Patent Description:
Various types of actuators may be used in lock devices. One type of powered actuator is a motor that rotates a drive shaft, which requires power to both lock and unlock a lock device, for example an electric strike. Another type of powered actuator is a solenoid which has a plunger that moves relative to a housing in response to power being supplied. Such solenoids are typically provided with a spring to return the plunger to its original position without power. The solenoid includes a coil and a shaft which is axially movable within the coil. The coil is energized by connection to a source of electrical current and thereby generates magnetic flux which influences the shaft to move in one direction. When the coil is de-energized, the spring operates to move the shaft in the reverse direction. One advantage with solenoids over motors is that in a power failure event, the plunger can still return to its original position.

<CIT> discloses a structure for electrical locks comprising two rotational members, a latching assembly and a controlling means. The two rotational members are respectively secured to two handles of a door. The latching assembly includes a cartridge, a sliding element and a dividing rod. The dividing rod is fitted in the cartridge to define two lateral zones respectively corresponding to two recesses of the rotational members. The sliding member is slidably fitted in one of the lateral zones of the cartridge.

The controlling means includes a pushing assembly and a solenoid. When the solenoid is de-energized, the pushing assembly can be moved forward to lock a respective handle. When the solenoid is energized, the pushing assembly can be moved back to free the respective handle.

Reference <NUM> discloses a wireless microactuator for microfluidic microvalves. The actuator comprises hard and semi-hard magnetic materials combined to form a controllable electropermanent magnet. The wireless power capability is achieved using inductive power transfer and the link is utilized to deliver a binary open/close signal to the actuator.

<CIT> discloses a self-sustaining solenoid <NUM>. A self-sustaining solenoid comprising an operating coil, a return coil, a moving iron core, a fixed receiver, a magnetic yoke, a projection, a recess and a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is magnetized by an operating magnetic field set up by an operating current supplied to the operating coil and substantially completely demagnetized by a return magnetic field established by a return current supplied to the return coil.

<CIT> discloses a magnetic catch for closure of an opening. The catch has magnets attached to a fixed part, where the magnets sealed with a yoke comprise a permanent magnet. Magnetic field closure is generated within the former magnets by switching magnets that connect pole shoes of the former magnets.

<CIT> discloses an electromagnetic locking device for a cylinder lock. The device has axially spaced recesses on its outer surface which are engaged by spring-loaded balls fixed into a housing. The axial separation of the balls is selected so that a locking ring is held in both end positions.

<CIT> discloses a method and device for detecting full magnetization of an electro-permanent magnet which includes at least one permanent magnet part and at least one coil. Current is passed through the coil over a certain period of time in order to magnetize the electro-permanent magnet. The current through the coil of the magnet is measured during magnetization, and an increase of the derivative of the current curve is detected. A signal is given to an operator or computer if an increase in the current derivative is detected, which indicates full magnetization of the electro-permanent magnet.

<CIT> discloses a bistable actuator comprising two magnets interconnected through a central rod, which acts as a plunger connecting the at least two magnets and moves the at least two magnets as a single body. The surfaces of the two magnets facing each other have same polarity. Also, the bistable actuator comprises at least one soft magnet configured around the central rod between the two magnets.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide an actuator having a low power consumption.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide an actuator having a small size.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an actuator having a reliable operation.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an actuator having a simple design.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an actuator having a good protection against tampering.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an actuator that is efficient, i.e. has a high magnetic holding force relative to its size.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an actuator solving two or more of the foregoing objects.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a lock device comprising an actuator solving one, several or all of the foregoing objects.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a handle device comprising an actuator solving one, several or all of the foregoing objects.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for operating an actuator solving one, several or all of the foregoing objects.

According to one aspect, there is provided an actuator according to claim <NUM>.

When a current pulse of a certain duration and level is applied to the coil wound around the soft magnet, the magnetic field generated by the current pulse flips the polarity of the soft magnet. Once the soft magnet has been flipped from the first polarity to the second polarity, the permanent magnet and the soft magnet combine to generate an electric field. This electric field acts on the magnetic target section of the movable member (e.g. by means of an attractive or repulsive force) such that the movable member moves from the first position to the second position. Once the polarity of the soft magnet has been switched from the first polarity to the second polarity and the movable member has moved from the first position to the second position, the electric field generated by the permanent magnet and the soft magnet in combination may hold the movable member in the second position without power supply. The first position and the second position may constitute distinct positions for the movable member.

