Lock cylinder arrangement

Abstract

According to the invention, there is provided a lock cylinder arrangement 10 comprising at least a first shell 12A having an inner space 14A comprising a first groove 16A, at least a first core 18A arranged within the inner space 14A and rotatably in relation to the first shell 12A, a bolt 20 arranged rotatably in relation to the first shell 12A comprising an opening 22 with a slot 24, and at least a first coupling arrangement 26A comprising a first coupling member 28A A first end of the first coupling arrangement 26A_E1 is in contact with a first end of the first core 18A_E1 to enable the first core 18A to rotate the first coupling arrangement 26A between a first and a second state 26A_S1, 26A_S2, and a second end of the coupling arrangement 26A_E2 extends into the opening of the bolt 22. Rotation of the first coupling arrangement 26A from the first to the second state 26A_S1, 26A_S2 is configured to misalign the first coupling member 28A with the first groove 16A and to move in the first direction D1 enabling the first coupling member 28A to enter the slot 24 that couples the first coupling arrangement 26A with the bolt 20 to enable transferring of the rotational movement of the first core 18A to the bolt 20.

Description

[0001] LOCK CYLINDER ARRANGEMENT

[0002] FIELD

[0003] Various embodiments relate to a field of lock cylinder arrangements.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] There is a plurality of different types of lock cylinder arrangements available on the market. The known solutions have some issues and may not be optimal in every situation. The issues may relate to a bolt of the lock cylinder, for example. Especially how to couple and uncouple the bolt with other components within the lock cylinder.

[0006] Hence, there is a need for the more sophisticated lock cylinder structure.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0008] The present invention is defined by the subject matter of the independent claim. Embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claim are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0010] LIST OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figures 1A and IB illustrate a lock cylinder arrangement according to embodiments of the invention;

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a shell of the lock cylinder arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a bolt of the lock cylinder arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a coupling arrangement with the bolt according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0016] Figures 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate functioning of the coupling arrangement within the lock cylinder arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figures 6, 7A, 7B, 8 and 9 illustrate a coupling member of the coupling arrangement according to embodiments of the invention.

[0017] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The following embodiments are only examples. Although the specification may refer to “an” embodiment in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, words "comprising" and "including" should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments may contain also features / structures that have not been specifically mentioned.

[0019] Reference numbers, both in the description of the embodiments and in the claims, serve to illustrate the embodiments with reference to the drawings, without limiting them to these examples only.

[0020] The applicant, iLOQ Oy, has invented many improvements for the electromechanical locks, such as those disclosed in various European and US patent applications and patents. A complete discussion of all those details is not repeated here, but the reader is advised to consult those publications. The invention described in this application may be used in traditional mechanical locks as well as in electromechanical locks.

[0021] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a lock cylinder arrangement comprising at least a first shell having an inner space comprising a first groove, at least a first core arranged within the inner space and rotatably in relation to the first shell, a bolt arranged rotatably in relation to the first shell comprising an opening with a slot, and at least a first coupling arrangement comprising a first coupling member. A first end of the first coupling arrangement is in contact with a first end of the first core to enable the first core to rotate the first coupling arrangement between a first and a second state, and a second end of the coupling arrangement extends into the opening of the bolt. Rotation of the first coupling arrangement from the first to the second state is configured to misalign the first coupling member with the first groove to force the first coupling member out of the first groove and to move in a first direction enabling the first coupling member to enter the slot that couples the first coupling arrangement with the bolt to enable transferring of the rotational movement of the first core to the bolt. Referring to Figure 1A, the lock cylinder may comprise one or more hollow shells 12A. The hollow shell 12A comprises the cylindrical internal space 14A for receiving the cylindrical core 18A such that the core 18A can rotate in relation to the shell 12A. The core may be coupled, for example, with a doorknob (not illustrated in Figures), and it transfers rotational movement (force, torque) of the doorknob to other component(s) in the lock cylinder. In other words, the door is opened by rotating the doorknob. For example, in a field of electromechanical locks, the door / lock may be opened by rotating the doorknob after authentication. The authentication may be performed wirelessly by applying the NFC - technology (Near Field Communication), for example. If a person is authorized to open the door / lock, the lock cylinder is set to an open state to enable opening of the door / lock by rotating the doorknob. In the lock cylinders in which a key is used, the key is inserted into the core to lock or unlock the lock / door, for example. The core may also be called a plug or a barrel, for example.

[0022] Still referring to Figure 1A, the bolt 20 is a force-transmitting component that is in contact with the core 18A. The rotational movement of the core (torque) is transferred to the bolt when setting the lock to the open state. The bolt transfers the movement to other components outside of the lock cylinder, for example. The bolt may also be called a cam or a latch, for example. Functional principles of the standard lock cylinders are widely known and are not described in this application in detail. The invention is aimed especially to provide a sophisticated solution for coupling / uncouplingthe core with the bolt.

[0023] Referring now to Figures IB and 2, the core 18A is rotatably arranged within the internal space of the shell 14A. The shell is a stationary part in the lock cylinder arrangement and the core can rotate in relation to the shell. The core may rotate around its central axis CAI as illustrated in Figure IB. The central axis of the core may also be accordant with a central axis of the inner space of the shell, the bolt and the coupling arrangement. Hence, all these components may rotate around the same central axis. The reference CAI in Figures is used to represent the central axis of all the above-mentioned features. Furthermore, the central axis CAI may also be accordant with a longitudinal axis (longitudinal direction) of the lock cylinder arrangement LA that is illustrated in Figure 1A. A radial axis (radial direction) of the lock cylinder RA is also illustrated in Figure 1A, and the radial axis RA may also be the radial axis of the core, the inner space of the shell, the bolt and the coupling arrangement. The radial axis may be perpendicular in relation to the longitudinal axis. The shell 12A further comprises on an inner surface of the internal space 14A the groove 16A. Lengthwise the groove may extend in the longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder, and a depth of the groove may extend in the radial direction, for example. The grove may be on the bottom of the inner space in a normal use of the lock cylinder (normal use position) as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0024] Referring now to Figures 1A, IB and 3, the bolt 20 is arranged next to the shell 12A in the lock cylinder arrangement. The bolt may be rotatable in relation to the shell. The bolt may be rotatably coupled with one end of the shell as illustrated in Figure 1A, for example. The bolt may comprise the opening 22 that may be a through hole. A central axis of the opening may be accordant with the central axis of the bolt CAI. The bolt may be arranged to rotate freely around the central axis of the opening in the first state of the first coupling arrangement. Hence, the central axis of the opening may also be the rotation axis of the bolt. The opening 22 may comprise the slot 24 for receiving the coupling member 28A. The slot may be arranged on an inner surface of the opening, for example, as illustrated in Figure 3. The slot may extend through the inner surface in the longitudinal direction CAI. A depth of the slot in the radial direction was well as a width of the slot may be adjusted such that the locking member can operate with the slot.

[0025] Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, the coupling arrangement 26A is arranged to interact with the core 18A and the bolt 20. The first end of the coupling arrangement 26A_E1 may be removably coupled with the first end of the core 18A as illustrated in FigurelB, for example. The core is in connection with the coupling arrangement such that its rotational movement (torque) can be transferred to the coupling arrangement. Hence, when the core is rotated, the coupling arrangement may rotate with the core. The second end of the coupling arrangement 26A_E2 extends, at least partly, inside the opening ofthebolt22. The coupling arrangement may be used to couple and uncouple the core with the bolt. In the first state of the coupling arrangement, the bolt is not coupled with the coupling arrangement and bolt and can freely rotate in relation to them. In the second state of the coupling arrangement, the bolt is connected with the coupling arrangement and then rotation of the core may be transferred to the bolt and the bolt rotates with the core via coupling arrangement. Then the bolt may not rotate freely in relation to the core and coupling arrangement. In other words, in the first state of the coupling arrangement, the coupling arrangement may not couple the core with the bolt, and in the second state the coupling arrangement may couple the core with the bolt forcing the bolt to rotate with the core. Referring now to Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, that illustrate how the coupling between the core 18A and the bolt 20 may take place by moving the coupling arrangement 26A from the first to the second state 26A_S1, 26A_S2. The coupling arrangement 26A comprises the coupling member 28A that is configured to interact with the grove 16A and the slot 24. The coupling member may be a connection pin, for example. A first end of the coupling member may interact with the groove and a second end with the slot, for example. The coupling member may move in a direction DI in relation to the coupling arrangement between a first position in which the coupling member is in the groove, and a second position in which the coupling member is in the slot. The direction DI may be a longitudinal axis of the coupling member. Figure 5A illustrates a first and a second moving directions D1A-B of the coupling member. The coupling member may move in the first moving direction when moving from the groove to the slot, and in the second moving direction when moving from the slot to the groove. The coupling member may move perpendicularly in relation to the longitudinal axis of the lock cylinder LA.

[0026] As described above, rotation of the core 18A may rotate the coupling arrangement 26A, and rotation of the coupling arrangement 26A from the first state 26A_S1 to the second state 26A_S2 may misalign the coupling member 28A with the groove 16A. For example, a first end of the coupling member 28A_E1 may be misaligned with the groove 16A. Figure 5A illustrates the first state of the coupling arrangement in which the coupling member 28A is aligned with the groove 16A (is within the groove), and the coupling member is out of the slot 24. In other words, Figure 5A illustrates the first state in which the coupling arrangement is not coupled with the bolt, and hence the bolt may rotate freely in relation to the coupling arrangement and the core. Figure 5B illustrates the situation in which the core 18A is started to rotate the coupling arrangement 26A from the first state towards the second state, and the coupling member 28A is misaligning with the groove 16A that forced the first end of the coupling member 28A_E1 to move out of the groove 16A and a second end 28A_E2 towards the slot 24. Then the coupling member 28A moves in the first moving direction D1A. In other words, Figure 5B illustrates the state in which the coupling arrangement is moving from the first to the second state but is not fully achieved the second state yet. Figure 5C illustrates the situation in which the coupling arrangement 26A is rotated more such that the coupling member 28A is totally misaligned with the groove 16A, and the coupling member 28A has been forced to move out of the groove 16A, and into the slot 24. In other words, Figure 5C illustrates the second state in which the coupling arrangement is coupled with the bolt, and hence the bolt may rotate with the core via coupling arrangement. For example, a side surface(s) of the groove that takes contact with the coupling member when it is moving in and out of the groove may be inclined enabling the end of the coupling member slide out of the groove, and also back to the groove. Hence, rotation of the core rotates the coupling arrangement that forces the coupling member out of the groove that moves the coupling member in the direction DI towards the slot enabling the coupling arrangement to be coupled with the bolt such that the bolt rotates with the core via coupling arrangement. Also, the end of the coupling member that goes into the groove may be tapered (chamfered) to enable easier moving into and out of the groove.

[0027] In an embodiment, the coupling arrangement 26A can also be moved back to the first state 26A_S1 from the second state 26A_S2. When the coupling arrangement 26A moves from the second to the first state 26A_S2, 26A_S1, the coupling member 28A can be aligned again with the groove 16A to enable the coupling member 28A to move in the second moving direction DIB from the slot 24 to the groove 16A-B to uncouple the coupling arrangement 26A with the bolt 20. Still referring to Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, when the core 18A is rotated such that the coupling member 28A-B is again aligned with the groove 16A-B, the coupling member enters the groove that forces the coupling member out of the slot as illustrated in Figure 5A. Then the coupling arrangement moves from the second state back to the first state that uncouples the coupling arrangement with the bolt, and the bolt can rotate freely in relation to the core and coupling arrangement.

[0028] Referring now to Figures 1A and IB, in an embodiment the coupling arrangement 26A is separate from the core 18A and is arranged substantially between the first end of the core 18A_E1 and the bolt 20. The coupling arrangement may be a separate component that is connectable with the core such that the core can rotate the coupling arrangement. The first ends of the core and coupling arrangement may comprise features that are, for example, removably connected such that rotation of the core is transferred to the coupling arrangement. In other words, the coupling arrangement may not be integrated within the core. The coupling arrangement may also be separate from the bolt but connectable with it (in the second state). The core may be a cylindrical component that is arranged within the cylindrical inner space of the shell. The coupling arrangement may be arranged next to the core and at least partly within the inner space of the shell such that the first end of the core can interact with the first end of the coupling arrangement as illustrated in Figure IB. The bolt may be placed on the other side of the coupling arrangement in the longitudinal direction such that the second end of the coupling arrangement 28A_E2 can interact with the bolt. As described, the second end of the coupling arrangement may extend, at least partly, inside the opening of the bolt. Then the coupling arrangement is, at least partly, between the core and the bolt and can act as a switch enabling / disabling coupling between the core and the bolt.

[0029] Referring to Figure IB, as illustrated above, the coupling arrangement 26A may rotate around its central axis CAI that is parallel with the central axis of the core. Hence, the core and the coupling arrangement may have the same central axis CAI, and both may rotate around this axis. As described above, the central axis CAI may also be central axis of the inner space of the shell and the opening of the bolt. Then the bolt may also rotate around this axis.

[0030] Referring to Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, in an embodiment the coupling arrangement 26A comprises a returning element 30 in connection with the coupling member 28A for returning the coupling member 28A from the slot 24 to the groove 16A in the first state of the coupling arrangement 26A_S1. The returning element may be an elastic component. The returning element may comprise a spring like a coil spring, for example. The returning element is compressed (tension loaded) when the coupling member moves out of the groove (is misaligned with the groove), and when the coupling member is aligned again with the groove, the returning element is uncompressed (tension unloaded), forcing the coupling member out of the slot and back to the groove. Hence, the returning element is configured to be compressed and uncompressed when the coupling member moves in the first and the second moving directions. Moving of the coupling member out of the groove may be provided by misaligning the coupling member with the groove as presented above, and moving of the coupling member back to the groove, when aligned with the groove, may be provided by the returning element.

[0031] Referring now to Figures 6, 7A and 7B, in an embodiment, the coupling member 28A comprises a first and second part 28A1, 28A2, wherein the first part 28A1 is configured to interact with the groove 16A and the second part 28A2 with the slot 24. In other words, the coupling member may be a two-piece component. Then a first end of the first part 28A1_E1 may interact with the groove, and a first end of the second part 28A2_E1 may interact with the slot. A second end of the first part 28A1_E2 may interact with a second end of the second part 28A2_E2. The first and the second parts may be in connection via second ends such that moving of the first part is transferred to the second part. Hence, when the first part of the coupling member moves out of the groove in the first moving direction, this also moves the second part in the first direction enabling the second part to go into the slot. When the first part moves back to the grove, it moves in the second moving direction, and enables also the second part to move in the second moving direction out of the slot. It is important to realize that when the first part moves in the first direction D1A, it may move towards the second part, and when the first part moves in the second direction DIB, it may move away from the second part. When the second part moves in the first direction D1A, it may move away from the first part, and when the second part moves in the second direction DIB, it may move towards the first part as illustrated in Figure 6, for example.

[0032] It is important to realize that the first and second moving direction of the first part may deviate from the first and second moving direction of the second part. In other words, the moving direction of first part may not be parallel with the moving direction of the second part. There may be predefined angle between the moving directions, for example.

[0033] Referring to Figure 6, that illustrates a first and a second moving line of the first and the second part of the coupling member LI, L2 when viewing in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the lock cylinder LA (parallelly to the longitudinal axis). In other words, Figure 6 illustrates the coupling arrangement from an end view. The first moving line LI may be the moving line of the first part and the second moving line L2 may be the moving line of the second part. The moving lines LI, L2 show the line in which the parts move when moving in the moving direction DI. In an embodiment the first and second parts of the coupling member 28A1, 28A2 move on the same moving line LI, L2 when moving in the direction DI. Therefore, the first moving line LI may be the same as the second moving line L2, and the moving direction DI may also be accordant and parallel with the moving lines LI, L2.

[0034] Referring now to Figure 8, that illustrates the first and second moving lines LI, L2 in the radial direction of the lock cylinder. In other words, when viewing in the direction of the radial axis of the lock cylinder RA (parallelly to the radial axis) that is a side view of the coupling arrangement (and the lock cylinder) as illustrated also in Figures 1A and IB. As illustrated in Figure 8, in an embodiment, the first moving line of the first part LI deviates from the second moving line of the second part L2. Still both parts have the same moving direction DI, in other words, the moving line of the first part LI is parallel with the moving line of the second part L2 but there is a gap between the moving lines LI, L2 in the longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder. Hence, when the first part moves into and out of the groove it moves on the first moving line LI that enables moving of the second part on the second moving line L2 (into and out of the slot).

[0035] As described above, the coupling member is configured to interact with the groove that is within the shell and with the slot that is within the bolt. There may be a gap also between the groove and the slot in the longitudinal direction. The bolt may be arranged next to the shell in the longitudinal direction, and the first end of the coupling arrangement may extend to the inner space of the shell, and second end may extend to the opening of the bolt. Deviating the first part of the coupling member from the second part of the coupling member in the longitudinal direction enables that the coupling member may interact with the shell and the bolt when switching between the first and the second state.

[0036] Still referring to Figure 8, in an embodiment, the first part 28A1 comprises a protrusion 28A1_P that extends in the longitudinal direction towards the bolt 20, and the second part 28A2 is in connection with the protrusion 28A1_P. Therefore, the protrusion may be in the second end of the first part, and it is configured to interact with the second end of the second part. Then the moving lines of the first and the second part can be deviated but still the first and the second part can interact with each other as described above. The first part may be substantially L-shaped as illustrated in Figure 8, for example. It is also good to realize that the protrusion described above with the first part may also be arranged within the second part.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 9, in an embodiment, the moving direction of coupling member DI is arranged to be non-perpendicular in relation to the central axis of the coupling arrangement 26A. The direction DI may be a longitudinal axis of the coupling member, hence the coupling member is in a predetermined angle in relation to the central axis of the coupling arrangement such that the coupling member and the central axis are not perpendicular. This means that the moving direction DI may be unparallel with the radial axis of the lock cylinder RA. The coupling member may comprise one or two parts in this embodiment. When the coupling member is not perpendicular in relation to the central axis of the coupling arrangement, the first end of the coupling member 28E1 may be deviated from the second end of the coupling member 28E2 such that there is a gap between them in the longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder CAI. Then, when viewing from the side view, the coupling member is tilted (inclined) in relation to the radial axis of the lock cylinder as illustrated in Figure 9 making it possible to deviate the first end of the coupling member from the second end in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] Referring to Figures 6, 7A and 7B, in an embodiment the first and the second parts of the coupling member 28A1, 28A2 are arranged, at least partly, to overlap. The parts 28A1, 28A2 may be capable of moving, at least partly, in relation to each other. The first part may comprise a cavity 32 for receiving the second part that forms the overlapping. Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein the first part of the coupling member 28A1 comprises two projections and the second part 28A2 is arranged, at least partly, within (between) the projections. In other words, the projections form a U-shaped structure having the cavity between them, and the second part extends, at least partly, inside the cavity (U-shape). Hence, the first and the second parts overlap within the U-shaped structure. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate an embodiment wherein the first part is a hollow tube kind of structure, and the second part is partly arranged within the hollow tube. Then the hollow tube forms the cavity. Hence, the first and the second part overlap in a section in which the first and the second part are within each other. In other words, in the section wherein the second part is inside the first part. This enables a telescopic structure of the coupling member since the first and the second part may move in relation to each other, at least, in the direction DI. There may be a limiting element that limits and / or prevents that the second part may not move totally out of the first part when moving in the first direction D1A. This ensures that the first and the second part are overlapped even if the parts move in relation to each other. The above- mentioned embodiments illustrate structures wherein the second partis arranged, at least partly, inside the first part, but it may also be possible to arrange the first part inside the second part.

[0039] In an embodiment, the coupling arrangement 26A comprises an elastic member 34 in connection with the second part 28A2 to move the second part 28A2 in the first direction D1A to enable the second part 28A2 to enter the slot 24 when the first part 28A1 moves out of the first groove 16A. Referring now to Figure 6 and 7 A, in an embodiment the elastic member 34 may be arranged between the first and the second part 28A1, 28A2 such that movement of the first part 28A1 in the first direction D1A, caused by misaligning the coupling member 28A with the groove 16A, is transferred to the second part 28A2 via elastic member 34. Hence, when the coupling arrangement starts to move from the first to the second state, the first part moves in the first direction and the first part also moves the second part via elastic member. For example, the elastic member may be a spring like a coil spring, and moving of the first part moves the spring that moves the second part towards the slot. For example, a first end of the elastic member may be in contact with the first part and a second end with the second part as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7A. For example, if the second part is not aligned with the slot and the second part cannot move into the slot, the first part can still move out of the groove, and this compresses the spring. When the second part is aligned with the slot, then the spring uncompresses and it moves the second part into the slot. Hence, the elastic member stores the movement of the first part in the first direction D1A if the second part cannot move in this direction, and this movement is released from the elastic member when the second end is aligned with the slot and can move in the first direction. As described, the bolt may rotate freely in relation to the coupling arrangement in the first state of the coupling arrangement. Hence, the slot may not necessarily be aligned with the coupling member in every situation. The elastic member enables moving of the first part out of the groove (the first direction) in any case making it possible to rotate core with the coupling arrangement, and when the core rotates the coupling arrangement to the position in which the second part is aligned with the slot, the elastic member pushes the second part into the slot (the first direction) that couples the bolt with the coupling arrangement making it possible to rotate the bolt with the core. When the groove is again aligned with the first part, the returning element moves the first part back to the groove in the second direction, and the first part may take contact with the second part to pull it in the second direction and out of the slot.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 7B, in an embodiment the elastic member is arranged between the coupling arrangement 26A and the second part 28A2. The first end of the elastic member may be in connection with the coupling arrangement and the second end with the second part. In this embodiment, the elastic member is tensioned such that it tries to push the second part in the first direction D1A, but the first part may be arranged to be in connection with the second part such that it limits or prevents moving of the second part in the first state of the coupling arrangement. In other words, the tensioned elastic member tries to move the second part into the slot (the first direction), but due to the returning element, the first part stays in the groove and prevents this movement. As described above, the coupling arrangement is within the groove in the first state. When the coupling arrangement starts to move towards the second state, the coupling member is misaligned with groove and it moves out of the groove in the first direction D1A that allows also the second part to move in the same direction, and then the elastic member moves the second part into the slot if aligned with the second part. The second part may move substantially the same distance as the first part when it moves out of the groove. When the coupling arrangement moves from the second to the first state, the first part is again aligned with the groove and the returning element moves the first part into the groove, and the first part takes then contact with the second part pulling the second part out of the slot. For example, the returning element and the elastic member may both be the coil springs as illustrated in Figure 6, 7A and 7B. Then the coil spring that acts as the returning element 30 is stronger than the coil spring that acts as the elastic members 34. This means that the returning element, when it pushes the first part into the groove, compresses also the elastic member. So, the returning element pushes against the elastic member when the coupling arrangement moves from the second to the first state. And, when the first part moves in the first direction, it compresses the returning element that allows the elastic member to push the second part into the slot.

[0041] In an embodiment, the returning element 30 is configured to return the first part 28A1 into the first groove 16A in the first state of the first coupling arrangement 26A_S1 wherein the first part 28A1 is configured to pull the second part 28A2 out of the slot (24). The first part 28A1 may be in a direct contact with the second part when the first part 28A1 pulls the second part 28A2 out of the slot.

[0042] Referring to Figures 6, 7A and 7B, in an embodiment the first part 28A1 comprises a first flange 36A configured to contact with a second flange 36B arranged within the second part 28A2 when the first part 28A1 pulls the second part 28A2 out of the slot 24. As described above, the first and the second part may overlap at least partly. The overlapping may be made by arranging the cavity within the first part, and the second part may extend inside the cavity. For example, the cavity may comprise two projections as presented above, and the second part is arranged to extend between the projections. The first flange may be arranged at the end of at least one projection as illustrated in Figure 6, for example. The ends of both projections may comprise the flange. The flange may extend towards the second part that is arranged between the projections. The end of the second part that goes inside the projection may comprise at least one second flange extending towards the first part as illustrated in Figure 6, for example. The first and the second flange can contact each other when the first part moves to the second direction and back to the groove, for example. When the first part takes contact with the second part via flanges, the first part takes a direct contact with the second part and can pull the second part out of the slot. The flanges may also be used for limiting or preventing movement of the second part. As illustrated for example in Figure 7B, in the first state of the coupling arrangement, the elastic member 32 tries to move the second part 28A2 in the second direction DIB, but the returning element 30 keeps the first part 28A1 within the groove 16A, and the first part 28A1 limits or prevents moving of the second part 28A2 in the second direction DIB. The first part may be in contact with the second part via flanges. When the first part 28A1 moves out of the groove 16A in the first direction D1A, the elastic member 32 moves the second part 28A2 in the same direction and the same distance as the first part 28A1 moves allowing the second part 28A2 to enter the slot 24. Hence, the flanges may be used for pulling the second part out of the slot, and further for limiting movement of the second part.

[0043] Referring to Figures 6, 7A and 7B. In an embodiment, the returning element 30 is arranged between the first part 28A1 and the coupling arrangement 26A. In an embodiment, the elastic member 32 is arranged between the coupling arrangement 26A and the second part 28A2. In another embodiment, the elastic member 32 is arranged between the first and the second part 28A1, 28A2. In an embodiment the elastic member 34 is arranged within the cavity 32.

[0044] Referring to Figure 5A, in an embodiment the coupling member 28A is arranged substantially inside the coupling arrangement 26A, and wherein the coupling member 28A extends out of the coupling arrangement 26A from opposite sides of the coupling arrangement 26A in the first and second states 26A_S1 26A_S2. In the first state of the coupling arrangement, the coupling member may extend out of the coupling arrangement from a first side of the coupling arrangement, and in the second state of the coupling arrangement the coupling member may extend out of the coupling arrangement from a second side. The first and the second sides may be opposite side of the coupling member as illustrated in Figure 5A, for example.

[0045] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, in an embodiment a shape of the coupling arrangement 26A is substantially cylindrical. The cylindrical coupling arrangement is dimensioned to fit, at least partly, inside the cylindrical inner space of the shell, and inside the opening of the bolt. The coupling member may extend (radially) out of the coupling arrangement from a curved surface of the cylindrical shape. Referring now to Figure 6, in an embodiment the bolt 20 comprises a ring 38 arranged inside the opening 22 wherein and the slot 24 is arranged within the ring 38. The ring may be a separate component that is arranged inside the opening.

[0046] Referring now to Figures 1A and IB, in an embodiment, the arrangement 10 further comprises a second shell 12B having an inner space 14B comprising a second groove 16B, a second core 18B arranged within the inner space 14B and rotatably in relation to the second shell 12B and a second coupling arrangement 26B comprising a second coupling member 28B. A first end of the second coupling arrangement 26B_E1 is in contact with a first end of the second core 18B_E1 to enable the second core 18B to rotate the second coupling arrangement 26B between a first and a second state 26B_S1, 26B_S2, and a second end of the second coupling arrangement 26B_E2 extends into the opening of the bolt 22. Rotation of the second coupling arrangement 26B from the first to the second state 26B_S1, 26B_S2 is configured to misalign the second coupling member 28B with the second groove 16B to force the second coupling member 28B out of the second groove 16B and to move in the first direction DI enabling the second coupling member 28B to enter the slot 24 that couples the second coupling arrangement 26B with the bolt 20 to enable transferring of the rotational movement of the second core 18B to the bolt 20.

[0047] The lock arrangement may comprise only one shell, core, coupling arrangement and bolt. Then the shell, core and coupling arrangement is arranged only on one side of the bolt. The lock cylinder arrangement may also comprise the first and second shell and the bolt is arranged between them. The shell may also be one part having a slot for receiving the bolt, or it may comprise two separate shells coupled together. The first core is arranged within the first shell and the second core with in the second shell. Then the arrangement may also comprise two coupling arrangements, wherein the first coupling arrangement is configured to interact with the first core and the second coupling arrangement with the second core. The first coupling arrangement enables coupling and uncoupling of the first core with the bolt, and the second coupling arrangement enables coupling and uncoupling of the second core with the bolt. All the features and their functions described above can be applied to both first and the second coupling arrangements. Hence, the references above may refer to the first shell, the first core and the first coupling arrangement with its components, but the same principles are valid also for the second shell, the second core and the second coupling arrangement with its component. Furthermore, some of the references may also refer generally to the feature without taking a stand is it the first or second, still all principles are valid for the first and the second features.

[0048] In an embodiment, the first core may be coupled with the bolt with the coupling arrangement enabling coupling and uncoupling between the first core and the bolt, and the second core is fixedly coupled with the bolt. In another embodiment, the second core may be coupled with the bolt with the coupling arrangement enabling coupling and uncoupling between the second core and the bolt, and the first core is fixedly coupled with the bolt. In other words, in the case of the two cores, only one core of the lock cylinder assembly may be coupled, and uncoupled with the bolt and another core is fixedly coupled with the bolt. Fixedly coupled means that rotation of the core is always transferred to the bolt. This feature may be applied in situations in which the door must be opened always when turning the doorknob in a first side of the door, and from the second side only when the lock is set to the openable state. For example, when opening the door outside of the building, authentication (or key) maybe needed to set the lock to the openable state and to get the door open. On this side of the lock cylinder the coupling arrangement of the invention may be applied to selectively couple and uncouple the core with the bolt. The authentication or key may not be needed when opening the door from inside the building, then the core can be fixedly coupled with the bolt.

[0049] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lock cylinder arrangement (10) comprising: at least a first shell ( 12 A) having an inner space (14A) comprising a first groove (16A); at least a first core (18A) arranged within the inner space (14A) and rotatably in relation to the first shell ( 12 A) ; a bolt (20) arranged rotatably in relation to the first shell (12A) comprising an opening (22) with a slot (24); and at least a first coupling arrangement (26A) comprising a first coupling member (28A), wherein a first end of the first coupling arrangement (26A_E1) is in contact with a first end of the first core (18A_E1) to enable the first core (18A) to rotate the first coupling arrangement (26A) between a first and a second state (26A_S1, 26A_S2), and a second end of the coupling arrangement (26A_E2) extends into the opening of the bolt (22), wherein rotation of the first coupling arrangement (26A) from the first to the second state (26A_S1, 26A_S2) is configured to misalign the first coupling member (28A) with the first groove (16A) and to move in the first direction (DI) enabling the first coupling member (28A) to enter the slot (24) that couples the first coupling arrangement (26A) with the bolt (20) to enable transferring of the rotational movement of the first core (18A) to the bolt (20).

2. The arrangement (10) of claim 1, wherein the first coupling arrangement (26A) is separate from the core (18A) and is arranged substantially between the first end of the first core (18A_E1) and the bolt (20).

3. The arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the first coupling arrangement (26A) is configured to rotate around its central axis (CAI) that is parallel with a central axis of the first core.

4. The arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein moving of the first coupling arrangement (26A) from the second to the first state (26A_S2, 26A_S1) is configured to align the first coupling member (28A) with the first groove (16A) and to enable the first coupling member (28A) to move from the slot (24) to the first groove (16A) to uncouple the first coupling arrangement (26A) from the bolt (20).

5. The arrangement (10) of claim 4, wherein the first coupling arrangement (26A) comprises a returning element (30) in connection with the first coupling member (28A) configured to return the first coupling member (28A) from the slot (24) to the first groove (16A) in the first state of the coupling arrangement (26A_S1).

6. The arrangement (10) of any preceding claims, wherein the first coupling member (28A) comprises a first and a second part (28A1, 28A2), wherein the first part (28A1) is configured to interact with the first groove (16A), and the second part (28A2) with the slot (24).

7. The arrangement (10) of claim 6, wherein a first end of the first part (28A1_E1) is configured to interact with the first groove (16A) and a first end of the second part (28A2_E1) is configured to interact with the slot (24), wherein the first and the second ends (28A1_E1, 28A2_E1) are deviated in a longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder.

8. The arrangement (10) of claims 6 - 7, wherein the first part (28A1) comprises a cavity (32) configured to receive, at least partly, the second part (28A2) such that the first and the second parts (28A1, 28A2) overlap and can move, at least partly, in relation to each other.

9. The arrangement (10) of claims 6 - 8, wherein the first coupling arrangement (26A) comprises an elastic member (34) in connection with the second part (28A2) to move the second part (28A2) in the first direction (D1A) to enable the second part (28A2) to enter the slot (24) when the first part (28A1) moves out of the first groove (16A).

10. The arrangement (10) of claims 6 - 9, wherein the returning element (30) is configured to return the first part (28A1) into the first groove (16A) in the first state of the first coupling arrangement (26A_S1) wherein the first part (28A1) is configured to pull the second part (28A2) out of the slot (24).

11. The arrangement (10) of claim 10, wherein the first part (28A1) comprises a first flange (36A) configured to contact with a second flange (36B)18 arranged within the second part (28A2) when the first part (28A1) pulls the second part (28A2) out of the slot (24).

12. The arrangement (10) of claims 9 - 10, wherein the returning element (30) is arranged between the first part (28A1) and the first coupling arrangement (26A), and / or the elastic member (34) is arranged between the first coupling arrangement (26A) and the second part (28A2) and / or the first and the second part (28A1, 28A2).

13. The arrangement (10) of claim 12, wherein the elastic member (34) is arranged within the cavity (32).

14. The arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the first coupling member (28A) is arranged substantially inside the first coupling arrangement (26A), and wherein the first coupling member (28A) extends out of the first coupling arrangement (26A) from opposite sides of the first coupling arrangement (26A) in the first and second states (26A_S1 26A_S2).

15. The arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the arrangement (10) further comprises a second shell (12B) having an inner space (14B) comprising a second groove (16B); a second core (18B) arranged within the inner space (14B) and rotatably in relation to the second shell (12B); a second coupling arrangement (26B) comprising a second coupling member (28B), wherein a first end of the second coupling arrangement (26B_E1) is in contact with a first end of the second core (18B_E1) to enable the second core (18B) to rotate the second coupling arrangement (26B) between a first and a second state (26B_S1, 26B_S2), and a second end of the second coupling arrangement (26B_E2) extends into the opening of the bolt (22), wherein rotation of the second coupling arrangement (26B) from the first to the second state (26B_S1, 26B_S2) is configured to misalign the second coupling member (28B) with the second groove (16B) to force the second coupling member (28B) out of the second groove (16B) and to move in the first direction (DI) enabling the second coupling member (28B) to enter the slot (24) that couples the second coupling arrangement (26B) with the bolt (20) to enable transferring of the rotational movement of the second core (18B) to the bolt (20).

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