TW201930706A - Touch isolated electronic lock - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic lock includes a latch assembly that has a latch housing and a bolt. The bolt is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The electronic lock includes a controller connected to a circuit board. The controller is configured to electronically control movement of the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position. The electronic lock includes an exposed conductive touch member. The conductive touch member is in electrical communication with the controller. The electronic lock includes an insulating arrangement positioned between the conductive touch member and the circuit board. The electronic lock includes a housing at least partially surrounding the conductive touch member. The housing is electrically isolated from the conductive touch member by at least a portion of the insulating arrangement.

Description

Touch-isolated electronic lock

Electronic locks have gained increasing acceptance and widespread use in the residential and commercial markets. Because of the need for a specific electronic identity code, such locks can be controlled to enter a building through the door. For example, such locks typically include a control circuit that determines whether to unlock the lock based on the identity code provided by the user. In some cases, for example, the identification code and/or the command can be provided to the lock in a wireless manner, as disclosed in "Wireless Access Control System and Related Methods", U.S. Patent No. 9,336,637. The full text is incorporated by reference. In some instances, the electronic lock can sense an identity code held by a nearby authorized user and requires the user to physically touch the lock to activate the lock, such as US Patent No. 9,024,759, "Wireless Lockset with Integrated". This U.S. Patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety. The physical appearance of the lock is important to some users. Some users prefer that all of the hardware in their homes match, or at least come from the same style route. Typically, in the case of a conventional non-electronic lock, this is achieved by replacing one of the locks with a trim or front side. However, when a touch-activated lock is used, maintaining a proper seal around one of the internal electronics and ensuring a reliable touch activation makes it difficult to replace a lock housing. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the electronic lock design.

The invention generally relates to door locks. In one possible configuration, and without limitation, an electronic lock having an isolated touch member and a housing is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic lock is disclosed. The electronic lock includes a latch assembly having a latch housing and a latch. The latch can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position. The electronic lock includes a controller that is coupled to a circuit board. The board is positioned within an internal cavity. The cavity is at least partially defined by the latch housing. The controller is configured to electronically control movement of the latch between the extended position and the retracted position. The electronic lock includes an exposed conductive touch member. The conductive touch component is in electrical communication with the controller. The electronic lock includes an insulating configuration positioned between the conductive touch component and the circuit board. The electronic lock includes a housing that at least partially surrounds the conductive touch component. The housing and the conductive touch component are electrically isolated from at least a portion of the insulating component. In another example of the invention, an electronic lock is disclosed. The electronic lock includes a latch assembly having a latch housing and a latch. The latch can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position. The electronic lock contains a controller to one of the boards. The board is positioned within an internal cavity. The cavity is at least partially defined by the latch housing. The controller is configured to electronically control movement of the latch between the extended position and the retracted position. The electronic lock includes an exposed conductive touch member. The conductive touch component is in electrical communication with the controller. The electronic lock includes an insulating configuration positioned between the conductive touch component and the circuit board. The insulating arrangement includes a translucent portion configured to transmit light and at least one seal. The translucent portion at least partially defines the internal cavity. The translucent portion is at least partially exposed adjacent to the touch member. The at least one seal is positioned between the translucent portion and the latch housing and at least one of the translucent portion and the touch member to seal the internal cavity. The electronic lock includes a housing that at least partially surrounds the conductive touch component. The housing and the conductive touch component are electrically isolated from at least a portion of the insulating component. In another example of the invention, an electronic lock is disclosed. The electronic lock includes a latch assembly having a latch housing and a latch. The latch can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position. The electronic lock includes a controller mounted to a circuit board. The board is positioned within an internal cavity. The cavity is at least partially defined by the latch housing. The controller is configured to electronically control movement of the latch between the extended position and the retracted position. The electronic lock includes an exposed conductive touch member. The conductive touch component is in electrical communication with the controller via a conductor. The electronic lock includes an insulating configuration positioned between the conductive touch component and the circuit board. The insulating arrangement includes a body that at least partially defines the internal cavity. The body defines a aperture configured to receive one of the conductors. A first seal of the insulating arrangement surrounds the aperture. The electronic lock includes a housing that at least partially surrounds the conductive touch component. The housing and the conductive touch component are electrically isolated from at least a portion of the insulating component. Various additional aspects will be set forth in the following description. Such aspects may relate to individual features and combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the claims of the claims