Throughout the present disclosure, the base section may be constituted by a stationary structure. According to one variant, the actuator comprises two pole pieces, one permanent magnet and one soft magnet arranged between the two pole pieces. In this case, the base section may be constituted by the permanent magnet, the soft magnet and the two pole pieces. The base section may however comprise further components. The movable member may comprise an elongated portion and a head portion and the magnetic target section may be constituted by, or arranged in, the head portion.

The soft magnet is hollow, e.g. cylindrical or substantially cylindrical. The movable member is arranged to move within the soft magnet. Also the permanent magnet and/or the pole pieces may be hollow. According to one example, the base section comprises an outer cylindrical soft magnet, an inner cylindrical permanent magnet and two circular pole pieces attached to the respective ends of the soft magnet and the permanent magnet. In this case, the coil may be wound around the soft magnet and the movable member may be guided within the soft magnet, the permanent magnet, the pole pieces and the coil. The base section may thus be generally cylindrical and may have an outer diameter of only a few millimeters, such as maximum <NUM> millimeters.

The actuator according to the present disclosure may be referred to as a low power actuator. The actuator may for example be constituted by an actuator for a lock device, such as a lock cylinder, a lock case or a strike assembly, or for a handle device for operating doors, windows and the like. Other implementations are conceivable.

The soft magnet has lower coercivity than the permanent magnet. Throughout the present disclosure, the soft magnet may alternatively be referred to as a switching magnet and the permanent magnet may alternatively be referred to as a hard magnet. The magnetically hard material may for example comprise a Neodymium alloy such as a Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB), or other alloy having a relatively high intrinsic coercivity. The magnetically soft material may for example comprise an Alnico alloy, Iron-Cobalt-Vanadium, or other alloy having a relatively low intrinsic coercivity. The permanent magnet and the soft magnet may collectively be referred to as a dual material permanent magnet.

When the soft magnet adopts the second polarity, the movable member may be arranged to move to the second position due to either an attractive magnetic force or a repulsive magnetic force. The actuator further comprises a resetting element configured to move the movable member to the first position when the soft magnet adopts the first polarity, or the movable member is forced towards the first position or towards the second position by means of gravity.

The resetting element may be constituted by an elastic element. In this case, the actuator may be configured such that the magnetic field, generated by the permanent magnet and the soft magnet in combination and acting on the magnetic target section when the soft magnet adopts the second polarity, moves the movable member to the second position and deforms the elastic element. The deformation of the elastic element may be either a compression or an extension. For example, the elastic element may be compressed a smaller amount when the movable member adopts the first position and may be compressed a larger amount when the movable member adopts the second position. Alternatively, the elastic element may be extended a smaller amount when the movable member adopts the first position and may be extended a larger amount when the movable member adopts the second position.

The elastic element may be fixed to the base section, or to a section fixed with respect to the base section, and to the movable member, or to a section fixed with respect to the movable member. The elastic element may for example be constituted by a spring, such as a coil spring, or by a rubber component.

The actuator may further comprise a first mechanical stop defining the first position of the movable member relative to the base section. The first mechanical stop may for example be constituted by a protrusion, such as a collar, on the elongated portion of the movable member, that engages with the base section. Alternatively, the first mechanical stop may be constituted by a profile, such as an inclined surface, on the head portion of the movable member, that engages with the base section.

The actuator may further comprise a second mechanical stop defining the second position of the movable member relative to the base section. The second mechanical stop may also be constituted by a profile, such as an inclined surface, on the head portion of the movable member, that engages with the base section. Alternatively, the second mechanical stop may also be constituted by a protrusion, such as a collar, on the elongated portion of the movable member, that engages with the base section.

The movable member may be arranged to move substantially linearly, or linearly, relative to the base section between the first position and the second position. Other movement paths of the movable member, including for example curved movement paths, are conceivable.

