the securing device via the cover. As an alternative, or in addition, the cover can also be connected to the door, in particular to the second side of the door.

In respect of the arrangement of the cover, it has further been found to be advantageous if the cover is connected to the release module in a disengageable manner. This connection makes it possible for the release module to be secured in relation to the dish and/or in relation to the securing device, and to be connected to the dish and/or to the securing device via the cover. For connection to the cover, the release module can have one or more fastening holders, via which the release module can be connected to the cover by way of fastening means. It has proven successful in practice if the cover is connected to the release module via screws, in particular two screws. The fastening holders of the release module can be designed in the form of threaded bores for holding the threads of the screws.

In a development of the design of the invention, it has been found to be advantageous if the release module is guided in the covering. The installation and the changeover of the release module are made easier by an appropriate guide. On account of the guide, the module cannot tilt in the cover and it is retained securely on the cover even before the subsequent connection via the fastening means. At the installation stage, it is therefore possible first of all for the cover to be connected to the dish and/or to the securing device. The release module can then be pushed into the cover from the first side of the door. The guide of the cover can be designed in the manner of a rail and can comprise, for example, two crosspieces. In respect of the guide, it has also been found to be advantageous if it has four guiding crosspieces, wherein in each case two guiding crosspieces can be arranged on opposite sides of the cover. Four guiding crosspieces allow the release modules to be introduced in a particularly convenient manner which is not much prone to error.

In respect of the design of the securing device, it has been found to be advantageous if the securing device has a securing catch, which, for the purpose of arresting the actuating lever on the dish, is in engagement with the actuating lever. The actuating lever can be arrested reliably on the dish via the securing catch, and therefore the door cannot be unlocked before the arresting action is disengaged. The actuating lever can have a hook portion and, in the arrested position, the securing catch or a hook end of the securing catch can be connected to the hook portion in a form-fitting manner and can therefore ensure a reliable arresting action. The hook end of the securing catch can be designed in a manner corresponding to the hook portion of the actuating lever. The hook portion of the actuating lever can be arranged on that side of the actuating portion which is directed toward the first side of the door. The securing device can be arranged on the second side of the door, and therefore the hook portion can extend at least partially through the door and into the securing device. It is also possible for the securing device to be a constituent part of the dish. This provides for uncomplicated installation.

In respect of a reliable arresting action, it has been found to be advantageous if the securing catch is prestressed into the arresting position via a spring element. This prestressing provides for a reliable arresting action of the actuating lever. The spring element can be designed in the form of a compression spring and be arranged on that side of the securing catch which is located opposite the release module. The securing catch can have a run-on slope, which results in the securing catch moving counter to the spring force when the actuating lever is pivoted into the dish. If the actuating lever has been pivoted all the way into the dish, it is possible for the securing catch, on account of the prestressing of the spring, to snap in behind the hook portion of the actuating lever and thus arrest the actuating lever. On account of the spring element, there is no need for the securing catch to be actively transferred into the arresting position when the actuating lever has been pivoted into the holding contour.

It has further been found to be advantageous if the securing catch can be moved linearly. A linear movement means that the securing catch or the securing device requires only a small amount of installation space. The displacement travel of the securing catch can correspond to the height of the hook portion of the actuating lever since, for the purpose of freeing the hook portion, the securing catch has to be raised by the height of the hook portion. Furthermore, in order to ensure reliable movement of the securing catch, the securing catch can be guided in a guide, in particular a linear guide. The guide ensures that the securing catch functions reliably, and therefore the securing catch cannot tilt. It is advantageous if, during the release action, the securing catch is moved in the guide counter to the force of the spring element. It is then possible for the securing catch to be moved linearly and lifted off from the hook portion, in which case the actuating lever and the securing catch disengage and the actuating lever can be pivoted out of the dish. In the region of the hook end, the securing catch can have a run-on slope, which is designed such that, when the actuating lever is pivoted into the dish, the hook portion of the actuating lever moves the securing catch counter to the spring force, and therefore the hook portion and the hook end automatically come into engagement with one another.

