Coupling assembly for selectively coupling a door handle or doorknob to a locking device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling assembly (10) comprising a first connector (70), a second connector (60), and a coupler (20) movable between an active position and a passive position. Also provided is a motor (40) configured to rotate a drive shaft (41) on which an activator (30) is arranged rotationally fixed but axially movable, a biasing assembly (50) for biasing the activator (30) towards a central axial position on the drive shaft (41), wherein threads of the coupler (20) and the activator (30) interact such that rotation of the activator (30) causes axial movement of the activator (30) in relation to the coupler (20). In operation, rotation of the drive shaft (41) in a first rotational direction causes a corresponding rotation of the activator (30) to urge the coupler (20) towards the active position, whereas a rotation of the drive shaft (41) in a second rotational direction causes a corresponding rotation of the activator (30) to urge the coupler (20) towards the passive position.

Description

[0001] COUPLING ASSEMBLY FOR SELECTIVELY COUPLING A DOOR HANDLE OR DOORKNOB TO A LOCKING DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a coupling assembly for selectively connecting a door handle or doorknob to a locking device, the coupling assembly comprising a coupler that is movable between an active position where the door handle or doorknob is rotationally fixed to the locking device and a passive position where it is able to rotate freely.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Door handles or knobs are used to manually change the state of a locking device, typically by rotating the door handle or knob and transfer this rotation into the locking device to cause retraction of a locking bolt (e.g. latch bolt or hook bolt) . In some instances, a coupling may be provided to selectively couple the door handle or knob to the locking device so that the rotation of the door handle or knob affects the locking device only when the coupling is active. In a passive state of the coupling, rotation of the handle or knob will not be transferred and therefore cannot operate the locking device. Activation of the coupling typically takes place by pressing a button or presenting a pass card or a tag to a reader.

[0006] One such coupling is known from EP3922787A1.

[0007] Known couplings typically suffer from the drawback that the coupling between the door handle or knob and the locking device can only be activated when the door handle or knob is properly aligned with the locking device. If a user has already started rotating the handle or knob, the coupling cannot be activated and the door cannot be opened. For this reason, the activation unit of the coupling (typically an electrical motor) may have to operate for extended periods of time to ensure that the handle or knob can be rotated back to its original position in order for the coupling to be activated. Alternatively, the activation may have to be repeated when the handle or knob is in the correct position. As a consequence, there is a risk that the coupling cannot be swiftly and correctly activated.

[0008] Another problem known in the art is that the coupling can be forced by an unauthorized person by hitting or knocking on the handle or knob. This can cause components of the coupling to move to the active position without the proper activation, thereby allowing the unauthorized person to open the door.

[0009] There is therefore a need for improvements within this field.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least to minimize the problems discussed above. This is achieved by a coupling assembly according to the appended independent claim.

[0012] The coupling assembly of the invention comprises a first connector for connecting to one of a door handle or a doorknob and a locking device, and a second connector for connecting to the other of the locking device and the door handle or doorknob. Also, the coupling assembly comprises a coupler movable between an active position where the first connector is rotationally fixed to the second connector and a passive position where the first connector is rotatable in relation to the second connector. Furthermore, the coupling assembly comprises a drive shaft and a motor configured to rotate said drive shaft, and also comprises an activator arranged on said drive shaft, the activator being rotationally fixed but axially movable in relation to the drive shaft, and the activator further comprising an external thread. There is also a biasing assembly configured to bias the activator towards a central axial position on the drive shaft. The coupler further comprises an internal thread configured to interact with the external thread of the activator such that a rotation of the activator causes an axial movement of the activator in relation to the coupler. In the coupling assembly, a rotation of the drive shaft in a first rotational direction causes a corresponding rotation of the activator to urge the coupler towards the active position, whereas a rotation of the drive shaft in a second rotational direction causes a corresponding rotation of the activator to urge the coupler towards the passive position. A main advantage of the invention is that the activator cannot be moved by any external manipulation such as hitting or knocking on the coupling assembly, thereby ensuring that only authorized persons are able to operate the coupling assembly to couple a handle or knob to a locking device where the coupling assembly is provided. In particular, it is beneficial that the activator is rotatably fixed but axially movable in relation to the shaft, since this in combination with the biasing assembly ensures that the rotation of the drive shaft urges the coupler towards the active or the passive position, depending on the rotational direction of the movement of the shaft.

[0013] Suitably, the coupling assembly also comprises an alignment member connected to the second connector and configured to block movement of the coupler to the active position when the first connector and the second connector are not aligned. Thereby, it is ensured that the first connector and thereby also the door handle or doorknob is only coupled to the locking device via the second connector when in the correct rotational position. Also, due to the interaction of the activator and the biasing assembly with the coupler, the coupler is urged towards the active position even when its actual movement to the active position is blocked by the alignment member. This causes the coupler to perform the movement to the active position as soon as the first connector and the second connector are aligned, without requiring any additional operation by the motor or any repeated activation of the coupling assembly. This in turn is highly advantageous in ensuring that the first connector will be coupled to the second connector as soon as they are in correct alignment, regardless of their relative position when the activation occurs.