A magnetic field outside the base section may be substantially neutral, or neutral, when the soft magnet adopts the first polarity. In the variant comprising a first soft magnet arranged in a first base section and a second soft magnet arranged in a second base section, the magnetic field outside the first base section may be substantially neutral when the first soft magnet adopts the first polarity and the magnetic field outside the second base section may be substantially neutral when the second soft magnet adopts the first polarity.

The permanent magnet and the soft magnet may be polarized in the same direction when the soft magnet adopts the second polarity. The actuator may further comprise a battery for powering the power controller. An external power supply may alternatively be employed for supplying electrical power to the power controller. In case the actuator comprises a first soft magnet arranged in a first base section and a second soft magnet arranged in a second base section, one power controller may be associated with each soft magnet or one common power controller may be used in common.

An actuator according to claim <NUM> is also provided. The actuator according to this variant may comprise two elastic elements. A first elastic element may be configured to force the movable member to the first position and a second elastic element may be configured to force the movable member to the second position. For example, when the movable member moves to the first position, the first elastic element may be compressed a smaller amount and the second elastic element may be compressed a larger amount and when the movable member moves to the second position, the first elastic element may be compressed a larger amount and the second elastic element may be compressed a smaller amount. A reverse configuration (i.e. by using extension forces of the elastic elements) is also possible. The two elastic elements thus provide a balancing effect on the movable member and thus facilitates the movement of the movable member between the first position and the second position.

The first elastic element may be fixed to the first base section, or to a section fixed with respect to the first base section, and to the movable member, or to a section fixed with respect to the movable member. The second elastic element may be fixed to the second base section, or to a section fixed with respect to the second base section, and to the movable member, or to a section fixed with respect to the movable member. Each elastic element may for example be constituted by a spring, such as a coil spring, or by a rubber component.

According to an alternative example, the actuator according to this variant does not comprise any elastic element for moving the movable member. In this case, the movable member may move from the first position to the second position only due to the magnetic field generated by the first permanent magnet and the first soft magnet in combination with the first soft magnet adopts the second polarity.

Furthermore, in this variant, the second soft magnet may be switched from the second polarity to the first polarity at the same time, or at substantially the same time, as the first soft magnet is switched from the first polarity to the second polarity.

The first base section may for example comprise two first pole pieces and the first permanent magnet and the first soft magnet may be arranged between the two first pole pieces. The second base section may for example comprise two second pole pieces and the second permanent magnet and the second soft magnet may be arranged between the two pole pieces. In this case, the first base section may be constituted by the first permanent magnet, the first soft magnet and the two first pole pieces and the second base section may be constituted by the second permanent magnet, the second soft magnet and the two second pole pieces.

Each of the first soft magnet and the second soft magnet is hollow, e.g. cylindrical or substantially cylindrical. The movable member is arranged to move within each of the first soft magnet and the second soft magnet. Also the first permanent magnet, the second permanent magnet and/or the pole pieces may be hollow. According to one example, each of the first base section and the second base section comprises an outer cylindrical soft magnet, an inner cylindrical permanent magnet and two circular pole pieces attached to the respective ends of the soft magnet and the permanent magnet. In this case, the first coil is wound around the first soft magnet, the second coil is wound around the second soft magnet and the movable member may be guided within the first soft magnet, the first permanent magnet, the first pole pieces, the second soft magnet, the second permanent magnet, the second pole pieces, the first coil and the second coil. Each of the first base section and the second base section may thus be generally cylindrical.

The movable member is arranged to move to the first position relative to the first base section and the second base section due to a magnetic field generated by the second permanent magnet and the second soft magnet in combination and acting on the magnetic target section.

The actuator may comprise the two elastic elements as described above. Alternatively, the actuator does not need to comprise any elastic element for moving the movable member. In this case, the movable member may move from the second position to the first position only due to the magnetic field generated by the second permanent magnet and the second soft magnet in combination when the second soft magnet adopts the second polarity.

Furthermore, in this variant, the first soft magnet may be switched from the second polarity to the first polarity at the same time, or at substantially the same time, as the second soft magnet is switched from the first polarity to the second polarity.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a lock device comprising an actuator according to the present disclosure. When the actuator is used with a locking device, the actuator may constitute a blocking mechanism of the locking device. The actuator according to the present disclosure may replace many blocking mechanisms in conventional lock devices, for example blocking mechanisms driven by a solenoid, a motor or a voice coil.