In an alternative design, the securing catch can also be rotatable. Although this design requires a greater amount of installation space, the risk of the securing catch tilting is nevertheless lower. Accordingly, it is also the case that this design does not require any additional guide; rather, the securing catch can be mounted at a point of rotation of the securing device. In this design, it is possible for the spring element to be arranged on that side of the point of rotation which is located opposite the hook end of the securing catch, and to push the hook end, in particular, upward. During the release action, the securing catch can then be rotated about a point of rotation, counter to the force of the spring element, until the hook end frees the hook portion.

In respect of the design of the release module, it has been found to be advantageous if this release module has a release finger, which can be transferred into a release position when the lock cylinder is rotated. By means of the release finger, the securing catch can be moved counter to the spring force of the spring element and the corresponding hook end can be disengaged from the hook portion. To this extent, the release finger can ensure that the securing catch is raised or is rotated about the axis of rotation and the hook end is lifted off from the hook portion. If the securing catch is rotatable, the release finger can raise that part of the securing catch which is located opposite the hook end, and therefore the hook end is pivoted out downward and the actuating lever is freed.

It is possible, furthermore, for the release finger to be coupled for rotation to the lock cylinder and to extend in the radial direction in relation to the lock axis. The release module can have a spring element, which prestresses the release finger and/or the lock cylinder into the securing position. The spring element can be designed in the form of an axial spring. When the lock cylinder is rotated from the securing position into the release position, the spring is subjected to stressing, and therefore the lock cylinder can return independently into the release position.

In respect of the object mentioned in the introduction, the invention further proposes a method for installing a modular locking system for a door. The locking system comprises a dish, which can be arranged on a first side of the door, also comprises an actuating lever, which can be pivoted in relation to the dish and is intended for actuating a locking device, which can be arranged on the other side of the door and is intended for locking the door, further comprises a securing device for arresting the actuating lever on the dish and additionally comprises a release module for disengaging the arresting action, wherein the release module is positioned on the dish as an extension of the same.

The modular locking system can be designed in the manner described above and results in the advantages described above.

At the installation stage, first of all the dish with the actuating lever arranged thereon can be installed in an opening in the door. In a next step, the cover can then be connected to the dish and/or the securing device from the second side of the door. Thereafter, the release module can be positioned on the dish, in an opening in the door below or alternatively above the dish, as an extension of the dish. The release module then extends through the door and is concealed by the cover, or held in the cover, on the second side of the door. Finally, the release module is then connected to the cover via the fastening means.

In respect of the removal, it has been found to be advantageous if the actuating lever first of all has to be pivoted out of the dish, before the release module can be removed. This prevents unauthorized removal of the release module. For the purpose of removing the locking system or the release module, first of all the fastening means which connect the release module to the cover have to be disengaged. Even when the fastening means have been disengaged, however, it is not possible to remove the release module. This is because the actuating portion of the actuating lever covers over the release module in the pivoted-in position. Accordingly, the release module can be pulled out only when the arresting action of the actuating lever has been disengaged and the actuating lever has been pivoted out of the dish. To this extent, for the purpose of removing the release module, it is also necessary for an appropriate key or an appropriate tool, for rotating the lock cylinder, to be present; it is not sufficient to disengage the fastening means via which the release module is connected to the cover.

In an alternative design, however, the release module can also be removed once the connection between the release module and the cover has been disengaged. The actuating portion then does not prevent the release module from being pulled out of the cover; rather, all that is required is for the lock-cylinder cover to be swung up.

In respect of the object mentioned in the introduction, the invention also proposes a door having a modular locking system, wherein the locking system is designed in the manner described above. This results in the advantages already described in respect of the locking system.

In respect of the door, it has been found to be advantageous if this has two openings. One opening can serve for connecting the actuating lever to the locking device, and the actuating spindle can extend through this opening. This release module can extend through the second opening. As an alternative, the door can also have just one opening.

When the release module has been positioned on the dish, one side of this release module can butt against the dish or against the securing device and the other three other sides thereof can butt against the door. It is possible for the collar-like bearing region here to bear on the door in the region of the edge of the opening in the door and for the rest of the release module to extend through the opening in the door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrations ofFIGS.1aand1bshow a perspective side view of a modular locking system10with different release modules4which can be optionally inserted in the locking system10.