[0014] The biasing assembly of the coupling assembly suitably comprises a first spring arranged between the activator and an outer stop surface and configured to bias the activator in a first axial direction, and also comprising a second spring arranged between the activator and an inner stop surface and configured to bias the activator in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction. Thereby, two springs are provided and balance the activator to bias it towards the central axial position. This is a cost effective and stable solution to ensure a long lifetime and further prevent manipulation of the coupling assembly since any impact against the coupling assembly attempting to move the activator along the drive shaft will be counteracted by at least one of the springs.

[0015] Suitably, the activator is configured to move in relation to the coupler along a linear path by the outer thread of the activator cooperating with the inner thread of the coupler towards an end point where the outer thread is disconnected from the inner thread to allow a continued rotation of the activator without causing a corresponding movement of the coupler. Thereby, the motor can continue rotation of the drive shaft even after the activator has reached the end point, thereby preventing damage to the motor that could result if the end point was a rotational stop for the activator. It is also advantageous since the duration of operation of the motor at each activation does not have to be precisely determined: as long as the activator is rotated to the end point of the path, it does not change the relative position of the coupler if the rotation then continues further.

[0016] In embodiments where the activator moves along a linear path with an end point where the outer thread of the activator disconnects from the inner thread of the coupler, such disconnection is suitably provided at end points at both ends of the linear path. Thereby, the advantages connected with allowing the activator to keep rotating after it has reached the end point are available both when connecting the first connector to the second connector and when disconnecting them.

[0017] In some embodiments, the coupler comprises a coupler body and also comprises a slider configured to slide in relation to the coupler body between end positions, said end positions comprising a first slider position where the slider acts on a first counter surface of the coupler body to urge the coupler body towards the active position and said end positions also comprising a second slider position where the slider acts on a second counter surface of the coupler body to urge the coupler body towards the passive position, said slider further comprising the internal thread such that the rotation of the activator causes the axial movement of the slider. Thereby, the coupler assembly is rendered more cost effective and is easier to manufacture. Using the coupler body and the separate slider also enables providing a catch, since the slider is able to move independently of the coupler body.

[0018] In embodiments where the coupler comprises a coupler body and a slider, the coupler assembly suitably also comprises at least one catch movable from a blocking position where the coupler is fixed in the passive position in relation to the first connector to a non-blocking position where the coupler is not fixed. Thereby, a further protection against manipulation by impacts or knocks against the first connector is achieved, since the at least one catch blocks movement of the coupler when it is in the passive position. This enables a secure holding of the coupler until an activation of the coupler assembly takes place by the motor rotating the drive shaft.

[0019] In embodiments with at least one catch, said at least one catch is suitably held in the blocking position in a catch space in the coupler body and a corresponding second catch space in the first connector, said catch space and second catch space being aligned when the coupler is in the passive position, and the blocking position is caused by the slider pushing the at least one catch towards the second catch space. Thereby, operation of the catch is rendered highly efficient and the blocking position is reached at any time that the slider is moved to the passive position.

[0020] Suitably, the non-blocking position of the catch is caused by the slider releasing the at least one catch to enable it to leave the second catch space. Thereby, the movement of the slider controls movement of the catch also to the non-blocking position, so that operation of the motor to move the slider also ensures that the coupler body is able to move towards the active position.

[0021] In embodiments with the at least one catch, said catch is suitably held in the catch space in the coupler body radially outwards of the slider in the blocking position. This increases the protection against knocking even further, since the slider being held radially inwards of the catch ensures that a movement of the catch is completely prevented, even if it could be manipulated to push towards the non-blocking position. It is also impossible to force a movement of the slider by knocking or hitting against the first connector to dislodge the catch, since the slider is only able to move in the axial direction and not in the radial direction.

[0022] Suitably, the catch is spherical. This has the benefit of facilitating movement of the catch and preventing unintentional blocking due to the catch getting stuck in the catch spaces.

[0023] There may preferably be at least two catches distributed in a circumferential direction around the coupler. This improves sliding of the coupler and decreases the risk of jamming.

[0024] Advantageously, the coupler may be rotationally fixed to the first connector. Thereby, the coupler is held in place and able to slide without being misaligned.

[0025] Suitably, the first connector may form a housing surrounding the coupler, activator and drive shaft. Thereby, the components of the coupler assembly are protected from manipulation and from dirt, ensuring a longer lifetime. It also provides a compact coupler assembly that is easily attached to a door handle or door knob.

[0026] Many additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood by the skilled person in view of the detailed description below.