According to one variant, the lock device is constituted by a lock cylinder. In this case, the lock cylinder may comprise a stationary structure and a cylinder core rotatably accommodated in the stationary structure, wherein the first position of the movable member constitutes a disconnecting position in which the cylinder core is allowed to rotate relative to the stationary structure, and wherein the second position of the movable member constitutes an interconnecting position in which the movable member engages both the cylinder core and the stationary structure such that the cylinder core is prevented from rotating relative to the stationary structure.

According to a further variant, the lock device is constituted by a lock case. In this case, the lock case may comprise a follower unit having a hub and a coupling device, wherein coupling device is movable under control of the actuator between an engaging position where two parts of the hub are engaged and a disengaging position where the two parts of the hub are disengaged.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a handle device for operating doors, windows and the like, comprising an actuator according to the present disclosure. In addition to the actuator, the handle device may comprise a first element rotatable about an axis, a second element rotatable about the axis, a coupling device movable under control of the actuator between an engaging position where the first element and the second element are engaged and a disengaging position where the first element and the second element are disengaged. The first element may be constituted by a handle grip or a boss and the second element may be constituted by a handle escutcheon or a cylindrical end section.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for operating an actuator according to claim <NUM>. The method comprises providing the soft magnet with a first polarity such that a magnetic field outside the base section is substantially neutral; switching the polarity of the soft magnet from the first polarity to a second polarity such that the permanent magnet and the soft magnet combine to generate a magnetic field acting on the magnetic target section such that the movable member moves from a first position relative to the base section to a second position relative to the base section. The actuator for the method may be of any type according to the present disclosure.

In case the method is used with an actuator comprising a first permanent magnet and a first soft magnet arranged in a first base section and a second permanent magnet and a second soft magnet arranged in a second base section, the method may further comprise providing the first soft magnet with a first polarity such that a magnetic field outside the first base section is substantially neutral; switching the polarity of the first soft magnet from the first polarity to a second polarity such that the first permanent magnet and the first soft magnet combine to generate a magnetic field acting on the magnetic target section and such that the movable member moves from a first position relative to the first base section and the second base section to a second position relative to the first base section and the second base section. The method may further comprise switching the second soft magnet from a second polarity to a first polarity, at substantially the same time as the first soft magnet is switched from the first polarity to the second polarity, such that a magnetic field outside the second base section is substantially neutral.

The method may further comprise switching the polarity of the second soft magnet from the first polarity to the second polarity such that the second permanent magnet and the second soft magnet combine to generate a magnetic field acting on the magnetic target section and such that the movable member moves from the second position relative to the first base section and the second base section to the first position relative to the first base section and the second base section. The method may further comprise switching the first soft magnet from the second polarity to the first polarity, at substantially the same time as the second soft magnet is switched from the first polarity to the second polarity, such that a magnetic field outside the first base section is substantially neutral.

In the following, an actuator comprising a soft magnet and a movable member arranged to move between a first position and a second position, lock devices comprising the actuator, a handle device comprising the actuator and a method for operating the actuator, will be described. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of an actuator <NUM>. In <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is in a first position <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> comprises a base section <NUM>. The base section <NUM> comprises two pole pieces <NUM>, a permanent magnet <NUM> and a soft magnet <NUM>. The permanent magnet <NUM> and the soft magnet <NUM> are arranged between the two pole pieces <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the soft magnet <NUM> is hollow. Also the permanent magnet <NUM> is hollow.

The permanent magnet <NUM> may for example comprise a Neodymium alloy and the soft magnet <NUM> may for example comprise an Alnico alloy. In <FIG>, the permanent magnet <NUM> and the soft magnet <NUM> have opposite polarities such that a magnetic field outside the base section <NUM> is substantially neutral.

The pole pieces <NUM> may for example be made of relay steel, such as Hiperco ® alloy. At least the right pole piece <NUM> may have a smooth exterior surface to minimize air gaps.

A coil <NUM> is wound around the permanent magnet <NUM> and the soft magnet <NUM>. The number of windings of the coil <NUM> may vary. The coil <NUM> may comprise copper wirings.

The actuator <NUM> further comprises a power controller <NUM>. The power controller <NUM> is in this example powered by a battery <NUM>. The power controller <NUM> is configured to apply current pulses to the coil <NUM> such that magnetic fields are generated. The power controller <NUM> may comprise switches, a pulse control transistor and a flyback diode for protecting the pulse control transistor. The battery <NUM> may provide a high power voltage supply (e.g. maximum <NUM> V and maximum <NUM> A). Alternatively, the power controller <NUM> may be connected to a charged capacitor optimized for the specific pulse for the soft magnet <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> further comprises a movable member <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> of this example is arranged to move linearly along a movement axis <NUM>. In <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> has moved in a first direction <NUM> along the movement axis <NUM> to the illustrated first position <NUM>.

In this example, the pole pieces <NUM>, the permanent magnet <NUM>, the soft magnet <NUM> and thus the entire base section <NUM> are cylindrical. The movable member <NUM> is guided within the cylindrical base section <NUM>.

The movable member <NUM> comprises an elongated portion and a head portion <NUM>. The head portion <NUM> comprises a magnetic target section <NUM> of a material strongly responsive to magnetic fields. The movable member <NUM> further comprises a first mechanical stop <NUM>, here implemented as a collar on the elongated portion and a second mechanical stop <NUM>, here constituted by an inclined surface on the head portion <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> further comprises a resetting element <NUM>. In this example, the resetting element <NUM> is constituted by an elastic element in the form of a spring connected between the base section <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> and encircling the movable member <NUM>. The resetting element <NUM> pushes the movable member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> such that the first mechanical stop <NUM> engages the base section <NUM>, more specifically the left pole piece <NUM> of the base section <NUM>.

By applying a current pulse to the coil <NUM> of sufficient duration and level, a magnetic field is generated that switches the polarity of the soft magnet <NUM> from a first polarity to a second polarity but that does not switch the polarity of the permanent magnet <NUM>, which has a higher coercivity. The thresholds of the magnetic fields where the soft magnet <NUM> is flipped/switches polarity and where the permanent magnet <NUM> is flipped, depends on the coercivity of the respective material.

The applied current pulse may for example have a duration of between <NUM> to <NUM>, such as between <NUM> to <NUM>, such as between <NUM> to <NUM>, such as <NUM> to <NUM>, such as <NUM>. Several current pulses may for example be spaced <NUM> in time. The power supply voltage may for example be <NUM> V to <NUM> V, such as <NUM> V to <NUM> V.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of the actuator <NUM> in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the soft magnet <NUM> has been flipped from the first polarity in <FIG> to the second polarity in <FIG>, the permanent magnet <NUM> and the soft magnet <NUM> combine to generate a magnetic field outside the base section <NUM>. This magnetic field acts on the magnetic target section <NUM> and pulls the movable member <NUM> in a second direction <NUM> linearly along the movement axis <NUM> to a second position <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> moves within the soft magnet <NUM>. At the same time, the resetting element <NUM> is further compressed until the second mechanical stop <NUM> contacts the right pole piece <NUM> of the base section <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> is maintained in the second position <NUM> due to the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet <NUM> and the soft magnet <NUM> in combination until the polarity of the soft magnet <NUM> is switched again. The right surface of the right pole piece <NUM> is also inclined such that a tight mating is provided between the second mechanical stop <NUM> and the base section <NUM>.

Since electric power is supplied only for a short time when flipping the polarity of the soft magnet <NUM>, it is possible to save energy while ensuring safety and reliability. In addition, since electric power is supplied only when flipping the polarity of the soft magnet <NUM>, there is no temperature rise. This prevents heat from being generated from the actuator <NUM>.

By applying a current pulse in the the coil <NUM> of sufficient duration and level in a reverse direction, the polarity of the soft magnet <NUM> can be switched from the second polarity to the first polarity. As a consequence, the magnetic field outside the base section <NUM> is again substantially neutral and the resetting element <NUM> pushes the movable member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> back to the first position <NUM> in <FIG> where the first mechanical stop <NUM> contacts the base section <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of a further actuator <NUM>. Mainly differences with respect to <FIG> and <FIG> will be described. In <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is in a first position <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> in <FIG> comprises a first base section 14a and a second base section 14b. The first base section 14a and the second base section 14b are fixed relative to each other. In the example in <FIG>, the first base section 14a and the second base section 14b are connected by means of a connecting member <NUM>.

The first base section 14a comprises two first pole pieces 16a, a first permanent magnet 18a and a first soft magnet 20a and the second base section 14b comprises two second pole pieces 16b, a second permanent magnet 18b and a second soft magnet 20b. The first permanent magnet 18a and the first soft magnet 20a are arranged between the two first pole pieces 16a and the second permanent magnet 18b and the second soft magnet 20b are arranged between the two second pole pieces 16b. In this example, each of the first base section 14a and the second base section 14b is cylindrical. As shown in <FIG>, each of the soft magnets 20a, 20b is hollow. Also each of the permanent magnets 18a, 18b is hollow.

The movable member <NUM> in <FIG> comprises a two elongated portions and a head portion <NUM> therebetween. Similar to <FIG> and <FIG>, the head portion <NUM> comprises the magnetic target section <NUM>.

The movable member <NUM> in <FIG> comprises a first mechanical stop 40a and a second mechanical stop 40b. In this example, each of the first mechanical stop 40a and the second mechanical stop 40b is constituted by an inclined surface on the head portion <NUM>.

A first coil 22a is wound around the first permanent magnet 18a and the first soft magnet 20a and a second coil 22b is wound around the second permanent magnet 18b and the second soft magnet 20b. The actuator <NUM> of the example in <FIG> comprises a first power controller 24a configured to apply current pulses to the first coil 22a and a second power controller 24b configured to apply current pulses to the second coil 22b. The first power controller 24a and the second power controller 24b are powered by a common battery <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> in <FIG> comprises a first resetting element 42a and a second resetting element 42b. In this example, each of the first resetting element 42a and the second resetting element 42b is constituted by an elastic element in the form of a spring. The first resetting element 42a is connected between the first base section 14a and the movable member <NUM> and the second resetting element 42b is connected between the second base section 14b and the movable member <NUM>. The first resetting element 42a pushes the movable member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> such that the second mechanical stop 40b engages the second base section <NUM>, more specifically the left second pole piece 16b of the second base section 14b.

In the first position <NUM> of <FIG>, the first permanent magnet 18a and the first soft magnet 20a have opposite polarities such that a magnetic field outside the first base section 14a is substantially neutral. At the same time, the second permanent magnet 18b and the second soft magnet 20b are polarized in the same direction such that they combine to generate a magnetic field acting on the magnetic target section <NUM>. This magnetic field holds the movable member <NUM> in the first position <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

In order to move the movable member <NUM> from the first position <NUM> in <FIG>, a current pulse of sufficient duration and level is applied to the first coil 22a such that a magnetic field is generated that switches the polarity of the first soft magnet 20a from a first polarity to a second polarity but that does not switch the polarity of the first permanent magnet 18a, which has a higher coercivity. At the same time, a current pulse of sufficient duration and level is applied to the second coil 22b such that a magnetic field is generated that switches the polarity of the second soft magnet 20b from a second polarity to a first polarity but that does not switch the polarity of the second permanent magnet 18b, which has higher coercivity.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of the actuator <NUM> in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the first soft magnet 20a has been flipped from the first polarity in <FIG> to the second polarity in <FIG>, the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the first soft magnet <NUM> combine to generate a magnetic field outside the first base section <NUM>.

At the same time, when the second soft magnet 20b has been flipped from the second polarity in <FIG> to the first polarity in <FIG>, the second soft magnet 20b and the second permanent magnet 18b are oppositely polarized such that a magnetic field outside the second base section 14b is substantially neutral. The magnetic field generated by the first permanent magnet 18a and the first soft magnet 20a in combination acts on the magnetic target section <NUM> and pulls the movable member <NUM> in the second direction <NUM> linearly along the movement axis <NUM> to the second position <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> moves within the soft magnets 20a, 20b. At the same time, the first resetting element 42a is further compressed and the second resetting element 42b is slightly released until the second mechanical stop 40b contacts the right first pole piece 16a of the first base section 14a.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of one example of a lock device <NUM> comprising an actuator <NUM>. In <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is of the type illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> but the variant in <FIG> and <FIG>, or other variants according to the present disclosure may alternatively be employed.