The locking system10essentially comprises a dish1and an actuating lever2, which can be pivoted in relation to the dish1and, in the illustration ofFIG.1a, is illustrated in a pivoted-out position. The locking system10is arranged on the front side101of a door100, but extends part of the way through this door100, as can be seen in the illustration ofFIG.1b. The door100has two rectangular openings, wherein part of the dish1and also an actuating spindle6extend through the upper opening, as can also be seen in the sectional view ofFIG.7a. As will be described in yet more detail in respect of the rest of the figures, the actuating spindle6is connected to a locking device8, which is arranged on the other side102of the door100. The lower opening of the door100, which can be seen inFIG.1a, serves to hold one of the plurality of release modules4. Depending on which release module4is to be used for the purpose of unlocking the door100, this release module can be inserted below the dish1and can then extend the dish1in the downward direction.

As can be seen in addition inFIGS.1aand1b, a cover5is additionally provided, this cover concealing the lower opening in the door100from the direction of the second side102of the door100, and therefore the release module4can be inserted into the door from the front and then covered by the cover5. Fastening means7designed in the form of screws are provided for the purpose of connecting the release module4to the cover5. Once a release module4has been selected and inserted in the opening in the door100, the corresponding release module4can be connected to the cover5in a disengageable manner via the fastening means7. In order for the release module4to be changed over for another release module4, it is then necessary, in reverse order, for the fastening means7first of all to be disengaged, for the actuating lever2to be pivoted out of the dish1and for the release module4then to be pulled out of the cover5, or out of the lower opening in the door100, in the forward direction.

As can be seen in the illustration ofFIG.2, the actuating lever2is held in a pivoted-in position in the dish1. For this purpose, the dish1has a dish holder1.1, as can be seen, for example, inFIG.4or also inFIG.1a. When the actuating lever2, as shown inFIG.2, is held in the dish1in a form-fitting manner, the actuating lever2cannot be moved and therefore the door100cannot be unlocked. In order for the actuating lever2to be pivoted about the actuating axis B according to the illustration inFIG.1, it is necessary first of all for the actuating lever to be pivoted out of the holding contour1.1about the pivot axis S. This is because, as will be described in yet more detail hereinbelow with reference toFIGS.7and8, the actuating lever2, in the pivoted-in position, is arrested in the dish1, or in the holding contour1.1of the dish1, by a securing device3. However, this arresting action can be disengaged again via the release module4, in which case the actuating lever2can then be pivoted out of the dish1and pivoted about the actuating axis B for the purpose of actuating the locking device8. The securing device3is connected to the dish1and is arranged essentially on the side102of the door100. Although the securing device3is obscured from view by the cover5inFIGS.1band6a,6b, it can be seen in the sectional views ofFIGS.7and8.

As can be seen with reference to the illustration ofFIG.3, the actuating lever2essentially comprises two elements, namely an actuating portion2.2, which at one end is connected to the actuating spindle6, and a lock-cylinder cover2.1, which is connected to the actuating portion2.2in a pivotable manner. In the pivoted-in position, the lock-cylinder cover2.1covers over a locking cylinder4.3of the release module4, and therefore, for unlocking purposes, it is necessary first of all for the lock-cylinder cover2.1to be swung up, as shown in the illustration ofFIG.3. When the lock-cylinder cover2.1has been swung up, the lock cylinder4.3is visible and can be rotated for example by means of a key, as is also known from normal house-door locks.

In the case of the design according toFIG.4, two different release modules4are arranged below the dish1. Although the two release modules4have a similar lock cylinder4.3, a different key is nevertheless required in each case for unlocking purposes. This stems from the fact that the door100is to be opened by two different people, or by two different groups of people, but not everybody is to have the same key. The two release modules4are therefore interconnected with the securing device3such that all that is required is for just one of the two release modules4, or the corresponding lock cylinder4.3, to be rotated in order for it to be possible for the actuating lever2to be pivoted out of the dish1.

As can also be seen in the illustration ofFIG.3, it is not just the dish1which has a holding contour1.1; rather, the release module4also has a corresponding holding contour4.2, which ensures that, in the pivoted-in position, the actuating lever2or the lock-cylinder cover2.1terminate flush not just with the dish1, but also flush with the release module4. Nevertheless, at one end, the actuating lever2however has a handling portion2.4, which projects downward beyond the lowermost release module4. This handling portion2.4therefore allows one hand to be used to grip behind the lock-cylinder cover2.1and then to swing the latter up in the forward direction, in which case the lock cylinder4.3is accessible.

