WO2025067938A1

WO2025067938A1 - Arrangement for lock device, lock devices, access member system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2025067938A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/075865
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik Holst-Larsen; Harald VESTØL
Original assignee: Assa Abloy Global Solutions AB
Current assignee: Assa Abloy Global Solutions AB
Priority date: 2023-09-25
Filing date: 2024-09-17
Publication date: 2025-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-25
Also published as: SE2351100A1; SE546964C2

Abstract

An arrangement (24) for a lock device (12), the arrangement comprising a base structure (50); a deadbolt (30) movable in an actuating direction (32) from a retracted deadbolt position (54) for disengagement from a strike opening (38) of a strike (34) to an extended deadbolt position (36) for engagement with the strike opening; and an auxiliary element (52) movable in the actuating direction from a retracted auxiliary position (56) to a first extended auxiliary position (92) for engaging the strike, and from the retracted auxiliary position to a second extended auxiliary position (94) beyond the first extended auxiliary position; wherein the deadbolt is movable relative to the auxiliary element in the actuating direction; and wherein the arrangement further comprises an auxiliary sensor (58) arranged to provide auxiliary position information (106) indicative of a position of the auxiliary element relative to the base structure.

Description

ARRANGEMENT FOR LOCK DEVICE, LOCK DEVICES, ACCESS MEMBER SYSTEM AND METHOD

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to lock devices. In particular, an arrangement for a lock device including a deadbolt and an auxiliary element, a lock device comprising such arrangement, a lock device comprising a coupling arranged inside of an inner escutcheon, an access member system and a method of determining a state of a deadbolt, are provided.

Background

Many lock devices comprise a deadbolt movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A lock device may for example comprise a tubular arrangement including the deadbolt. The lock device can be integrated in a door leaf rotatable relative to a frame and the deadbolt can engage a strike opening in the frame when the door leaf is closed. For various reasons, it may be desired to detect a position of the deadbolt and a position of the door leaf. One reason may be to monitor a state of the lock device, for example to detect misuse or errors. Another reason may be that the lock device relies on a position of a movable component to trigger an electronic function.

Summary

One object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement for a lock device.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved lock device.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved access member system. A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved method of determining a state of a deadbolt.

These objects are achieved by the arrangement according to appended claim 1, by the lock device according to appended claims 14 and 16, by the access member system according to appended claim 17, and by the method according to appended claim 18.

The invention is based on the realization that by providing an auxiliary element cooperating with a deadbolt and arranged to engage a strike outside of a strike opening when an access member is closed and the deadbolt engages the strike opening, sensorics of low complexity can be used to verify that the deadbolt engages the strike opening.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an arrangement for a lock device, the arrangement comprising a base structure; a deadbolt movable relative to the base structure in an actuating direction from a retracted deadbolt position for disengagement from a strike opening of a strike to an extended deadbolt position for engagement with the strike opening; and an auxiliary element movable relative to the base structure in the actuating direction from a retracted auxiliary position to a first extended auxiliary position for engaging the strike, and from the retracted auxiliary position to a second extended auxiliary position beyond the first extended auxiliary position; wherein the deadbolt is movable relative to the auxiliary element in the actuating direction and is arranged to prevent movement of the auxiliary element from the retracted auxiliary position in the actuating direction when the deadbolt adopts the retracted deadbolt position; and wherein the arrangement further comprises an auxiliary sensor arranged to provide auxiliary position information indicative of a position of the auxiliary element relative to the base structure.

By virtue of the auxiliary sensor providing auxiliary position information indicative of the position of the auxiliary element, this auxiliary position information can be used to distinguish between a state of the deadbolt being in the extended deadbolt position and engaging the strike opening when an access member is closed, and a state of the deadbolt being in the extended deadbolt position when the access member is open, i.e., when the deadbolt does not engage the strike opening. The arrangement enables this task to be solved using a cost-efficient design of low complexity and small size. For example, the arrangement solves this task without requiring a sensor positioned at the strike. With the deadbolt engaging the strike opening may be meant that the deadbolt enters into the strike opening.

The auxiliary position information may be indicative of the auxiliary element being in one of the retracted auxiliary position and the first extended auxiliary position on the one hand, or in the second extended auxiliary position on the other hand. The auxiliary sensor may for example be a sensor that is triggered by the auxiliary element in each of the retracted auxiliary position and the first extended auxiliary position, and that is not triggered by the auxiliary element in the second extended auxiliary position, or vice versa. Each of the auxiliary sensor and the auxiliary position information may thus be binary. In these cases, the auxiliary position information may be constituted by a signal in one of the retracted auxiliary position and the first extended auxiliary position on the one hand, and an absence of a signal in the second extended auxiliary position on the other hand, or vice versa. The invention may however also be implemented using a non-binary auxiliary sensor.

When the deadbolt adopts the retracted deadbolt position, the auxiliary element adopts the retracted auxiliary position. When an access member in which the deadbolt is arranged is open and the deadbolt adopts the extended deadbolt position, the auxiliary element adopts the second extended auxiliary position. On the other hand, when the access member is closed and the deadbolt adopts the extended deadbolt position engaging the strike opening, the auxiliary element adopts the first extended auxiliary position engaging the strike outside of the strike opening. The first extended auxiliary position thus lies between the retracted auxiliary position and the second extended auxiliary position in the actuating direction. When the deadbolt adopts the extended deadbolt position, the auxiliary element is allowed to move from the retracted auxiliary position in the actuating direction. Whether the auxiliary element stops in the first extended auxiliary position or in the second extended auxiliary position depends on whether or not the auxiliary element is stopped by the strike. When the auxiliary element is stopped by the strike, the auxiliary element stops in the first extended auxiliary position. When the auxiliary element is not stopped by the strike, the auxiliary element may be stopped by the base structure and/or by the deadbolt in the second extended auxiliary position.