The lock device <NUM> in <FIG> is constituted by a lock cylinder <NUM>. The lock cylinder <NUM> comprises a stationary structure <NUM>, a cylinder core <NUM> rotatably accommodated in the stationary structure <NUM> and a knob <NUM> connected to the cylinder core <NUM>. In this example, the stationary structure <NUM> comprises a cylinder housing <NUM> and a tailpiece <NUM>. A stationary radial hole <NUM> is provided in the cylinder housing <NUM> and a cylinder radial hole <NUM> is provided in the cylinder core <NUM>.

The cylinder core <NUM> is axially fixed by means of a cylinder lock pin <NUM> engaging a circumferential groove on the cylinder core <NUM>. The tailpiece <NUM> is axially fixed by means of a tailpiece lock pin <NUM> engaging a circumferential groove on the tailpiece <NUM>.

The base section <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> are arranged within the cylinder core <NUM> and the power controller <NUM> and the battery <NUM> are arranged within the knob <NUM>. In <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> is in the first position <NUM> such that the actuator <NUM> adopts a disconnecting position. In the disconnecting position of <FIG>, the cylinder core <NUM> is allowed to rotate relative to the stationary structure <NUM> since the movable member <NUM> is not protruding into the stationary radial hole <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of the lock device <NUM> in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> has moved from the first position <NUM> to the second position <NUM> such that the actuator <NUM> adopts an interconnecting position. In the interconnecting position of <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> engages both the cylinder core <NUM> and the stationary structure <NUM>. The cylinder core <NUM> is prevented from rotating relative to the stationary structure <NUM> since the movable member <NUM> protrudes through the cylinder radial hole <NUM> and into the stationary radial hole <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a perspective exploded view of a further lock device <NUM> comprising an actuator <NUM> according to the present disclosure. The lock device <NUM> in <FIG> is constituted by a lock case <NUM>.

The lock case <NUM> of the example in <FIG> comprises a forend <NUM>, a latch bolt <NUM>, a hub <NUM>, a lever handle follower unit <NUM>, a coupling device <NUM> and a cover plate <NUM>. The hub <NUM> has a hub axis and is adapted to receive at least one lever handle pin. The hub <NUM> comprises an outer hub part rotatable about the hub axis and which is adapted to receive a first lever handle pin, and an intermediate hub part rotatable about the hub axis and coupled to a bolt in the lock device <NUM> for movement of the bolt between an outer and an inner end position. The coupling device <NUM> is movable under control of the actuator <NUM>. By moving the actuator <NUM> to the first position <NUM>, the coupling device <NUM> is moved to a coupling position, in which the intermediate hub part rotates together with the outer hub part. By moving the actuator <NUM> to the second position <NUM>, the coupling device <NUM> is moved to a release position, in which the outer hub part rotates freely in relation to the intermediate hub part.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of a handle device <NUM> for operating doors, windows and the like, comprising an actuator (not shown) according to <FIG> and <FIG>. The handle device <NUM> of this example comprises a handle grip <NUM>, a handle neck <NUM>, a handle escutcheon or handle plate <NUM> and a swivel pin or handle spindle <NUM> in the form of a square shank rotatable about a handle rotational axis <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a cross sectional side view of the handle device <NUM> in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the handle device <NUM> of this example further comprises a cylindrical end section <NUM> which is firmly connected to the handle spindle <NUM>. The cylindrical end section <NUM> is rotatably accommodated in a boss <NUM>, which is in turn received in the handle neck <NUM>.