The design of a release module4is now to be explained in more detail hereinbelow with reference toFIGS.5aand5b. A further design of the release module will also be described in yet more detail hereinbelow with reference toFIGS.9aand9b. The release module4illustrated in the illustrations ofFIGS.5aand5bcorresponds to the central release module4which is illustrated inFIGS.1aand1b. Although the further release modules4have possibly different lock cylinders4.3—it can be seen, for example, inFIG.1athat the two right-hand release modules4can be rotated via a tool rather than via a key—the basic construction of the release modules4is nevertheless identical. For this purpose, it is only the central release module4ofFIGS.1aandbwhich will be described in more detail hereinbelow, by way of example, with reference toFIGS.5aand5b.

As can be seen first of all, the release module4has, on its front side, two profiles4.1which project in relation to the holding contour4.2. These profiles4.1ensure that the actuating lever2cannot be rotated about the actuating axis B; rather, it has to be pivoted first of all in the forward direction, about the pivot axis S, out of the holding contour4.2and also out of the holding contour1.1of the dish1.

In order to retain the lock-cylinder cover2.1in the holding contour4.2, the release module4has a retaining element4.4, designed in the form of a permanent magnet, in the lower part of the holding contour4.2. When the lock-cylinder cover2.1is located in the holding contour4.2of the release module4, according to the illustration inFIG.2, this retaining element4.4therefore ensures that the lock-cylinder cover2.1is not accidentally pivoted upward in relation to the actuating portion2.2. In order for the lock cylinder4.3to be exposed, it is then necessary for the retaining force of the retaining element4.4to be overcome when the lock-cylinder cover2.1is being pivoted up.

As can also be seen, the lock cylinder4.3, which can be rotated about the unlocking axis E via a key, is connected to a release finger4.5, which is arranged so as to project radially in relation to the unlocking axis E. When the lock cylinder4.3rotates, the unlocking finger4.5also moves correspondingly and can then release the securing device3. It is also the case thatFIG.5billustrates two fastening holders4.8, which are designed in the form of threaded bores, in which case the fastening means7can be screwed into the two fastening holders4.8, through the cover5, from the outside and can thus connect the release module4to the cover5.

It can also be seen that the release module4has a bearing region4.6, which extends over three sides of the release module4. When the release module4is inserted into the opening in the door100, for example according to the illustration inFIG.1a, this bearing region4.6, which is designed in the manner of a collar, bears on the outer side101of the door100and the rest of the release module4extends through the door100. Three sides of the release module4therefore butt against the door100.

As can further be seen in the illustration ofFIG.4, in the case of a plurality of release modules4arranged one below the other, these release modules can have somewhat different outer contours and therefore also different bearing regions4.6. For example, only two sides of the upper release module4bear against the outer side101of the door100, but, correspondingly, also a lower side of the lower release module4, and therefore three sides of this release module, bear on the door100. The upper release module4is designed in the form of an intermediate piece and the lower release module4is designed in the form of an endpiece.

As can be seen with reference toFIGS.6aand6b, the actuating spindle6is connected to a locking device8on the inner side102of the door100. In a locked position, the locking device8can secure the door100in relation to a door frame, in which case the door100cannot be opened. In an unlocking position, the locking device8can allow corresponding movement of the door100, and therefore the latter can be opened. As can also be seen, the locking device8can be designed in different ways. In the illustration ofFIG.6a, it is designed, for example, in the form of a lock case8.2with two locking rods. In the design according toFIG.6b, the locking device8is designed in the form of a casement lock8.1, which is connected to the actuating lever2in a rotatable manner. To this extent, the modular locking system10provides for a modular changeover not just of the release modules4, but also of the locking device8, depending on the requirements which have to be met by the locking system10.

The more precise internal design of the locking system10is now to be described hereinbelow with reference toFIGS.7a,7band8a,8b.

The illustration ofFIG.7ashows a lateral sectional view of the locking system10. The actuating lever2here has been pivoted, about the pivot axis S, out of the holding contour1.1of the dish1and also out of the holding contour4.2of the release module4and, in this position, can be rotated about the actuating axis B in order to lock or to unlock the door. As can also be seen, the actuating lever2, or the actuating portion2.2, has a hook portion2.3, which projects inward, that is to say in the direction of the dish1. When the actuating lever2is pivoted about the pivot axis S and is pushed into the holding contour1.1of the dish1, the hook portion2.3interacts with the securing device3such that the latter arrests the actuating lever2in the dish1. This position is illustrated inFIG.7b.

