Patent Description:
Within the field of locking devices, there is generally a need for achieving multiple functions in a severely limited space. Often, it is desirable to be able to operate the locking device in a purely mechanical way using a key that is inserted and rotated. It is also desirable to have an alternative, non-mechanical activation such as an electrical motor or a solenoid that control locking and unlocking of the locking device, and it is a common problem to find a solution for combining the mechanical and the non-mechanical activation in the same device. Is it a particular problem to protect the non-mechanical activation from being damaged when mechanical operation of the locking device takes place.

<CIT> discloses a lock mechanism of the narrow-profile-lock kind comprises a pivotal latch hook which can be manipulated by a key via a cylinderlock follower, a rack element, a follower and a spring-activated drive element. The lock plunger can also be activated via an electric motor, an output shaft, and a worm gear which is in meshing engagement with a dogging element which is pivotally mounted on the same shaft as the follower element and has dogs or projections which enter sector-shaped slots having a figure-eight configuration. When the electric motor is started the dogging element is rotated through <NUM> DEG and the latch hook adopts its locking position. The electric motor returns immediately the dogging element to its starting position, while the follower element remains.

<CIT> discloses a lock actuator assembly that includes an escutcheon defining a longitudinal axis. A rotatable drive disk is rotatably coupled to the escutcheon about a rotational axis. A slide arm is slidingly coupled to the escutcheon and operably coupled to the drive disk such that movement of the slide arm along the longitudinal axis rotates the drive disk about the rotational axis. Additionally, an electronic actuator is coupled to the escutcheon. The electronic actuator is configured to drive the slide arm along the longitudinal axis, and the drive disk is adapted to couple to a lock mechanism so as to shift the lock mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position when the drive disk rotates about the rotational axis.

Furthermore, <CIT> discloses an electronic unit for adding to a manually operated locking device, in particular a mortise lock, to provide a manually and electronically operable locking system. The electronic unit includes a motor, gearing elements that can be operated by the motor the gearing elements configured to couple the motor to and to operate an opening and closing mechanism of the locking device connection elements for connecting the gearing elements of the electronic unit with the opening and closing mechanism and a control unit for operating the motor of the electronic unit. The gearing elements are built in such a way that during a manually operation of the locking system the motor is decoupled of the opening and closing mechanism.

Thus, there is a general need for a robust and efficient locking device that is able to provide mechanical and non-mechanical activation that operate without adversely affecting each other. More particularly, there is a need for providing these functions in locking devices where the available space is even smaller than in locking devices in general. One such area is in narrow profile locks where no satisfactory solutions exist for providing these functions. Narrow profile locks are a category of locks that have a backset of <NUM> or less.

There is therefore a need for improvements within the field of locking devices.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least to minimize the problems discussed above. This is achieved by a locking device according to the appended independent claim.

The locking device according to 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 arm that is arranged to rotate about a first axis, the follower arm being operatively connected to the locking bolt for moving the locking bolt in response to a rotation of the follower arm. Further, the follower arrangement comprises a follower that is configured to rotate about the first axis in response to a mechanical activation of the locking device, wherein the follower is further operatively connected to the follower arm such that a rotation of the follower also causes the rotation of the follower arm. Also, the locking device comprises a non-mechanical activation unit connected to a rod arrangement, said rod arrangement being configured to move in a first direction in response to an activation of the non-mechanical activation unit, said non-mechanical activation unit being connected to a first rod of the rod arrangement such that activation of the non-mechanical activation unit causes linear movement of the first rod. Furthermore, the locking device comprises a coupler for coupling the movement of the rod arrangement in the first direction to the follower arrangement and causing a corresponding rotation of the follower arm. Furthermore, the locking device comprises a play configured to allow rotation of the follower arm caused by mechanical activation without causing a corresponding movement of the first rod of the rod arrangement. The play is formed by a clearance in the locking device. In this way, a component connected to the follower arm is able to move without that movement being transferred to the first rod or a component connected to the first rod.

The locking device has the main benefits of being able to accommodate a mechanical activation and a non-mechanical activation that act on the same follower arrangement so that a very compact and space efficient locking device is achieved. Also, the play protects the non-mechanical activation unit from being damaged by repeatedly being forced to move due to the mechanical activation. This ensures a stable and reliable operation of the non-mechanical activation unit and prolongs the lifetime of the components.

It is also particularly advantageous that the mechanical activation and the follower arrangement use only one pivot so that the compact design of the locking device is realized. The second rod cooperates with the follower arrangement to convert a linear movement arising from activation of the non-mechanical activation unit into a rotation of the follower arm so that intermediate components are avoided.

Suitably, the coupler comprises a second coupling portion and the rod arrangement comprises a matching first coupling portion that is configured to engage with the second coupling portion such that a movement of one of the rod arrangement and the coupler is coupled to the other. Thereby, movement may be transferred from the rod arrangement to the coupler and vice versa in a reliable way. In some embodiments, the second coupling portion and the first coupling portion may be geared sections that are configured to mesh and in some embodiments they may comprise at least one protrusion on one of the engagement portions fitting into at least one recess on the other. Other configurations are also possible as long as they are able to transfer motion in an efficient way.

Suitably, the play is provided in the coupler such that a movement of the rod arrangement in response to the non-mechanical activation is coupled to cause a rotation of the follower arm but that a rotation of the follower arm in response to the mechanical activation is not coupled to the rod arrangement. The direction of movement is in the drawings shown as a clockwise direction and it is a direction that causes a retraction of the locking bolt. Advantageously, by providing the play in the coupler the rod arrangement may be made more robust and the play may be protected in the coupler to increase the protection against unauthorized manipulation.

It is advantageous to provide the play between similar movements, i.e. between linear movements of between rotary movements since this decreases the risk of misalignment of the components.

Suitably, where the play is provided in the coupler the coupler comprises a coupling member that is arranged to rotate about the first axis, said coupling member having the second coupling portion for engaging with the rod arrangement so that movement of the rod arrangement in the first direction is coupled to the coupling member, and said coupling member also having a follower arrangement engagement portion for engaging with the follower arrangement and coupling a rotation of the coupling member to the follower arrangement. Thereby, the coupling member is configured to move together with the rod arrangement and the interaction of the follower arrangement engagement portion with the follower comprises the play so that the movement of the follower is not coupled to the rod arrangement when a mechanical activation takes place. Thus, the play is suitably provided in connection with the follower arrangement engagement portion such that the follower arrangement is able to rotate without causing a corresponding rotation of the coupling member.

Suitably, the first rod of the rod arrangement comprises the first coupling portion. Thereby, the connection between the non-mechanical activation unit A and the coupler is rendered more stable since the play is not in the rod arrangement. This is suitable for embodiments where the play is not provided in the rod arrangement.

In some embodiments, the play is provided in the rod arrangement such that a linear movement of the first rod in the first direction causes a corresponding linear movement of a second rod that is operatively connected to the coupler, but that a linear movement of the second rod in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction does not cause a corresponding linear movement of the first rod. Thereby, the operation of the rod arrangement is rendered efficient and robust.

Also, the rod arrangement may comprise a rod coupler having a first rotary member that is operatively connected to the first rod and configured to rotate in response to a linear movement of the first rod, the rod coupler further having a second rotary member that is operatively connected to the second rod and configured to rotate in response to a linear movement of the second rod, wherein the first rotary member and the second rotary member are arranged in connection with each other in such a way that a rotation of the first rotary member is transferred to the second rotary member but a rotation of the second rotary member is not transferred to the first rotary member. This is also a reliable and stable design of the play.

Suitably, the follower comprises a first engaging portion and the follower arm comprises a corresponding second engaging portion that are configured so that a rotation of the follower causes the first engaging portion to contact the second engaging portion and rotate the follower arm. Thereby, the follower is configured to operate the follower arm directly, causing the mechanical activation to be transferred directly into a movement of the follower arm.

In some embodiments, the locking device may further comprise a catch for preventing a rotation of the follower arm, said catch comprising a catch protrusion arranged on one of the rod arrangement and the follower arrangement and a catch receiver arranged on the other of the rod arrangement and the follower arrangement, wherein the catch protrusion is configured to block the catch receiver and prevent movement of the follower arm in relation to the rod arrangement. Thereby, undesired movement of the follower arm is efficiently prevented so that the risk of unauthorized manipulation of the locking device is decreased.

Suitably, the catch protrusion is configured to block the catch receiver when the rod arrangement is in an end position. Thereby, an activation of the locking device that causes movement of the locking bolt may end with the catch being engaged so that further movements of the locking bolt are prevented until a new activation occurs. Suitably, two blocking positions are provided at either end of a movement path of the rod arrangement so that the catch is able to block the follower arm both at the end of an activation to extend the locking bolt and at the end of an activation to retract the locking bolt. Thereby, the locking device may be held in both the locked state and the unlocked state and only be brought out of that state through an activation of the follower or the rod arrangement caused by the mechanical or the non-mechanical activation.

Suitably, the follower and the follower arm of the follower arrangement are fixedly connected to each other. Thereby, a permanent connection between the follower and the follower arm that suitably provides them as an integrated component ensures that movement of the follower arm follows automatically upon a rotation of the follower.

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

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

All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary 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.

In the following, main features of the invention will be described with reference to <FIG> and more detailed embodiments will then be described with reference to Fig. 2a onwards. It is to be noted that any feature from one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as long as such a combination is not expressly stated as unsuitable.

When the term "operatively connected" is used herein, this is to be understood as one component being able to transfer a motion to another component. Such transfer may take place directly by one component contacting the other component or it may alternatively take place by one or more intermediary components that are linked to each other so that the movement of the first component is transferred to the second. As an example, a follower arm of the present invention as described below may be operatively connected to a locking bolt by the follower arm comprising a bolt contacting part that is brought into contact with the locking bolt as the follower arm moves in order to cause a corresponding movement of the locking bolt. Alternatively, the follower arm may contact an intermediary component that is moved directly by the follower arm and that in turn contacts the locking bolt and transfers the movement to the locking bolt. In some embodiments, the intermediary component may be a plurality of components that are able to act one on the other so that a movement of a first of the plurality of components is transferred.

The main benefit of the present invention is that a very compact and robust locking device is provided that enables retraction of a locking bolt both by mechanical activation and by non-mechanical activation (e.g. electrical, electronical or magnetic activation) and that movements in the locking device caused by the mechanical activation are not transmitted to a non-mechanical activation unit. This significantly increases a lifetime of the non-mechanical activation unit. It is especially advantageous that the locking device comprises very few components and that the configuration of a rod arrangement and a follower arrangement for operating the locking bolt may be realized in such a space efficient way that the locking device may be a narrow profile lock. This enables creation of a narrow profile lock that is able to contain all these functions while at the same time not exceeding the maximum available space in a housing for such locking devices. However, it is to be noted that the present invention is in no way limited to narrow profile locks, but rather that the invention is suitable for use in different kinds of locks.

Main variations of the invention concern how the follower arrangement and the rod arrangement cooperate in allowing the rod arrangement to control the follower arrangement but at the same time preventing movement initiated in the follower arrangement from being transferred by the rod arrangement to the non-mechanical activation unit. Also, the invention may comprise a catch that is able to lock the follower arrangement such that movement of the follower arm is not possible. Other variations of the invention include the locking device having a follower that is configured to rotate <NUM>° for operating the locking bolt and the locking bolt having a follower that is instead configured to rotate <NUM> ° for operating the locking bolt with the locking device being a split spindle lock.

Thus, <FIG> discloses a locking device <NUM> according to the invention having a locking bolt <NUM> that is pivotable on a bolt pivot <NUM> and that is able to interact with a follower arrangement <NUM> by a follower engagement part <NUM> being provided as is well known within the art. Thus, the follower arrangement <NUM> is operatively connected to the locking bolt <NUM>, and in the embodiment shown in <FIG> this connection is achieved by a follower arm <NUM> (see below) being configured to contact the locking bolt <NUM>. In other embodiments, the follower arm <NUM> may instead be connected to the locking bolt <NUM> through at least one intermediary component.

In <FIG> and indeed in most other Figures provided herein the locking bolt <NUM> is shown to be pivotable, but it is especially to be noted that the locking bolt <NUM> could also be a bolt that is able to perform a linear motion such as a dead bolt or a latch bolt. Only minor modifications to the locking device <NUM> would be needed to adapt it to interacting with a linearly movable locking bolt <NUM> and this will not be described in detail herein; suffice it to say that it is well known within the field of locking devices that locking bolts may be pivotable or linear and that locking devices are easily modified to be used with one or the other.

The locking device <NUM> is fitted in a housing <NUM> that typically is of standard dimensions for the intended placement of the locking device <NUM> in a door. For narrow profile locks in particular, the backset of the housing <NUM> is generally about <NUM> or even as small as <NUM>. The locking device may also comprise an inner housing <NUM> for enclosing the follower arrangement <NUM> and suitably also at least a part of the rod arrangement <NUM> in order to protect the locking device <NUM> from external manipulation.

The locking bolt <NUM> has an extended position shown in <FIG> that corresponds to a locked state, i.e. a state where the locking bolt <NUM> protrudes into a receiving portion in a door frame so that opening of a door that is equipped with the locking device <NUM> is prevented. The locking bolt <NUM> also has a retracted position corresponding to an unlocked state in which it is retracted into the housing <NUM> so that the door may move in relation to the door frame.

The locking device <NUM> of <FIG> comprises a follower <NUM> for mechanical activation and the follower arrangement <NUM> is configured to transfer a rotation of the follower <NUM> that occurs in response to a mechanical activation in the form of manual insertion and rotation of a key to the locking bolt <NUM>. This will be described in more detail further below. The locking device <NUM> also comprises a non-mechanical activation unit A that is operatively connected to a bolt arrangement <NUM> that is in turn configured to transfer a movement to the follower arrangement <NUM> as will also be described further below.

The activation of the follower <NUM> is suitably a mechanical activation in which a user inserts an object such as a key into a receiving component that is typically a cylinder (not shown). Said cylinder is mounted in connection with the follower <NUM> and typically comprises a protrusion that extends into an opening of the follower <NUM> such that the cylinder and the follower <NUM> rotate together. Such mechanical activation and variations thereof are well known within the art and are therefore not described in more detail herein.

The non-mechanical activation unit A may typically be an electrical motor, a solenoid or another type of non-mechanical unit such as an electronic device that may be a micro switch or other actuator that is able to cause an activation in a locking device. In <FIG>, the non-mechanical activation unit A is shown in the form of an electrical motor that is connected to the rod arrangement <NUM> by rotation of rotating portion <NUM> that is coupled to a first rod <NUM> by a gear rack <NUM> of the first rod <NUM> interacting with corresponding gears on the rotating portion <NUM>. This causes a linear movement of the first rod <NUM> in response to activation of the non-mechanical activation unit A. Other kinds of connection between a non-mechanical activation unit and a rod are also known in the art and would be suitable for use with the invention as long as a movement caused by the non-mechanical activation unit is transferred to the rod.

The locking device <NUM> also comprises a coupler (see Fig. 2a onwards below) that is configured to couple the linear movement of the first rod <NUM> to the follower arrangement <NUM> to enable the non-mechanical activation unit A to operate the locking bolt <NUM>.

Also comprised in the locking device <NUM> is a play P that prevents the movement of the follower <NUM> when activated by mechanical means from being coupled to the first rod <NUM>. This protects the non-mechanical activation unit A so that forced rotation of the rotating portion <NUM> is prevented. The play P is formed by a clearance in the locking device so that a component connected to the follower arm is able to move without that movement being transferred to the first rod or a component connected to the first rod. In the embodiments described herein, the play P is provided in the rod arrangement <NUM> or in the coupler <NUM> and comprises a play protrusion extending into a play gap. Since the play gap is larger than the play protrusion, a part of the locking device that comprises the play protrusion and another part of the locking device that comprises the play gap are able to move in relation to each other without that movement being transferred from one to the other. For the locking device <NUM> of the present invention, one of the play protrusion and the play gap is arranged on a part that is connected to the follower arrangement <NUM> and the other of the play protrusion and the play gap is arranged on the first rod <NUM> or a part that is connected to the first rod <NUM>. A part being connected to another is to be understood as the parts being arranged in such a way that a movement of one of them is transferred to the other.

<FIG> discloses the inner housing <NUM> holding the follower arrangement <NUM> and a part of the rod arrangement <NUM> of a first embodiment of the invention. By the inner housing <NUM> preventing access to the interaction of the rod arrangement <NUM> with the follower arrangement <NUM>, external manipulation of the locking device is efficiently prevented. The rod arrangement <NUM> of the first embodiment comprises the play P that is arranged between the first rod <NUM> and a second rod <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses an exploded view of the first embodiment, with the inner housing <NUM> shown as a first housing part <NUM> and a second housing part <NUM> and the follower arrangement <NUM> with the follower <NUM> and a follower arm <NUM> that comprises a bolt engagement part <NUM>. The follower <NUM> and the follower arm <NUM> are arranged to rotate about a first axis B (see <FIG>) and the follower is configured to operate the follower arm <NUM>, in this first embodiment by a first engaging portion <NUM> of the follower <NUM> and a second engaging portion <NUM> of the follower arm <NUM> interacting with each other. In <FIG>, the first engaging portion <NUM> is in the form of a follower protrusion <NUM> contacting a wall of a follower recess <NUM> (see <FIG>) that forms the second engaging portion <NUM> in order for the rotation of the follower <NUM> to be transferred to the follower arm <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first engaging portion <NUM> and the second engaging portion <NUM> could be any other mechanical connection that is suitable for transferring a rotation.

In embodiments where a pivoting locking bolt <NUM> is used, it may be especially beneficial for the bolt engagement part <NUM> to be configured to contact the follower engagement part <NUM> directly since this allows for a compact design with few components and with an efficient transfer of force from the follower arm <NUM> to the locking bolt <NUM>. However, in embodiments where a dead bolt or latch bolt is used it may instead be advantageous to provide one or more intermediary components to aid in transferring the rotary motion of the follower arm <NUM> into a linear motion for the locking bolt <NUM> since this increases efficiency of operation of the locking device <NUM> where a linear movement of the locking bolt <NUM> is desired.

The follower arrangement <NUM> comprises the first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM>, and the second rod <NUM> comprises a first coupling portion <NUM> that forms a coupler <NUM> together with a matching second coupling portion <NUM> on the follower <NUM>. The first coupling portion <NUM> is configured to mate with the second coupling portion <NUM> in order for a movement of the second rod <NUM> to be coupled to the follower <NUM> and vice versa. In this way, the linear movement of the second rod <NUM> is transferred to a rotating movement of the follower <NUM> and by the follower <NUM> engaging with the follower arm <NUM> it allows the non-mechanical activation unit A to operate the locking bolt <NUM>.

In this first embodiment the second rod <NUM> and the follower <NUM> are configured to move together so that any rotation of the follower <NUM> is transferred to the second rod <NUM> and any linear movement of the second rod <NUM> is transferred to the follower <NUM>. In order to prevent such movements from being transferred from the second rod <NUM> to the first rod <NUM>, the play P is provided between the first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM>. The play P is formed by a play protrusion P1 in a mounted state extending into a play gap P2 that has a length d that allows the second rod <NUM> to move in response to the rotation of the follower <NUM> without the play protrusion P1 contacting edges of the play gap P2. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the play protrusion P1 is arranged on the first rod <NUM> and the play gap P2 on the second rod <NUM> but it is to be noted that the play protrusion P1 and the play gap P2 may be arranged on any part of the rod arrangement <NUM> as long as the movement of the second rod <NUM> may be prevented from being transferred to the first rod <NUM>.

The non-mechanical activation unit A is suitably configured to maintain the first rod <NUM> in a rest position (see below) when not activated by the non-mechanical activation unit A itself, and this rest position suitably corresponds to a position in which a first contact surface C1 of the play protrusion P1 is held sufficiently close to a second contact surface C2 of the play gap P2 for the first contact surface C1 to be able to contact the second contact surface C2 when the first rod <NUM> is moved in a first direction D. This causes the second rod <NUM> to move in the first direction D together with the first rod <NUM>, and by means of the coupler <NUM> this movement is transferred to the follower <NUM>. Simultaneously, the rest position of the first rod <NUM> suitably is a position in which a third contact surface C3 is at a distance from a fourth contact surface C4 of the play gap P2 so that the second rod <NUM> is able to move in the first direction D in response to the rotation of the follower <NUM> without the third contact surface C3 and the fourth contact surface C4 coming into contact with each other. In this way, the play P is configured to transfer a movement in the first direction D from the first rod <NUM> to the second rod <NUM> but not from the second rod <NUM> to the first rod <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses the first embodiment in a mounted state without the inner housing <NUM> in order to show the follower arrangement <NUM> and the rod arrangement <NUM> more clearly. The follower arm <NUM> comprises an elongated opening <NUM> that allows the second rod <NUM> to contact the follower <NUM> and that aids in making the rod arrangement <NUM> and follower arrangement <NUM> even more compact. <FIG> shows the mounted state of <FIG> in a planar view to show the follower protrusion <NUM> and the follower recess <NUM>. In some embodiments, there may be a play also between the follower <NUM> and the follower arm <NUM> through the follower protrusion <NUM> being smaller than the follower recess <NUM> so that the follower <NUM> is able to move a small distance before it is transferred to the follower arm <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, the first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> are shown as being arranged to move linearly and this is a suitable and convenient way of achieving a compact and reliable locking device where the movement caused by the non-mechanical activation unit A is transferred to the follower arrangement <NUM>. However, in some embodiments it would be equally suitable for the rod arrangement <NUM> to move along a curved path rather than a linear path and this would also be possible within the scope of the present invention. Depending on design of the locking device <NUM> itself and where the non-mechanical activation unit A is suitably placed in relation to the follower arrangement <NUM>, the rod arrangement <NUM> could be designed to move as suited in order for the movement to be transferred to the follower arrangement <NUM>.

Operation of the invention according to the first embodiment will now be described with reference to <FIG>. It is especially to be noted that what is said here regarding the first embodiment is applicable also to other embodiments of the invention even though the play P may be designed differently and be placed in different parts of the rod arrangement <NUM> and the coupler <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses a rest position of the rod arrangement <NUM> where the first rod <NUM> is in a position where a movement of the first rod <NUM> in the first direction D would cause the second rod <NUM> to also perform a corresponding motion in the first direction, whereas the play P acts to allow a movement of the second rod <NUM> in the first direction D without also causing a corresponding movement of the first rod <NUM>. This rest position is a position where neither mechanical nor non-mechanical activation takes place, and where the locking bolt <NUM> is in its extended position (see <FIG>) that corresponds to the locked state.

<FIG> show the rod arrangement <NUM> and follower arrangement <NUM> in a mechanically activated position, where mechanical activation of the follower <NUM> has resulted in a corresponding rotation of the follower arm <NUM> that in turn causes the locking bolt <NUM> to be retracted to the retracted position that corresponds to the unlocked or open state. As the follower <NUM> rotates in a clockwise direction in the Figures, the coupler <NUM> with the second coupling portion <NUM> interacts with the first coupling portion <NUM> of the second rod <NUM> and causes a movement of the second rod <NUM> in the first direction D. Due to the play P, the second rod <NUM> is able to move without the fourth contact surface C4 contacting the third contact surface C3. Thereby, the first rod <NUM> remains in the rest position of <FIG>.

After mechanical activation, the locking device <NUM> is returned to the locked state either by a mechanical deactivation in which the follower <NUM> is rotated in a counterclockwise direction back to the position shown in <FIG> or by a non-mechanical activation by the non-mechanical activation unit A that moves the first rod <NUM> in a direction opposite to the first direction D. Due to the third contact surface C3 in the mechanically activated position of <FIG> being close to the fourth contact surface C4, this would also cause the second rod <NUM> to move in the direction opposite to the first direction D so that the follower <NUM> and thereby also the follower arm <NUM> is rotated to retract the locking bolt <NUM>. After non-mechanical activation is completed, the first rod <NUM> is suitably returned to the rest position of <FIG>.

<FIG> show the rod arrangement <NUM> and follower arrangement <NUM> in a non-mechanically activated position, where non-mechanical activation of the activation unit A has caused the first rod <NUM> to move in the first direction D. By the first contact surface C1 of the play protrusion P1 being close to the second contact surface C2 of the play gap P2, the movement of the first rod <NUM> causes a corresponding movement of the second rod <NUM>, thereby causing the linear movement of the rod arrangement <NUM> to be coupled to the follower <NUM> by means of the coupler <NUM> so that the follower arm <NUM> is rotated and causes the locking bolt <NUM> to move to the retracted position.

In order to return the locking bolt <NUM> to its retracted position, a non-mechanical activation of the non-mechanical deactivation unit A may cause the first rod <NUM> to move to the rest position and to move beyond it in the direction opposite to the first direction D in order to contact the second rod <NUM>. By thus pushing on the second rod <NUM>, the follower <NUM> and thereby also the follower arm <NUM> is pivoted back to the position corresponding to the extended position of the locking bolt <NUM>. Alternatively, a mechanical activation of the follower <NUM> may rotate the follower <NUM> and thereby also the follower arm <NUM> in order to pivot the follower arrangement <NUM> back to the position corresponding to the extended position of the locking bolt <NUM>.

It is especially beneficial that both retracting and extending the locking bolt <NUM> may be achieved through either the mechanical or the non-mechanical activation or a combination where a mechanical activation moves the locking bolt <NUM> to one state and a non-mechanical activation returns the locking bolt <NUM> to the other state, or vice versa. Suitably, each mechanical activation or deactivation is followed by a return of the first rod <NUM> to the rest position.

An activation of the non-mechanical activation unit A as disclosed herein is to be understood as an action that results in the first rod <NUM> moving from the rest position in either the first direction D or the direction opposite to the first direction D. A mechanical activation, on the other hand, is to be understood as any rotation of the follower <NUM> that results from a turning of a mechanical activation device such as a key in a receiving cylinder or similar connected to the follower arrangement <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses a second embodiment that differs from the first embodiment by the follower and the follower arm of the follower arrangement <NUM> being joined together to form a single component that may be referred to as an integrated follower arm <NUM>. The integrated follower arm <NUM> is configured to perform the functions of the follower <NUM> described above as well as the functions of the follower arm <NUM>, but instead of two separate components a single component is provided instead. This is advantageous in providing a more robust follower arrangement <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses the second embodiment in a mounted state, where the integrated follower arm <NUM> and the rod arrangement <NUM> are assembled, and <FIG> discloses the coupler <NUM> of the third embodiment in more detail. The integrated follower arm <NUM> in this embodiment comprises the second coupling portion <NUM> whereas the second rod <NUM> of the rod arrangement <NUM> comprises the first coupling portion <NUM> as in the first embodiment.

The first and second interaction portions <NUM>, <NUM> are shown as gears or toothed sections that are able to mesh in order to transfer a linear movement into a rotational movement or vice versa. It is to be noted however that the first and second interaction portions <NUM>, <NUM> may alternatively be any other suitable means for transferring such motion, as will be discussed with reference to an embodiment of <FIG> disclosed below.

<FIG> discloses a third embodiment of the locking device <NUM> with the first housing part <NUM> and the second housing part <NUM> provided to encase the follower arrangement <NUM> and part of the rod arrangement <NUM> similar to the first and second embodiments. The third embodiment is also similar to the second embodiment in providing the follower arrangement <NUM> in the form of the integrated follower arm <NUM>.

However, the third embodiment differs in providing the play P in the coupler <NUM> rather than in the rod arrangement <NUM>. The rod arrangement <NUM> may therefore comprise only the first rod <NUM> that is configured to interact with the non-mechanical activation unit A as previously described, but that here also comprises the first coupling portion <NUM> of the coupler <NUM>. Thus, a movement of the first rod <NUM> is coupled directly to a coupling member <NUM> that is arranged to pivot around the first axis B. The coupling member <NUM> comprises the second coupling portion <NUM> and also comprises a follower arrangement engagement portion in the form of one of the play protrusion P1 and the play gap P2 that is arranged in a connection to the integrated follower arm <NUM>. In <FIG> the play protrusion P1 is shown on the coupling member <NUM> and the play gap P2 is shown on the integrated follower arm <NUM>, but it would be equally possible to provide the play protrusion P1 on the integrated follower arm <NUM> and the play gap P2 on the coupling member <NUM> to form the follower arrangement engagement portion.

<FIG> shows the coupling member <NUM> together with the integrated follower arm <NUM> and the first rod <NUM> of the rod arrangement <NUM>, disclosing more clearly the play protrusion P1 and the play gap P2 into which it fits in the mounted state. Similar to the play P disclosed in earlier embodiments, the play protrusion P1 fits into the play gap P2 so that a movement of the first rod <NUM> in the first direction D is coupled to the coupling member <NUM> and causes the play protrusion P1 to contact an edge of the play gap P2 in order to transfer the rotation of the coupling member <NUM> to the integrated follower arm <NUM> and cause the rotation that controls operation of the locking bolt <NUM>. At the same time, the play gap P2 and the play protrusion P1 are arranged such in relation to each other that a rotation of the integrated follower arm <NUM> caused by a mechanical activation does not cause the rotation to be coupled to the coupling member <NUM>. The interaction of the play protrusion P1 with the play gap P2 is the same as has been described above with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> disclose a fourth embodiment of the invention that differs from the previously described embodiments by the play P being provided in a rotary connection in the rod arrangement <NUM>. Also, the fourth embodiment comprises a catch arrangement <NUM> that enables a blocking of the locking device <NUM> such that movement of the locking bolt <NUM> is prevented while a catch <NUM> is in place.

The follower arrangement <NUM> of the fourth embodiment comprises the follower <NUM> and follower arm <NUM> as in the first, second and third embodiments, and the rod arrangement <NUM> comprises the first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> as also shown previously in these embodiments. Also, the coupler <NUM> is realized as the first coupling portion <NUM> on the second rod <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> on the follower <NUM> as described above.

The fourth embodiment comprises the play P in a rod coupler <NUM> that couples the first rod <NUM> to the second rod <NUM> in the rod arrangement <NUM>. In the rotary connection, a first rotary member <NUM> and a second rotary member <NUM> are arranged on a common pivot <NUM>. One of the first rotary member <NUM> and second rotary member <NUM> comprises the play protrusion P1 that in the mounted state fits into the play gap P2 provided on the other of the first rotary member <NUM> and second rotary member <NUM>. Also, the first rotary member <NUM> is connected to the first rod <NUM> by a coupling portion <NUM> engaging a coupling portion <NUM> on the first rod <NUM> such that a linear movement of the first rod <NUM> is coupled to the first rotary member <NUM> and vice versa. Furthermore, the second rotary member <NUM> is connected to the second rod <NUM> by a coupling portion <NUM> of the second wheel <NUM> engaging a coupling portion <NUM> of the second rod <NUM> such that a movement of the second rod <NUM> is coupled to the second rotary member <NUM>, and vice versa. By the play P being provided between the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM>, a rotation of the first rotary member <NUM> that results from a movement of the first rod <NUM> in the first direction D is coupled to the second rotary member <NUM> so that the second rod <NUM> also moves in the first direction D and causes the rotation of the follower arm <NUM> as described above. However, a movement of the second rod <NUM> in the first direction D that results from a rotation of the follower <NUM> causes by the mechanical activation is not coupled from the second rotary member <NUM> to the first rotary member <NUM> due to the play protrusion P1 not being in contact with an edge of the play gap P2. In this way, the first rod <NUM> is not affected by the mechanical activation of the locking device <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses the fourth embodiment in the mounted state, showing the locking device <NUM> from an angle that more clearly shows the arrangement of the first rod <NUM>, first rotary member <NUM>, second rod <NUM>, and second rotary member <NUM>. The first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> are in this embodiment arranged side by side with an overlap so that they are able to interact with the first rotary member <NUM> and second rotary member <NUM>, respectively. Also shown is the catch arrangement <NUM> that will be described in more detail below.

<FIG> disclose a fifth embodiment of the invention that differs from the embodiments described above by the design of the first and second coupling portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the coupler <NUM>, and also by the locking device <NUM> comprising a catch arrangement <NUM> similar to the fourth embodiment.

In <FIG>, the follower arrangement <NUM> comprises the follower <NUM> and follower arm <NUM> as previously described. The rod arrangement <NUM> comprises the first rod <NUM> and second rod <NUM> and has the play P shown in the first embodiment. The coupler <NUM> has a first coupling portion <NUM> on the second rod <NUM> and a second coupling portion <NUM> on the follower <NUM>, but also provided is the catch arrangement <NUM> with a catch receiver <NUM> that is configured to receive a catch <NUM>. In the fifth embodiment, the catch <NUM> is shown on the second rod <NUM> of the rod arrangement <NUM> and the catch receiver <NUM> is shown on the follower arm <NUM>, but it is to be noted that the opposite arrangement would also be possible, i.e. with the catch <NUM> on the follower arm <NUM> and the catch receiver <NUM> on the rod arrangement <NUM>.

In the rest position shown in <FIG>, the locking device <NUM> is in an end position where the second rod <NUM> is positioned as far as possible in the direction opposite to the first direction D. This is suitably a blocking position where the catch <NUM> is partly outside the catch receiver <NUM> so that rotation of the follower arm <NUM> is prevented by the follower arm <NUM> being unable to rotate past the catch <NUM>. <FIG> disclose this position in a cross-section so that interaction of the catch <NUM> with an edge <NUM> of the catch receiver <NUM> can be seen. When the catch <NUM> is in the blocking position, rotation of the follower arm <NUM> is efficiently prevented by the edge <NUM> of the catch receiver <NUM> being prevented from passing the catch <NUM>.

In order to move the follower arm <NUM>, either the mechanical or the non-mechanical activation of the locking device <NUM> is necessary. In the mechanical activation, the rotation of the follower <NUM> causes the second coupling portion <NUM> to engage with the first coupling portion <NUM> and this causes the linear movement of the second rod <NUM> that pulls the catch <NUM> into the catch receiver <NUM> so that a position shown in <FIG> can be reached. In this position, interaction of the catch <NUM> and the catch receiver <NUM> causes the rotation of the follower arm <NUM> by the catch <NUM> driving the follower arm <NUM> so that the locking bolt <NUM> may be brought into the retracted position. When a non-mechanical activation occurs, the first rod <NUM> instead pulls the second rod <NUM> in the first direction D, also causing the movement of the catch <NUM> into the catch receiver <NUM> so that the rotation of the follower arm <NUM> may take place.

The first coupling portion <NUM> and second coupling portion <NUM> are in this embodiment in the form of two protrusions and two recesses, respectively, and this is one possible variation on the meshing gears shown e.g. in the first embodiment.

One especially advantageous feature of the fifth embodiment is that the second rod <NUM> in the mechanical activation is operated by the follower <NUM> interacting with the coupler <NUM>, and that the catch <NUM> only blocks the follower arm <NUM> in the end position, suitably in both an upper end position shown in <FIG> and a lower end position when the second rod <NUM> has moved as far as possible in the first direction D. Thereby, the follower arm can be blocked in both the extended position and the retracted position of the locking bolt <NUM>.

<FIG> disclose a sixth embodiment that differs from the embodiments described above by the follower arrangement <NUM> comprising a <NUM> follower <NUM> that is configured to be rotated <NUM> ° in response to the mechanical activation. Suitably, the <NUM> follower <NUM> is provided as a split spindle with one follower portion <NUM> on a first side of the locking device <NUM> and a similar or identical second follower portion <NUM> on a second side of the locking device <NUM>. Each of the <NUM> followers <NUM> suitably comprises the second coupling portion <NUM> that may be in the form of a single protrusion as shown in Fig. 9a-<NUM>. In <FIG>, the locking device <NUM> is in the rest position, and in <FIG> the locking device <NUM> is instead in the activated position where the follower arm <NUM> is rotated. The rotation of the follower arm is suitably caused by the <NUM> follower <NUM> being rotated a full revolution so that the second coupling portion <NUM> contacts the first coupling portion <NUM> and causes a movement in the first direction D of the second rod <NUM>, whereupon the second rod <NUM> in turn causes the movement of the follower arm <NUM>. Alternatively, the <NUM> follower may be arranged to operate the follower arm <NUM> that in turn operates the second rod <NUM>, or the <NUM> follower may be arranged to operate both the follower arm <NUM> and the second rod <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses the seventh embodiment in an exploded view, showing the <NUM> followers <NUM> together with the follower arm <NUM> and the rod arrangement <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Locking device for mechanical and non-mechanical activation of a locking bolt, the locking device (<NUM>) comprising
- a locking bolt (<NUM>) having an extended position corresponding to a locked state and a retracted position corresponding to an unlocked state,
- a follower arrangement (<NUM>) comprising a follower arm (<NUM>) arranged to rotate about a first axis (B), the follower arm (<NUM>) being operatively connected to the locking bolt (<NUM>) for moving the locking bolt (<NUM>) in response to a rotation of the follower arm(<NUM>) , the follower arrangement (<NUM>) further comprising a follower (<NUM>) that is configured to rotate about the first axis (B) in response to a mechanical activation of the locking device (<NUM>), wherein the follower (<NUM>) is further operatively connected to the follower arm (<NUM>) such that a rotation of the follower (<NUM>) also causes the rotation of the follower arm (<NUM>),
- a non-mechanical activation unit (A) connected to a rod arrangement (<NUM>), said rod arrangement (<NUM>) being configured to move in a first direction (D) in response to an activation of the non-mechanical activation unit (A), said non-mechanical activation unit (A) being connected to a first rod (<NUM>) of the rod arrangement (<NUM>) such that activation of the non-mechanical activation unit (A) causes movement of the first rod (<NUM>),
wherein
the locking device (<NUM>) comprises a coupler (<NUM>) for coupling the movement of the rod arrangement (<NUM>) in the first direction (D) to the follower arrangement (<NUM>) and causing a corresponding rotation of the follower arm (<NUM>), and wherein the locking device (<NUM>) further comprises a play (P) configured to allow rotation of the follower arm (<NUM>) caused by mechanical activation without causing a corresponding movement of the first rod (<NUM>) of the rod arrangement (<NUM>), and wherein the play is formed by a clearance in the locking device.