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference The various embodiments mentioned are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. In addition, any of the examples described in the specification are not intended to be limiting, and only some of the many possible embodiments are set forth in the accompanying claims. The invention generally relates to an electromechanical lock having one of the specific features. The term "electronic lock" is broadly intended to include any type of lock that uses electrical power in certain ways, including but not limited to electronic lock bolts, electronic lever sets, and the like. The present invention encompasses the integration of one or more of the features set forth herein into any type of electronic lock and is not intended to be limited to any particular type of electronic lock. The electronic lock disclosed herein contains a number of advantages. The lock provides an isolated touch component for selectively operating the electronic lock between a locked state and an unlocked state. By isolating the touch components, an exposed housing can be selectively interchanged with a variety of different housings (when manufactured or after modification of the lock has been installed) to conform to the user's preferences without affecting the operation of the electronic lock. Specifically, the touch component is electronically isolated from the outer casing via an insulating configuration. In some examples, the insulating configuration can include at least one seal. In other examples, the insulating configuration includes a translucent portion configured to deliver light to indicate the state of the lock. In some instances, the insulating configuration allows the lock to weather and protect internal electronics (eg, a circuit board and/or controller) from weather, such as water. 1 shows an electronic lock 100 partially exploded in accordance with one of the examples of the present invention. 2 shows a rear perspective view of one of the portions of the lock 100. The lock 100 includes an inner assembly 102 and an outer assembly 104. The internal assembly 102 can include a housing 106 and a driver 108. The outer assembly 104 can include a latch assembly 110, a conductive touch component 112, an insulating arrangement 114, and a housing 116. The lock 100 further includes a controller 118 that can be positioned within the inner assembly 102 or the outer assembly 104. In some instances, the outer assembly 104 is mounted to a door (not shown) and the inner assembly 102 is mounted within a door. The latch assembly 110 is typically at least partially mounted in one of the bores formed in the door. The term "outer side" is used broadly to mean an area outside a door and "inside" is also used broadly to indicate an area within a door. In the case of an external entry door, for example, the outer assembly 104 can be mounted to the outside of a building and the inner assembly 102 can be mounted to the inside of a building. In the case of an internal department, the external assembly can be installed in a building, but outside of a room protected by the lock 100; the internal assembly 102 can be mounted inside the protected room. The lock 100 can be applied to both internal and external departments. When mounted in a door (not shown), at least the touch component 112 and the outer casing 116 are exposed to the user at the exterior of the door at a front portion 120 of the lock 100, as shown in FIG. In some instances, a portion of the insulating arrangement 114 is also exposed to the user. To interact with the lock 100, the user can operate the lock 100 via a mechanical locking assembly 122 using a key (not shown) and/or provide a touch input to the conductive touch component 112 in communication with the controller 118. The lock 100 is operated electronically. If the user gives a touch input to the housing 116, the lock 100 will not operate electronically (even if the user has an authenticated identification code). In the illustrated example, the latch assembly 110 includes a latch 124 that can be electronically actuated by the mechanical lock assembly 122 or via the touch component 112 and the controller 118 to cause the latch 124 Extend/retract. The door latch 124 is configured to slide longitudinally and when the door latch 124 is retracted, the door is in an unlocked state. When the door latch 124 extends, the door latch 124 protrudes from the door into a door frame (not shown) to place the door in a locked state. The latch assembly 110 also includes an extension 126 that extends from the rear portion 128 of one of the locks 100. The extension 126 is configured to interface with the door latch 124 and the inner assembly 102. In some examples, the extension 126 can be driven to extend/retract the latch 124 in a number of ways. For example, the mechanical lock assembly 122 can be actuated by a mechanical key to rotate the extension 126, which will allow the bolt 124 to extend/retract. The external assembly 104 can be used to electronically actuate the latch assembly 110 by providing a touch input to the touch component 112 (assuming that the lock 100 is received before the user touches the touch component 112 Identity code). In some examples, a touch input is provided to the touch component 112 to actuate the latch 124, and a harness 127 is used to transmit a message from the external assembly 104 to the internal assembly 102 to actuate the internal assembly 106. The driver 108 drives the extension 126. Additionally, if the user is inside the door, the user can manually rotate a rotating member (not shown) to actuate the extension 126, thereby moving the latch 124 between its extended