Locking device

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device (10) for locking a door, in particular a door of a caravan or motorhome, against a door frame, with at least two bolt latches (1), each of which has a bolt slide (1.1) biased by a spring (4) in the direction of a locking position (V) and automatically locking, and with an actuating element (3) which is coupled to the bolt slides (1.1) for unlocking the bolt latches (1), wherein the actuating element (3) has a locking indicator (3.2) and the bolt latches (1) are each mechanically coupled to the actuating element (3) to indicate correct locking of the bolt slides (1.1) by means of the locking indicator (3.2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device for locking a door, in particular a door of a caravan or motorhome, against a door frame with at least two bolt latches, each having a bolt slide that is pre-tensioned by a spring in the direction of a locking position and automatically locks, and with an actuating element which is coupled to the bolt slides for unlocking the bolt latches.

[0002] Appropriate locking devices can be used in various technical fields. One possible application is the doors of a caravan or motorhome. These doors typically need to be locked to the door frame at several locking points to ensure that the sometimes large doors are reliably locked and that the seal between the door and the door frame is properly compressed. Accordingly, such locking devices often have several locking bolts arranged one above the other on the inside of the door, near the door edge opposite the hinges, so that the door can be reliably locked to the door frame along its entire height. In practice, at least two locking bolts are used, one at the top and the other at the bottom of the door.The term "door" does not necessarily refer to a door in the true sense; flaps, especially storage flaps, hatches, lids or windows are also included.

[0003] The bolt latches each have a bolt slide that is movable, particularly in a linear direction, and can move back and forth between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, the bolt slide engages behind the door frame, thus securing the door against the frame. In the unlocking position, the bolt slides are retracted, so that they no longer engage the door frame, and the door can therefore be opened. It is also known to pre-tension the bolt slides of the bolt latches into the locking position, for which each bolt latch can be equipped with a spring.

[0004] When an open door is to be closed and locked, the preload of the locking bolts means it is not necessary to actively move them into the unlocking position. Instead, as the door closes, the locking bolts automatically come into contact with the door frame and are then moved by it against the spring force towards the unlocking position.

[0005] Once the door is closed far enough that the locking bolts have passed the door frame, they automatically spring back into the locking position, engaging behind the frame and thus locking the door. This locking mechanism enables automatic door locking; simply closing the door or slamming it shut with a certain force, depending on the spring tension, is sufficient to lock it. No active operation of the locking bolts is required.

[0006] To open a locked door, it is first necessary to release all the bolts and move the respective bolt slides into the unlocked position. To move the bolt slides, they are coupled to a common actuator, which is usually accessible from the outside of the door. By moving the actuator, the bolt slides are moved simultaneously towards the unlocked position. Once the bolt slides are retracted far enough so that they no longer engage the door frame, the door can be opened.

[0007] While such locking devices have proven effective in practice, particularly with large or tall doors, it can happen that not all locking bolts reliably engage behind the frame when the door is closed, resulting in the door not being locked at all points, even after a firm slam. In such a case, it may be necessary to push the door against the frame in the area of ​​the unlocked bolt so that the locking bolt of the unlocked bolt also engages in or behind the frame. Although this additional pushing reliably locks the door, it is not always easy to see from the outside whether the door is securely locked and all locking bolts are engaged behind the frame, or whether the door needs to be pushed further.Especially when it is already dark, it can happen, particularly with caravan and motorhome doors, that an unlocked bolt latch remains undetected and it is mistakenly assumed that the door is reliably locked at all locking points.

[0008] US Patent 2015 / 0121765 A1 discloses a window locking mechanism for a sliding window with a sliding sash, comprising a locking plate and a housing. The housing contains an engagement element that can be moved relative to the housing from a locked position, in which it engages the latch plate, to an unlocked position, in which it is released from the latch plate.

[0009] US Patent 4,040,652 A discloses a door lock with a push button that can be actuated to retract the door bolt from its engagement position to its release position, and with a separate actuating device to positively lock the bolt by raising or lowering the push button from its normal position.

[0010] WO 2009 / 049658 A1 describes a rod lock comprising a lock drive with a lever-shaped rod drive having at least one rod receptacle for a locking rod of the rod lock, and with an optional rotary latch, wherein the rod receptacle is connected to the rod drive by means of a hinge arrangement.

[0011] DE 689 21 843 T2 generally refers to folding doors for closing and accessing rooms and in particular to an improved door assembly for a room in a recreational vehicle, which can be accessed from the outside of the vehicle.

[0012] The invention presents itself as Aufgabe , to specify a locking device that ensures reliable locking of the door.

[0013] This task is accomplished in a locking device of the type mentioned above by gelöst that the actuating element has a locking indicator and the locking latches are each mechanically coupled to the actuating element to indicate correct locking of the locking slides by means of the locking indicator.