The securing device3has a securing catch3.1, which has a hook-like end3.5at one end. In the pivoted-in position shown inFIG.7b, this hook end3.5is in engagement with the hook portion2.3of the actuating lever2, and therefore the actuating lever2can no longer be pivoted, about the pivot axis S, out of the dish1. In order for the door100to be unlocked, the actuating lever2first of all has to be pivoted out of the dish1again and transferred into the position illustrated inFIG.7a. For this purpose, the hook end3.5of the securing device3and also the hook portion2.3of the actuating lever2first of all have to be disengaged again.

The securing catch3.1is guided in a guide3.3and can therefore be moved linearly. The securing catch3.1, and therefore also the hook end3.5, is prestressed into the arresting position via a spring element3.2, which is designed in the form of a compression spring. If the locking cylinder4.3of the release module4is then rotated about the unlocking axis E, the release finger4.5comes into contact with the securing catch3.1and moves the latter within the guide3.3counter to the spring force of the spring element3.2. When the lock cylinder4.3has been rotated far enough, the securing catch3.1has been displaced to such an extent that the hook end3.5and the hook portion2.3are no longer in engagement and the actuating lever2can then be pivoted, about the pivot axis S, out of the dish1. The different release modules4all have a similar release finger4.5, which, when the lock cylinder4.3moves, moves the securing catch3.1such that the arresting action of the actuating lever2is disengaged. To this extent, there is no need for the securing device3to be altered or adapted when the release module4is changed over.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment which is shown in the illustration ofFIGS.8aand8b, the locking system10functions basically in the same way as has already been described above in respect ofFIGS.7aand7b. It is only the design of the securing device3which is different. This is because the securing device, rather than having a linearly movable securing catch3.1, has a securing catch3.1which is mounted such that it can be pivoted about a point of rotation3.4. In the locked position, which is illustrated inFIG.8b, the hook end3.5of the securing catch3.1engages in the hook portion2.3of the actuating portion2.2from below and thus retains the actuating lever2in an arrested state on or in the holding contour1.1of the dish1. It is also the case that the rotatable securing catch3.1is prestressed into the arresting position via a spring element3.2, and therefore, when the lock cylinder4.3rotates, the securing catch is then pivoted about the point of rotation3.4by the unlocking finger4.5, in which case the hook end3.5and the hook portion2.3disengage. Also clear to see in this sectional view is the downwardly projecting handling portion2.4, which has to be swung up prior to the lock cylinder4.3being rotated, as has already been described above in respect ofFIGS.2and3.

In both designs, the actuating portion2.2has its lower end covering over an upper edge of the release module4. Accordingly, the release module4can be pulled out of the cover5or of the door100only when, on the one hand, the fastening means7have been disengaged and, in addition, the actuating lever2, or the actuating portion2.2, has also been pivoted out of the dish1. To this extent, it is not possible for the release module4to be removed without the lock cylinder4.3having been rotated into the release position by means of the appropriate key. Even if a person has, for example, access to the fastening means7, it is necessary, for the purpose of removing the release module4, for this person also to have the correct key.

The release module4illustrated inFIGS.9aand9bessentially corresponds to the release module4which has already been described in respect ofFIGS.5aand5bor also to those which are illustrated inFIGS.1aand1b. In addition, however, the release module4ofFIGS.9aand9bhas, at the upper end, two guide pins4.9, via which the release module4can engage in the dish1. The dish1has a corresponding holder, into which the guide pins4.9move as they are fitted into the dish. It is therefore also possible for the release modules4to be guided in the dish1via the guide pins4.9.

It is also the case that the cover5is shown in an enlarged view in the perspective illustration ofFIGS.10aand10b. On their inner side, the side walls of the cover5have guiding crosspieces5.1, on which the release modules4can be supported as they are pushed into the cover5. As can be seen, four guiding crosspieces5.1are provided here, in each case two guiding crosspieces5.1being arranged on opposite sides of the cover5.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS