TWI750291B - 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

Electronic lock with touch isolation

The general system of the present invention relates to an electronic lock with touch isolation.

Electronic locks have gained increasing acceptance and widespread use in both residential and commercial markets. These locks can control door access to a building because a specific electronic identity code is required. For example, such locks typically include a control circuit that determines whether to unlock the lock based on an identification code provided by the user. In some cases, for example, identification codes and/or commands may be provided wirelessly to the lock, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 9,336,637, "Wireless Access Control System and Related Methods," which is hereby incorporated by reference The full text is incorporated by reference. In some instances, electronic locks can sense an ID code held by a nearby authorized user and require the user to physically touch the lock to activate the lock, as described in US Pat. No. 9,024,759, "Wireless Lockset with Integrated Antenna, Touch Activation, and Light Communication Method", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The physical appearance of the lock is important to some users. Some users prefer that all the hardware in their home matches, or at least comes from the same style line. Typically, in the case of conventional non-electronic locks, this is accomplished by replacing one of the trim or front of a lock. However, when a touch-activated lock is used, maintaining a proper seal around the internal electronics and ensuring reliable touch activation makes it difficult to replace a lock housing.

Therefore, it is desirable to improve electronic lock designs.

The present invention generally relates to door locks. In one possible configuration, and by way of non-limiting example, an electronic lock having an isolated touch component and a housing is disclosed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic lock is disclosed. The electronic lock includes a latch assembly having a latch housing and a latch. The latch is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The electronic lock includes a controller connected to a circuit board. The circuit board is positioned within an interior cavity. The cavity is at least partially bounded 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 component. The conductive touch component is in electrical communication with the controller. The electronic lock includes an insulating arrangement positioned between the conductive touch component and the circuit board. The electronic lock includes a housing at least partially surrounding the conductive touch component. The housing and the conductive touch element are electrically isolated by at least a portion of the insulating arrangement.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic lock is disclosed. The electronic lock includes a latch assembly having a latch housing and a latch. The latch is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The electronic lock includes a controller mounted to a circuit board. The circuit board is positioned within an interior cavity. The cavity is at least partially bounded 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 component. The conductive touch component is in electrical communication with the controller. The electronic lock includes an insulating arrangement 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 interior cavity. The translucent portion is at least partially exposed adjacent the touch member. The at least one seal is positioned between the translucent portion and the latch housing and the translucent portion Distributed between at least one of the touch components to seal the inner cavity. The electronic lock includes a housing at least partially surrounding the conductive touch component. The housing and the conductive touch element are electrically isolated by at least a portion of the insulating arrangement.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic lock is disclosed. The electronic lock includes a latch assembly having a latch housing and a latch. The latch is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The electronic lock includes a controller mounted to a circuit board. The circuit board is positioned within an interior cavity. The cavity is at least partially bounded 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 component. The conductive touch element is in electrical communication with the controller via a conductor. The electronic lock includes an insulating arrangement positioned between the conductive touch component and the circuit board. The insulating arrangement includes a body at least partially defining the interior cavity. The body defines an aperture configured to receive the conductor. A first seal of the insulating arrangement surrounds the aperture. The electronic lock includes a housing at least partially surrounding the conductive touch component. The housing and the conductive touch element are electrically isolated by at least a portion of the insulating arrangement.

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 following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not limiting of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

5-5: Line

6-6: Wire

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: Film

114: Insulation configuration

115: exposed part

116: Shell

118: Controller

120: Front

122: Mechanical lock assembly/mechanical lock assembly

124: Door Bolt

126: Extensions

127: Harness

128: Rear

130: Translucent part

134: Latch Housing

135: Printed Circuit Board

136: First seal/seal

138: SECOND SEAL / SEAL

140: Notch

142: Notch

144: Cavity

146: Conductor

148: Pore

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 part / exposed part

218: Controller

220: front side

222: Mechanical lock assembly/mechanical lock assembly

228: rear side

230: Translucent part

234: Latch Housing

235: Printed Circuit Board

236: First seal/seal

238: Seal/Second Seal

239: Seal/Third Seal

240: Notch

242: Notch

244: Cavity

246: Conductor

248: Pore

250: Mounting bracket

252: Mounting bracket

The following drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electronic lock according to an example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an outer assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an external assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 1 along line 5-5 of FIG. 3. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 1 along line 6-6 of FIG. 3. FIG.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the external assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 1 .

Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of an electronic lock according to an example of the present invention.

9 is a rear perspective view of an outer assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 8. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 11 is a rear view of an external assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 8 .

12 is a cross-sectional view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 8 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10. FIG.

13 is a cross-sectional view of the outer assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 8 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 10. FIG.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the external assembly of the electronic lock of FIG. 8 .

Corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set forth herein illustrate one embodiment of the invention and should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. The mentioned embodiments do not limit the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting, and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the scope of the appended claims.

The present invention generally relates to an electromechanical lock having specific characteristics. The term "electronic lock" is broadly intended to encompass any type of lock that uses electricity in some way, including but not limited to electronic locking bolts, electronic lever sets, and the like. The present invention includes one of the features set forth herein, or Many are integrated into any type of electronic lock and are not intended to be limited to any particular type of electronic lock.

The electronic lock disclosed herein contains many 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 (either at the time of manufacture or at the time of retrofitting after the lock has been installed) to suit the user's preference without affecting the operation of the electronic lock. Specifically, the touch element is electronically isolated from the housing via an insulating arrangement. In some examples, the insulating arrangement 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 examples, the insulating configuration weatherproofs the lock such that internal electronics (eg, a circuit board and/or controller) are protected from weather, such as water.

Figure 1 shows a partially exploded electronic lock 100 according to an example of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of lock 100 . The lock 100 includes an inner assembly 102 and an outer assembly 104 . The interior assembly 102 may include a housing 106 and a driver 108 . The outer assembly 104 may include a latch assembly 110 , a conductive touch element 112 , an insulating arrangement 114 and a housing 116 . The lock 100 further includes a controller 118 that may be positioned within the inner assembly 102 or the outer assembly 104 .

In some instances, the outer assembly 104 is mounted outside a door (not shown), and the inner assembly 102 is mounted inside a door. The latch assembly 110 is generally at least partially mounted in a bore formed in the door. The term "outside" is used broadly to mean an area outside a door and "inside" is also used broadly to designate an area inside a door. In the case of an exterior entry door, for example, the exterior assembly 104 may be installed outside a building and the interior assembly 102 may be installed inside a building. In the case of an interior door, the exterior assembly may be installed within a building, but within the enclosure protected by lock 100 A room outside; the interior assembly 102 can be installed inside the protected room. The lock 100 is applicable to both interior and exterior doors.

When installed in a door (not shown), at least the touch member 112 and the housing 116 are exposed to the user at the exterior of the door, at a front 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 may use a key (not shown) to operate the lock 100 via a mechanical locking assembly 122 and/or provide a touch input to the conductive touch element 112 in communication with the controller 118 to operate the lock 100 electronically. If the user provides a touch input to the housing 116, the lock 100 will not operate electronically (even if the user has an authenticated ID).

In the illustrated example, the latch assembly 110 includes a latch 124 that can be actuated manually by the mechanical lock assembly 122 or electronically via the touch controls 112 and controller 118 to cause the latch 124 Extend/Retract. The latch 124 is configured to slide longitudinally and when the latch 124 is retracted, the door is in an unlocked state. When the latch 124 is extended, the 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 extending from a rear portion 128 of the latch 100 . The extension 126 is configured to interface with the latch 124 and the interior assembly 102 . In some examples, the extension 126 can be actuated to extend/retract the latch 124 in several ways. For example, the mechanical lock assembly 122 can be actuated by a mechanical key to rotate the extension 126, which will allow the latch 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 member 112 (assuming the lock 100 receives authentication before the user touches the touch member 112 ). ID code). In some examples, by providing a touch input to the touch element 112 to actuate the latch 124 , the wire harness 127 is used to send a message from the outer assembly 104 to the inner assembly 102 to actuate the inner assembly 102 The driver 108 driving the extension 126 in the middle. In addition, if With the user inside the door, the user can manually rotate a turning 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 touch activated. For example, the lock 100 may use capacitive sensing to determine whether the user wants to actuate the lock 100 . In some examples, the touch component 112 may only be used for capacitive sensing to actuate the surface of the outer assembly 104 of the lock assembly 100 . In other examples, other portions of the outer assembly 104 may be used for capacitive sensing, including but not limited to a key slot, handle, rose, or other outer surface of the lock assembly 100 other than the housing 116 . In the example shown, the external assembly 102 uses capacitive sensing to determine when a user touches the touch element 112 . Thus, in the example shown, the user can touch anywhere on the touch element 112 to lock or unlock the lock 100 , or activate various functions of the lock 100 .

The touch component 112 may be formed in any size, shape or from any conductive material. In some examples, touch member 112 is formed at least in part from zinc. In other examples, touch member 112 is formed at least in part from brass. In some examples, the lock 100 may include a film 113 that is in electrical communication with or electrically isolated from the touch component 112 . In the illustrated example, the film 113 is electrically isolated from the touch element 112 .

The insulating arrangement 114 is configured to electrically isolate the touch element 112 from the housing 116 . In some examples, insulating arrangement 114 includes a translucent portion 130 that is configured to deliver light from a light source (not shown) that a user can see at front portion 120 of exterior assembly 104 . In some instances, as will be explained in more detail below, the insulating arrangement 114 may also include at least one seal.

In some examples, the translucent portion 130 of the insulating arrangement 114 is formed of a substantially solid body of a non-conductive material. In some examples, the translucent portion 130 is formed from a co-molded plastic. In some examples, the translucent portion 130 is formed of polycarbonate. in some instances , only a portion of the translucent portion 130 is exposed to and visible to the user. In some examples, the exposed portion 115 of the translucent portion 130 at the front portion 120 of the outer assembly 104 is a rectangular shape. In some examples, the exposed portion 115 of the translucent portion 130 includes a rectangular shape and an annular shape surrounding the mechanical locking assembly 122 .

In some instances, light can be emitted from the translucent portion 130 at areas that can be independently controlled to visually convey information to the user including, but not limited to, an action currently being processed by the lock 100, Information about the state of lock 100 and/or user input requests. For example, the translucent portion 130 may visually communicate the direction of bolt movement by sequentially illuminating various regions to generate a rotating or sliding animation showing a direction of movement. The translucent portion 130 can communicate information to the user by controlling various properties of the area, such as on/off areas, changing the intensity of the area, changing the color illuminated by the area, or otherwise changing the illumination of the translucent portion 130 .

The housing 116 is positioned at least partially around the insulating arrangement 114 and the touch-sensitive member 112 . The housing 116 can have various sizes, shapes and finishes. In some instances, the housing 116 is generally rectangular. In other examples, the housing 116 is generally circular. In some instances, the housing 116 is removable. For example, a housing 116 having a brass paint finish and a generally rectangular shape can be interchanged with a housing 116 having a silver paint finish and a generally circular shape (either at the time of manufacture or after the lock 100 has been installed ). Because the housing 116 is electrically isolated from the touch assembly, the housings can be inexpensively interchanged after the lock 100 is installed or when the user purchases the lock 100 . In some examples, this allows for the manufacture of a single outer assembly 104, no housing 116, and the manufacture of a myriad of different housings 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 at home or at work while still providing a fully featured electronic lock.

In some examples, the housing 116 may be connected to the remainder of the outer assembly 104 (eg, the latch assembly 110 ) via fasteners. In other examples, the housing 116 may be via protective tabs or other A similar toolless guarding solution connects to the rest of the outer assembly 104 (eg, the latch assembly 110). In other examples, the housing 116 is directly connected to the door.

The lock's controller 118 is configured to be electrically connected to the touch element 112 to selectively control movement of the deadbolt 124 . In some examples, controller 118 is mounted within outer assembly 104 and/or in inner assembly 102 and is connected to outer assembly 104 via wire harness 127 that passes at rear 128 of the outer assembly A latch housing 134 of the latch assembly 110 is shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of outer assembly 104 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3. FIG. As shown, the touch components 112 are not in contact with the housing 116 . Specifically, the touch component 112 is separated from the housing 116 via the insulating arrangement 114 . A printed circuit board (PCB) 135 positioned within the outer assembly 104 is also shown.

Latch assembly 110 is shown including mechanical lock assembly 122 and latch housing 134 . The latch housing 134 surrounds the mechanical lock assembly 122 . The mechanical lock assembly 122 is shown connected to the extension 126 .

In the example shown, insulating configuration 114 includes 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 a recess 140 defined in the latch housing 134 of the latch assembly 110 . The second sealing member 138 is positioned between the translucent portion 130 and the touch member 112 . In some examples, the second seal 138 is positioned in a recess 142 defined by the translucent portion 130 . In some examples, the seals 136, 138 are rubber O-rings. However, it is contemplated that the seals 136, 138 may be any of a variety of different types of seals, including but not limited to sealants, gaskets, or the like, within the scope of the present invention.

PCB 135 is positioned in a cavity 144 , specifically translucent portion 130 , formed between latch housing 134 and insulating arrangement 114 . In some examples, the first seal 136 and the second seal 138 weatherproof the cavity 144 to prevent moisture from entering the cavity 144 .

The PCB 135 is in electrical communication with the touch components 112 and is also in electrical communication with the wiring harness 127 . In some instances, the wiring harness 127 connects the PCB with the interior assembly 102 . In some instances, the PCB draws power from the internal assembly 102 via the wire harness 127 . In other examples, PCB 135 may include an on-board power source, such as a battery (not shown).

The PCB 135 may host the touch electronics. In some examples, the PCB includes the controller 118 positioned thereon. The controller 118 can receive touch input via the touch component 112 and move the latch 124 between the extended position and the retracted position, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of outer assembly 104 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3. FIG. As shown, PCB 135 is positioned within cavity 144 . The electrical connection between PCB 135 and touch component 112 via a conductor 146 is also shown.

In this example, the conductor 146 is a conductive fastener connecting the PCB 135 and the touch element 112 . Conductor 146 passes through an aperture 148 defined in insulating arrangement 114 . Aperture 148 is positioned at a point on the translucent portion to align with cavity 144 . The first seal 136 surrounds the aperture 148 , thereby forming a weather seal at the side of the aperture 148 closest to the cavity 144 . The second seal 138 surrounds the aperture 148, thereby forming a weather seal at the side of the aperture closest to the touch element 112. Thus, the first seal 136 and the second seal 138 prevent moisture (ie, water) from entering the cavity 144 .

Conductor 146 may be any of a variety of conductors used to facilitate electrical connection between touch component 112 and PCB 135 . In the example shown, touch component 112 and PCB 135 are electrically isolated from housing 116 because insulating arrangement 114 (specifically, translucent portion 130 ) is formed at least in part from a non-conductive material.

With the conductors 146 , the PCB 135 can sense when a user touches anywhere on the touch element 112 . Although a conductive fastener is shown as conductor 146 for example purposes, conductor 146 may be a conductive pad/plate, conductive foam, conductive pad embedded within translucent portion 130 Strips, conductive grease, or any other mechanical device that electrically connects the touch components 112 of the lock 100 to the PCB 135 that hosts the touch electronics. In some examples, the conductive fastener can be a threaded mechanical fastener. In some instances, the PCB 135 may also communicate with an antenna embedded within the 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, touch element 112 may be generally circular and insulating configuration 114 , housing 116 , latch housing 134 , and PCB 135 may be sized and shaped accordingly to accommodate the shape of touch element 112 .

8-14 show an electronic lock 200 according to an example of the present invention. The power lock 200 is substantially similar to the power lock 100 described above. The power lock 200 may include an interior assembly and deadbolt, both of which are substantially similar to the interior assembly 102 and deadbolt 124 described above. Accordingly, only one outer assembly 204 is shown and described. The outer assembly 204 is configured to mate with a deadbolt (eg, deadbolt 124 ) and an inner assembly (eg, inner assembly 102 ) to operate in a manner substantially similar to electronic lock 100 .

FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of the outer assembly 204 , and FIG. 9 shows a rear perspective view of the outer assembly 204 . FIG. 10 shows a front view of a front side 220 of the outer assembly 204 , and FIG. 11 shows a rear view of a rear side 228 of the outer assembly 204 .

The external 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 . Housing 216 is electrically isolated from touch component 212 . Lock 200 further includes a controller 218 . To interact with lock 200, the user may use a key (not shown) to operate lock 200 via a mechanical locking assembly 222, and/or provide a touch input to conductive touch member 212 in communication with controller 218 for 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 ID).

The housing 216 is positioned at least partially around the insulating arrangement 214 and the touch-sensitive member 212 . The housing 216 can have various sizes, shapes and finishes. In some instances, the housing 216 is generally rectangular. In other examples, the housing 216 is generally circular. In some instances, the housing 216 is removable. For example, a housing 216 having a first paint finish and a first shape can be interchanged with a housing 216 having a second paint finish and/or a second shape (either at the time of manufacture or after the lock 200 is installed after setting).

Similar to the insulating arrangement 114 described above, the insulating arrangement 214 includes a translucent portion 230 and a plurality of seals. Specifically, the insulating arrangement 214 includes a first seal 236 positioned between the translucent portion 230 and a latch housing 234 of the latch assembly 210 . In some examples, the first seal 236 is positioned in a recess 240 defined in the latch housing 234 of the latch assembly 210 . A second sealing member 238 is positioned between the translucent portion 230 and the touch member 212 . In some examples, the second seal 238 is positioned in a recess 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, seals 236, 238, 239 are rubber O-rings and gaskets. However, it is contemplated that the seals 236, 238, 239 may be any of a variety of different types of seals within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to sealants, gaskets, and the like.

As shown, the translucent portion 230 is exposed on the front side 220, adjacent to the touch components 212 at various locations. Specifically, the translucent portion 230 includes a first exposed portion 215 and a second exposed portion 217 (also shown in FIGS. 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 ring 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 the user to inform the user of the status of the lock, which is substantially similar to the translucent portion 130 described above. For example, the translucent portion 230 (specifically, In other words, the exposed portion 217) can visually convey the direction of movement of the latch by illuminating each area sequentially to form a rotating animation showing a direction of movement.

Since translucent portion 230 includes a second exposed portion 217, third seal 239 is configured to prevent water from entering cavity 244 containing a PCB 235 (substantially similar to 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.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of lock 200 along line 13-13 in FIG. 10 . As shown, PCB 235 is positioned within cavity 244, and electrical communication between PCB 235 and touch component 212 is shown via a conductor 246. Similar to the conductor 146 described above, the conductor 246 passes through an aperture 248 in the translucent portion 230 , thereby electrically connecting the touch control member 212 and the PCB 235 . Aperture 248 is sealed via first seal 236 , second seal 238 and third seal 239 .

Conductor 246 may be any of a variety of conductors used to facilitate an electrical connection between touch component 212 and PCB 235 . With conductors 246 , PCB 235 can sense when a user touches anywhere on touch element 212 . Conductor 246 may be a conductive fastener, a spacer/plate embedded within translucent portion 130, conductive foam, conductive strips, conductive grease, or electrically connecting touch component 212 of lock 200 to hosted touch electronics Any other mechanism of the PCB 235 of the device. In some examples, the conductive fastener can be a threaded mechanical fastener.

FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of the outer assembly 204 . A pair of mounting brackets 250, 252 are shown. The mounting bracket 250 is configured to assist in the connection of the exterior assembly 204 to a door. The mounting bracket 252 may assist in mounting the housing 216 to the latch assembly 210 , and specifically to the latch housing 234 .

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific components, materials, and embodiments, from the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can readily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present invention, and without departing from the invention as set forth in the following claims Various changes and modifications can be made to suit various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the product.

204: External assembly

210: Latch assembly

212: Conductive touch parts/touch parts

214: Insulation configuration

215: First exposed part

216: Shell

217: Second exposed part / exposed part

220: front side

228: rear side

230: Translucent part

234: Latch Housing

235: Printed Circuit Board

236: First seal/seal

238: Seal/Second Seal

239: Seal/Third Seal

244: Cavity

246: Conductor

248: Pore

Claims (19)

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 connected to a circuit board, the The circuit board is positioned within an interior cavity at least partially defined by the latch housing, the controller is configured to electronically control the latch between the extended position and the retracted position movement; an exposed conductive touch component that is in electrical communication with the controller; an insulating configuration positioned between the exposed conductive touch component and the circuit board; a conductive fastener that connects the circuit board and the exposed conductive touch component, wherein the conductive fastener passes through an aperture in the insulating arrangement to connect the circuit board to the exposed conductive touch component; and a housing at least partially surrounding the exposed A conductive touch component, the housing is electrically isolated from the exposed conductive touch component by at least a portion of the insulating arrangement. 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 exposed conductive touch component by at least one seal of the insulating arrangement. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein the insulating arrangement includes a non-conductive translucent portion. The electronic lock of claim 4, wherein the non-conductive translucent portion is a co-formed polycarbonate. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein the interior cavity is defined by the insulating arrangement and the latch housing, and wherein the interior cavity is sealed. The electronic lock of claim 6, wherein the insulating configuration includes a translucent portion and a first seal and a second seal, wherein the first seal is positioned between the exposed 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 7, wherein the insulating arrangement further includes a third seal positioned between the translucent portion and the latch housing. The electronic lock of 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 exposed conductive touch component movement. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein the housing electrically isolated from the exposed conductive touch component is circular. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein the housing system is electrically isolated from the exposed conductive touch components Rectangle. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein the conductive fastener is a threaded mechanical fastener. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein the conductive fastener further comprises a conductive gasket or a conductive plate. 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 connected to a circuit board, the The circuit board is positioned within an interior cavity at least partially defined by the latch housing, the controller is configured to electronically control the latch between the extended position and the retracted position movement; an exposed conductive touch component in electrical communication with the controller; an insulating arrangement positioned between the exposed conductive touch component and the circuit board, the insulating arrangement comprising configured with a translucent portion that transmits light and at least one seal, the translucent portion at least partially defining the interior cavity, wherein the translucent portion is at least partially exposed adjacent the exposed conductive touch feature, wherein the at least one A seal is positioned between the translucent portion and the latch housing and at least one of the translucent portion and the exposed conductive touch component to seal the interior cavity; a conductive fastener connecting the circuit board and the exposed conductive touch component, wherein the conductive fastener passes through an aperture in the insulating arrangement to connect the circuit board to the exposed conductive touch components; and a housing at least partially surrounding the exposed conductive touch component, the housing being electrically isolated from the exposed conductive touch component by at least a portion of the insulating arrangement. The electronic lock of claim 14, wherein the translucent portion is formed of a non-conductive co-formed polycarbonate. 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 The circuit board is positioned within an interior cavity at least partially defined by the latch housing, the controller is configured to electronically control the latch between the extended position and the retracted position movement; an exposed conductive touch component in electrical communication with the controller via a conductive fastener connecting the circuit board and the exposed conductive touch component; an insulating configuration positioned on the exposed conductive touch component Between the touch component and the circuit board, the insulating arrangement includes a body at least partially defining the interior cavity, wherein the body defines an aperture configured to receive the conductive fastener, wherein the conductive fastener passes through the aperture in the insulating arrangement, and wherein a first seal of the insulating arrangement surrounds the aperture; and a housing at least partially surrounding the exposed conductive touch member, the housing being at least partially encircled by the insulating arrangement A portion is electrically isolated from the exposed conductive touch component. The electronic lock of claim 16, wherein the first seal is closest to the exposed conductive touch One of the components surrounds the aperture at a first side. The electronic lock of claim 17, further comprising a second seal surrounding the aperture proximate a second side of the latch housing. The electronic lock of claim 16, wherein the main body is translucent and partially exposed adjacent the exposed conductive touch component.

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