and retracted positions. As described above, the touch component 112 is configured to enable the lock 100 to be activated by touch. For example, the lock 100 can use capacitive sensing to determine if the user wants to actuate the lock 100. In some examples, touch component 112 can only be used for capacitive sensing to actuate the surface of outer assembly 102 of lock assembly 100. In other examples, other portions of the outer assembly 104 can be used for capacitive sensing, including but not limited to a keyway, handle, rose, or other outer surface of the lock assembly 100 other than the outer casing 116. In the example shown, the external assembly 102 uses capacitive sensing to determine when a user is touching the touch component 112. Thus, in the illustrated example, the user can touch anywhere on the touch component 112 to lock or unlock the lock 100 or activate various functions of the lock 100. Touch component 112 can be formed in any size, shape, or formed from any electrically conductive material. In some examples, touch component 112 is at least partially formed of zinc. In other examples, touch component 112 is at least partially formed of brass. In some examples, the lock 100 can include a piece of film 113 that is in electrical communication with or in electrical isolation from the touch component 112. In the illustrated example, the film 113 is electrically isolated from the touch component 112. The insulation arrangement 114 is configured to electrically isolate the touch component 112 from the housing 116. In some examples, the insulation configuration 114 includes a translucent portion 130 configured to deliver light from one of a light source (not shown) that the user can see at the front portion 120 of the outer assembly 104. In some examples, as will be explained in more detail below, the insulating arrangement 114 can also include at least one seal. In some examples, the translucent portion 130 of the insulating arrangement 114 is formed from a non-conductive material as one of a substantially solid body. In some examples, the translucent portion 130 is formed from a coform plastic. In some examples, the translucent portion 130 is formed from polycarbonate. In some instances, only one of the translucent portions 130 is partially exposed to the user and viewable by the user. In some examples, the partially transparent portion 130 has a rectangular shape at the exposed portion 115 at the front portion 120 of the outer assembly 104. In some examples, the exposed portion 115 of the translucent portion 130 includes a rectangular shape and an annular shape that surrounds the mechanical locking assembly 122. In some instances, light may be emitted from the translucent portion 130 at a region that can be independently controlled to visually communicate the message to the user, including but not limited to one of the actions currently being processed by the lock 100, Information about the status of the lock 100 and/or user input request. For example, the translucent portion 130 can visually communicate the direction of movement of the door by sequentially illuminating the various regions to produce a rotation or sliding animation that exhibits a direction of movement. The translucent portion 130 can communicate the message to the user by various attributes of the control region, such as the on/off region, changing the intensity of the region, changing the color illuminated by the region, or otherwise changing the illumination of the translucent portion 130. . The outer casing 116 is at least partially positioned about the insulating arrangement 114 and the touch component 112. The outer casing 116 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and lacquer finishes. In some examples, the outer casing 116 is generally rectangular. In other examples, the outer casing 116 is generally rectangular. In some examples, the outer casing 116 is detachable. For example, the outer casing 116 having a brass lacquer and a generally rectangular shape may be interchanged with the outer casing 116 having a silver lacquer and a generally circular shape (at the time of manufacture or after the lock 100 has been installed) ). Since the outer casing 116 is electrically isolated from the touch assembly, the outer casing can be interchanged at low cost after the lock 100 is installed or when the user purchases the lock 100. In some instances, this allows for the manufacture of a single outer assembly 104, no outer casing 116, and the manufacture of numerous different outer casings 116 to allow the user to customize the physical appearance of the lock 100. This allows the user to match the size, shape and finish of other hardware in their home or work while still providing a fully functional electronic lock. In some examples, the outer casing 116 can be coupled to the remainder of the outer assembly 104 (eg, the latch assembly 110) via fasteners 132. In other examples, the outer casing 116 can be coupled to the remainder of the outer assembly 104 (eg, the latch assembly 110) via a protective tab or other similar toolless protection solution. In other examples, the outer casing 116 is directly connected to the door. The lock controller 118 is configured to be electrically coupled to the touch component 112 to selectively control movement of the latch 126. In some examples, the controller 118 is mounted within the outer assembly 104 and/or is mounted in the inner assembly 102 and is coupled to the outer assembly 104 via a harness 127 that passes through the rear portion 128 of the outer assembly One of the latch assemblies 110 has a latch housing 134, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of one portion of the outer assembly 104 taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3. As shown, the touch component 112 is not in contact with the outer casing 116. Specifically, the touch component 112 is separated from the outer casing 116 via the insulating arrangement 114. A printed circuit board (PCB) 135 positioned within the external assembly 104 is also shown. The latch assembly 110 is shown to include a mechanical lock assembly 122 and a latch housing 134. The latch housing 134 surrounds the mechanical lock assembly 122. Mechanical lock assembly 122 is shown coupled to extension 126. In the illustrated example, the insulating arrangement 114 includes a translucent portion 130, a first seal 136, and a second seal 138. The first seal 136 is positioned between the translucent portion 130 and the latch housing 134. In some examples, the first seal 136 is positioned in one of the recesses 140 defined in the latch housing 134 of the latch assembly 110. The second seal 138 is positioned between the translucent portion 130 and the touch member 112. In some examples, the second seal 138 is positioned in one of the recesses 142 defined by the translucent portion 130. In some examples, the seals 136, 138 are rubber O-rings. However, it is contemplated that within the scope of the present invention, the seals 136, 138 can be any of a variety of different types of seals including, but not limited to, sealants, gaskets, or the like. The PCB 135 is positioned in a cavity 144, in particular a translucent portion 130, formed between the latch housing 134 and the insulating arrangement 114. In some examples, the first seal 136 and the second seal 138 are weatherproof for the cavity 144 to prevent moisture from entering the cavity 144. The PCB 135 is in electrical communication with the touch component 112 and is also in electrical communication with the wire harness 127. In some examples, wire harness 127 connects the PCB to internal assembly 102. In some examples, the PCB draws power from the internal assembly 102 via the harness 127. In other examples, PCB 135 can include an onboard power source, such as a battery (not shown). The PCB 135 can handle touch electronics. In some examples, the PCB includes a controller 118 positioned thereon. The controller 118 can receive the touch input via the touch component 112 and move the door latch 124 between the extended position and the retracted position, respectively. Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of one portion of the outer assembly 104 taken along line 6-6 of Figure 3. As shown, the PCB 135 is positioned within the cavity 144. Electrical connection between the PCB 135 and the touch component 112 via a conductor 146 is also shown. In this example, the conductor 146 is a conductive fastener that connects the PCB 135 to the touch component 112. Conductor 146 passes through one of apertures 148 defined in insulating arrangement 114. The aperture 148 is positioned at a point on the translucent portion to align with the cavity 144. The first seal 136 surrounds the aperture 148 whereby a weathertight seal is formed at the side of the aperture 148 that is closest to the cavity 144. The second seal 138 surrounds the aperture 148, thereby forming a weathertight seal at the side of the aperture that is closest to the touch member 112. Thus, the first seal 136 and the second seal 138 prevent moisture (ie, water) from entering the cavity 144. Conductor 146 can be used to facilitate any of the various conductors that facilitate electrical connection between touch component 112 and PCB 135. In the illustrated example, since the insulating arrangement 114 (specifically, the translucent portion 130) is at least partially formed of a non-conductive material, the touch component 112 and the PCB 135 are electrically isolated from the outer casing 116. With the conductor 146, the PCB 135 can sense when a user touches anywhere on the touch component 112. Although a conductive fastener is shown as conductor 146 for purposes of example, conductor 146 may be embedded in one of conductive strips/plates, conductive foam, conductive strips, conductive grease or lock 100 within translucent portion 130. The touch component 112 is electrically coupled to any other mechanical device that occupies the PCB 135 of the touch electronic device. In some examples, PCB 135 can also be in communication with an antenna embedded in external assembly 104. FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the outer assembly 104. External assembly 104 is only one example of an external assembly. For example, the touch component 112 can be generally circular and the insulative arrangement 114, the outer casing 116, the latch housing 134, and the PCB 135 can be correspondingly sized and shaped to accommodate the shape of the touch component 112. 8 through 14 show an electronic lock 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The electric lock 200 is substantially similar to the electric lock 100 set forth above. The electric lock 200 can include an inner assembly and a latch that are substantially similar to the inner assembly 102 and the door latch 124 set forth above. Therefore, only one external assembly 204 is shown and illustrated. The external assembly 204 is configured to operate in a manner substantially similar to the electronic lock 100 in pairing with a latch (such as the latch 124) and an internal assembly (such as the internal assembly 102). FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of one of the outer assemblies 204, and FIG. 9 shows a rear perspective view of the outer assembly 204. 10 shows a front view of one of the front sides 220 of one of the outer assemblies 204, and FIG. 11 shows a rear view of one of the back sides 228 of the outer assembly 204. The outer assembly 204 of the electronic lock 200 includes a latch assembly 210, a conductive touch component 212, an insulating arrangement 214, and a housing 216. The outer casing 216 is electrically isolated from the touch member 212. The lock 200 further includes a controller 218. To interact with the lock 200, a user can use a key (not shown) to operate the lock 200 via a mechanical locking assembly 222 and/or provide a touch input to the conductive touch component 212 in communication with the controller 218. The lock 200 is operated electronically. If the user provides a touch input to the housing 216, the lock 200 will not operate electronically (even if the user has an authenticated identification code). The outer casing 216 is at least partially positioned about the insulating arrangement 214 and the touch component 212. The outer casing 216 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and lacquer finishes. In some examples, the outer casing 216 is generally rectangular. In other examples, the outer casing 216 is generally rectangular. In some examples, the outer casing 216 is detachable. For example, the outer casing 216 having a first lacquer and a first shape may be interchanged with the outer casing 216 having a second lacquer and/or a second shape (at the time of manufacture or when the lock 200 has been loaded) Set after). Similar to the insulation configuration 114 set forth above, the insulation arrangement 214 includes a half transparent portion 230 and a plurality of seals. In particular, the insulating arrangement 214 includes a first seal 236 positioned between the translucent portion 230 and one of the latch housings 234 of the latch assembly 210. In some examples, the first seal 236 is positioned in one of the recesses 240 defined in the latch housing 234 of the latch assembly 210. A second seal 238 is positioned between the translucent portion 230 and the touch member 212. In some examples, the second seal 238 is positioned in one of the notches 242 defined by the translucent portion 230. A third seal 239 is disposed between the latch housing 234 and the translucent portion 230. In some examples, the seals 236, 238, 239 are rubber O-rings and gaskets. However, it is contemplated that within the scope of the present invention, the seals 236, 238, 239 can be any of a variety of different types of seals including, but not limited to, sealants, gaskets, and the like. As shown, the translucent portion 230 is exposed to the front side 220, adjacent to the touch component 112 at various locations. Specifically, the translucent portion 230 includes a first exposed portion 215 and a second exposed portion 217 (also shown in Figures 8 and 10). In the illustrated example, the first exposed portion 215 forms a rectangular shape at the front side 220 of the lock 200. In the illustrated example, the second exposed portion 217 forms a loop around the mechanical lock assembly 222. The first exposed portion 215 and/or the second exposed portion 217 are configured to expose a light to a user to inform the user of the state of the lock, which is substantially similar to the translucent portion 130 set forth above. For example, the translucent portion 230 (specifically, the exposed portion 217) can visually convey the direction of movement of the gantry by sequentially illuminating the various regions to form a rotational animation that exhibits a direction of movement. Since the translucent portion 230 includes a second exposed portion 217, the third seal 239 is configured to prevent water from entering a cavity 244 containing a PCB 235 (substantially similar to the cavity 144 and PCB 135 described above). . The first seal 236 and the second seal 238 are also configured to prevent water from entering the PCB. Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of the lock 200 taken along line 13-13 of Figure 10. As shown, the PCB 235 is positioned within the cavity 244 and the display PCB 235 is in electrical communication with the touch component 212 via a conductor 246. Similar to conductor 146 as set forth above, conductor 246 passes through one of apertures 248 in translucent portion 230, thereby electrically connecting touch member 212 to PCB 235. The aperture 248 is sealed via the first seal 236, the second seal 238, and the third seal 239. Conductor 246 can be used to facilitate any of a variety of conductors that electrically connect touch component 212 to PCB 235. With conductor 246, PCB 235 can sense when a user touches anywhere on touch component 212. The conductor 246 can be a conductive fastener, a gasket/plate embedded in the translucent portion 130, a conductive foam, a conductive strip, a conductive grease or electrically connecting the touch member 212 of the lock 200 to the escrow touch electronic Any other mechanical device of the PCB 235 of the device. FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of the outer assembly 204. A pair of mounting brackets 250, 252 are shown. Mounting bracket 250 is configured to assist in the connection of external assembly 204 to a door. Mounting bracket 252 can assist in mounting housing 216 to latch assembly 210, and in particular to latch housing 234. Although the present invention has been described with reference to the specific components, materials, and embodiments, those skilled in the art can readily determine the essential characteristics of the present invention, and the invention can be devised without departing from the scope of the following claims. Various changes and modifications are made to suit various uses and characteristics in the context of the spirit and scope.

5-5‧‧‧ line

6-6‧‧‧ line

12-12‧‧‧ line

13-13‧‧‧ line

100‧‧‧Electronic lock/lock/lock assembly/electric lock/electronic lock

102‧‧‧Internal assembly

104‧‧‧External assembly

106‧‧‧Shell

108‧‧‧ drive

110‧‧‧Latch assembly

112‧‧‧Conductive touch parts/touch parts

113‧‧‧ films

114‧‧‧Insulation configuration

115‧‧‧Exposed part

116‧‧‧Shell

118‧‧‧ Controller

120‧‧‧ front

122‧‧‧Mechanical locking assembly/mechanical lock assembly

124‧‧‧door bolt

126‧‧‧Extension

127‧‧‧ wiring harness

128‧‧‧ Rear

130‧‧‧Translucent part

134‧‧‧Lock housing

135‧‧‧Printed circuit board

136‧‧‧First seal/seal

138‧‧‧Second seal/seal

140‧‧‧ notch

142‧‧‧ notch

144‧‧‧ cavity

146‧‧‧Conductor

148‧‧‧ pores

200‧‧‧Electronic lock/electric lock/lock

204‧‧‧External assembly

210‧‧‧Latch assembly

212‧‧‧Conductive touch parts/touch parts

214‧‧‧Insulation configuration

215‧‧‧ first exposed part

216‧‧‧ Shell

217‧‧‧Second exposed/exposed part

218‧‧‧ Controller

220‧‧‧ front side

222‧‧‧Mechanical locking assembly/mechanical lock assembly

228‧‧‧ Back side

230‧‧‧Translucent part

234‧‧‧Lock housing

235‧‧‧Printed circuit board

236‧‧‧First seal/seal

238‧‧‧Sealing/Second Seal

239‧‧‧Seal/third seal

240‧‧‧ notch

242‧‧‧ Notch

244‧‧‧ cavity

246‧‧‧ conductor

248‧‧‧ pores

250‧‧‧ mounting bracket

252‧‧‧ mounting bracket

The following figures illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and thus do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the Embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electronic lock in accordance with one example of the present invention. 2 is a rear perspective view of one of the outer assemblies of the electronic lock of FIG. 1. Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the exterior assembly of the electronic lock of Figure 1. 4 is a rear elevational view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of Figure 1 taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of Figure 1 taken along line 6-6 of Figure 3. Figure 7 is an exploded view of the external assembly of the electronic lock of Figure 1. Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of one of the electronic locks in accordance with one example of the present invention. Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of one of the outer assemblies of the electronic lock of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a front elevational view of the exterior assembly of the electronic lock of Figure 8. Figure 11 is a rear elevational view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of Figure 8. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of Figure 8 taken along line 12-12 of Figure 10. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of Figure 8 taken along line 13-13 of Figure 10. Figure 14 is an exploded view of the external assembly of the electronic lock of Figure 8. Throughout the several views, the corresponding component symbol indicates the corresponding part. The illustrations set forth herein are illustrative of one embodiment of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims (21)

An electronic lock comprising: a latch assembly having a latch housing and a latch movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a controller coupled to a circuit board, the controller The circuit board is positioned within an internal cavity defined at least in part by the latch housing, the controller being configured to electronically control movement of the latch between the extended position and the retracted position An exposed conductive member electrically communicating with the controller; an insulating arrangement positioned between the conductive touch member and the circuit board; and a housing at least partially surrounding The conductive touch component is electrically isolated from the conductive touch component by at least a portion of the insulating configuration. The electronic lock of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of seals for weather protection of the circuit board. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein the housing is isolated from the conductive touch member by at least one seal of the insulating configuration. The electronic lock of claim 1 wherein the insulating arrangement comprises a non-conductive translucent portion. The electronic lock of claim 4, wherein the electrically non-conductive translucent portion comprises a coform polycarbonate. The electronic lock of claim 1, further comprising contacting the circuit board and one of the conductors of the conductive touch element. The electronic lock of claim 6 wherein the conductor passes through the insulating member and wherein the guiding system is a fastener. The electronic lock of claim 1 wherein the internal cavity is defined by the insulating arrangement and the latch housing, and wherein the internal cavity is sealed. The electronic lock of claim 8, wherein the insulating arrangement comprises a semi-transparent portion and a first sealing member and a second sealing member, wherein the first sealing member is positioned between the conductive touch member and the translucent portion. And wherein the second seal is positioned between the translucent portion and the latch housing. The electronic lock of claim 9, wherein the insulating arrangement further comprises a third seal positioned between the translucent portion and the latch housing. An electronic lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to electronically control the latch between the extended position and the retracted position based on receiving a touch input at the conductive touch component mobile. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein the housing electrically isolated from the conductive touch member is generally cylindrical. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein the housing electrically isolated from the conductive touch member is substantially rectangular. An electronic lock comprising: a latch assembly having a latch housing and a latch movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a controller coupled to a circuit board, the controller The circuit board is positioned within an internal cavity defined at least in part by the latch housing, the controller being configured to electronically control movement of the latch between the extended position and the retracted position An exposed conductive member electrically communicating with the controller; an insulating arrangement positioned between the conductive touch member and the circuit board, the insulating configuration comprising configured to transmit light a semi-transparent portion and at least one seal, the translucent portion at least partially defining the internal cavity, wherein the translucent portion is at least partially exposed adjacent to the touch member, wherein the at least one seal is positioned at the a translucent portion and the latch housing and at least one of the translucent portion and the touch member to seal the internal cavity; and a housing at least partially surrounding the conductive touch member The configuration of the insulating housing by at least a portion isolated from the electrically conductive control member. The electronic lock of claim 14 wherein the translucent portion is formed from a non-conductive coform polycarbonate. The electronic lock of claim 14, further comprising contacting the circuit board and one of the conductors of the conductive touch element. An electronic lock as claimed in claim 16, wherein the conductor passes through the insulating member. An electronic lock comprising: a latch assembly having a latch housing and a latch movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a controller mounted to a circuit board, the controller The circuit board is positioned within an internal cavity defined at least in part by the latch housing, the controller being configured to electronically control movement of the latch between the extended position and the retracted position An exposed conductive member electrically communicating with the controller via a conductor; an insulating arrangement positioned between the conductive touch member and the circuit board, the insulating configuration comprising at least partially Defining a body of the internal cavity, wherein the body defines an aperture configured to receive one of the conductors, wherein the first seal surrounds the aperture; and a housing at least partially surrounding the conductive contact And controlling the component, the housing being electrically isolated from the conductive touch component by at least a portion of the insulating arrangement. The electronic lock of claim 18, wherein the first seal surrounds the aperture at a first side that is closest to one of the electrically conductive members. The electronic lock of claim 18, further comprising a second seal surrounding the aperture at a second side proximate to the one of the latch housings. The electronic lock of claim 18, wherein the primary system is translucent and partially exposed adjacent to the touch component.