COMBINATION LOCK FOR LOCKING A CLOSURE MEMBER

Abstract

The disclosure provides a combination lock for locking a closure member. The combination lock comprises a lock assembly comprising a latch bolt and a latch bolt actuating mechanism moveable between a rest state and an actuated state and the combination lock comprising a combination locking mechanism moveable between a blocking state and an unblocking state, and comprises a frame, a combination input means, a combination alteration means, and a cover. The cover is moveably mounted on the frame between an open position in which the combination alteration means are accessible by a user, and a closed position in which the combination alteration means are not accessible by a user, and the cover is moveable from its closed position to its open position when the combination locking mechanism is in its unblocking state and the latch bolt actuation mechanism is in its actuated state.

Claims

1. A combination lock for locking a closure member, the combination lock comprising: a lock assembly configured to be mounted on a closure member, the lock assembly comprising: a latch bolt moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and a latch bolt actuating mechanism moveable between a rest state and an actuated state and configured to move the latch bolt from its latched position to its unlatched position, and a combination locking mechanism moveable between a blocking state and an unblocking state and configured to prevent the latch bolt actuating mechanism to move the latch bolt from its latched position when the combination locking mechanism is in its blocking state and to allow the latch bolt actuating mechanism to move the latch bolt from its latched position when the combination locking mechanism is in its unblocking state, the combination locking mechanism comprising: a frame, a combination input means mounted on the frame and configured to move the combination locking mechanism to its unblocking state upon receiving a combination as input, a combination alteration means mounted on the frame and configured to allow a user to alter the combination, and a cover, wherein: the cover is moveably mounted on the frame between an open position in which the combination alteration means are accessible by a user, and a closed position in which the combination alteration means are not accessible by a user, and the cover is moveable from its closed position to its open position only when the combination locking mechanism is in its unblocking state.

2. The combination lock according to claim 1, wherein the combination locking mechanism further comprises a cover locking means moveable between a locking state in which the cover, when in its closed position, is prevented from leaving its closed position, to an unlocking state in which the cover is allowed to move to its open position.

3. The combination lock according to claim 2, wherein the cover locking means are in their locking state: when the combination locking mechanism is in its blocking state, and when the combination locking mechanism is in its unblocking state and the latch bolt actuation mechanism is in its rest state, and wherein the cover locking means are in their unlocking state when the combination locking mechanism is in its unblocking state and the latch bolt actuation mechanism is in its actuated state.

4. The combination lock according to claim 2, wherein the cover locking means comprise: a catch mounted on the cover, and a catch keeper mounted on the frame and configured to keep the catch when the cover locking means is in its locking state and the cover is in its closed position.

5. The combination lock according to claim 4, wherein the catch keeper is moveably connected to the frame between a keeping position and a releasing position, the cover locking means further comprising a catch keeper biasing member biasing the catch keeper to its keeping position, wherein the catch keeper is configured to be urged against the catch keeper biasing member into its releasing position, when the cover locking means are in the locking state and the cover moves from an open to a closed position.

6. The combination lock according to claim 5, wherein: the catch comprises a striker bolt extending between a first striker bolt end and a second striker bolt end with the striker bolt being mounted on the cover at the first striker bolt end, the striker bolt comprising a recess, and the catch keeper comprises a free end which extends into the recess when the catch keeper is in its keeping position and the cover is in its closed position.

7. The combination lock according to claim 6, wherein the striker bolt comprises a bevel at the second striker bolt end and the free end of the catch keeper comprises a bevel, the striker bolt bevel being configured to engage with the catch keeper bevel to urge the catch keeper against the catch keeper biasing member into its releasing position when the cover moves from an open to a closed position.

8. The combination lock according to claim 2, wherein the combination locking mechanism further comprises: a check slide slidably mounted on the frame between a checking position in which the check slide is configured to prevent rotation of the latch bolt actuating mechanism, and an unchecking position, and a check slide biasing member biasing the check slide to its checking position, wherein the check slide is slidable when the combination locking mechanism is in its unblocking state, and wherein the check slide is fixed in its checking position when the combination locking mechanism is in its blocking state, and wherein the check slide is also part of the cover locking means with the checking position corresponding to the locking state and the unchecking position corresponding to the unlocking state.

9. The combination lock according to claim 8, wherein the cover locking means further comprise a manually operable actuator, such as a pushbutton or a rotatable knob, operatively connected to the check slide and configured for moving the check slide to its unchecking position.

10. The combination lock according to claim 9, wherein the manually operable actuator is part of the latch bolt actuating mechanism.

11. The combination lock according to claim 1, wherein the latch bolt actuating mechanism comprises a spindle rotatably connected to the lock assembly and configured to be moved by a driver, and in that the combination locking mechanism further comprises: a check slide slidably mounted on the frame between a checking position in which the check slide is configured to prevent rotation of the spindle, and an unchecking position, and a check slide biasing member biasing the check slide to its checking position, wherein the check slide is slidable when the combination locking mechanism is in its unblocking state, and wherein the check slide is fixed in its checking position when the combination locking mechanism is in its blocking state.

12. The combination lock according to claim 11, wherein a spindle follower is mounted on the spindle, the spindle follower having a non-cylindrical outer surface which defines a spindle follower engagement surface, and the check slide comprises a check slide engagement surface, the check slide engagement surface abutting the spindle follower engagement surface when the check slide is in its checking position.

13. The combination lock according to claim 11, wherein, when the latch bolt actuating mechanism is moved from its rest state to its actuated state and the combination locking mechanism is in its unblocking state, the spindle follower is configured to move the check slide to its unchecking position.

14. The combination lock according to claim 1, wherein the cover is pivotally connected to the frame, the combination locking mechanism particularly further comprising temporary fixation means configured to hold a free end of the cover when the cover is in its open position.

15. The combination lock according to claim 14, wherein the temporary fixation means comprise a leaf spring.

16. The combination lock according to claim 1, wherein the cover extends between a first cover end and a second cover end in a longitudinal cover direction, and the cover is connected to the frame with a revolute joint, the axis of rotation of the revolute joint being transverse to the longitudinal cover direction and located between the first cover end and the second cover end.

17. The combination lock according to claim 1, wherein the combination locking mechanism comprises a cover biasing member biasing the cover to its closed position.

18. The combination lock according to claim 17, wherein the cover biasing member comprises a magnet and a magnetic catch, jointly biasing the cover to its closed position.

19. The combination lock according to claim 6, wherein said recess is formed by a circumferential groove.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The disclosure will be further elucidated by means of the following description and the appended figures.

[0050] FIG. 1a shows a frontal view of a combination lock according to the present disclosure mounted on a closure member.

[0051] FIG. 1b shows a side view of a combination lock according to the present disclosure mounted on a closure member.

[0052] FIG. 1c shows a detail of FIG. 1a.

[0053] FIG. 2a shows a front isometric, exploded view of a combination locking mechanism of a combination lock according to the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 2b shows a rear isometric, exploded view of a combination locking mechanism of a combination lock according to the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 3a shows a front view of the combination locking mechanism of a combination lock according to the present disclosure with the catch keeper in its keeping position.

[0056] FIG. 3b shows a sectional side view of the combination locking mechanism along A-A indicated in FIG. 3a.

[0057] FIG. 3c shows a sectional front view of the combination locking mechanism along B-B indicated in FIG. 3b.

[0058] FIG. 4a shows a front view of the combination locking mechanism of a combination lock according to the present disclosure with the catch keeper in its releasing position.

[0059] FIG. 4b shows a sectional side view of the combination locking mechanism along E-E indicated in FIG. 4a.

[0060] FIG. 4c shows a sectional front view of the combination locking mechanism along F-F indicated in FIG. 4b.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a combination locking mechanism of a combination lock according to the present disclosure with the cover in its open position. It also partially shows altering the combination with the combination alteration means from a method for using a combination lock according to the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of a combination lock according to the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 7 shows an isometric, exploded view of a check slide of a combination locking mechanism of a combination lock according to the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 8 shows an isometric, exploded view of a combination lock according to the present disclosure to be mounted on a closure member.

[0065] FIG. 9 shows a vertical cross-sectional view through the assembled closure member and combination lock of FIG. 8.

[0066] FIG. 10 shows a detail of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The present disclosure will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the disclosure is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the disclosure.

[0068] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the disclosure can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0069] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the disclosure described herein can operate in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0070] The term comprising, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression a device comprising means A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present disclosure, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0071] FIG. 1a shows a combination lock 101 according to the present disclosure mounted on a closure member 102. FIG. 1b shows a side view of the combination lock 101 and the closure member 102. FIG. 1c shows a frontal closeup of the combination lock 101 mounted on the closure member 102.

[0072] The closure member 102, in particular a gate, is attached to a fixed support 103, in particular a post. A further fixed support 104, in particular a post, is positioned opposite the fixed support 103, the closure member 102 engaging with the further fixed support 104 when the closure member 102 is closed. The combination lock 101 is mounted on the moveable closure member 102 and comprises a lock assembly 105. The lock assembly 105 comprises a latch bolt 106 moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and a latch bolt actuating mechanism 107, in particular a driver 108, in particular a door handle 109, moveable between a rest state and an actuated state and configured to move the latch bolt 106 from its latched position to its unlatched position. The combination lock 101 comprises a combination locking mechanism 110 moveable between a blocking state and an unblocking state and configured to prevent the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 to move the latch bolt 106 from its latched position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its blocking state and to allow the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 to move the latch bolt 106 from its latched position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state.

[0073] FIG. 2a shows a front view and FIG. 2b shows a rear view of an isometric, exploded view of a combination lock according to the present disclosure.

[0074] The combination lock comprises a lock assembly 105 with a latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 (only partially shown) and a combination locking mechanism 110. The combination locking mechanism 110 is moveable between a blocking state and an unblocking state and configured to prevent the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 to move the latch bolt from its latched position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its blocking state and to allow the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 to move the latch bolt from its latched position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state. The combination locking mechanism 110 comprises a frame 201, a combination input means 202 mounted on the frame 201 and configured to move the combination locking mechanism 110 to its unblocking state upon receiving a combination as input, a combination alteration means 203 mounted on the frame 201 and configured to allow a user to alter the combination, and a cover 204. The cover 204 is moveably mounted on the frame 201 between an open position in which the combination alteration means 203 are accessible by a user, and a closed position in which the combination alteration means 203 are not accessible by a user, and the cover 204 is moveable from its closed position to its open position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state and the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 is in its actuated state.

[0075] The combination locking mechanism 110 further comprises a cover locking means 205 moveable between a locking state in which the cover 204, when in its closed position, is prevented from leaving its closed position, to an unlocking state in which the cover 204 is allowed to move to its open position.

[0076] The cover locking means 205 comprise a catch 206 mounted on the cover 204, and a catch keeper 207 mounted on the frame 201 and configured to keep the catch 206 when the cover locking means 205 is in its locking state and the cover 204 is in its closed position.

[0077] The catch 206 comprises a striker bolt 208 extending between a first striker bolt end 209 and a second striker bolt end 210 with the striker bolt 208 being mounted on the cover 204 at the first striker bolt end 209, the striker bolt 208 comprising a recess 211, by preference a groove 212, by further preference a circumferential groove 213, and the catch keeper 207 comprises a free end which extends into the recess 211 when the catch keeper 207 is in its keeping position and the cover 204 is in its closed position.

[0078] The latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 comprises a spindle 214 rotatably connected to the lock assembly 105 and configured to be moved by a driver, and the combination locking mechanism 110 comprises a check slide 215 slidably mounted on the frame 201 between a checking position in which the check slide 215 is configured to prevent rotation of the spindle 214, and an unchecking position, and a check slide biasing member 216 biasing the check slide 215 to its checking position, wherein the check slide 215 is slidable when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state, and wherein the check slide 215 is fixed in its checking position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its blocking state.

[0079] A spindle follower 217 is mounted on the spindle 214. The spindle follower 217 has a non-cylindrical outer surface which defines a spindle follower engagement surface 218, and the check slide 215 comprises a check slide engagement surface 219, the check slide engagement surface 219 abutting the spindle follower engagement surface 218 when the check slide 215 is in its checking position. When the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 is moved from its rest state to its actuated state and the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state, the spindle follower 217 is configured to move the check slide 215 to its unchecking position.

[0080] The catch keeper 207 is slidably mounted on the check slide 215, wherein the catch keeper 207 is in its releasing position when the check slide 215 is in its unchecking position.

[0081] The cover 204 is pivotally connected to the frame 201, the combination locking mechanism 110 further comprising temporary fixation means 220 configured to hold a free end of the cover 221 when the cover 204 is in its open position, the temporary fixation means 220 preferably comprising a leaf spring 222.

[0082] The cover 204 extends between a first cover end 223 and a second cover end 224 in a longitudinal cover direction 1, the cover 204 is connected to the frame 201 with a revolute joint 225, the axis of rotation a of the revolute joint 225 being transverse to the longitudinal cover direction 1 and located between the first cover end 223 and the second cover end 224, and the cover 204 is configured to be moved from its closed position to its open position by pressing the cover 204 between the first cover end 223 and the axis of rotation a of the revolute joint 225.

[0083] The combination locking mechanism 110 comprises a cover biasing member 226 biasing the cover 204 to its closed position. The cover biasing member 226 comprises a magnet 227 and a magnetic catch 228, jointly biasing the cover 204 to its closed position, especially when the cover 204 is in its closed position.

[0084] FIG. 3a shows a front view of the combination locking mechanism 110. FIG. 3b shows a sectional side view of the combination locking mechanism 110 along A-A indicated in FIG. 3a. FIG. 3c shows a sectional front view of the combination locking mechanism 110 along B-B indicated in FIG. 3b. Apart from the combination locking mechanism 110 of the combination lock according to the present disclosure, FIG. 3 also shows a spindle 214 from a latch bolt actuating mechanism (only partially shown) with a latch bolt moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position (not shown) of the combination lock according to the disclosure.

[0085] The combination locking mechanism 110 is moveable between a blocking state and an unblocking state and configured to prevent the latch bolt actuating mechanism to move the latch bolt from its latched position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its blocking state and to allow the latch bolt actuating mechanism to move the latch bolt from its latched position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state. The combination locking mechanism 110 is in its blocking state. The combination locking mechanism 110 comprises a frame 201 and a combination input means 202 mounted on the frame 201 and configured to move the combination locking mechanism 110 to its unblocking state upon receiving a combination as input. The combination input means 202 comprise a pushbutton keyboard 301 and a tumbler 302 comprising a base body 303, a code part 304, and a tumbler driver part 305. The combination locking mechanism 110 also comprises a combination alteration means 203 mounted on the frame 201 and configured to allow a user to alter the combination, and a cover 204. The combination alteration means 203 comprise a means for changing the code part of the tumbler of the combination input means 202. The cover 204 is moveably mounted on the frame 201 between an open position in which the combination alteration means 203 are accessible by a user, and a closed position in which the combination alteration means 203 are not accessible by a user, and the cover 204 is moveable from its closed position to its open position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state and the latch bolt actuating mechanism is in its actuated state. The cover 204 is in its closed position.

[0086] The combination locking mechanism 110 comprises a cover locking means 205 moveable between a locking state in which the cover 204, when in its closed position, is prevented from leaving its closed position, to an unlocking state in which the cover 204 is allowed to move to its open position. The cover locking means 205 is in its locking state.

[0087] The cover locking means 205 comprise a catch 206 mounted on the cover 204, and a catch keeper 207 mounted on the frame 201 and configured to keep the catch 206 when the cover locking means 205 is in its locking state and the cover 204 is in its closed position.

[0088] The catch keeper 207 is moveably connected to the frame 201 between a keeping position and a releasing position, the cover locking means 205 further comprising a catch keeper biasing member 306 comprising a compression spring and biasing the catch keeper 207 to its keeping position, wherein the catch keeper 207 is configured to be urged against the catch keeper biasing member 306 into its releasing position, when the cover locking means 205 are in the locking state and the cover 204 moves from an open to a closed position. The catch keeper 207 is in its keeping position.

[0089] The catch 206 comprises a striker bolt 208 extending between a first striker bolt end 209 and a second striker bolt end 210 with the striker bolt 208 being mounted on the cover 204 at the first striker bolt end 209, the striker bolt 208 comprising a recess 211, by preference a groove 212, by further preference a circumferential groove 213, and the catch keeper 207 comprises a free end 307 which extends into the recess 211 when the catch keeper 207 is in its keeping position and the cover 204 is in its closed position.

[0090] The striker bolt 208 comprises a bevel at the second striker bolt end 210 and the free end of the catch keeper 307 comprises a bevel, the striker bolt bevel 308 being configured to engage with the catch keeper bevel 309 to urge the catch keeper 207 against the catch keeper biasing member 306 into its releasing position when the cover 204 moves from an open to a closed position.

[0091] The latch bolt actuating mechanism comprises a spindle 214 rotatably connected to the lock assembly 105 and configured to be moved by a driver, and the combination locking mechanism 110 further comprises a check slide 215 slidably mounted on the frame 201 between a checking position in which the check slide 215 is configured to prevent rotation of the spindle 214, and an unchecking position, and a check slide biasing member 216 comprising a compression spring and biasing the check slide 215 to its checking position. The check slide 215 is slidable when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state, and the check slide 215 is fixed in its checking position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its blocking state. The check slide 215 is in its checking position.

[0092] A spindle follower 217 is mounted on the spindle 214, the spindle follower 217 having a non-cylindrical outer surface which defines a spindle follower engagement surface 218, and the check slide 215 comprises a check slide engagement surface 219, the check slide engagement surface 219 abutting the spindle follower engagement surface 218 when the check slide 215 is in its checking position.

[0093] When the latch bolt actuating mechanism is moved from its rest state to its actuated state and the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state, the spindle follower 217 is configured to move the check slide 215 to its unchecking position.

[0094] The catch keeper 207 is moveably mounted on the check slide 215, wherein the catch keeper 207 is in its releasing position when the check slide 215 is in its unchecking position.

[0095] The cover 204 is pivotally connected to the frame 201, the combination locking mechanism 110 further comprising temporary fixation means 220 configured to hold a free end of the cover 221 when the cover 204 is in its open position, the temporary fixation means 220 comprising a leaf spring 222.

[0096] The cover 204 extends between a first cover end 223 and a second cover end 224 in a longitudinal cover direction 1, the cover 204 is connected to the frame 201 with a revolute joint 225, the axis of rotation a of the revolute joint 225 being transverse to the longitudinal cover direction 1 and located between the first cover end 223 and the second cover end 224. The cover 204 is configured to be moved from its closed position to its open position by pressing the cover 204 between the first cover end 223 and the axis of rotation a of the revolute joint 225.

[0097] The combination locking mechanism 110 comprises a cover biasing member 226 biasing the cover 204 to its closed position. The cover biasing member 226 comprises a magnet 227 and a magnetic catch 228, jointly biasing the cover 204 to its closed position, especially when the cover 204 is in its closed position.

[0098] FIG. 4a shows a front view of the combination locking mechanism 110. FIG. 4b shows a sectional side view of the combination locking mechanism 110 along E-E indicated in FIG. 4a. FIG. 4c shows a sectional front view of the combination locking mechanism 110 along F-F indicated in FIG. 4b.

[0099] The combination locking mechanism 110 of FIG. 4 is the same combination locking mechanism 110 shown in FIG. 3. The components of FIG. 3 are referenced by their reference numbers in FIG. 4. We refer to the description of FIG. 3 for the description of the structural and functional properties of the components. The combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state. The cover 204 is in its closed position. The cover locking means 205 is in its unlocking state. The catch keeper 207 is in its releasing position. The check slide 215 is in its unchecking position.

[0100] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a combination locking mechanism 110 of a combination lock according to the present disclosure with the cover 204 in its open position. Apart from the combination locking mechanism 110 of the combination lock according to the present disclosure, FIG. 5 also shows a spindle 214 from a latch bolt actuating mechanism (only partially shown) with a latch bolt moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position (not shown) of the combination lock according to the disclosure.

[0101] The combination locking mechanism 110 is moveable between a blocking state and an unblocking state and configured to prevent the latch bolt actuating mechanism to move the latch bolt from its latched position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its blocking state and to allow the latch bolt actuating mechanism to move the latch bolt from its latched position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state.

[0102] The combination locking mechanism 110 comprises a frame 201, and a combination input means 202 mounted on the frame 201 and configured to move the combination locking mechanism 110 to its unblocking state upon receiving a combination as input. The combination input means 202 comprise a pushbutton keyboard 301, comprising a tumbler 302 comprising a base body, a code part 304, and a tumbler driver part. The combination locking mechanism 110 comprises also a combination alteration means 203 mounted on the frame 201 and configured to allow a user to alter the combination, and a cover 204. The cover 204 is moveably mounted on the frame 201 between an open position in which the combination alteration means 203 are accessible by a user, and a closed position in which the combination alteration means 203 are not accessible by a user. The cover 204 is moveable from its closed position to its open position when the combination locking mechanism 110 is in its unblocking state and the latch bolt actuating mechanism is in its actuated state. The cover 204 is in its open position.

[0103] The combination locking mechanism 110 comprises a cover locking means 205 moveable between a locking state in which the cover 204, when in its closed position, is prevented from leaving its closed position, to an unlocking state in which the cover 204 is allowed to move to its open position.

[0104] The cover locking means 205 comprise a catch 206 mounted on the cover 204 and a catch keeper mounted on the frame 201 and configured to keep the catch 206 when the cover locking means 205 is in its locking state and the cover 204 is in its closed position.

[0105] The cover 204 is pivotally connected to the frame 201, the combination locking mechanism 110 further comprising temporary fixation means configured to hold a free end of the cover 221 when the cover 204 is in its open position. The cover 204 extends between a first cover end 223 and a second cover end 224 in a longitudinal cover direction 1, the cover 204 is connected to the frame 201 with a revolute joint, the axis of rotation a of the revolute joint being transverse to the longitudinal cover direction 1 and located between the first cover end 223 and the second cover end 224, and the cover 204 is configured to be moved from its closed position to its open position by pressing the cover 204 between the first cover end 223 and the axis of rotation a of the revolute joint.

[0106] The combination alteration means 203 comprise a means for changing the code part of the tumbler 501 of the combination input means 202, and a storage location 502 for a code part 304 of a tumbler 302. The code part 304 of a tumbler 302 comprises a threaded bolt 503 with a head 504 comprising an internal hexagonal recess 505, the code part 304 configured to be attached to the base body of the tumbler 302.

[0107] The means for changing the code part of the tumbler 501 of the combination input means 202 comprise a hex key 506 removably connected to the combination alteration means 203. The hex key 506 is configured to attach a code part 304 of a tumbler 302 to the base body of a tumbler 302.

[0108] FIG. 5 also partially shows altering the combination with the combination alteration means from a method for using a combination lock according to the present disclosure. Altering the combination with the combination alteration means, comprises turning a hex key 506 in a counter-clockwise movement r to remove a code part 304 of a tumbler 302 from a base body of the tumbler 302.

[0109] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of a combination lock 101 according to the present disclosure.

[0110] The combination lock 101 comprises a lock assembly 105 configured to be mounted on the closure member 102, that is mounted on a closure member 102, a first combination locking mechanism 601 and a second combination locking mechanism 602.

[0111] The lock assembly 105 comprises a latch bolt 106 moveable, in particular slidable, between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch bolt 106 is in its latched position. The lock assembly 105 further comprises a latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 moveable between a rest state and an actuated state and configured to move the latch bolt 106 from its latched position to its unlatched position. The latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 comprises a handle 109 and is in its rest state.

[0112] The first combination locking mechanism 601 is moveable between a blocking state and an unblocking state and configured to prevent the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 to move the latch bolt 106 from its latched position when the first combination locking mechanism 601 is in its blocking state and to allow the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 to move the latch bolt 106 from its latched position when the first combination locking mechanism 601 is in its unblocking state. The first combination locking mechanism 601 is in its blocking state. The first combination locking mechanism 601 comprises a frame 201, and a combination input means 202 mounted on the frame 201 and configured to move the first combination locking mechanism 601 to its unblocking state upon receiving a first combination as input. The combination input means 202 comprise a pushbutton keyboard 301. The first combination locking mechanism 601 comprises also a combination alteration means mounted on the frame 201 and configured to allow a user to alter the first combination, and a cover 204. The cover 204 is moveably mounted on the frame 201 between an open position in which the combination alteration means are accessible by a user, and a closed position in which the combination alteration means are not accessible by a user. The cover 204 is in its closed position. The cover 204 is moveable from its closed position to its open position when the first combination locking mechanism 601 is in its unblocking state and the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 is in its actuated state.

[0113] The first combination locking mechanism 601 comprises a cover locking means 205 moveable between a locking state in which the cover 204, when in its closed position, is prevented from leaving its closed position, to an unlocking state in which the cover 204 is allowed to move to its open position. The cover locking means 205 are in their locking state. The cover locking means 205 comprise a catch 206 mounted on the cover 204 and a catch keeper 207 mounted on the frame 201 and configured to keep the catch 206 when the cover locking means 205 is in its locking state and the cover 204 is in its closed position. The catch keeper 207 is moveably connected to the frame 201 between a keeping position and a releasing position. The catch keeper 207 is in its keeping position. The cover locking means 205 further comprise a catch keeper biasing member 306 biasing the catch keeper 207 to its keeping position. The catch keeper biasing member 306 comprises a compression spring. The catch keeper 207 keeps the catch 206 when the catch keeper 207 is in the keeping position and the cover 204 is in its closed position. The catch keeper 207 is configured to be urged against the catch keeper biasing member 306 into its releasing position, when the cover locking means 205 are in the locking state and the cover 204 moves from an open to a closed position.

[0114] The catch 206 comprises a striker bolt 208 extending between a first striker bolt end 209 and a second striker bolt end 210 with the striker bolt 208 being mounted on the cover 204 at the first striker bolt end 209, the striker bolt 208 comprising a recess 211, in particular a groove 212, in particular a circumferential groove 213, and the catch keeper 207 comprises a free end 307 extending into the recess 211 when the catch keeper 207 is in its keeping position and the cover 204 is in its closed position. The striker bolt 208 comprises a bevel at the second striker bolt end 210 and the free end of the catch keeper 307 comprises a bevel, the striker bolt bevel 308 being configured to engage with the catch keeper bevel 309 to urge the catch keeper 207 against the catch keeper biasing member 306 into its releasing position when the cover 204 moves from an open to a closed position.

[0115] The latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 comprises a spindle 214 rotatably connected to the lock assembly 105 and configured to be moved by a driver 108, and the first combination locking mechanism 601 further comprises a check slide 215 slidably mounted on the frame 201 between a checking position in which the check slide 215 is configured to prevent rotation of the spindle 214, and an unchecking position, and a check slide biasing member 216 biasing the check slide 215 to its checking position, wherein the check slide 215 is slidable when the first combination locking mechanism 601 is in its unblocking state, and wherein the check slide 215 is fixed in its checking position when the first combination locking mechanism 601 is in its blocking state. The check slide biasing member 216 comprises a compression spring. The check slide 215 is in its checking position.

[0116] A spindle follower 217 is mounted on the spindle 214, the spindle follower 217 having a non-cylindrical outer surface which defines a spindle follower engagement surface 218, and the check slide 215 comprises a check slide engagement surface 219, the check slide engagement surface 219 abutting the spindle follower engagement surface 218 when the check slide 215 is in its checking position. When the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 is moved from its rest state to its actuated state and the first combination locking mechanism 601 is in its unblocking state, the spindle follower 217 is configured to move the check slide 215 to its unchecking position.

[0117] The catch keeper 207 is moveably, in particular slidably, mounted on the check slide 215, wherein the catch keeper 207 is in its releasing position when the check slide 215 is in its unchecking position.

[0118] The cover 204 is pivotally connected to the frame 201, the first combination locking mechanism 601 further comprising temporary fixation means 220 configured to hold a free end of the cover 221 when the cover 204 is in its open position. The temporary fixation means 220 comprise a leaf spring 222. The cover 204 extends between a first cover end 223 and a second cover end 224 in a longitudinal cover direction 1, the cover 204 is connected to the frame 201 with a revolute joint 225, the axis of rotation a of the revolute joint 225 being transverse to the longitudinal cover direction 1 and located between the first cover end 223 and the second cover end 224, and the cover 204 is configured to be moved from its closed position to its open position by pressing the cover 204 between the first cover end 223 and the axis of rotation a of the revolute joint 225.

[0119] The first combination locking mechanism 601 comprises a cover biasing member 226 biasing the cover 204 to its closed position. The cover biasing member 226 comprises a permanent magnet 227, and a magnetic catch 228, jointly biasing the cover 204 to its closed position, especially when the cover 204 is in its closed position. A magnetic catch is an element or part thereof which is attracted by a magnet, for example an element or part thereof manufactured from a ferromagnetic, optionally soft ferromagnetic, or ferrimagnetic material.

[0120] The second combination locking mechanism 602 is moveable between a blocking state and an unblocking state and configured to prevent the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 to move the latch bolt 106 from its latched position when the second combination locking mechanism 602 is in its blocking state and to allow the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 to move the latch bolt 106 from its latched position when the second combination locking mechanism 602 is in its unblocking state. The second combination locking mechanism 602 is in its blocking state. The second combination locking mechanism 602 comprises a frame 201, and a combination input means 202 mounted on the frame 201 and configured to move the second combination locking mechanism 602 to its unblocking state upon receiving a first combination as input. The combination input means 202 comprise a pushbutton keyboard 301. The second combination locking mechanism 602 comprises also a combination alteration means mounted on the frame 201 and configured to allow a user to alter the first combination, and a cover 204. The cover 204 is moveably mounted on the frame 201 between an open position in which the combination alteration means are accessible by a user, and a closed position in which the combination alteration means are not accessible by a user. The cover 204 is in its closed position. The cover 204 is moveable from its closed position to its open position when the second combination locking mechanism 602 is in its unblocking state and the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 is in its actuated state.

[0121] The second combination locking mechanism 602 comprises a cover locking means 205 moveable between a locking state in which the cover 204, when in its closed position, is prevented from leaving its closed position, to an unlocking state in which the cover 204 is allowed to move to its open position. The cover locking means 205 are in their locking state.

[0122] The latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 comprises a spindle 214 rotatably connected to the lock assembly 105 and configured to be moved by a driver 108, and the second combination locking mechanism 602 further comprises a check slide 215 slidably mounted on the frame 201 between a checking position in which the check slide 215 is configured to prevent rotation of the spindle 214, and an unchecking position, and a check slide biasing member 216 biasing the check slide 215 to its checking position, wherein the check slide 215 is slidable when the second combination locking mechanism 602 is in its unblocking state, and wherein the check slide 215 is fixed in its checking position when the second combination locking mechanism 602 is in its blocking state. The check slide biasing member 216 comprises a compression spring. The check slide 215 is in its checking position.

[0123] A spindle follower 217 is mounted on the spindle 214, the spindle follower 217 having a non-cylindrical outer surface which defines a spindle follower engagement surface 218, and the check slide 215 comprises a check slide engagement surface 219, the check slide engagement surface 219 abutting the spindle follower engagement surface 218 when the check slide 215 is in its checking position. When the latch bolt actuating mechanism 107 is moved from its rest state to its actuated state and the second combination locking mechanism 602 is in its unblocking state, the spindle follower 217 is configured to move the check slide 215 to its unchecking position.

[0124] The cover 204 is pivotally connected to the frame 201, the second combination locking mechanism 602 further comprising temporary fixation means 220 configured to hold a free end of the cover 221 when the cover 204 is in its open position. The temporary fixation means 220 comprise a leaf spring 222. The cover 204 extends between a first cover end 223 and a second cover end 224 in a longitudinal cover direction l, the cover 204 is connected to the frame 201 with a revolute joint 225, the axis of rotation a of the revolute joint 225 being transverse to the longitudinal cover direction l and located between the first cover end 223 and the second cover end 224, and the cover 204 is configured to be moved from its closed position to its open position by pressing the cover 204 between the first cover end 223 and the axis of rotation a of the revolute joint 225.

[0125] The second combination locking mechanism 602 comprises a cover biasing member 226 biasing the cover 204 to its closed position. The cover biasing member 226 comprises a permanent magnet 227, and a magnetic catch 228, jointly biasing the cover 204 to its closed position, especially when the cover 204 is in its closed position. A magnetic catch is an element or part thereof which is attracted by a magnet, for example an element or part thereof manufactured from a ferromagnetic, optionally soft ferromagnetic, or ferrimagnetic material.