[0014] The locking indicator makes it very easy to see whether all locking bolts are in the locked position and, consequently, whether all locking bolts are reliably engaging the door frame to lock the door. Therefore, it can be determined at a glance whether the door needs to be pushed open further or whether it is already securely locked at all locking points.

[0015] The coupling between the actuating element and the bolt latches or bolt slides is bidirectional. This means that it is not only possible to move the bolt slides into the unlocked position via the actuating element, but that a movement of the bolt slides also leads to a movement of the actuating element. When the door is closed, the bolt slides are moved by the door frame against the force of the spring towards the unlocked position, and this also moves the actuating element. This movement of the bolt slides towards the unlocked position can thus be observed at the actuating element. When the bolt slides then engage behind the frame and spring back into the locked position, the actuating element also moves accordingly. Due to the bidirectional coupling of the bolt latches or bolt slides, the actuating element can be operated in both directions.The position of the bolt slide and the actuating element can thus be used to directly infer the position of the bolt slide and to recognize at a glance whether the door is reliably locked or not.

[0016] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the actuating element is bidirectionally coupled to the locking bolts. Such coupling prevents the locking bolts from moving independently of the actuating element. Rather, the actuating element can be coupled to the locking bolts in both the locking and unlocking directions. Since, when the door closes, the locking bolts are first pushed by the frame toward the unlocking direction and then spring back toward the locking direction by the spring, both movements also result in a movement of the actuating element, making it impossible to move the locking bolts or the actuating element independently. The actuating element and the locking bolts can thus be positively coupled. Minor relative movements, e.g.,Due to tolerances or a certain amount of play between the components, these are of course possible.

[0017] Analogous to the bolt latches or bolt slides, the actuating element can also be movable back and forth between a locked and an unlocked position, in particular rotatable. Through the coupling between the actuating element and the bolt latches or bolt slides, a movement of the actuating element directly leads to a corresponding movement of the bolt slides, and vice versa. A rotary movement of the actuating element allows for intuitive unlocking of the bolt latches, similar to a latch or knob operation. To move the actuating element accordingly, it can have an operating handle by which it can be moved manually, in particular rotated back and forth.

[0018] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the actuating element is pre-tensioned into the locked position via the springs of the locking bolts. Due to the positive coupling of the locking bolts or bolt slides with the actuating element, the actuating element can be pre-tensioned into the locked position via the springs of the bolt slides. Thus, if the actuating element is moved manually from the locked position to the unlocked position, it can automatically spring back into the locked position after being released. Therefore, it is not necessary for the actuating element itself to be pre-tensioned by its own pre-tensioning element or spring.

[0019] With regard to the actuating element, it has proven advantageous for the locking indicator to have an indicator surface that is only visible in the unlocked position. This indicator surface provides visual feedback on the position of the actuating element and thus also on the locking status of the bolts. The indicator surface is visible when at least one bolt slide is not in the locked position, allowing for direct detection of when the door is not, or not yet, properly locked. The indicator surface can be a signal color to ensure that an incorrect locking status cannot be overlooked. The locking indicator can have a fixed section and a rotatable section, the rotatable section being controlled by the actuating handle.The indicator surface can be part of the fixed section, so that it is released and thus visible when the rotating section is turned into the unlocked position. In the locked position, the indicator surface can be concealed by the rotating section. To ensure that the relevant surface is covered or visible depending on the position, the rotating section or the operating handle can have an asymmetrical geometry. Furthermore, the indicator surface can be arranged on a ring that is only visible in the unlocked position. For example, the ring can protrude outwards in the unlocked position, revealing a circumferential surface designed as the indicator.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the actuating element comprises a locking device, in particular a locking device of the type of a cylinder lock. The locking device prevents movement of the actuating element and, due to the positive coupling, consequently also prevents movement of the bolt slides. To move the actuating element, it is therefore necessary to first ensure that movement is not blocked by the locking device. The locking device can be locked or unlocked using a suitable key. The locking device can be integrated into the actuating handle and thus be accessible from the outside.

[0021] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the actuating element to have a rotatable actuating shaft. The actuating shaft can extend through the door, thus allowing movements, particularly rotational movements, on the outside of the door to be transmitted via the shaft to the interior or inner side of the door. The actuating shaft can therefore be rotatably coupled to the actuating handle.

[0022] For coupling the actuating element with the locking latches, it has proven advantageous for the actuating element to have several connection points, each for attaching a locking latch. Rotation can be transmitted via the actuating shaft to the connection points, which can therefore also rotate around the axis of rotation of the actuating shaft. The connection points can be rotaryally coupled to the actuating handle via the actuating shaft.