The handle device <NUM> of this example further comprises an activating member <NUM> and an engaging member <NUM>, here implemented as a ball. The activating member <NUM> is movable along the handle rotational axis <NUM> within the cylindrical end section <NUM>. The engaging member <NUM> is movable in a radial hole <NUM> of the cylindrical end section <NUM>. The activating member <NUM> comprises a waist section <NUM>. The activating member <NUM>, the engaging member <NUM>, the cylindrical end section <NUM> and the boss <NUM> form a coupling device <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the actuator <NUM>, which is in a first position <NUM>, can be seen. In the first position <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> has adopted the first position <NUM> such that the activating member <NUM> has been pulled to a position where the waist section <NUM> of the activating member <NUM> is not aligned with the radial hole <NUM> of the cylindrical end section <NUM>. Due to this movement of the activating member <NUM>, the engaging member <NUM> is pushed out from the waist section <NUM> to a position where the engaging member <NUM> protrudes radially outwards from the cylindrical end section <NUM> and into the boss <NUM>. The cylindrical end section <NUM> and the boss <NUM> are thereby simultaneously engaged by the engaging member <NUM>. In this way, the handle grip <NUM> is coupled to the handle spindle <NUM> and can therefore be used to operate a tumbler, an espagnolette bolt or some other member or device to which the handle spindle <NUM> is coupled. Thus, when the actuator <NUM> adopts the first position <NUM>, the coupling device <NUM> adopts an engaging position where a first element (the boss <NUM>) and a second element (the cylindrical end section <NUM>) are engaged.

<FIG> schematically represents a cross sectional side view of the handle device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> has pushed the activating member <NUM> to a position where the waist section <NUM> of the activating member <NUM> is aligned with the radial hole <NUM> of the cylindrical end section <NUM>. As a consequence, the engaging member <NUM> is pushed into the waist section <NUM> of the activating member <NUM> such that the engaging member <NUM> does not protrude out from the cylindrical end section <NUM>.

If the handle grip <NUM> (see <FIG>) is rotated, the handle neck <NUM> and the boss <NUM> also turn. However, the rotational movement is not transmitted to the handle spindle <NUM> the activating member <NUM> and the engaging member <NUM>. The handle grip <NUM> is therefore disengaged from the handle spindle <NUM> such that the handle grip <NUM> is allowed to turn freely in relation to the handle spindle <NUM>, thereby enabling a disengaged state of the handle device <NUM>, a so-called free-swiveling function. In this position, it is therefore not possible, by means of the handle grip <NUM>, to operate a tumbler, an espagnolette bolt or any other device to which the handle spindle <NUM> may be coupled. Thus, when the actuator <NUM> adopts the second position <NUM>, the coupling device <NUM> adopts a disengaging position where the first element (the boss <NUM>) and the second element (the cylindrical end section <NUM>) are disengaged.

Claim 1:
Actuator (<NUM>) comprising:
- a base section (<NUM>);
- a permanent magnet (<NUM>) arranged in the base section (<NUM>);
- a soft magnet (<NUM>) arranged in the base section (<NUM>), the soft magnet (<NUM>) being configured to switch a polarity between a first polarity and a second polarity when being subjected to a magnetic field and configured to maintain the polarity when the magnetic field is removed;
- a coil (<NUM>) located around the soft magnet (<NUM>);
- a power controller (<NUM>) configured to apply a current pulse to the coil (<NUM>, 22a, 22b) to generate the magnetic field for changing the polarization of the soft magnet (<NUM>); and
- a movable member (<NUM>) comprising at least one magnetic target section (<NUM>), the movable member (<NUM>) being arranged to move to a first position (<NUM>) relative to the base section (<NUM>), when the soft magnet (<NUM>) adopts the first polarity, and arranged to move to a second position (<NUM>) relative to the base section (<NUM>) due to a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet (<NUM>) and the soft magnet (<NUM>) in combination and acting on the magnetic target section (<NUM>), when the soft magnet (<NUM>) adopts the second polarity;
characterized in that the soft magnet (<NUM>) is hollow and the movable member (<NUM>) is arranged to move within the soft magnet (<NUM>); and wherein the actuator (<NUM>) further comprises a resetting element (<NUM>) configured to move the movable member (<NUM>) to the first position (<NUM>) when the soft magnet (<NUM>) adopts the first polarity, or wherein the movable member (<NUM>) is arranged to be forced towards the first position (<NUM>) by means of gravity.