[0126] The combination lock 101 further comprises a securing means 603 configured to detachably connect the cover 204 of the first combination locking mechanism 601 to the frame 201 of the first combination locking mechanism 601 and the cover 204 of the second combination locking mechanism 602 to the frame 201 of the second combination locking mechanism 602. The securing means 603 are moveable from a first secured state in which the cover 204 of the first combination locking mechanism 601, when in its closed position, is prevented from leaving its closed position, to a first unsecured state in which the cover 204 of the first combination locking mechanism 601 is allowed to move to its open position. The securing means 603 are moveable from a second secured state in which the cover 204 of the second combination locking mechanism 602, when in its closed position, is prevented from leaving its closed position, to a second unsecured state in which the cover 204 of the second combination locking mechanism 602 is allowed to move to its open position. The securing means 603 are in their first secured state and their second secured state. The securing means 603 comprise a securing bolt 604. The securing bolt 604 connects the cover 204 of the second combination locking mechanism 602 to the frame 201 of the second combination locking mechanism 602 by bolting the cover 204 of the second combination locking mechanism 602 through a securing through hole 605 in the cover 204 of the second combination locking mechanism 602 to the lock assembly 105. The securing bolt 604 connects the cover 204 of the first combination locking mechanism 601 to the frame 201 of the first combination locking mechanism 601 by bolting the lock assembly 105 to the cover 204 of the first combination locking mechanism 601 via a securing recess 606 in the striker bolt 208 of the first combination locking mechanism 601.

[0127] A similar securing means can be applied to a combination lock according to the disclosure with only one combination locking mechanism, for example by comprising a securing bolt connecting the cover of the combination locking mechanism to the frame of the combination locking mechanism by bolting the cover through a securing through hole in the cover to the lock assembly, or for example, by comprising a securing bolt connecting the cover to the frame by bolting the lock assembly to the cover via a securing recess in the striker bolt.

[0128] Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG. 8 shows the combination lock 101 which is to be mounted on the closure member 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the combination lock 101 is intended to also receiver lock cylinder (not shown) so that a lock cylinder opening 716 is provided by which the lock cylinder can be accessible from the front of the combination lock. The closure member 102 is provided with several through-openings, namely: [0129] a spindle through-opening 712 through which the spindle 214 extends; [0130] a lock cylinder through-opening 714 through which a lock cylinder (not shown) extends; [0131] mounting openings 710 to mount the combination lock 101 to the closure member; and [0132] a securing through-opening 610 through which the securing bolt 604 extends.

[0133] The combination lock 101 is mounted to the closure member 102 using a back cover 700 which engages the opposing side of the closure member 102. The back cover 700 also includes a spindle opening 702 and a cylinder lock opening 704 to allow placing the spindle 214 and an optional lock cylinder. The combination lock 101 is connected to the back cover 700 by means of threaded fasteners 706 engaging in sleeves 708 provided on the combination lock 101. Naturally, the fasteners 706 and sleeves 708 may be reversed.

[0134] A vertical cross-section of the assembled combination lock 101, closure member 102 and back cover 700 is shown in FIG. 9. A detail of the securing bolt 604 is shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 illustrates that the securing member 604 comprises a head 611, a shaft 613 and a threaded area 612. The bolt head 611 is located in a recess 720 provided in the rear of the back cover 700 and is thus not accessible without removing the cover 700. The threaded area 612 engages the striker bolt 208 which is part of the cover locking mechanism 205. The cover 204 to which the striker bolt 208 is attached thus cannot open as long as the securing means 604 have not been removed.

[0135] FIG. 7 shows an isometric, exploded view of a check slide 215 of a combination locking mechanism of a combination lock according to the present disclosure. The combination lock comprises a lock assembly with a latch bolt actuating mechanism with a spindle. The combination locking mechanism is moveable between a blocking state and an unblocking state and comprises a spindle follower, having a non-cylindrical outer surface which defines a spindle follower engagement surface. The combination locking mechanism comprises a cover locking means moveable between a locking state in which the cover, when in its closed position, is prevented from leaving its closed position, to an unlocking state in which the cover is allowed to move to its open position. The cover locking means comprise a catch mounted on the cover and a catch keeper 207 configured to keep the catch when the cover locking means is in its locking state and the cover is in its closed position.

[0136] The combination locking mechanism comprises a check slide 215 slidably mounted on the frame between a checking position in which the check slide 215 is configured to prevent rotation of the spindle, and an unchecking position, and a check slide biasing member 216 biasing the check slide 215 to its checking position, wherein the check slide 215 is slidable when the combination locking mechanism is in its unblocking state, and wherein the check slide 215 is fixed in its checking position when the combination locking mechanism is in its blocking state. The check slide biasing member 216 comprises a compression spring. The check slide 215 comprises a check slide engagement surface 219, the check slide engagement surface 219 abutting the spindle follower engagement surface when the check slide 215 is in its checking position. The catch keeper 207 is moveably mounted on the check slide 215, in particular slidably mounted on the check slide 215, between a keeping position and a releasing position, the cover locking means further comprising a catch keeper biasing member 306 biasing the catch keeper 207 to its keeping position. The catch keeper biasing member 306 comprises a compression spring. The catch keeper 207 is in its releasing position when the check slide 215 is in its unchecking position.

[0137] Although aspects of the present disclosure have been described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be readily appreciated that these aspects may be implemented in other forms within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims.