Automatic deadbolt mechanism for a mortise lock

摘要

An automatic mechanism and method for moving a deadbolt between a retracted deadbolt position and an extended deadbolt position. A trigger is operatively coupled to the deadbolt and to the auxiliary latch. The trigger is configured to cause a first movement of the deadbolt from the retracted deadbolt position to the extended deadbolt position when the trigger moves from a first trigger position to a second trigger position, and to require movement of the auxiliary latch a predetermined distance from a retracted auxiliary-latch position toward an extended auxiliary-latch position before the trigger is able to cause a second movement of the deadbolt. The method includes as a step preventing the deadbolt from being released from the retracted deadbolt position until the auxiliary latch has moved a predetermined distance from the retracted auxiliary-latch position toward the extended auxiliary-latch position.