[0023] It has also proven advantageous if the bolt latches are coupled to each other via the actuating element. By coupling the bolt latches, the bolt slides of the bolt latches move in the same direction, and no relative movement occurs. This can therefore be described as a positive coupling. It is not possible for the actuating element of one bolt latch to move into the locked position if another bolt latch is still in the unlocked position. Instead, a bolt slide in the unlocked position, which, for example, has not fully engaged the door frame and is therefore being pressed in by the door frame, blocks the other bolt slide(s) and prevents them from being automatically moved into the locked position by the spring and engaging the frame.

[0024] Regarding the coupling of the bolt latches to the actuating element, it has proven advantageous for each bolt latch to be coupled to the actuating element via a coupling device. The coupling device allows the movement of the actuating element or the actuating handle, the actuating shaft, and the connection points to be transmitted to the bolt slides. Simultaneously, the coupling device can also transmit movement in the reverse direction, i.e., from the bolt slides to the connection points and, via the actuating shaft, to the actuating handle. Each bolt latch can be assigned a coupling device, so that the number of bolt latches and the number of coupling devices can match. This ensures reliable motion coupling between the various bolt slides and the common actuating element.

[0025] It is possible for the actuating element to be directly coupled to a bolt latch via a coupling device. This means that the coupling device is connected to the actuating element at one end and to the bolt latch at the other. However, it is also possible for the actuating element to be indirectly coupled to a bolt latch. This can occur if the actuating element is directly coupled to a bolt latch, and this bolt latch is then coupled to another bolt latch via a further coupling device. The bolt latches can also be connected in series, and it is not strictly necessary for all bolt latches to be directly coupled to the actuating element. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous when more than two bolt latches are used. This can be especially relevant for very tall doors.However, due to the coupling of the locking bolts and the actuating element, the locking bolt slides of all locking bolts can move in the same direction and therefore without any significant relative movement, regardless of whether the locking bolt is coupled directly or indirectly to the actuating element.

[0026] According to the invention, the coupling device is designed as a rod coupling. This design allows for a comparatively large distance between the bolt latches and the actuating element, which offers a correspondingly large degree of design flexibility with regard to the arrangement of the bolt latches and the actuating element. Specifically, the actuating element can be positioned, for example, at mid-height on the door, and two bolt latches can be provided, arranged at equal distances above and below the actuating element. A large distance between the bolt latches ensures reliable locking of the door along its entire height. Furthermore, rod couplings have proven to be reliable and robust in practice, which is particularly advantageous for doors of motorhomes and caravans.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the invention, the coupling device comprises a connecting rod. The connecting rod can be coupled on one side to the actuating element, in particular to a connection point, and on the other side to the bolt slide. A separate connection point can be provided for each connecting rod or for each coupling device. In the case of two coupling devices, the connection points of the actuating element can be opposite each other with respect to the axis of rotation. The connecting rod can be pivotally articulated at the connection points so that the connecting rods can move longitudinally along the rod, i.e., upwards or downwards, when the actuating element rotates. The connecting rods can extend essentially in a vertical direction or in the direction of the main expansion of the door.The primarily linear movement of the connecting rod can be deflected into a linear vertical movement of the locking slides in the area of ​​the locking slides.

[0028] In the case of an indirect coupling of a bolt latch with the actuating element, i.e., a coupling via an intermediate bolt latch, the connecting rod can be coupled to a bolt slide on both sides. By coupling one bolt slide to the other bolt slides or to the actuating element, all bolt slides and the actuating element can be moved via the actuation.

[0029] The bolt slide can have a locking area that, in the locked position, engages behind the door frame. This locking area can be equipped with a ramp so that, when the door closes and makes contact with the door frame, the bolt slide can move independently against the spring force towards the unlocked position. Therefore, to close and lock the door, it is not necessary to manually move the bolt slide into the unlocked position; instead, the ramps automatically move the bolt slide into the unlocked position when the door closes. The actuating element or the externally visible operating handle can rotate accordingly.

[0030] With regard to the design of the coupling device, it has proven advantageous for it to have a coupling element that is coupled to the connecting rod and the locking slide. The coupling element allows a linear movement of the connecting rod, particularly a horizontal movement, to be converted into a linear movement of the locking slide, particularly a vertical movement. Furthermore, the coupling element enables not only movement of the actuating element onto the locking slide, but also movement in the reverse direction, namely from the locking slide via the coupling element and the connecting rod to the actuating element.

[0031] With regard to the coupling element, it has proven advantageous if the bolt slide is coupled to the coupling element in such a way that it can be moved linearly via a rotational movement of the coupling element. The coupling element can therefore be rotatable. Accordingly, a linear movement of the bolt slide can lead to a rotational movement of the coupling element, which can then in turn be redirected into a linear movement of the connecting rod.

[0032] With regard to the design of the coupling element, it has proven advantageous for it to have two coupling projections and for the bolt slide to have a driver arranged between the two coupling projections. The bolt slide and the coupling device or coupling element can be kinetically coupled to each other via the two coupling projections and the driver. The coupling projections can extend axially and project towards the bolt slide. Depending on the direction of rotation of the actuating element or the actuating handle, the driver can be moved by one of the two coupling projections into the locking or unlocking position when the actuating element is moved.If the bolt slide itself is moved, for example by contact with the door frame when the door is closed, the bolt slide can rotate the coupling element via the follower and a contact between the follower and one of the two coupling projections, thereby also moving the actuating element into the respective position. When moving towards the unlocked position, the follower can contact one of the two coupling projections, and when moving towards the locked position, it can contact the other coupling projection.

[0033] With regard to the design of the coupling projections, it has proven advantageous for the first coupling projection to be configured as an axially projecting coupling lug. The second coupling projection can be configured, in particular, as a crescent-shaped guide hook. When the locking slide moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the driver can come into contact with the second coupling projection and thereby rotate the coupling element. When the locking slide moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, particularly due to the spring, the driver can come into contact with the first coupling projection and thereby rotate the coupling element in the opposite direction. The design as a guide hook ensures that the driver, during linear movement, remains in contact with the first coupling projection.can slide off the corresponding coupling projection, resulting in a smooth and low-impact rotation of the coupling element.

[0034] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the coupling element to be designed as a coupling ring. The coupling ring design allows for easy back-and-forth rotation around the axis of rotation.

[0035] It is advantageous if the guide hook projects radially beyond the coupling element or the contour of the coupling ring. This also results in a smooth rotation of the coupling element and smooth sliding of the driver on the coupling projection. It is advantageous if the guide hook projects outwards beyond the coupling ring or its contour, allowing for a comparatively large angle of rotation. It is also advantageous if the coupling ring only needs to be rotated approximately 45 degrees to move the locking slide back and forth between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0036] Furthermore, the corresponding coupling projection or guide hook can be designed such that, in the unlocked position, it prevents movement of the bolt slide in at least one direction. It is therefore not possible to move the bolt slide beyond the unlocked position; rather, movement beyond the unlocked position is prevented by the guide hook. Thus, from the unlocked position, the bolt slide can only be moved back towards the locked position.

[0037] To connect the coupling element to the connecting rod, the latter can have a pivot eye. The pivot eye can be radially projecting and thus have a comparatively large distance from the axis of rotation extending centrally through the coupling ring. This allows the coupling ring to be reliably rotated back and forth during linear movement of the connecting rod. The connecting rod can be rotatably connected to the pivot eye. In particular, the connecting rod is hooked into the pivot eye at one end. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to provide several, especially two, pivot eyes. Two pivot eyes can be opposite each other with respect to the axis of rotation and thus also be arranged on opposite sides of the coupling element.This design allows the same coupling element to be used in various installation situations, with the appropriate linkage eye being used depending on the installation situation. Furthermore, the multiple linkage eyes allow the corresponding bolt latch to be coupled not only to the actuating element via one coupling device, but also to another bolt slide via a separate coupling device. For example, one linkage eye can be connected to the actuating element via a connecting rod, and the other linkage eye can be connected to the coupling element or the linkage eye of another bolt latch via another connecting rod. The bolt slides of both bolt slides can then move in the same direction and be moved back and forth between the locked and unlocked positions together.This essentially corresponds to a series connection of the two locking slides.

[0038] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the coupling element is rotatably mounted in the bolt housing. The bolt housing can be fixed to the door, particularly on the inside of the door, thus ensuring reliable rotation of the coupling element or coupling ring. The bolt housing can have a bearing projection on which the coupling element can be rotatably mounted. In addition to such a sliding bearing, a roller bearing can also be used for mounting.

[0039] Furthermore, the bolt housing may be provided with stops to limit the movement of the coupling element. These stops can restrict the movement of the coupling element so that the bolt slide can only move back and forth between the locked and unlocked positions. Alternatively, the stops can be located on the bolt slide side, thus directly preventing any movement of the bolt slide. The coupling between the bolt slide and the coupling element then prevents any further movement of the coupling element.

[0040] Furthermore, with a suitable design of the coupling projections and the driver, corresponding stops can be omitted. This is because the linearly movable driver and the rotatable coupling projections are inherently limited in their movement by a certain range. It is advantageous that the coupling element, and thus in particular the coupling projections, can be rotated by approximately 45 degrees. Consequently, the actuating element must also be rotated by approximately 45 degrees to move the locking slides from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0041] Regarding the coupling of the actuating element and the bolt latch, it has proven advantageous if a tensile force is exerted on the connecting rod when the actuating element moves from the locked to the unlocked position. The connecting rod can be pulled towards the actuating element by a corresponding movement, thereby rotating the coupling element or the coupling ring and retracting the bolt slide into the bolt latch or into the bolt housing. Once the bolt slide is retracted sufficiently so that it no longer engages behind the door frame, the door can be opened.

[0042] Furthermore, the bolt latch(s) can be coupled to the actuating element in such a way that when the bolt slide moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, a compressive force is exerted on the connecting rod. When the door is closed and the bolt slides are pressed in by contact with the door frame, the bolt slide(s) can exert a compressive force on the connecting rod, essentially moving it towards the actuating element. The connecting rod(s), through a compressive force emanating from the bolt slides, can thus rotate or push the actuating element around its actuating axis into the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the indicator surface of the locking indicator can then be visible, indicating that the bolt slide(s) are in the unlocked position.

[0043] Furthermore, with regard to the aforementioned task, a door for a caravan or motorhome with a locking device is proposed, the locking device being designed as described above. This results in the advantages already described with regard to the locking device. The door could, for example, be an entrance door to the caravan or motorhome, but also a storage compartment, a hatch, or a window.

[0044] With regard to the door, it has proven advantageous if the operating element is accessible from the outside of the door and the locking bolts are located on the inside. The operating shaft of the operating element can thus extend through the door, and by actuating the handle on the outside, the locking bolts on the inside can engage behind the door frame to lock the door. "Inside of the door" here does not necessarily refer to the innermost surface of the door; the door may also have a lining on the inside, so that the mechanism or the coupling devices are not immediately visible. Furthermore, the locking bolts and the coupling device can also be located within the door itself, depending on the door's thickness.

[0045] Further advantages and details of the invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. This will demonstrate: Figs. 1a to 1e show a locking device in a locked position in different views; Figs. 2a to 2e show the locking device according to Fig. 1 in an unlocked position in various views; Fig. 3a, 3-legged exploded view of a bolt latch.

[0046] To lock the door of a caravan or motorhome against a door frame, the method shown in the illustration can be used. Fig. 1a The locking device 10 shown is used. The locking device 10 essentially consists of three elements: two locking bolts 1 and an actuating element 3 arranged between the two locking bolts 1. The actuating element 3 is coupled to each of the two locking bolts 1 via a coupling device 2 and can be rotated back and forth by hand about an actuating axis between a locking position VB and an unlocking position VE via an actuating handle 3.5. By rotating the actuating element 3 or the actuating handle 3.5, the locking slides 1.1 of the locking bolts 1 can thus be moved back and forth in a linear direction between a locking position V and an unlocking position E. When the actuating element 3 is in the locking position VB, the locking slides 1.1 of the locking bolts 1 are also in the locking position V.The same applies to the unlocking positions E, VE.

[0047] The bolt sliders 1.1 are via the ones in the Fig. 1d und 1e The spring 4 shown is pre-tensioned in its locking positions V, so that an active movement of the locking slides 1.1 into the locking position V via the actuating element 3 is not required. Rather, the coupling between the locking latches 1 and the actuating element 3 ensures that the actuating element 3 is also pre-tensioned into the locking position VB via the springs 4.

[0048] When the door is open, the locking bolts 1.1 of the locking latches 1 are initially in the locked position V due to spring preload, meaning they protrude laterally opposite the door without any further force being applied. Similarly, the actuating element 3 is also in the locked position VB.

[0049] When the door is closed, the locking bolts 1.1, which are still in the locked position V, come into contact with the door frame. At their outer ends, the locking bolts 1.1 are equipped with a locking area 1.12 designed like a chamfer, which is clearly visible, for example, in Figure 1a. Upon contact with the frame, this locking area 1.12 ensures that, when the door is closed, the locking bolts 1.1 are automatically moved against the force of the spring 4 towards the unlocked position E. Due to the movement of the locking bolts 1.1, the actuating element 3 is also rotated from the locked position VB to the unlocked position EB.

[0050] As soon as the door is closed far enough that the locking bolts 1.1 have passed the frame, they automatically engage behind the door frame in the locking position V due to the preload force of the springs 4. The locking bolts 1.1, or the locking latches 1, connected to the door then ensure that the door can no longer be opened due to this rear engagement. Because of the spring preload, it is not necessary to actively move the locking bolts 1.1 into the locking position V; it is sufficient if the door is slammed shut with a certain force, so that the locking bolts 1.1 are moved by the frame against the force of the spring 4. During the spring-driven movement of the locking bolts 1.1 from the unlocked position E back to the locking position V, the actuating element 3 also automatically rotates back into the locking position VB.

[0051] To reopen the door, the locking bolts 1.1 must first be moved back into the unlocked position E against the force of the spring 4, in which they no longer engage the door frame. For this purpose, the operating handle 3.5 of the actuating element 3 can be used as shown in the illustration. Fig. 1c and 2cThe locking mechanism is rotated counterclockwise. This rotational movement is transmitted via the two coupling devices 2 to the two locking bolts 1 or to the corresponding locking slides 1.1, causing the locking slides 1.1 to retract simultaneously. As soon as the locking slides 1.1 have retracted far enough that they no longer engage behind the frame, they have reached the unlocked position E, and the door can then be opened by moving the locking slides 1.1 past the door frame. Once the locking slides 1.1 have passed the door frame, the actuating element 3 or the actuating handle 3.5 can be released, and due to the springs 4, the locking slides 1.1 spring back to the locked position V, and the actuating element 3 returns to the locked position VB.

[0052] As is shown, for example, in the representation of the Fig. 1b As can be seen, the actuating element 3 or the actuating handle 3.5 has a locking device 3.4 similar to a cylinder lock. This locking device 3.4 prevents the actuating handle 3.5 from moving from the locked position VB to the unlocked position VE, thus securing the door in its closed position against unintentional or unauthorized unlocking and opening. Due to the positive coupling between the actuating element 3 and the bolt slides 1.1, which will be described in more detail below, the locking device 3.4 can also prevent movement of the bolt slides 1.1.

[0053] As can be seen, for example, from the representations in the Fig. 2b and 2cAs can be seen, the actuating element 3 also has a locking indicator 3.2. This locking indicator 3.2 has an indicator surface that is only visible when the actuating element 3 is in the unlocked position EB, thus signaling that the locking slides 1.1 of the locking latches 1 are also in the unlocked position E and the door is not locked. To ensure that it can be recognized at a glance that the door is not properly locked, the indicator surface 3.2 has a signal color. When the signal color is visible, the actuating element 3 and therefore also the locking latches 1 are not in the locked position V, VB.

[0054] When the door is closed, the two locking bolts 1.1 are initially moved through the door frame from the extended locking position V towards the opposite retracted unlocking position E, as described above. Due to the coupling of movement between the locking bolts 1 or the locking bolts 1.1 and the actuating element 3, the actuating handle 3.5 also moves, so that the indicator surface 3.2 becomes visible and it is evident that the locking bolts 1.1 of the locking bolts 1 are in the unlocking position E.

[0055] When the door is closed and the locking bolts 1.1 engage the door frame, the actuating element 3 is also rotated back into the locked position VB by the preload force of the springs 4, so that the indicator surface is no longer visible. Since the two locking bolts 1 are bidirectionally coupled to the actuating element 3, the locking bolts 1 are also bidirectionally coupled to each other. A movement of the locking bolt 1.1 of one locking bolt 1 therefore automatically leads to a movement of the other locking bolt 1.1. It is therefore not possible to move the locking bolts 1.1 or the actuating element 3 independently of each other.

[0056] This means that even if one of the two locking bolts 1.1 could engage behind the frame to lock the door, this movement is prevented if the other locking bolt 1.1 cannot move accordingly. Especially with larger doors, it can happen, for example due to manufacturing or assembly tolerances, or even slight warping of the door or frame, that not all locking bolts 1.1 engage behind the door frame when the door is closed, but rather one locking bolt 1.1 is still being pushed in by the door frame. Since this locking bolt 1.1 is then not in the locking position V, it also prevents the other locking bolts 1.1 from moving into the locking position V and thus also prevents the corresponding movement of the actuating element 3. Accordingly, the locking indicator 3.2 signals that the locking bolts 1.1 are not properly locked.By pushing the door forward in the area of ​​the latch 1 of the not yet correctly positioned bolt slide 1.1, this bolt slide 1.1 can then also engage behind the frame. Due to the preload of the spring 4, all bolt slides 1.1 then move simultaneously into the locking position V.

[0057] The individual components of the locking device 10 will now be discussed in more detail. First, the design of the locking bolts 1 will be described, in particular with regard to the Fig. 1d, 1e as well as 2d, 2e and 3a, 3b, are described in more detail. The bolt latches 1 have a box-shaped bolt housing 1.2 in which the bolt slide 1.1 is movably mounted in the linear direction. The control housings 1.2 have a lateral opening, which, for example, in the Fig. 3b which is clearly visible, and from which the end of the bolt slide 1.1, which has the locking area 1.12, protrudes in the locking position V. The spring 4 is coupled on one side to the bolt slide 1.1 and on the other side to the bolt housing 1.2, so that the bolt slide 1.1 can move relative to the bolt housing 1.2 under the influence of the spring 4.

[0058] The bolt slides 1.1 are of an elongated geometry overall and have a driver 1.11 in the lower area, which interacts with the coupling device 2 to ensure a movement coupling between the bolt slide 1.1 and the actuating element 3 in both directions.

[0059] The coupling device 2 essentially consists of an elongated coupling rod 2.1 and a coupling element 2.2, designed as a coupling ring, arranged at the bolt-latch-side end of the coupling rod 2.1. The coupling element 2.2 is rotatably mounted in the bolt housing 1.2 about an axis of rotation extending in the normal direction to the door plane. For mounting the coupling element 2.2, the bolt housing 1.2 has a bearing projection 1.21 designed in the manner of a projecting pin, which is shown in the illustration of the Fig. 3b This can be seen. Due to the rotatable mounting of the coupling element 2.2 in the locking housing 1.2, it can be rotated back and forth about the axis of rotation by a substantially vertical movement of the connecting rod 2.1. To connect the coupling element 2.2 to the connecting rod 2.1, the coupling element 2.2 has a pivot eye 2.21, which is shown in the illustration of the Fig. 3a und 3b as can be seen and into which the connecting rod 2.1 can pivotally engage. In order to allow the coupling element 2.2 to be used in other installation situations or to couple the coupling element 2.2 with another connecting rod 2.1 to another coupling element 2.2, two pivot lugs 2.21 are provided, although in the illustrated embodiment only one of the two pivot lugs 2.21 is used.

[0060] Projecting axially, the coupling element 2.2 has two coupling projections 2.22, 2.23, which are shown, for example, in the illustration of the Fig. 3b The drive element 1.11 of the bolt slide 1.1 is located between the two coupling projections 2.22 and 2.23. The drive element 1.11 is coupled to the two coupling projections 2.22 and 2.23 in such a way that a rotational movement of the coupling element 2.2 is converted into a linear movement of the bolt slide 1.1. Furthermore, a linear movement of the bolt slide 1.1 results in a rotational movement of the coupling element 2.2. Thus, the two coupling projections 2.22 and 2.23 and the drive element 1.11 enable bidirectional coupling of the elements.

[0061] If a locking slide 1.1 in the locked position V is to be moved to the unlocked position E, the actuating element 3 or the actuating handle 3.5 is rotated from the locked position VB to the unlocked position EB, thereby applying a tensile force to the two connecting rods 2.1. According to the illustration of the Fig. 2c This tensile force causes the two connecting rods 2.1 to move in the direction of the actuating element 3, i.e., the upper connecting rod 2.1 moves downwards and the lower connecting rod 2.1 moves upwards. This movement causes the coupling element 2.2 to rotate as shown in the illustration. Fig. 2 counterclockwise, the coupling projection 2.22 pushes the driver 1.11 and thus the bolt slide 1.1 from the locking position V towards the unlocking position E. The bolt slide 1.1, or rather its locking area 1.12 projecting from the bolt housing 1.2, is thus at least partially retracted into the bolt housing 1.2. This retracted unlocking position E is shown in the illustration of the Fig. 2a to recognize.

[0062] The movement of the actuating element 3 via the locking slides 1.1 functions in the same way. If the locking slides 1.1 are each in the locked position V and the door is closed, the locking slides 1.1 are moved towards the unlocked position E by contact with the door frame. In this process, the driver 1.11 comes into contact with the other coupling projection 2.23, which causes the coupling element 2.2 to rotate within the locking housing 1.2. This rotation pushes the coupling rod 2.1 towards the actuating element 3, and the actuating handle 3.5 is moved from the locked position VB to the unlocked position EB, so that the indicator surface also becomes visible.

[0063] When the locking bolts 1.1 engage behind the door frame, they spring from the unlocked position E to the locked position V due to the preload force of the spring 4. At the same time, the follower 1.11 pushes the coupling projection 2.22 outwards, and the coupling element 2.2 rotates in the opposite direction. This exerts a tensile force on the coupling rods 2.1, pulling them away from the actuating element 3. The actuating handle 3.5 is then rotated back into the locked position VB, so that the indicator surface is no longer visible.

[0064] When the door is pushed or slammed shut, the actuating element 3 or the actuating handle 3.5 rotates from the locking position VB to the unlocking position VB and then, due to the preload force of the spring 4, automatically back to the locking position VB. This happens very quickly, especially when the door is slammed shut.

[0065] The design of the two coupling projections 2.22, 2.23 is shown, for example, in the illustration of the Fig. 3b This can be seen. Both coupling projections 2.22, 2.23 are designed to project axially from the contour of the coupling element 2.2, so that the driver 1.11 can be arranged between the two coupling projections 2.22, 2.23. The driver 1.11 has two surfaces, so that when the locking slide 1.1 moves towards the locking position V, one surface comes into contact with the first coupling projection 2.22, and when moving in the opposite direction, the second surface comes into contact with the second coupling projection 2.23.

[0066] The first outer coupling projection 2.22, which faces the locking area 1.12 of the bolt slide 1.1, is designed as a coupling nose. The inner coupling projection 2.23, which faces away from the locking area 1.12 of the bolt slide 1.1, has a somewhat more complex geometry, as can also be seen from the illustration of the Fig. 3b This can be seen. The second coupling projection 2.23 is designed as a guide hook and protrudes radially from the annular contour of the coupling element 2.2. This projection is also shown in the illustration of the Fig. 3a This is clearly visible. When the locking slide 1.1 moves from the locking position V to the unlocking position E, the driver 1.11 pushes the second guide projection 2.23 backwards. This is evident when comparing the Fig. 1d The locking position V shown and the one shown in the illustration of the Fig. 2d The unlocking position E shown is clearly visible. During this movement, the driver 1.11 slides on the crescent-shaped inner surface of the guide hook and thereby rotates the coupling element 2.2 about its axis of rotation. Since the driver 1.11 can only move in a linear direction and the coupling projection 2.23 can only rotate, the rotational movement of the coupling element 2.2 is limited by a linear movement of the locking slide 1.1. This can be seen from the Fig. 2d As can be imagined, it is not possible to move the bolt slide 1.1 further back from this locking position V, since the guide hook prevents such movement. The guide hook thus has a dual function and also acts as a locking or stop with regard to the movement of the bolt slide 1.1.

[0067] The actuating element 3 has a connection point 3.1 for each of the respective connecting rods 2.1, located on the inside of the door. These connection points 3.1 are rotatable about the actuating axis by means of an actuating shaft 3.3 extending through the door and the actuating handle 3.5, which can be rotated by hand about the actuating axis from the outside of the door. The connecting rods 2.1 are pivotally coupled to the actuating element 3 via the connection points 3.1, so that the connecting rods 2.1 can be moved upwards or downwards by a rotational movement of the actuating element 3 or the connection points 3.1. The connection points 3.1 of the actuating element 3 and the pivot eyes 2.21 move or rotate in a largely synchronous direction relative to each other.

[0068] Alternatively, the locking bolts 1 or the locking bolt slides 1.1 of the locking bolts 1 can also be operated from the inside of the door or from inside the caravan or motorhome. For this purpose, the locking bolts 1 are equipped with an additional actuation 1.3, which is designed in the form of a rotary handle and which is shown, for example, in the illustration of the Fig. 1a This can be seen. The respective bolt slide 1.1 can be moved back and forth between the locking position V and the unlocking position E via actuation 1.3. Due to the positive coupling of the bolt slide 1.1 with the actuating element 3 and also with the other bolt slides 1.1, all bolt slides 1.1 can thus be moved via actuation 1.3. Reference symbol:

[0069] 1. Latch 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.3 1.1 ... VB Locking position EB Unlocking position V Locking position E Unlocking position

Claims

1. Locking device for locking a door, in particular a door of a trailer or motorhome, against a door frame, comprising at least two latch bolts (1), each of which has a latch slide (1.1) that is preloaded by a spring (4) toward a locking position (V) and locks automatically, and with an actuating element (3), which is coupled to the latch bolts (1.1) for unlocking the latch bolts (1), wherein the latch bolts (1) are each coupled to the actuating element (3) via a coupling device (2), wherein the coupling device (2) is configured as a rod coupling having a coupling rod (2.1), characterized in that the actuating element (3) comprises a locking indicator (3.2) and the latch catches (1) are each mechanically coupled to the actuating element (3) via the locking indicator (3.2), whereby the actuating element (3) is bidirectionally coupled in motion with the latch sliders (1.1).

2. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (3) is biased into the locking position (VB) by the springs (4) of the latch catches (1).

3. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latch bolts (1) are coupled to one another for movement via the actuating element (3).

4. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device (2) comprises a coupling element (2.2) configured as a coupling ring, which is coupled to the coupling rod (2.1) and to the locking slide (1.1).

5. Locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that the latch slide (1.1) is coupled to the coupling element (2.2) such that it is movable in a linear direction via a rotational movement of the coupling element (2.2).

6. Locking device according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the coupling element (2.2) has two coupling projections (2.22, 2.23) and the latch slider (1.1) has a follower (1.11) arranged between the two coupling projections (2.22, 2.23).

7. Locking device according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the coupling projections (2.23) is designed as a guide hook.

8. Locking device according to claim 7, characterized in that the guide hook protrudes radially from the coupling element (2.22).

9. Locking device according to claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the guide hook is designed such that, in the unlocked position (E), it prevents movement of the bolt slide (1.1) in at least one direction.

10. Locking device according claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the coupling element (2.2) has a coupling eye (2.21) for connecting a coupling rod (2.1).

11. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (3) is coupled to the latch (1) in such a way that, upon movement of the actuating element (3) from the locking position (VB) to the unlocking position (EB), a tensile force is exerted on the coupling rod (2.1).

12. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latch (1) is coupled to the actuating element (3) such that, upon movement of the latch slide (1.1) from the locking position (V) to the unlocking position (E), a compressive force is exerted on the coupling rod (2.1).

13. Door for a trailer or motorhome comprising a locking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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