The base structure may comprise a tubular body. In this case, the arrangement may be said to constitute a tubular arrangement. In these cases, the deadbolt and the auxiliary element may be arranged inside of the tubular body. The deadbolt and the auxiliary element may be accommodated substantially entirely inside of, or entirely inside of, the tubular body when adopting the retracted deadbolt position and the retracted auxiliary position, respectively. In addition to the tubular body, the base structure may comprise a forend fixed to the tubular body. The auxiliary sensor may be arranged inside of the tubular body.

The base structure may further comprise an opening structure through which the deadbolt and the auxiliary element can pass in the actuating direction. The opening structure may comprise one or several base structure openings.

The deadbolt may protrude out from the base structure in the extended deadbolt position. The deadbolt may or may not protrude out from the base structure in the retracted deadbolt position.

The auxiliary element may protrude out from the base structure in each of the first and second extended auxiliary positions. The auxiliary element may or may not protrude out from the base structure in the retracted auxiliary position. The deadbolt may be guided by the base structure in the actuating direction. The auxiliary element may be guided by the base structure and the deadbolt in the actuating direction.

Each of the deadbolt and the auxiliary element may be structurally integral. To this end, each of the deadbolt and the auxiliary element may for example be formed from a single piece of material or may be constituted by a plurality of fixedly connected parts. The deadbolt may be arranged to prevent movement of the auxiliary element from the retracted auxiliary position in the actuating direction when the deadbolt adopts the retracted deadbolt position by contacting the auxiliary element.

A distal end of the deadbolt may be aligned with a distal end of the auxiliary element when the deadbolt adopts the retracted deadbolt position and the auxiliary element adopts the retracted auxiliary position. Alternatively, or in addition, each of the distal ends of the deadbolt and the auxiliary element may be constituted by a flat surface oriented transverse to the actuating direction.

The arrangement may further comprise an electronic control system. The control system may comprise at least one data processing device and at least one memory having at least one computer program stored therein, the at least one computer program comprising program code which, when executed by the at least one data processing device, causes the at least one data processing device to perform, or command performance of, various steps as described herein.

The control system may be configured to receive the auxiliary position information. In these cases, the control system may be configured to determine that the deadbolt engages the strike opening if the deadbolt is in the extended deadbolt position and the auxiliary position information is indicative of the auxiliary element being in the first extended auxiliary position. Moreover, the control system may be configured to determine that the deadbolt does not engage the strike opening if the deadbolt is in the extended deadbolt position and the auxiliary position information is indicative of the auxiliary element being in the second extended auxiliary position.

The auxiliary sensor may be a switch arranged to be contacted by the auxiliary element in each of the retracted auxiliary position and the first extended auxiliary position but not in the second extended auxiliary position, or vice versa, i.e., contacted by the auxiliary element in the second extended auxiliary position but not in any of the retracted auxiliary position and the first extended auxiliary position. The switch may for example be mechanical or optical.

The arrangement may further comprise a deadbolt sensor configured to provide deadbolt position information indicative of the position of the deadbolt relative to the base structure. The deadbolt sensor may as such be constituted by a deadbolt sensor of known type, such as a binary switch. The deadbolt sensor may sense the position of the deadbolt directly or indirectly.

The control system may be configured to determine that the deadbolt engages the strike opening if the deadbolt position information is indicative of the deadbolt being in the extended deadbolt position and the auxiliary position information is indicative of the auxiliary element being in the first extended auxiliary position, configured to determine that the deadbolt does not engage the strike opening if the deadbolt position information is indicative of the deadbolt being in the extended deadbolt position and the auxiliary position information is indicative of the auxiliary element being in the second extended auxiliary position.

The auxiliary sensor may be fixed with respect to the base structure or with respect to the auxiliary element. When the auxiliary sensor is fixed to the base structure, cable routing may be facilitated or omitted.

The arrangement may further comprise a forcing member arranged to force the auxiliary element relative to the base structure from the retracted auxiliary position in the actuating direction. The forcing member may comprise a spring. Alternatively, the forcing member may be arranged to force the auxiliary element by magnetic force. According to a further variant, the auxiliary element is forced relative to the base structure by gravity, e.g., when the actuating direction is oriented vertically downwards.

The base structure may comprise a stop defining the second extended auxiliary position. In these cases, the forcing member may be arranged to force the auxiliary element against the stop. The auxiliary element may comprise a step portion for engaging the stop. The step portion may extend in parallel with the actuating direction. According to one variant, the arrangement comprises a two pairs of a stop and a step portion for engaging the stop. In this variant, the deadbolt may be positioned between the two pairs.

The deadbolt may be arranged to force the auxiliary element from any of the first extended auxiliary position and the second extended auxiliary position to the retracted auxiliary position by movement from the extended deadbolt position to the retracted deadbolt position. For example, during movement of the deadbolt from the extended deadbolt position to the retracted deadbolt position, the deadbolt may contact and push the auxiliary element from any of the first and extended auxiliary positions to the retracted auxiliary position.

The arrangement may further comprise an actuation member rotatable relative to the base structure around an actuation member axis. In these cases, the arrangement may be configured to transmit a rotation of the actuation member around the actuation member axis to a movement of the deadbolt in the actuating direction. In these cases, the deadbolt sensor may be arranged to sense a position of the actuation member around the actuation member axis. The actuation member may comprise a follower and an actuation arm fixed to the follower.

The deadbolt may comprise a deadbolt feature. In these cases, the actuation member may contact the deadbolt feature to transmit the rotation of the actuation member to the movement of the deadbolt. The deadbolt feature may be an opening receiving the actuation member, such as in the form of an actuation arm.

The auxiliary element may comprise a first auxiliary arm and a second auxiliary arm. In these cases, the deadbolt may be positioned between the first auxiliary arm and the second auxiliary arm in a plane transverse to the actuating direction. The provision of the first and second auxiliary arms provides redundancy for engaging the strike. Due to this redundancy, manufacturing tolerances and installation tolerances of the deadbolt, the auxiliary element and the strike can be relaxed. The arrangement thereby simplifies installation and/or is prone to less alignment issues as it allows for increased tolerances. Each of the first and second auxiliary arms may include a flat shape. In these cases, the first and second auxiliary arms may be parallel with each other. Moreover, the first and second auxiliary arms may be oriented in parallel with the actuating direction and transverse to a lateral direction separating the first and second auxiliary arms. The first and second auxiliary arms will then be oriented in a height direction of the arrangement.

Each of the first and second auxiliary arms may extend in parallel with the actuating direction. The first auxiliary arm may comprise a first step portion for engaging a first stop in the base structure, and the second auxiliary arm may comprise a second step portion for engaging a second stop in the base structure.

The auxiliary element may further comprise an auxiliary base. The auxiliary base may be positioned between the first and second auxiliary arms, e.g., in a direction transverse to the actuating direction. Each of the first and second auxiliary arms may extend from the auxiliary base. The auxiliary base may be arranged to be contacted by the deadbolt. The deadbolt may comprise a first deadbolt slot slidingly receiving the first auxiliary arm and a second deadbolt slot slidingly receiving the second auxiliary arm. Each of the first and second deadbolt slots may extend in parallel with the actuating direction. The auxiliary element may further comprise a trigger portion. The trigger portion may be arranged to trigger the auxiliary sensor. The first and second auxiliary arms may be positioned in front of the trigger portion in the actuating direction.

The arrangement may further comprise the strike.

The strike may comprise an engageable structure arranged to be engaged by the auxiliary element in first extended auxiliary position when the deadbolt adopts the extended deadbolt position. When the engageable structure is engaged by the auxiliary element in the first extended auxiliary position, the auxiliary element is prevented by the engageable structure to move in the actuating direction from the first extended auxiliary position to the second extended auxiliary position.

The engageable structure may be arranged to be engaged, such as contacted, by one or both of the first auxiliary arm and the second auxiliary arm in the first extended auxiliary position of the auxiliary element.

The engageable structure may comprise a first engageable portion arranged to be engaged by the first auxiliary arm and a second engageable portion arranged to be engaged by the second auxiliary arm. In these cases, the strike opening may be positioned between the first engageable portion and the second engageable portion. Each of the first and second engageable portions may be a protrusion, such as a tab, e.g., a protrusion in the lateral direction.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a lock device comprising an arrangement according to the first aspect.

The lock device may further comprise an inner escutcheon; an inner thumb turn arranged at the inner escutcheon and arranged to actuate the deadbolt; and an outer thumb turn; a coupling arranged to selectively operatively connect the outer thumb turn to the deadbolt, the coupling being positioned inside of the inner escutcheon. According to a third aspect, there is provided a lock device comprising a base structure; a deadbolt movable relative to the base structure in an actuating direction from a retracted deadbolt position for disengagement from a strike opening of a strike to an extended deadbolt position for engagement with the strike opening; an inner escutcheon; an inner thumb turn arranged at the inner escutcheon and arranged to actuate the deadbolt; an outer thumb turn; and a coupling arranged to selectively operatively connect the outer thumb turn to the deadbolt, the coupling being positioned inside of the inner escutcheon.

By positioning the coupling inside of the inner escutcheon instead of inside of an outer escutcheon, security of the lock device is greatly improved.

Moreover, the outer escutcheon can be made substantially smaller in comparison with an outer escutcheon containing the coupling. A freedom of design of the lock device on an outer side is thereby improved.

The lock device may comprise an outer input shaft fixed to the outer thumb turn, and an inner input shaft fixed to the inner thumb turn. In these cases, the coupling may be configured to selectively couple the outer input shaft to the inner input shaft.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an access member system comprising a lock device according to any of the second and third aspects, a frame and an access member movable relative to the frame. The strike may be fixed to the frame. The access member may be rotatable relative to the frame. The access member may for example be a door leaf or a window sash.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of determining a state of a deadbolt in an arrangement for a lock device, the arrangement comprising a base structure; a deadbolt movable relative to the base structure in an actuating direction from a retracted deadbolt position for disengagement from a strike opening of a strike to an extended deadbolt position for engagement with the strike opening; an auxiliary element movable relative to the base structure in the actuating direction from a retracted auxiliary position to a first extended auxiliary position for engaging the strike, and from the retracted auxiliary position to a second extended auxiliary position beyond the first extended auxiliary position; and a deadbolt sensor configured to provide deadbolt position information indicative of the position of the deadbolt relative to the base structure; wherein the deadbolt is movable relative to the auxiliary element in the actuating direction and is arranged to prevent movement of the auxiliary element from the retracted auxiliary position in the actuating direction when the deadbolt adopts the retracted deadbolt position; wherein the arrangement further comprises an auxiliary sensor arranged to provide auxiliary position information indicative of a position of the auxiliary element relative to the base structure; and wherein the method comprises determining, by an electronic control system, that the deadbolt engages the strike opening if the deadbolt position information is indicative of the deadbolt being in the extended deadbolt position and the auxiliary position information is indicative of the auxiliary element being in the first extended auxiliary position; and determining, by the control system, that the deadbolt does not engage the strike opening if the deadbolt position information is indicative of the deadbolt being in the extended deadbolt position and the auxiliary position information is indicative of the auxiliary element being in the second extended auxiliary position.

The arrangement in the fifth aspect may be of any type as described in connection with the first aspect, and vice versa.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further details, advantages and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1: schematically represents an outer view of an access member system comprising a lock device;

Fig. 2: schematically represents a front view of a strike; Fig. 3: schematically represents a front view of the lock device;

Fig. 4: schematically represents a partial perspective side view of an arrangement of the lock device;

Fig. 5: is a block diagram schematically representing parts of the arrangement;

Fig. 6: schematically represents a perspective side view of an auxiliary element of the arrangement;

Fig. 7: schematically represents a further partial perspective side view of the arrangement;

Fig. 8: schematically represents a partial cross-sectional side view of the arrangement;

Fig. 9: schematically represents a partial side view of the arrangement when a deadbolt is in an extended deadbolt position and the auxiliary element is in a second extended auxiliary position;

Fig. 10: schematically represents a partial perspective side view of the arrangement in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11: schematically represents a partial side view of the arrangement when the deadbolt is in the extended deadbolt position and the auxiliary element is in a first extended auxiliary position;

Fig. 12: schematically represents a partial front view of the arrangement;

Fig. 13: schematically represents a partial front view of the strike;

Fig. 14: schematically represents switches of the arrangement when the deadbolt is in the retracted deadbolt position and the auxiliary element is in the retracted auxiliary position;

Fig. 15: schematically represents switches of the arrangement when the deadbolt is in the extended deadbolt position and the auxiliary element is in the second extended auxiliary position;

Fig. 16: schematically represents switches of the arrangement when the deadbolt is in the extended deadbolt position and the auxiliary element is in the first extended auxiliary position; and

Fig. 17: is a flowchart outlining general steps of a method. Detailed Description

In the following, an arrangement for a lock device including a deadbolt and an auxiliary element, a lock device comprising such arrangement, a lock device comprising a coupling arranged inside of an inner escutcheon, an access member system and a method of determining a state of a deadbolt, will be described. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

Fig. 1 schematically represents an outer view of an access member system io. The access member system io comprises one example of a lock device 12. The access member system 10 of this example further comprises a frame 14 and a door leaf 16 rotatable relative to the frame 14 around a vertical axis 18. The door leaf 16 is one example of an access member according to the present disclosure. The lock device 12 is installed in the door leaf 16. In Fig. 1, the door leaf 16 is in the frame 14 in a closed position.

The access member system 10 further comprises an outer handle 20a, an inner handle 20b (Fig. 3) and a latch bolt 22. Each of the outer and inner handles 20a and 20b can be operated to retract the latch bolt 22.

The lock device 12 comprises an arrangement 24. The lock device 12 of this example further comprises an outer escutcheon 26a, an inner escutcheon 26b (Fig. 3), an outer thumb turn 28a arranged at the outer escutcheon 26a, and an inner thumb turn 28b (Fig. 3) arranged at the inner escutcheon 26b.

The arrangement 24 comprises a deadbolt 30. The deadbolt 30 is movable in an actuating direction 32. The arrangement 24 of this example further comprises a strike 34. The strike 34 is installed in the frame 14. In Fig. 1, the deadbolt 30 is in a extended deadbolt position 36 engaging a strike opening of the strike 34.

Fig. 2 schematically represents a front view of the strike 34. In Fig. 2, the strike opening 38 of the strike 34 can be seen. Fig. 2 also shows that the strike 34 of this example also comprises a latch opening 40 for receiving the latch bolt 22.

Fig. 3 schematically represents a front view of the lock device 12. The outer thumb turn 28a and the outer escutcheon 26a are arranged at an outside 42a of the door leaf 16. The inner thumb turn 28b and the inner escutcheon 26b are arranged at an inside 42b of the door leaf 16.

The lock device 12 comprises a forend 44, an outer input shaft 46a (illustrated with solid lines) fixed to the outer thumb turn 28a and an inner input shaft 46b (illustrated with dashed lines) fixed to the inner thumb turn 28b. In this example, the inner input shaft 46b is permanently operatively connected to the deadbolt 30 such that the deadbolt 30 can always be retracted from the inside 42b of the door leaf 16 by turning the inner thumb turn 28b.

The lock device 12 of this example further comprises a coupling 48. The outer and inner input shafts 46a and 46b are concentric in this example. At an inner side of the forend 44, the outer input shaft 46a passes inside of the inner input shaft 46b to the coupling 48. The coupling 48 is configured to selectively operatively couple the outer thumb turn 28a to the deadbolt 30. To this end, the coupling 48 of this example is configured to selectively operatively connect the outer input shaft 46a and the inner input shaft 46b. When the outer thumb turn 28a is operatively connected to the deadbolt 30, the deadbolt 30 can be operated via the coupling 48 by turning the outer thumb turn 28a. The coupling 48 may for example be activated to operatively couple the outer thumb turn 28a and the deadbolt 30 conditional on presenting a valid credential, e.g., wirelessly using an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card. If no credential is presented or if no valid credential is presented, the outer thumb turn 28a can be rotated freely and the outer input shaft 46a may be said to freewheel. As shown in Fig. 3, the coupling 48 is positioned inside of the inner escutcheon 26b and between the door leaf 16 and the inner thumb turn 28b. This improves security of the lock device 12 and enables the outer escutcheon 26a to be made substantially smaller in comparison with if the coupling 48 would have been positioned inside of the outer escutcheon 26a.

Fig. 4 schematically represents a partial perspective side view of the arrangement 24. In addition to the deadbolt 30, the arrangement 24 comprise a base structure 50 and an auxiliary element 52. In Fig. 4, the deadbolt 30 is in a retracted deadbolt position 54 and the auxiliary element 52 is in a retracted auxiliary position 56. Each of the deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 is movable relative to the base structure 50 in the actuating direction 32. Since the deadbolt 30 is in the retracted deadbolt position 54, the deadbolt 30 does not engage the strike opening 38.

The arrangement 24 further comprises an auxiliary sensor 58. The auxiliary sensor 58 is arranged to provide auxiliary position information indicative of a position of the auxiliary element 52 relative to the base structure 50. The auxiliary sensor 58 is here embodied as a binary switch.

The arrangement 24 of this example further comprises an actuation member 60. The actuation member 60 is rotatable relative to the base structure 50 around an actuation member axis 62. The actuation member axis 62 is here transverse to the actuating direction 32. The actuation member 60 of this example comprises a follower 64 concentric with the actuation member axis 62 and an actuation arm 66 extending from the follower 64 transverse to the actuation member axis 62. The follower 64 may for example be engaged by, and rotate in common with, the inner input shaft 46b. The outer input shaft 46a may here pass through the follower 64 within the inner input shaft 46b.

The arrangement 24 is configured to transmit a rotation of the actuation member 60 around the actuation member axis 62 in a first direction to a movement of the deadbolt 30 from the retracted deadbolt position 54 to the extended deadbolt position 36, and to transmit a rotation of the actuation member 60 around the actuation member axis 62 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to a movement of the deadbolt 30 from the extended deadbolt position 36 to the retracted deadbolt position 54. To this end, the deadbolt 30 of this example comprises a deadbolt opening 68 engaged by the actuation arm 66. The deadbolt opening 68 is one example of a deadbolt feature configured to be engaged by the actuation member 60.

The arrangement 24 of this example further comprises a deadbolt sensor 70. The deadbolt sensor 70 is configured to provide deadbolt position information indicative of a position of the deadbolt 30 relative to the base structure 50. To this end, the deadbolt sensor 70 of this example is configured to determine a position of the actuation member 60 around the actuation member axis 62, which corresponds to the position of the deadbolt 30. The deadbolt sensor 70 of this example is a binary switch.

The base structure 50 of this example comprises a tubular body 72 and the forend 44 fixed at a front of the tubular body 72. The forend 44 comprises a base structure opening 74 through which both the deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 can pass.

The auxiliary sensor 58 is arranged inside of the tubular body 72. Moreover, the auxiliary sensor 58 of this example is fixed to the tubular body 72.

The tubular body 72 of this example comprises two base slots 76 (only one is visible in Fig. 4). The deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 are arranged between the base slots 76 in the respective positions in Fig. 4. Each base slot 76 extends in parallel with the actuating direction 32 and defines a stop 78 at a forward end thereof with respect to the actuating direction 32. The forend 44 of this example comprises two mounting holes 80 for securing the base structure 50 to the door leaf 16.

The deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 travel inside of the tubular body 72. When the deadbolt 30 is in the retracted deadbolt position 54 and the auxiliary element 52 is in the retracted auxiliary position 56, the forend 44 of this example is positioned in front of both the deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 in the actuating direction 32. The auxiliary element 52 of this example comprises a first auxiliary arm 82a and a second auxiliary arm 82b (Fig. 6). The deadbolt 30 is positioned between the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b. Each of the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b comprises a step portion 84 for engaging a respective base slot 76.

The auxiliary element 52 of this example further comprises a trigger portion 86. The trigger portion 86 contacts and triggers the auxiliary sensor 58 when the auxiliary element 52 is in the retracted auxiliary position 56. The first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b are positioned in front of the trigger portion 86 in the actuating direction 32.

Fig. 4 further shows that the deadbolt 30 comprises a distal end 88 and the auxiliary element 52 comprises a distal end 90. In the respective positions of the deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 in Fig. 4, the distal end 88 and the distal end 90 are aligned in the actuating direction 32. The distal end 88 is a flat surface transverse to the actuating direction 32. The distal end 90 comprises two flat surfaces transverse to the actuating direction 32, one at each front end of the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram schematically representing parts of the arrangement 24. As shown in Fig. 5, the deadbolt 30 is movable from the retracted deadbolt position 54 to the extended deadbolt position 36 in the actuating direction 32. Fig. 5 also shows that the auxiliary element 52 is movable from the retracted auxiliary position 56 to a first extended auxiliary position 92, and from the retracted auxiliary position 56 to a second extended auxiliary position 94, in the actuating direction 32. The first extended auxiliary position 92 is thus positioned between the retracted auxiliary position 56 and the second extended auxiliary position 94 in the actuating direction 32.

The arrangement 24 of this example further comprises an electronic control system 96. The control system 96 of this example comprises a data processing device 98 and a memory 100. The memory 100 has a computer program stored thereon. The computer program comprises program code which, when executed by the data processing device 98, causes the data processing device 98 to perform, or command performance of, various steps as described herein.

The control system 96 of this example further comprises an antenna 102 for wirelessly receiving a credential, e.g., from an RFID card (not shown) presented by a user at the outside 42a of the door leaf 16. The control system 96 is configured to evaluate the credential. Conditional on the credential being valid, the control system 96 commands actuation of the coupling 48.

The deadbolt sensor 70 is arranged to send deadbolt position information 104 to the control system 96. Since the deadbolt sensor 70 of this example is a binary switch, the deadbolt sensor 70 sends a signal to the control system 96 when the deadbolt 30 is in the extended deadbolt position 36, but not when the deadbolt 30 is in the retracted deadbolt position 54. Both the signal and the absence of the signal constitute examples of the deadbolt position information 104. The deadbolt sensor 70 of this example is thus triggered when the actuation member 60 adopts a position around the actuation member axis 62 corresponding to the deadbolt 30 being in the extended deadbolt position 36. Alternatively, the deadbolt sensor 70 may be triggered and send a signal to the control system 96 when the deadbolt 30 is in the retracted deadbolt position 54, but not when the deadbolt 30 is in the extended deadbolt position 36.

The auxiliary sensor 58 is arranged to send auxiliary position information 106 to the control system 96. The auxiliary sensor 58 of this example is a binary switch that is triggered when the auxiliary element 52 adopts any of the retracted auxiliary position 56 and the first extended auxiliary position 92, and that is not triggered when the auxiliary element 52 adopts the second extended auxiliary position 94. The auxiliary sensor 58 thus sends a signal to the control system 96 when the auxiliary element 52 is in any of the retracted auxiliary position 56 and the first extended auxiliary position 92, but not when the auxiliary element 52 is in the second extended auxiliary position 94. Both the signal and the absence of the signal constitute examples of the auxiliary position information 106. Alternatively, the auxiliary sensor 58 may be triggered and send a signal to the control system 96 when the auxiliary element 52 is in the second extended auxiliary position 94, but not when the auxiliary element 52 is in any of the retracted auxiliary position 56 and the first extended auxiliary position 92.

Fig. 6 schematically represents a perspective side view of the auxiliary element 52. In Fig. 6, both the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b can be seen. The auxiliary element 52 of this example further comprises an auxiliary base 108. The auxiliary base 108 is positioned between the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b. Each of the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b extends from the auxiliary base 108 in the actuating direction 32. The auxiliary element 52 of this example is constituted by a single piece of material and is thus structurally integral.

Adjacent to the respective distal ends 90, each of the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b of this example is flat and oriented in a height direction 109 transverse to the actuating direction 32. The first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b are parallel with each other. The first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b are separated from each other in a lateral direction 111 transverse to each of the actuating direction 32 and the height direction 109.

Fig. 7 schematically represents a further partial perspective side view of the arrangement 24. Also in Fig. 7, the deadbolt 30 is in the retracted deadbolt position 54 and the auxiliary element 52 is in the retracted auxiliary position 56. In Fig. 7, it can be seen how the auxiliary element 52, here the trigger portion 86 thereof, contacts and triggers the auxiliary sensor 58 when the auxiliary element 52 is in the retracted auxiliary position 56.

Fig. 8 schematically represents a partial cross-sectional side view of the arrangement 24. Also in Fig. 8, the deadbolt 30 is in the retracted deadbolt position 54 and the auxiliary element 52 is in the retracted auxiliary position 56. The arrangement 24 of this example comprises a spring 110, here a compression coil spring contacting the base structure 50 and the auxiliary element 52, here the auxiliary base 108 thereof. The spring 110 is one example of a forcing member according to the present disclosure. The spring 110 is arranged to force the auxiliary element 52 relative to the base structure 50 from the retracted auxiliary position 56 in the actuating direction 32. As shown in Fig. 8, the auxiliary base 108 of this example is hollow and the spring 110 is received therein.

The deadbolt 30 of this example comprises a hole 112, here a blind hole. In the respective positions of the deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 in Fig. 8, the auxiliary base 108 is seated in the hole 112. The deadbolt 30 thus contacts the auxiliary element 52. The deadbolt 30 thereby prevents the auxiliary element 52 from leaving the retracted auxiliary position 56 in the actuating direction 32.

Fig. 9 schematically represents a partial side view of the arrangement 24 when the deadbolt 30 is in the extended deadbolt position 36 and the auxiliary element 52 is in the second extended auxiliary position 94. As shown, both the deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 protrude out from the forend 44 in the actuating direction 32. These states of the deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 can be obtained when the door leaf 16 is open. The auxiliary element 52 adopts the second extended auxiliary position 94 when the door leaf 16 is open, i.e., not in the frame 14, and the deadbolt 30 is moved to the extended deadbolt position 36. The auxiliary element 52 is forced by the spring 110 in the actuating direction 32, here until the respective step portions 84 contact the respective stops 78 of the base slots 76. The stops 78 may thus be said to define the second extended auxiliary position 94.

The deadbolt 30 comprises a first deadbolt slot 114a and a second deadbolt slot 114b (Fig. 10). Each of the first and second deadbolt slots 114a and 114b extend in parallel with the actuating direction 32. The first auxiliary arm 82a is slidingly received in the first deadbolt slot 114a and the second auxiliary arm 82b is slidingly received in the second deadbolt slot 114b. The auxiliary element 52 is thereby guided by the deadbolt 30 in the actuating direction 32. Each of the deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 is here also guided by the base structure 50 in the actuating direction 32. As shown in Fig. 9, the deadbolt 30 is positioned between the first and second deadbolt slots 114a and 114b in a plane 116 transverse to the actuating direction 32.

Fig. 10 schematically represents a partial perspective side view of the arrangement 24. Also in Fig. 10, the deadbolt 30 is in the extended deadbolt position 36 and the auxiliary element 52 is in the second extended auxiliary position 94. When the deadbolt 30 has moved from the retracted deadbolt position 54 to the extended deadbolt position 36, the auxiliary element 52 is no longer prevented by the deadbolt 30 from moving away from the retracted auxiliary position 56 in the actuating direction 32. The spring 110 thus forces the auxiliary element 52 to move from the retracted auxiliary position 56 in the actuating direction 32. In the example in Fig. 10 when the door leaf 16 is open, the auxiliary element 52 is also not restricted by the strike 34 and is therefore forced by the spring 110 to the second extended auxiliary position 94. Fig. 10 also shows that the auxiliary sensor 58 is not triggered when the auxiliary element 52 adopts the second extended auxiliary position 94. When the deadbolt 30 is retracted from the extended deadbolt position 36 to the retracted deadbolt position 54, the deadbolt 30 forces the auxiliary element 52 from the second extended auxiliary position 94 to the retracted auxiliary position 56, here by pushing the auxiliary base 108.

Fig. 11 schematically represents a partial side view of the arrangement 24 when the door leaf 16 is closed and the deadbolt 30 is in the extended deadbolt position 36 engaging the strike opening 38, here by passing through the strike opening 38. As shown, both the deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 protrude out from the forend 44 in the actuating direction 32. Since the door leaf 16 is closed, the auxiliary element 52 becomes stopped by the strike 34. Thus, when the deadbolt 30 is moved from the retracted deadbolt position 54 to the extended deadbolt position 36, the spring 110 forces the auxiliary element 52 from the retracted auxiliary position 56 in the actuating direction 32 to the first extended auxiliary position 92 where the auxiliary element 52 is stopped by the strike 34 outside of the strike opening 38. In this example, the auxiliary sensor 58 is still contacted and triggered by the auxiliary element 52 in the first extended auxiliary position 92 in contrast to in the second extended auxiliary position 94 where the auxiliary sensor 58 is not contacted and not triggered by the auxiliary element 52. When the deadbolt 30 is retracted from the extended deadbolt position 36 to the retracted deadbolt position 54, the deadbolt 30 forces the auxiliary element 52 from the first extended auxiliary position 92 to the retracted auxiliary position 56, here by pushing the auxiliary base 108.

Fig. 12 schematically represents a partial front view of the arrangement 24. In Fig. 12, the shapes of the deadbolt 30 and the auxiliary element 52 according to one specific example in a direction opposite to the actuating direction 32 can be seen. In this example, the deadbolt 30 has a generally H-shaped crosssection in a plane transverse to the actuating direction 32.

Fig. 13 schematically represents a partial front view of the strike 34. The strike 34 of this example comprises a first engageable portion 118a and a second engageable portion 118b on opposite sides of the strike opening 38. Each of the first and second engageable portions 118a and 118b is here exemplified as a tab protruding in the lateral direction 111.

The first and second engageable portions 118a and 118b are arranged to be engaged, here contacted, by the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b, respectively, in the first extended auxiliary position 92 of the auxiliary element 52. The deadbolt 30 is however not stopped by the first and second engageable portions 118a and 118b. The first and second engageable portions 118a and 118b constitute one of many examples of an engageable structure of the strike 34. In Fig. 13, the strike 34 is exemplified as a strike plate comprising the strike opening 38. The first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b and the first and second engageable portions 118a and 118b provide redundancy. For example, in order for the auxiliary element 52 to be stopped in the first extended auxiliary position 92, it suffices if one of the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b contacts the respectively associated first or second engageable portions 118a or 118b. Thus, in case the strike 34 is somewhat misaligned in the lateral direction 111, one of the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b will still contact one of the first and second engageable portions 118a and 118b even if the other one of the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b loses contact with the other one of the first and second engageable portions 118a and 118b. Moreover, in case the strike 34 is somewhat misaligned in the height direction 109, the flat shapes of the first and second auxiliary arms 82a and 82b, providing for a relatively large dimension thereof in the height direction 109, will account for this misalignment of the strike 34.

Fig. 14 schematically represents the deadbolt sensor 70 and the auxiliary sensor 58. In this example, when the deadbolt 30 is in the retracted deadbolt position 54, the deadbolt sensor 70 is not triggered. Moreover, in this example, when the auxiliary element 52 is in the retracted auxiliary position 56, the auxiliary sensor 58 is triggered, here by the auxiliary element 52.

Fig. 15 schematically represents the deadbolt sensor 70 and the auxiliary sensor 58. In this example, when the deadbolt 30 is in the extended deadbolt position 36, the deadbolt sensor 70 is triggered, here by the actuation member 60. Moreover, in this example, when the auxiliary element 52 is in the second extended auxiliary position 94, the auxiliary sensor 58 is not triggered. The deadbolt position information 104 and the auxiliary position information 106 from the deadbolt sensor 70 and the auxiliary sensor 58, respectively, can thus be used to determine that the door leaf 16 is open.

Fig. 16 schematically represents the deadbolt sensor 70 and the auxiliary sensor 58. In this example, when the deadbolt 30 is in the extended deadbolt position 36, the deadbolt sensor 70 is triggered, here by the actuation member 60. Moreover, in this example, when the auxiliary element 52 is in the first extended auxiliary position 92, the auxiliary sensor 58 is triggered, here by the auxiliary element 52. The deadbolt position information 104 and the auxiliary position information 106 from the deadbolt sensor 70 and the auxiliary sensor 58, respectively, can thus also be used to determine that the door leaf 16 is closed and in the frame 14.

Fig. 17 is a flowchart outlining general steps of a method of determining a state of the deadbolt 30. The method of this example comprises receiving S10, by the control system 96, the deadbolt position information 104 and the auxiliary position information 106. The method further comprises determining S12, by the control system 96, that the deadbolt 30 engages the strike opening 38 if the deadbolt position information 104 is indicative of the deadbolt 30 being in the extended deadbolt position 36 and the auxiliary position information 106 is indicative of the auxiliary element 52 being in the retracted auxiliary position 56 or the first extended auxiliary position 92. The method further comprises determining S14, by the control system 96, that the deadbolt 30 does not engage the strike opening 38 if the deadbolt position information 104 is indicative of the deadbolt 30 being in the extended deadbolt position 36 and the auxiliary position information 106 is indicative of the auxiliary element 52 being in the second extended auxiliary position 94-

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of the parts may be varied as needed. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention may be limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An arrangement (24) for a lock device (12), the arrangement (24) comprising:

- a base structure (50);

- a deadbolt (30) movable relative to the base structure (50) in an actuating direction (32) from a retracted deadbolt position (54) for disengagement from a strike opening (38) of a strike (34) to an extended deadbolt position (36) for engagement with the strike opening (38); and

- an auxiliary element (52) movable relative to the base structure (50) in the actuating direction (32) from a retracted auxiliary position (56) to a first extended auxiliary position (92) for engaging the strike (34), and from the retracted auxiliary position (56) to a second extended auxiliary position (94) beyond the first extended auxiliary position (92); wherein the deadbolt (30) is movable relative to the auxiliary element (52) in the actuating direction (32) and is arranged to prevent movement of the auxiliary element (52) from the retracted auxiliary position (56) in the actuating direction (32) when the deadbolt (30) adopts the retracted deadbolt position (54); and wherein the arrangement (24) further comprises an auxiliary sensor (58) arranged to provide auxiliary position information (106) indicative of a position of the auxiliary element (52) relative to the base structure (50).

2. The arrangement (24) according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary sensor (58) is a switch arranged to be contacted by the auxiliary element (52) in each of the retracted auxiliary position (56) and the first extended auxiliary position (92) but not in the second extended auxiliary position (94), or vice versa.

3. The arrangement (24) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a deadbolt sensor (70) configured to provide deadbolt position information (104) indicative of the position of the deadbolt (30) relative to the base structure (50).

4. The arrangement (24) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary sensor (58) is fixed with respect to the base structure (50) or with respect to the auxiliary element (52).

5. The arrangement (24) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a forcing member (110) arranged to force the auxiliary element (52) relative to the base structure (50) from the retracted auxiliary position (56) in the actuating direction (32).

6. The arrangement (24) according to claim 5, wherein the base structure (50) comprises a stop (78) defining the second extended auxiliary position (94), and wherein the forcing member (110) is arranged to force the auxiliary element (52) against the stop (78).

7. The arrangement (24) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the deadbolt (30) is arranged to force the auxiliary element (52) from any of the first extended auxiliary position (92) and the second extended auxiliary position (94) to the retracted auxiliary position (56) by movement from the extended deadbolt position (36) to the retracted deadbolt position (54).

8. The arrangement (24) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuation member (60) rotatable relative to the base structure (50) around an actuation member axis (62), wherein the arrangement (24) is configured to transmit a rotation of the actuation member (60) around the actuation member axis (62) to a movement of the deadbolt (30) in the actuating direction (32).

9. The arrangement (24) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary element (52) comprises a first auxiliary arm (82a) and a second auxiliary arm (82b), and wherein the deadbolt (30) is positioned between the first auxiliary arm (82a) and the second auxiliary arm (82b) in a plane (116) transverse to the actuating direction (32).

10. The arrangement (24) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the strike (34).

11. The arrangement (24) according to claim 10, wherein the strike (34) comprises an engageable structure (118a, 118b) arranged to be engaged by the auxiliary element (52) in first extended auxiliary position (92) when the deadbolt (30) adopts the extended deadbolt position (36).

12. The arrangement (24) according to claims 9 to 11, wherein the engageable structure (118a, 118b) is arranged to be engaged by one or both of the first auxiliary arm (82a) and the second auxiliary arm (82b) in the first extended auxiliary position (92) of the auxiliary element (52).

13. The arrangement (24) according to claim 12, wherein the engageable structure (118a, 118b) comprises a first engageable portion (118a) arranged to be engaged by the first auxiliary arm (82a) and a second engageable portion (118b) arranged to be engaged by the second auxiliary arm (82b), and wherein the strike opening (38) is positioned between the first engageable portion (118a) and the second engageable portion (118b).

14. A lock device (12) comprising an arrangement (24) according to any of the preceding claims.

15. The lock device (12) according to claim 14, wherein the lock device (12) further comprises:

- an inner escutcheon (26b);

- an inner thumb turn (28b) arranged at the inner escutcheon (26b) and arranged to actuate the deadbolt (30);

- and an outer thumb turn (28a);

- a coupling (48) arranged to selectively operatively connect the outer thumb turn (28a) to the deadbolt (30), the coupling (48) being positioned inside of the inner escutcheon (26b).

16. A lock device (12) comprising:

- a base structure (50);

- a deadbolt (30) movable relative to the base structure (50) in an actuating direction (32) from a retracted deadbolt position (54) for disengagement from a strike opening (38) of a strike (34) to an extended deadbolt position (36) for engagement with the strike opening (38);

- an inner escutcheon (26b);

- an outer thumb turn (28a); and

17. An access member system (10) comprising a lock device (12) according to any of claims 14 to 16, a frame (14) and an access member (16) movable relative to the frame (14).

18. A method of determining a state of a deadbolt (30) in an arrangement (24) for a lock device (12), the arrangement (24) comprising:

- a base structure (50);

- an auxiliary element (52) movable relative to the base structure (50) in the actuating direction (32) from a retracted auxiliary position (56) to a first extended auxiliary position (92) for engaging the strike (34), and from the retracted auxiliary position (56) to a second extended auxiliary position (94) beyond the first extended auxiliary position (92); and

- a deadbolt sensor (70) configured to provide deadbolt position information (104) indicative of the position of the deadbolt (30) relative to the base structure (50); wherein the deadbolt (30) is movable relative to the auxiliary element (52) in the actuating direction (32) and is arranged to prevent movement of the auxiliary element (52) from the retracted auxiliary position (56) in the actuating direction (32) when the deadbolt (30) adopts the retracted deadbolt position (54); wherein the arrangement (24) further comprises an auxiliary sensor (58) arranged to provide auxiliary position information (106) indicative of a position of the auxiliary element (52) relative to the base structure (50); and wherein the method comprises:

- determining (S12), by an electronic control system (96), that the deadbolt (30) engages the strike opening (38) if the deadbolt position information (104) is indicative of the deadbolt (30) being in the extended deadbolt position (36) and the auxiliary position information (106) is indicative of the auxiliary element (52) being in the first extended auxiliary position (92); and

- determining (S14), by the control system (96), that the deadbolt (30) does not engage the strike opening (38) if the deadbolt position information (104) is indicative of the deadbolt (30) being in the extended deadbolt position (36) and the auxiliary position information (106) is indicative of the auxiliary element (52) being in the second extended auxiliary position (94).