Abstract: A device (1) maintains a locked and closed state of a space separating device (2) in a releasable manner, in particular a protective device of a machine (4). The device has a first part (6) with an opening and a second part (8). The parts are movable relative to one another. The opening is at least partially closable. The device (1) includes a latch (18) for locking the closed state of the space-separating device (2), a holding element (30) for keeping the latch (18) in the latched position, and a release element (36) for releasing the catch of the latch (18). The catch of the latch (18) may be lifted by a rotational movement of the release element (36) relative to the latch (18).