[0027] DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, wherein

[0029] Fig. 1 discloses a perspective view of a locking device with a handle mounted on a holder connected to the locking device by a coupler assembly according to the invention;

[0030] Fig. 2 discloses a perspective view of a locking device with a door knob mounted on a holder connected to the locking device by a coupler assembly according to the invention; Fig. 3 discloses an exploded perspective view of the holder and the handle of Fig. 1, together with the coupler assembly according to the invention;

[0031] Fig. 4a discloses a planar view from the side of the coupler assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention in a passive position;

[0032] Fig. 4b discloses the first embodiment of Fig. 4a in a state where the coupler assembly is activated to move to the active position;

[0033] Fig. 4c discloses the first embodiment of Fig. 4a in the active position;

[0034] Fig. 4d discloses the first embodiment of Fig. 4c in a state where the coupler assembly is activated to move to the passive position;

[0035] Fig. 5a discloses a planar view from the side of the coupler assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention in a passive position;

[0036] Fig. 5b discloses the second embodiment of Fig. 5a in a state where the coupler assembly is activated to move to the active position;

[0037] Fig. 5c discloses the second embodiment of Fig. 5a in the active position ;

[0038] Fig. 5d discloses the second embodiment of Fig. 5a in a state where the coupler assembly is activated to move to the passive position;

[0039] Fig. 6a discloses a planar view from the side of the coupler assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention in a passive position with the catch in the blocking position;

[0040] Fig. 6b discloses the third embodiment of Fig. 6a in a state where the slider is moved to the first slider position to release the catch;

[0041] Fig. 6c discloses the third embodiment of Fig. 6a in the active position;

[0042] Fig. 6d discloses the third embodiment of Fig. 6a in a state where the coupler assembly is activated to move to the passive position; Fig. 7 discloses an exploded view of the coupler assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Fig. 8 discloses a planar view from an end facing the locking device of the coupler assembly according to the invention;

[0044] Fig. 9a discloses a perspective view of the activator and the slider of the third embodiment on the drive shaft, with the activator moved to an end position in relation to the slider;

[0045] Fig. 9b discloses the components of Fig. 9a with the outer thread of the activator engaging the inner thread of the slider; and

[0046] Fig. 9c discloses the components of Fig. 9a with the activator moved to another end position in relation to the slider.

[0047] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the respective embodiments, whereas other parts may be omitted or merely suggested. Any reference number appearing in multiple drawings refers to the same object or feature throughout the drawings, unless otherwise indicated.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] A coupling assembly 10 of the present invention will now be described in detail, starting with a general description of how the coupling assembly 10 is arranged in connection with a locking device 100 and how an active position and a passive position of the coupling assembly 10 affect operation of the locking device 100. From Fig. 4 onwards, embodiments of the coupling assembly 10 and interaction of its components will then be described. It is in particular to be noted that these embodiments will mainly be described in features that differ from corresponding features of other embodiments, i.e. that the focus will be on their differences rather than their similarities. This serves to avoid repetition in the text, and it is to be noted that all features that are not explicitly stated to differ from one embodiment to another are to be understood as similar or identical. The term “connected” as used herein is to be understood a connection where a force or a movement can be transferred, either directly from one component to another or through at least one intermediate component. Thus, when it is said that two components are connected to each other, this means that they are arranged in such a way that a force on one of them is transferred to the other or that a movement of one of them causes a corresponding movement of the other.

[0050] The term “axial” as used herein is to be understood in relation to a rotational axis of a drive shaft 41 of the coupling assembly 10. Similarly, the term “radial” is also to be understood in relation to this drive shaft 41.

[0051] Fig. 1 discloses the locking device 100 with a door handle 200 attached thereto by means of a holder 400. The coupling assembly 10 for coupling the door handle 200 to the locking device 100 is provided inside the handle 200 (see Fig. 3). When pivoting the door handle 200 to operate the locking device, the movement of the handle 200 will be coupled to the locking device 100 only when the coupling assembly 10 is in the active position (see below) whereas a passive position of the coupling assembly 10 instead prevents the movement from being transferred to the locking device 100. It is to be noted that the holder 400 is an optional component and that the coupler assembly 10 can in some embodiments be mounted on the locking device 100 directly. Where the holder 400 is provided, its purpose is generally to protect the attachment to the locking device from damage or dirt, and optionally to hold a biasing device for biasing the door handle 200 to its neutral position.

[0052] In known locking devices, movement of a door handle is generally coupled to a handle follower inside the locking device by a shaft extending from the door handle and into the locking device. Pivoting of the shaft therefore causes a corresponding pivoting of the handle follower, causing operation of the locking device to e.g. retract a bolt.

[0053] For the present invention, the holder 400 may be equipped with a shaft that extends into the locking device 100 to interact with a handle follower (not shown) . Alternatively, the shaft may be a separate component with the holder 400 only comprising a through-hole to allow it to extend into the locking device 100. However, other ways of transferring a rotational movement into the locking device 100 may alternatively be used.

[0054] Fig. 2 discloses another embodiment of the invention where the locking device 100 is instead equipped with a doorknob 300 arranged on the holder 400. The difference to the embodiment of Fig. 1 lies mainly in the doorknob 300 being coupled to the locking device 100 to operate a cylinder follower (not shown) of the locking device 100 rather than a handle follower. To achieve this, the holder 400 may be equipped with a shaft that extends into the locking device to interact with the cylinder follower, or alternatively another way of transferring a rotational movement to the cylinder follower may be used.

[0055] For the embodiments of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, any embodiment of the coupler assembly 10 disclosed herein may be used.

[0056] Fig. 3 discloses an exploded view of the coupler assembly 10 together with the handle 200 and the holder 400, showing how the coupler assembly 10 can fit into the handle 200 towards an inner end 201 that faces the holder 400. Similarly, the holder 400 comprises an opening 401, preferably a through- hole, through which the shaft (not shown) can extend from the locking device 100 and be connected to a second connector 60 of the coupler assembly 10 (see below). In this way, the second connector 60 is connected to the locking device 100 by the shaft. In other embodiments, the second connector 60 of the coupling assembly 10 can instead be connected to a part of the holder 400 with the holder 400 then being connected to the locking device 100 through the shaft or in any other suitable way. The holder 400 then acts as an intermediate component so that the second connector 60 is connected to the locking device 100 through the intermediate component. In yet other embodiments, the second connector 60 can be integrated with the shaft.

[0057] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the first connector 70 is shown as suitable for connection to the door handle 200 or doorknob 300 whereas the second connector 60 is shown suitable for connection to the locking device 100. It is to be noted, however, that each such embodiment can also be reversed so that the first connector 70 is adapted for connection to the locking device 100 and the second connector 60 is adapted for connection to the door handle 200 or doorknob 300. Such a reversion will not require substantive modification to other components of the coupler assembly 10 and will have the same mode of operation and technical advantages as the embodiments described in detail herein. It is also to be noted that where it is said that one of the first connector 70 and second connector 60 is suitable for connecting to the door handle 200 or doorknob 300, this also includes embodiments where the first connector 70 or second connector 60 is integrated with the door handle 200 or doorknob 300.

[0058] Fig. 4a-4d discloses a first embodiment of the coupler assembly 10, with the first connector 70 for connecting to the door handle 200 or doorknob 300. The connection can be made by the first connector 70 having protrusions or indentations that match corresponding indentations or protrusions of the door handle 200 or doorknob 300, said indentations and / or protrusions cooperating to render the first connector 70 rotationally fixed to the handle 200 or doorknob 300. Alternatively, and outer shape of the first connector 70 can match a shape of an inner space in the door handle 200 or doorknob 300. As yet another alternative, the first connector 70 can be secured in place by a fastening to cause a connection to the door handle 200 or doorknob 300. Furthermore, the first connector 70 may in some embodiments be integrated with the door handle 200 or doorknob 300.

[0059] The coupler assembly 10 also comprises the second connector 60 for connecting to the locking device 100. In the first embodiment, this is achieved by the second connector 60 comprising an opening 61 that matches a shape of the shaft (not shown), suitably with a rectangular cross-section but optionally of any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, said shaft is instead attached to or integrated with the second connector 60. Also provided is a coupler 20 that is configured to move between an active position (see Fig. 4c), where the first connector 70 is rotationally fixed to the second connector 60 so that a rotation of one of them is transferred to the other, and a passive position shown in Fig. 4a where the first connector 70 and the second connector 60 are able to rotate freely in relation to each other. In the first embodiment, this is achieved by the coupler 20 being rotationally fixed to the first connector 70 and also being rotationally fixed to the second connector 60 in the active position so that a rotational movement of the first connector 70 is transferred to the second connector 60 by the coupler 20 when the coupler assembly 10 is in the active position. For this purpose, the coupler 20 is fitted with a protrusion that extends radially outwards into an axial slot on an inside of the first connector 70 and the coupler 20 also comprises an end portion 231 that fits with an alignment member 80 of the second connector 60 (see Fig. 7 that shows the protrusion as a rotational stop 25 and the end portion 231 on the coupler 20 of the third embodiment, along with Fig. 8 showing the rotational stop 25 and the axial slot 72). It is to be noted, however, that this is merely one preferred way of achieving a permanent rotational fixing of the coupler 20 to the first connector 70 and a selective rotational fixing of the coupler to the connector 60; other designs are also possible as long as they achieve the purpose of transferring rotational movement as described above.

[0060] Fig. 4a further shows a motor 40 and the drive shaft 41 that is connected to or integrated with the motor 40 so that the motor is configured to rotate the drive shafts in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction (opposite to the first rotational direction). On the drive shaft 41, an activator 30 is arranged to be axially movable in relation to the drive shaft 41 but to be rotationally fixed. In this embodiment this is achieved by the activator 30 comprising a through-hole 32 with a non-circular cross-section that corresponds to a similar cross-section of the drive shaft 41. This causes a rotation of the drive shaft 41 to be transferred to the activator 30 and cause a corresponding rotation while enabling the activator 30 to slide freely along the drive shaft 41.

[0061] The coupler assembly 10 also comprises a biasing assembly 50 that is configured to bias the activator 30 towards a central axial position on the drive shaft 41 (shown in Fig. 4a) . In the first embodiment, the biasing assembly 50 comprises a first spring 51 and a second spring 52, and the first spring 51 is arranged between the activator 30 and an outer stop surface 53 and configured to bias the activator in a first axial direction D 1 towards the second connector 60. The second spring 52 is arranged between the activator 30 and an inner stop surface 54 and is configured to bias the activator 30 in a second axial direction D2 that is opposite to the first axial direction D I. In this embodiment, the first and second springs 51, 52 are compression springs, but in other embodiments the biasing assembly 50 could instead comprise tension springs arranged on either side of the activator 30 or any other suitable kind of spring. In some embodiments, the biasing assembly 50 could comprise only one biasing element that urges the activator 30 towards the central axial position and strives to return to this position when an axial displacement in either direction along the drive shaft 41 takes place.

[0062] The activator 30 further comprises an external thread 31 that is configured to cooperate with an internal thread 21 of the coupler 20 such that a rotation of the activator 30 causes an axial movement of the activator 30 in relation to the coupler 20 by interaction of the internal thread 21 with the external thread 31.

[0063] Also shown in Fig. 4a-4b is an alignment member 80 that is connected to or integrated with the second connector 60 and that serves to prevent the coupler 20 from moving to the active position when the first connector 70 is not correctly aligned with the second connector 60, as will be explained in detail further below. That the first connector 70 is correctly aligned is to be understood as the door handle 200 or doorknob 300 being in a neutral position, i.e. a position where they are not subjected to a force from a user.

[0064] In the embodiments shown herein, the first connector 70 forms a housing 73 that surrounds the coupler 20, the activator 30 and the drive shaft 41, and preferably also the motor 40 and the biasing assembly 50. In this way, the components of the coupler assembly 10 are securely held in relation to each other and protected from damage and dirt. Furthermore, the housing 73 provides a protection against manipulation since it is not possible to gain access to the components inside. In some embodiments, the housing 73 may be designed with only one opening that faces the second connector 60, but in the first embodiment the housing 73 also includes a lid 74 (see Fig. 7) that when removed enables access to the motor 40 to facilitate mounting and also for repair or replacement.

[0065] Operation of the coupler assembly 10 from the passive position of Fig. 4a to the active position of Fig. 4c will now be described.

[0066] As already mentioned above, the passive position is a position where the coupler 20 is held away from the second connector 60 so that the first connector 70 is able to rotate freely. To move to the active position where the first connector 70 is coupled to the second connector 60, the motor 40 is activated by any suitable means. Such can include a remote unit activated by presenting a tag or pass card, by entering a pass code or pressing a button, or by biometric authorization such as fingerprint or face scan. Other ways of activation are also known within the art and can be used with the present invention. Alternatively, the coupler assembly 10 or the door handle 200 or doorknob 300 can itself comprise a unit that can be activated in any of these ways.

[0067] When activated, the motor 40 operates to rotate the drive shaft 41 in the first rotational direction, thereby also rotating the activator 30 and causing an axial movement of the activator 30 in relation to the coupler 20. This is shown in Fig. 4b where the activator 30 has moved towards the right in the Figure, away from the second connector 60. In this position, the biasing assembly 50 acts on the activator 30 with a biasing force back towards the central axial position and this is shown by the first spring 51 being compressed. In this position, the biasing force from the first spring 51 is transferred by the activator 30 to the coupler 20 to urge the coupler 20 to the left in Fig. 4b towards the active position. If the first connector 70 is aligned with the second connector 60 as shown in Fig. 4a, the coupler 20 is free to move into the active position. This is shown in Fig. 4c, where the coupler 20 is in the active position so that the first connector 70 is coupled to the second connector 60. Since the activator 30 and the coupler 20 have moved axially in response to the biasing force, the activator 30 is again in the central axial position and is held there by the biasing assembly 50. In the active position of the coupler assembly 10, the door handle 200 or doorknob 30 can be used to operate the locking device 100. A return to the passive position can take place by a new activation of the motor by any of the means described above, or can alternatively take place after a predetermined time has passed so that the coupling assembly 10 is automatically returned to the passive position and remains there as long as no further activation takes place.

[0068] When the motor 40 operates to return the coupling assembly 10 to the passive position, the drive shaft 41 is rotated in a second rotational direction, i.e. an opposite direction to the first rotational direction. This causes rotation of the activator 30 and by interaction of the outer thread 31 with the inner thread 21 also an axial movement to the position of the activator 30 shown in Fig. 4d. The axial movement thus causes a compression of the second spring 52 and a resulting force towards the right-hand side of the Figure so that the coupler 20 is urged to the right. The resulting movement causes a return to the passive position as shown in Fig. 4a.

[0069] It is to be noted, as also mentioned above, that this movement into the active position is only possible in the first embodiment when the first connector 70 and the second connector 60 are properly aligned. Looking again at Fig. 4b, the alignment between them is shown as incorrect, since the alignment member 80 is shown to block the coupler 20 from moving. If this is the case when the motor 40 is operated to rotate the drive shaft 41, the activator 30 and coupler 20 will be held in their positions in Fig. 4b and with the biasing force from the first spring 51 urging them towards the active position. In this state, the biasing force is maintained until the proper alignment is achieved so that the coupler 20 is no longer blocked and the movement to the active position takes place as soon as possible. It is highly advantageous that the movement to the active position takes place without requiring any further operation by the motor 40, so that once the rotation of the drive shaft 41 to cause the active position has taken place the movement will be concluded by mechanical interaction between the biasing assembly 50 and the activator 30 and coupler 20. This ensures that repeated activation is not needed and that the activation, once performed, will take effect as soon as the handle or knob is in the correct position.

[0070] The inner thread 21 of the coupler 20 and the outer thread 31 of the activator 30 are suitably short enough that they are able to disconnect from each other when the motor 40 has rotated the drive shaft 41 far enough that a desired linear movement of the activator 30 in relation to the coupler 20 has taken place. This can be seen as the activator 30 moving in the axial direction along a linear path P towards an end point E 1 , E2 where the inner thread 21 of the coupler 20 is disconnected from the outer thread 31 of the activator 30. When reaching this end point El, E2, the activator 30 can rotate freely without a further axial movement in relation to the coupler 20. This is particularly advantageous in preventing damage or excessive wear to the motor 40, since continued operation of the motor 40 when the activator 30 has moved along the linear path P is possible without causing excessive loads on the motor 40. It also means that the operation time and position for the motor 40 does not have to be precisely determined but that operation can have any suitable duration as long as the activator 30 is allowed to travel along the entire linear path P. At the same time, a rotation in the opposite direction will immediately cause a connection between the inner thread 21 and the outer thread 31 so that the movement along the linear path P begins. The activator 30 remains close to the inner thread 21 of the coupler 20 thanks to the biasing assembly 50 as explained above. Interaction of the activator 30 and the coupler 20 is also explained in detail below with reference to Fig. 9a-9c.

[0071] Preferably, such end points El, E2 where the activator 30 is disconnected are provided at both end points of the linear path P as a first end point E 1 and a second end point E2. This has the advantage that the motor 40 is protected from damage both in operation to reach the active position and in operation to reach the passive position.

[0072] The inner thread 21 and the outer thread 31 can be selected as left-hand screws or right-hand screws as desired. This design choice will determine if a clockwise rotation of the drive shaft 41 causes the coupling assembly 10 to move to the active position or to the passive position, as is readily understood by the skilled person.

[0073] A second and a third embodiment of the coupler assembly 10 will now be described with reference to Fig. 5a-5d and Fig. 6a-6d, respectively. It is to be noted that these embodiments will be described mainly in the features that differ from each other and from the first embodiment of Fig. 4a-4d. Also, it is to be noted that features from any of these embodiments may freely be incorporated into another embodiment where technically feasible.

[0074] The second embodiment of the coupler assembly 10’ differs from the first embodiment by the coupler 20 being divided into a coupler body 23 and a slider 24, with the slider 24 being arranged radially inwards of the coupler body 23 and the slider 24 comprising the internal thread 21.

[0075] Fig. 5a shows the passive position with the activator 30 in the central axial position balanced by the biasing assembly 50. When the motor 40 is activated, the drive shaft 41 is rotated to cause the corresponding rotation of the activator 30 and the interaction of the outer thread 31 with the inner thread 21 so that the activator 30 moves along the linear path P in relation to the slider 24. This is shown in Fig. 5b, where the relative movement of the activator 30 and the slider 24 have caused the slider 24 to move in the first direction D I to a first slider position Pl where the slider 24 acts on a first counter surface 27 of the coupler body 23. In this first slider position Pl, the slider 24 urges the coupler body 23 towards the active position, i.e. in the first direction D I to the left in Fig. 5b. Due to the relative movement of the activator 30 and the slider 24, the activator 30 has moved from the central axial position and this causes the first spring 51 to act on the activator 30 with a force directed to the left in Fig. 5b. If the first connector 70 is aligned with the second connector 61 as shown in Fig. 5a, this force from the first spring 51 is transferred via the activator 30 and the slider 24 to the coupler body 23 to cause movement of the coupler body 23 to the active position. If the first connector 70 is not aligned with the second connector 60 as shown in Fig. 5b, the interaction of the spring 51, activator 30 and slider 24 will continue to urge the coupler body 23 towards the active position to ensure that this position is reached as soon as the first connector 70 is properly aligned.

[0076] The active position is shown in Fig. 5c. To return to the passive position, the motor 40 rotates the drive shaft 41 in the second rotational direction to cause the activator 30 and the slider 24 to move in relation to each other and the second spring 52 to act on the activator 30 to move the slider 24 to a second slider position P2 where the slider 24 acts on a second counter surface 28 of the coupler body 23 to urge the coupler body 23 towards the passive position. Fig. 5d discloses a state where the second spring 52 urges the activator 30 and the slider 24 towards the second counter surface 28.

[0077] The slider 24 is able to slide freely in relation to the coupler body 23 between the first counter surface 27 and the second counter surface 28, thereby enabling a softer transition of the coupler assembly 10 from the passive position to the active position and vice versa. Suitably, the rotational stop 25 (see Fig. 7) is provided on the slider 24 whereas the rotational fixing of the coupler 20 to the second connector 60 is provided on the coupler body 23.

[0078] Fig. 6a-6d disclose the third embodiment of the coupler assembly 10” that also comprises the coupler 20 divided into the coupler body 23 and the slider 24. However, the third embodiment also comprises at least one catch 22 that is movable from a blocking position shown in Fig. 6a to a non-blocking position shown in Fig. 6b. In the blocking position, the catch 22 fixes the coupler 20 in the passive position to prevent unintended coupling of the first connector 70 to the second connector 60. This is highly advantageous since it provides an additional protection against attempts to manipulate or force the coupling assembly 10 by hitting or knocking on the handle 200 or doorknob 300. By the catch 22 fixing the coupler 20 in the passive position, movement of the coupler 20 is rendered impossible except by the rotation of the drive shaft 41 to move the slider 24 caused by operation of the motor 40. It is particularly advantageous for the third embodiment that the slider 24 must move before the coupler body 23, since an impact or knock against the coupler assembly 10 would attempt to dislodge them simultaneously. By requiring the slider 24 to move first to enable movement of the coupler body 23, the risk of manipulation by hitting or knocking is significantly decreased or even eliminated.

[0079] In the blocking position, the catch 22 is held in a catch space 29 in the coupler body 23 and in a corresponding second catch space 71 in the first connector 70. In the passive position of the coupler 20 shown in Fig. 6a, the catch space 29 and second catch space 71 are aligned so that the catch 22 is held in them both, and since the catch 22 then protrudes into the second catch space 71 in the first connector 70 the coupler body 23 is unable to move. Furthermore, the blocking position is advantageously achieved by the slider 24 pushing the catch 22 into the blocking position and preventing it from moving by providing a stop in the radial direction inwards towards the drive shaft 41. This has the particular advantage that no force on the catch 22 itself by hitting or knocking on the coupler assembly 10 can cause a release from the blocking position, since it takes an axial movement of the slider 24 caused by rotation of the drive shaft 41 to free the catch 22 again.

[0080] Operation of the third embodiment will now be described briefly with focus on the operation of the catch 22.

[0081] Fig. 6a discloses the passive position with the slider 24 against the second counter surface 28 to hold the catch 22 in the blocking position in the catch space 29 in the coupler body 23 and the second catch space 71 in the first connector 70. Suitably, the catch 22 is spherical but other shapes may also be used as long as the function described herein can be achieved. Suitable shapes include cylindrical or rectangular, and for such shapes of the catch 22 a biasing device may also be added to ensure that the catch 22 is able to move to the non-blocking position when released by the slider 24.

[0082] When the motor 40 is activated to rotate the drive shaft 41, this causes the slider 24 to move towards the first slider position Pl shown in Fig. 6b. When the slider 24 moves, the catch 22 is released and able to move completely into the catch space 29 in the coupler body 23, thereby enabling the coupler body 23 to move in relation to the first connector 70. During the movement to the active position, the catch 22 moves along with the coupler body 23 and is held completely in the catch space 29. This is shown in Fig. 6c.

[0083] When moving back from the active position towards the passive position, the slider 24 does not contact the second counter surface 28 directly but is instead connected with the catch 22 as an intermediate component. This is shown in Fig. 6d, where the force from the second spring 52 is transferred via the activator 30, the slider 24 and the catch 22 to the coupler body 23. This is to ensure that the catch 22 enters the second catch space 71 as soon as the catch space 29 in the coupler body 23 is aligned with it, in order to secure the catch 22 in the blocking position when the coupler body 23 is in the passive position.

[0084] Fig. 7 discloses components of the third embodiment in an exploded view, showing in particular the design of the coupler 20 with the coupler body 23, slider 24 with rotational stop 25 and catch 22. Also, it is to be noted that the coupler 20 is preferably provided symmetrically on opposite sides of the drive shaft 41. This ensures stability and strength of the coupler assembly 10 and prevents jamming of the coupler body 23 in relation to the first connector 70. Advantageously, there are also more than one catch 22 so that each coupler body 23 is provided with its own catch 22 and matched with second catch spaces 71 in the first connector 70.

[0085] In some embodiments, there may advantageously be more than two coupler bodies 23 and catches 22 distributed in a circumferential direction around the drive shaft 41. This provides even higher stability and a smooth operation of the coupler assembly 10 while preventing jamming due to excessive friction.

[0086] Fig. 8 discloses the components of Fig. 7 in a planar view from the side, to show the interaction of the rotational stop 25 with the axial slot 72. Also shown is one example of an exterior shape of the first connector 70 that enables a rotational fixing to an inside of the handle 200 or doorknob 300.

[0087] Fig. 9a-9c disclose interaction of the activator 30 and the slider 24 of the third embodiment from the first end position E 1 shown in Fig. 9a to the second end position E2 shown in Fig. 9c. It is to be noted that although these figures show the slider 24 of the second and third embodiments interacting with the activator 30, the interaction is the same in embodiments where the coupler 20 is not separated into the coupler body 23 and the slider 24. In the first embodiment, the inner thread 21 is instead on the coupler 20 itself and the entire coupler 20 moves in relation to the activator 30 as described here for the slider 24.

[0088] In Fig. 9a, the activator 30 is in the first end position E 1 where the activator 30 has been rotated by the drive shaft 41 until the outer thread 31 is disengaged from the inner thread 21 of the slider 24 by their interaction to ends of the threads 31, 21. In the first end position El, the activator 30 can therefore continue its rotation without causing any further movement of the slider 24. Once the drive shaft 41 is rotated in the opposite direction, the outer thread 31 engages the inner thread 21 again to start movement of the activator 30 along the linear path P in relation to the slider 24 and this is shown in Fig. 9b. When reaching the second end position E2 of the linear path P, the activator 30 is in a position shown in Fig. 9c where the outer thread 31 is again disconnected from the inner thread 21 and able to continue rotation without causing a movement of the activator 30 in relation to the slider 24.

[0089] It is to be noted that features from the various embodiments described herein may freely be combined, unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination would be unsuitable.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Coupling assembly (10, 10’, 10”) for selectively coupling a door handle or a doorknob to a locking device, the coupling assembly (10, 10’, 10”) comprising- a first connector (70) for connecting to one of a locking device and a door handle or doorknob,- a second connector (60) for connecting to the other of the locking device and the door handle or doorknob,- a coupler (20) movable between an active position where the first connector (70) is rotationally fixed to the second connector (60) and a passive position where the first connector (70) is rotatable in relation to the second connector (60), the coupling assembly (10) further comprising:- a drive shaft (41),- a motor (40) configured to rotate said drive shaft (41),- an activator (30) arranged on said drive shaft (41), the activator (30) being rotationally fixed but axially movable in relation to the drive shaft (41), and the activator (30) further comprising an external thread (31),- a biasing assembly (50) configured to bias the activator (30) towards a central axial position on the drive shaft (41), wherein the coupler (20) comprises an internal thread (21) configured to interact with the external thread (31) of the activator (30) such that a rotation of the activator (30) causes an axial movement of the activator (30) in relation to the coupler (20), and wherein a rotation of the drive shaft (41) in a first rotational direction causes a corresponding rotation of the activator (30) to urge the coupler (20) towards the active position, whereas a rotation of the drive shaft (41) in a second rotational direction causes a corresponding rotation of the activator (30) to urge the coupler (20) towards the passive position.

2. Coupling assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an alignment member (80) connected to the second connector (60) and configured to block movement of the coupler (20) to the active position when the first connector (70) and the second connector (60) are not aligned.

3. Coupling assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing assembly (50) comprises- a first spring (51) arranged between the activator (30) and an outer stop surface (53) and configured to bias the activator (30) in a first axial direction (D I), and- a second spring (52) arranged between the activator (30) and an inner stop surface (54) and configured to bias the activator (30) in a second axial direction (D2) opposite to the first axial direction (D I).

4. Coupling assembly according to any previous claim, wherein the activator (30) is configured to move in relation to the coupler (20) along a linear path (P) by the outer thread (31) of the activator (30) cooperating with the inner thread (21) of the coupler (20) towards an end point (El, E2) where the outer thread (31) is disconnected from the inner thread (21) to allow a continued rotation of the activator (30) without causing a corresponding movement of the coupler (20).

5. Coupling assembly according to claim 4, wherein the outer thread (21) is disconnected from the inner thread (31) at end points (El, E2) at both ends of the linear path (P).

6. Coupling assembly according to any previous claim, wherein the coupler (20) comprises a coupler body (23) and also comprises a slider (24) configured to slide in relation to the coupler body (23) between end positions (Pl, P2), said end positions (Pl, P2) comprising a first slider position (Pl) where the slider (24) acts on a first counter surface (231) of the coupler body (23) to urge the coupler body (23) towards the active position and said end positions (Pl, P2) also comprising a second slider position (P2) where the slider (24) acts on a second counter surface (232) of the coupler body (23) to urge the coupler body (23) towards the passive position, said slider (24) further comprisingthe internal thread (21) such that the rotation of the activator (30) causes the axial movement of the slider (24).

7. Coupling assembly according to claim 6, further comprising at least one catch (22) movable from a blocking position where the coupler (20) is fixed in the passive position in relation to the first connector (70) to a non-blocking position where the coupler (20) is not fixed.

8. Coupling assembly according to claim 6, wherein the at least one catch (22) in the blocking position is held in a catch space (29) in the coupler body (23) and a corresponding second catch space (71) in the first connector (70), said catch space (29) and second catch space (71) being aligned when the coupler (20) is in the passive position, and wherein the blocking position is caused by the slider (24) pushing the at least one catch (22) towards the second catch space (71).

9. Coupling assembly according to claim 7, wherein the non-blocking position is caused by the slider (24) releasing the at least one catch (22) to enable it to leave the second catch space (71).

10. Coupling assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the at least one catch (22) is held in the catch space (29) in the coupler body (23) radially outwards of the slider (24) in the blocking position.

11. Coupling assembly according to any of claims 7- 10, wherein the catch (22) is spherical.

12. Coupling assembly according to any of claims 7- 11, comprising at least two catches (22) distributed in a circumferential direction around the coupler (20).

13. Coupling assembly according to any previous claim, wherein the coupler (20) is rotationally fixed to the first connector (70).

14. Coupling assembly according to any previous claim, wherein the first connector (70) forms a housing (73) surrounding the coupler (20), activator (30) and drive shaft (41).

Images