Electronic lock assembly and internal assembly for the same

Abstract

An electronic lock assembly includes a latch assembly having a latch along a first axis and a drive shaft extending along a second axis. The drive shaft is selectively rotatable about a second axis to drive movement of the latch. The first assembly includes a wire harness having a first connector extending therefrom. The second assembly is coupled to the drive shaft and includes a second connector configured to receive the first connector. The second assembly includes a housing having a surface configured to face the door when the housing is mounted to the door, and defining a recess within the surface. A connector bracket clip pivotably supports the second connector and is at least partially disposed within the recess. The second connector is movable between at least a first position in which the second connector is parallel to the second axis and a different second position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application was filed as a PCT international application on August 31, 2022, and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 261,041, filed on September 9, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Priority is claimed to the above-referenced application to the extent appropriate. Background Art

[0003] Electronic locks can be used for secure access in residential and commercial environments. Installation of electronic locks generally requires that the wiring harness of an external component be passed through a hole in a door so as to be physically connected to an internal component with a connector. Once the external component and the internal component are connected to each other, the wire assembly connecting the two becomes long and stiff, making it difficult to bend and insert into a recess provided in the internal component. Therefore, there is a need to improve the physical connection between the external and internal components and the corresponding installation techniques. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to electronic locks and installation methods thereof. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a pivoting connector bracket clip is provided at an internal component, making it easier for an external component to be connected to the internal component and for wires extending therebetween to be tucked into the internal component.

[0005] In one aspect, the technology relates to an electronic lock assembly, comprising: a latch assembly having a lock bolt movable along a first axis between an extended position and a retracted position; a drive shaft extending along a second axis and coupled to the latch assembly, the drive shaft selectively rotatable about the second axis to drive movement of the lock bolt, wherein the first axis is orthogonal to the second axis; a first component comprising a wiring harness having a first connector extending therefrom; and a second component coupled to the drive shaft and comprising a second connector, the second connector being configured to receive the first connector so that the first component and the second component are communicatively coupled, the second component comprising: a housing having a surface configured to face the door when the housing is mounted to the door, wherein a recess is defined within the surface; and a connector bracket clip pivotally supporting the second connector and at least partially disposed within the recess, the second connector being movable between at least a first position and a different second position, wherein in the first position the second connector is parallel to the second axis.

[0006] In one example, the second position is approximately 90° to the first position. In another example, the second assembly further includes a gearbox housing, and the connector is pivotally coupled to the gearbox housing. In yet another example, the connector bracket clip pivots about a third axis, the third axis being different from the first axis and the second axis. In yet another example, the third axis is parallel to a plane defined by a surface of the housing. In one example, the housing has a bottom wall, and the third axis intersects the bottom wall at an oblique angle.

[0007] In another example, when the second connector is in the second position and the harness is coupled thereto, the harness extends at least 180° around the drive shaft within the recess. In yet another example, the connector bracket clip includes a base member coupled within the recess and a clamp member for the second connector, the clamp member being pivotally coupled to the base member. In yet another example, the connector bracket clip has a generally U-shaped body having a slit at one end.

[0008] In another aspect, the technology relates to an internal component for an electronic lock assembly, comprising: a housing having a surface configured to face a door when the housing is mounted on the door, wherein a recess is defined in the surface; a gear box housing at least partially disposed in the housing; a shaft extending at least partially from the gear box housing and defining a first axis, the shaft being drivingly coupled to the gear box housing so that the shaft is selectively rotatable about the first axis; at least one printed circuit board disposed in the housing, wherein an internal connector is communicatively coupled to the at least one printed circuit board and configured to receive an external connector extending from an external component of the electronic lock assembly; and a connector bracket clip at least partially disposed in the recess and pivotably supporting the internal connector, wherein the connector bracket clip is pivotable about a second axis, the second axis being parallel to a plane defined by a surface of the housing and orthogonal to the first axis.

[0009] In one example, one or more wires extend between at least one printed circuit board and the internal connector, and the internal connector is pivotable about a second axis between at least two positions by a connector bracket clip. In another example, a first position of the internal connector extends at least a portion of the internal connector out of the recess, and a second position of the internal connector retracts the internal connector into the recess. In yet another example, the connector bracket clip defines a through opening to accommodate an internal connector having one or more wires extending from one end. In yet another example, the connector bracket clip is pivotably coupled to the gearbox housing by a pair of pivot pins. In one example, the gearbox housing defines a pair of pivot pin receivers.

[0010] In another example, the housing includes a back plate that secures the connector bracket clip to the gearbox housing. In yet another example, the connector bracket clip is elevated relative to a bottom wall of the recess. In yet another example, the connector bracket clip can pivot at least 90° about the second axis.

[0011] In another aspect, the technology relates to a method for installing an electronic lock assembly on a door, the method comprising: mounting an external assembly on an exterior surface of the door, wherein a wiring harness having an external connector extends from the external assembly and extends through a hole in the door; attaching a mounting plate to an interior surface of the door opposite at least a portion of the external assembly; extending at least a portion of the wiring harness through the mounting plate; connecting the external connector to a corresponding internal connector accessible from a rear portion of an internal assembly, wherein the internal connector is pivotally supported by a connector bracket clip and is in a first position relative to the internal assembly; pivoting the connector assembly to a different second position within the internal assembly so that at least a portion of the wiring harness is tucked into a recess defined in the rear portion of the internal assembly; and mounting the internal assembly onto the mounting plate.

[0012] In one example, a first position of the connector bracket clip orients the inner connector orthogonal to the rear of the inner component to receive the outer connector, and a second position of the connector bracket clip orients the inner connector parallel to the rear of the inner component.

[0013] Various additional aspects will be described in the following description. These aspects may relate to individual features and combinations of features. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory, rather than limiting the broad inventive concepts on which the examples disclosed herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The following drawings illustrate specific examples of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Examples of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic lock assembly.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the electronic lock assembly shown when installed on a door.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and 2 An exploded perspective view of exemplary internal components of an electronic lock assembly is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A rear perspective view of an exemplary inner housing of the internal assembly is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the inner housing along line 5-5 is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 A top view of an exemplary connector bracket clip of an inner housing is shown.

[0021] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of an interior of an inner housing having another connector bracket clip in a first position.

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an interior portion of an inner housing of FIG. 1 , wherein the connector bracket clip is in a second position.

[0023] Fig. 9 Is connected to external components Figure 8 A perspective view of the inner housing is shown.

[0024] Fig.10 A flow chart describing a method of installing an electronic lock assembly on a door is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The accompanying drawings and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified to illustrate aspects related to a clear understanding of the equipment, system, and method described herein, while for the sake of clarity, other aspects that may exist in typical equipment, system, and method are eliminated. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that other elements and / or operations may be required and / or necessary to realize the equipment, system, and method described herein. Because these elements and operations are well known in the art, and because they are not convenient for a better understanding of the present disclosure, discussion of these elements and operations may not be provided here. However, the present disclosure is considered to inherently include all these elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0026] References in the specification to "an example", "an example", "illustrative example", etc. indicate that the example described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each example may or may not include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same example. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an example, it is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other examples, whether or not explicitly described. In addition, it should be understood that items included in a list in the form of "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in a particular arrangement and / or order. However, it should be understood that such a particular arrangement and / or order may not be required. On the contrary, in some examples, these features may be arranged in a manner and / or order different from that shown in the illustrative drawings. In addition, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular drawing does not mean that such a feature is required in all examples, and in some examples, such a feature may not be included or may be combined with other features.

[0028] An electronic lock assembly with enhanced electrical connection features is disclosed herein. The electronic lock assembly has an external component and an internal component, both of which can selectively drive a latch assembly with a bolt. The external component and the internal component are electrically coupled to each other so that electrical energy and / or signals can be transmitted between them. This physical electronic coupling is provided by one or more wires, the ends of which have connectors and extend through a hole in a door. The wires from each external component and the internal component need to be of sufficient length to facilitate connecting the components during installation; however, once the connectors are connected, the length of the wires must be reinforced and increased for storage. The hole in the door accommodates the mechanical drive components of the bolt, so there is not enough space to store the wires. In this way, the internal component has a recess formed on its rear side, and the connector and wires can be stored in the recess. The recess includes a connector bracket clip for a pivotally mounted internal connector. By pivotally mounting the internal connector in the recess, the internal connector can be positioned in a first orientation so that the installer can easily plug the two connectors together, and the internal connector at least partially extends out of the recess. Once the connector is connected, the connector bracket clip can be pivoted toward the second direction, whereby the connector is folded into the recess so that a portion of the wires from the outer assembly can be easily tucked into the recess before the inner assembly is mounted on the door.

[0029] The term "lock" or "lockset" is broadly intended to include any type of lock, including but not limited to deadbolt, knob, lever handle, mortise, and slide locks, whether mechanical, electric, or electromechanical. The locking point may have a variety of mounting configurations and / or locations, including but not limited to: mortised within the door frame, mounted on the exterior of the door frame or supporting structure, and / or secured directly to the door.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic lock assembly 100 . Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electronic lock assembly 100 during installation on the door 102. Figure 1 and 2, the electronic lock assembly 100 includes an outer assembly 104, a latch assembly 106, and an inner assembly 108. Typically, the outer assembly 104 is mounted on the outside of the door 102, while the inner assembly 108 is mounted on the inside of the door 102. The latch assembly 106 is mounted in a hole formed in the door 102. The term "outside" is widely used to refer to an area outside the door 102, while "inside" is widely used to refer to an area inside the door 102. For example, for an entry door, the outer assembly 104 can be mounted on the outside of the building, while the inner assembly 108 can be mounted on the inside of the building. For an interior door, the outer assembly 104 can be mounted inside the building, but outside the room protected by the electronic lock assembly 100, while the inner assembly 108 can be mounted on the inside of the protected room. The electronic lock assembly 100 can be applied to both interior and exterior doors as needed or desired.

[0031] In this example, the exterior assembly 104 has an exterior housing 110 mounted on the exterior surface of the door 102 and housing the interior components of the exterior assembly 104. As shown, the exterior housing 110 has a decorative rectangular shape, but circular, square, and other shapes of exterior housings 110 may be used as needed or desired. A keypad 112 having a plurality of buttons 114 is supported by the exterior housing 110. The keypad 112 is an input device, and the buttons 114 may be used to enter a password to lock / unlock the electronic lock assembly 100 or control its operation. Although a keypad 112 having buttons 114 is shown in this example, in addition or alternatively, the exterior housing 110 may support other input devices, such as, but not limited to, a touch screen or other touch interface, a biometric interface (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, a retina, a scanner, or a camera including facial recognition), an audio interface with voice recognition, and the like. A lock cylinder shield 116 extends from the exterior housing 110 to protect and reinforce the lock cylinder 118. In this example, the lock cylinder shield 116 is integral with the exterior housing 110, but may be a separate component as needed or desired. A physical key 120 may be inserted into the lock cylinder 118 to mechanically lock / unlock the electronic lock assembly 100. Thus, the exterior assembly 104 may be used to lock / unlock the electronic lock assembly 100 electronically using the keypad 112 or mechanically using the key 120. In some examples, a handle (not shown) may be supported on the exterior housing 110.

[0032] The interior assembly 108 has a cover 122 that is mounted to the interior surface of the door 102 and houses the interior components of the interior assembly 108, as further described below. A rotating member 124 is supported on the interior assembly 108 and is used to manually lock / unlock the electronic lock assembly 100 from the inside. A mounting plate 126 is mounted to the interior surface of the door 102 by one or more fasteners 128 and is configured to support the interior assembly 108 on the door 102. The mounting plate 126 includes a plate portion 130 and one or more tabs 132 for connecting the interior assembly 108 to the door 102.

[0033] The latch assembly 106 is mounted at least partially within the edge surface of the door 102 and is coupled to the exterior assembly 104 and the interior assembly 108. The latch assembly 106 includes a latch bolt 134 that is electronically and / or mechanically movable along a latch bolt axis 136 between a locked (e.g., extended) and an unlocked (e.g., retracted) position. The latch bolt 134 moves linearly into and out of a sleeve 138. When the latch bolt 134 is retracted, one end of the latch bolt 134 is generally flush with the panel 140. When the latch bolt 134 is extended, the latch bolt 134 extends through an edge hole in the door 102 into an opening 142 of a strike plate 144 that is located in a door jamb (not shown) adjacent the door 102. The strike plate 144 is attached to the jamb using fasteners 146.

[0034] The latch assembly 106 is mounted in the door 102 between the inner assembly 108 and the outer assembly 104. A drive shaft 148 extends through a spindle driver (not shown) on the latch assembly 106 and is coupled to the inner assembly 108 and the outer assembly 104. The drive shaft 148 extends along a shaft axis 150 and can rotate about the shaft axis 150 to drive the movement of the bolt 134. The drive shaft 148 can be a single component or formed of multiple components that transmit rotational motion as needed or desired. In this example, the shaft axis 150 is orthogonal to the bolt axis 136. In operation, rotation of the drive shaft 148 in a first direction causes the bolt 134 to extend, and rotation of the drive shaft 148 in the opposite direction causes the bolt 134 to retract. Rotation of the drive shaft 148 may be initiated by manual rotation of the tumbler 124, mechanical rotation via the lock cylinder 118, and / or electronically controlled by a motor (not shown) housed within the internal assembly 108 and responsive to input from the keypad 112 to extend / retract the bolt 134. In an example, the motor may be an electric motor powered by a power source (such as, but not limited to, a battery pack) housed within the internal assembly 108.

[0035] In this example, the exterior component 104 is communicatively coupled to the interior component 108. This coupling can allow power and / or signals to be transmitted between the exterior component 104 and the interior component 108. The exterior component 104 includes a wiring harness 152 having an exterior connector 154 disposed at a free end. The wiring harness 152 enables the exterior connector 154 to extend from the exterior housing 110 and, for example, extend through a hole on the door 102 to reach the interior side and physically couple to a corresponding interior connector 156 of the interior component 108. In one aspect, the exterior connector 154 is a male connector, while the interior connector 156 is a female connector.

[0036] Thus, to install the electronic lock assembly 100, the external connector 154 is passed through the door 102, and the connectors 154, 156 are physically and electrically connected to each other on the interior side of the door 102. Then, the interior assembly 108 is installed on the door 102, and the wires and connectors are inserted between the interior assembly 108 and the door 102. However, when the connectors 154, 156 are connected to each other, the wear on the wiring harness 152 increases due to how the interior assembly 108 needs to be positioned before being installed on the door 102. In addition, once the connectors 154, 156 are connected together, the wiring between the components has a long and hard section, which makes it difficult to insert into the small recess provided at the rear of the interior assembly 108. The space in the hole of the door 102 is limited, and therefore, the wiring needs to be stored in the interior assembly 108. Therefore, as further described herein, the pivoting connector bracket clip is disposed on the inner assembly 108 so that during installation of the electronic lock assembly 100, the two connectors 154, 156 can be directly inserted into each other and then folded back into the rear recess, thereby improving the performance of the electronic lock assembly 100 and its installation.

[0037] Figure 3 The electronic lock assembly 100 (such as Figure 1 and 2 158a and 158b). The internal assembly 108 includes an internal housing 158, which in this example is formed by a board cover 158a and a back plate 158b. The cover 122 is configured to be attached to the internal housing 158 and support the rotating member 124. One or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) 160 are supported by the board cover 158a and include a memory and a processor (e.g., a controller) that is configured to control the electronic lock assembly 100 as described herein. In some aspects, the PCB 160 may include any number of components capable of operating the electronic lock assembly 100, including but not limited to a programming button 162, a switch group 164, an antenna (not shown), etc. In this example, the PCB 160 communicates with the internal connector 156, which is configured to connect to the external connector 154 from the external assembly 104 (both are in Figure 2 ).

[0038] The internal housing 158 houses a gearbox housing 166, which holds, for example, an electric motor, a transmission gear, and a drive shaft that enable the electronic lock assembly 100 to be electronically operated. The gearbox housing 166 may also support a clutch mechanism, a magnet for sensing position, and other components required or desired. The gearbox housing 166 is coupled to the PCB 160 for operational control. A battery holder assembly 168 is configured to hold a plurality of batteries for providing power to the electronic components within the electronic lock assembly 100, and is also disposed within the internal housing 158. A shaft 170 extends from the gearbox housing 166, which is coupled to the rotating member 124, so that rotation of the rotating member 124 rotates the shaft 170. The shaft 170 extends through the corresponding openings 172, 174 in the PCB 160 and the plate cover 158a.

[0039] In this example, the connector bracket clip 176 is pivotally coupled to the gearbox housing 166 and is accessible through the rear wall 178 of the back plate 158b. The shape and size of the connector bracket clip 176 are suitable for pivotally supporting the internal connector 156 on the internal assembly 108 to improve the installation performance and efficiency of the electronic lock assembly 100. Figure 4-6 The connector bracket clip 176 is further described.

[0040] Figure 4 is an internal component 108 (such as Figure 3 The rear wall 178 of the back panel 158b forms a rear surface 180 of the inner housing 158, which is configured to face the door 102 when installed on the door 102 (as shown). Figure 2 180 and form a cavity when the outer component 104 (both in Figure 2 154 and the wiring harness 152. In one aspect, the recess 182 can be formed by the rear wall 178 formed by the gearbox housing 166 and the openings in the side and bottom walls. The gearbox housing 166 also includes a tube 184 disposed within the recess 182 and extending outwardly therefrom. The tube 184 is configured to support an internal drive (not shown) so that power from the external assembly 104 ( Figure 2 The drive shaft 148 shown in FIG. 1 is rotatably connected to the rotating member 124 ( Figure 3 ) and enables the inner assembly 108 and the outer assembly 104 to drive the latch assembly 106 ( Figure 1 ), as described herein.

[0041] The connector bracket clip 176 is at least partially disposed within the recess 182 and pivotably supports the inner connector 156. In this example, the connector bracket clip 176 is configured to pivotally move or rotate between at least two positions. Figure 4 184, whereby the inner connector 156 extends outwardly from the rear surface 180 of the inner housing 158 and is in a position to more easily receive the outer connector 154. The second position (not shown) pivots or rotates the inner connector 156 into the recess 182 so that the connector assembly (e.g., the connected connectors 154, 156) is positioned tangentially to the tube 184 and the wiring harness 152 from the outer assembly 104 can be more easily at least partially tucked into the recess 182 and around the tube 184.

[0042] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The inner housing 158 is shown in a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5. The connector bracket clip 176 includes opposing pivot pins 186 that define a pivot axis 188 of the inner connector 156. In this example, the pivot axis 188 is parallel to the plane defined by the rear surface 180 of the back plate 158b and is offset inwardly from the plane. In one aspect, the pivot axis 188 is orthogonal to the shaft axis 150 of the drive shaft 148 (both at Figure 2 ), the drive shaft 148 is coupled to the gearbox housing 166 so that the shaft 148 is selectively rotatable. The pivot axis 188 is also different from the bolt axis 136 of the bolt 134 (both are shown in FIG. Figure 2 188). This orientation of the connector bracket clip 176 enables the inner connector 156 to be moved in at least a first position (eg, Figure 5 154 and a second position (not shown) in which the internal connector 156 extends from the inner housing 158 and is parallel to the shaft axis 150 to facilitate attachment of the external connector 154 (such as Figure 2 In one aspect, the second position of the connector 156 is approximately 90° from the first position, so that the internal connector 156 is pivoted and retracted into the recess 182 so that the wires of the electronic lock assembly can be more easily inserted therein.

[0043] In this example, the gearbox housing 166 defines a pair of pivot pin receivers 190 that enable the pivot pins 186 of the connector bracket clip 176 to be received therein and the connector bracket clip 176 to pivot relative to the inner housing 158. In one aspect, the receivers 190 are curved surfaces defined in opposing side walls that allow the connector bracket clip 176 to drop into position within the inner housing 158 and allow the connector bracket clip 176 to rotate. The back plate 158b can include an inwardly extending arm 192 that secures the pivot pin 186 of the connector bracket clip 176 within the pivot pin receiver 190. In this example, the connector bracket clip 176 can be attached to the inner connector 156 and then the assembly can be pivotally mounted to the gearbox housing 166 and secured using the back plate 158b. When the connector bracket clip 176 is pivotally coupled to the inner housing 158, the connector bracket clip 176 is raised relative to the bottom wall 194 of the recess 182 so that it can rotate about the pivot axis 188. Thus, when the inner connector 156 is supported by the connector bracket clip 176, the connector 156 is also elevated relative to the bottom wall 194. This spacing allows wires to extend from one end of the inner connector 156 while still allowing the connector 156 to pivot between different positions as described herein.

[0044] Figure 6 is a top view of the connector bracket clip 176 of the inner housing 158 (eg Figure 4 and 5 196). The connector bracket clip 176 has a generally U-shaped body with a slit 196 at one end. The slit 196 enables the body to be expanded and coupled to the internal connector 156 (eg, Figure 5 The U-shaped body also has a through opening 198 that accommodates at least a portion of the internal connector 156, so that one end of the connector 156 is free to connect to the external connector 154 (such as Figure 2 As shown), the other end of the connector 156 is free to have wires extending therefrom while allowing the connector 156 to pivot via the pivot pin 186.

[0045] The opening 198 is substantially rectangular in shape to correspond to the shape and size of the internal connector 156. As shown, the pivot pin 186 is located on the primary side of the bracket clip 176, while the slot 196 is located on the secondary side. The pivot pin 186 is disposed at the midpoint of the primary side so that the connector bracket clip 176 can be pivotally coupled within the internal housing up-to-up or top-to-bottom as needed or desired. It should be understood that the connector bracket clip 176 can take any form that corresponds to the connector 156 and is capable of performing the functions of the bracket clip 176 as described herein.

[0046] Figure 7300 is a perspective view of an interior portion of the inner housing 300 having another connector bracket clip 302 in a first position. Similar to the above examples, the inner housing 300 includes a plate cover 304 and a gearbox housing 306, however, for clarity, a back plate is not shown. A recess 308 is defined within the inner housing 300, thereby forming a wire cavity. The gearbox housing 306 supports the internal driver 310 so that the drive shaft 148 (both in Figure 2 308) can be coupled to the internal housing 300 to enable the electronic lock assembly to operate as described herein. In this example, the connector bracket clip 302 includes a clip member 312 for an internal connector 314 and a base member 316 coupled to the bottom wall of the recess 308. The internal connector 314 is connected to the printed circuit board by one or more wires 318.

[0047] The base member 316 of the connector bracket clip 302 includes a channel 320 that receives and protects the wires 318 and at least a portion of the side wall 322 that pivotally supports the clamp member 312. The base member 316 is directly attached to the recess 308 and, for example, directly attached to the bottom wall formed by the gearbox housing 306. The connector bracket clip 302 extends at least partially around the internal drive 310 so as not to interfere with the operation of the latch. The clamp member 312 includes a pivot pin 324 that enables the clamp member 312 and the internal connector 314 to pivot or rotate about a pivot axis. The shape and size of the clamp member 312 are suitable for receiving the internal connector 314 and pivoting within the recess 308.

[0048] Figure 8 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the interior of the inner housing 300, wherein the connector bracket clip 302 is in the second position. Certain components are described above and therefore need not be described further. Figure 8 As shown, the connector bracket clip 302 and the internal connector 314 are Figure 7 The first position shown is pivoted and retracted into the recess 308. This position of the internal connector 314 enables the installer to more easily insert the corresponding external connector and wiring harness into the recess 308. In one aspect, the internal connector 314 is oriented tangentially to the internal drive 310 to increase the compactness of the internal housing 300. In one aspect, the second position of the internal connector 314 can be approximately 90° from the first position about the pivot axis of the clamp member 312.

[0049] Fig. 9 300 is a perspective view of the internal housing 300 with the external assembly 326 connected. The external assembly 326 is shown by the wiring harness 328 and the external connector 330. In addition, the internal housing 300 includes a back plate 332 attached to the gearbox housing 306 and the board cover 304. Fig. 9As shown, the connector bracket clip 302 is in the second position so that the connectors 330, 314 are disposed within the recess 308 and the wire harness 328 is at least partially wrapped around the internal drive 310. In one aspect, when the connector bracket clip 302 is in the second position, the wire harness 328 extends at least 180° around the internal drive 310. As described above, the portion of the wire harness 328 that is not disposed within the recess 308 is configured to extend through the hole in the door and adjacent to the drive shaft. By wrapping at least a portion of the wire harness 328 around the internal drive 310, the extended length of the wire harness 328 can be maintained, thereby increasing the convenience of connecting the connectors 330, 314. In addition, the connector bracket clip 302 facilitates the positioning of the connectors 330, 314 completely within the recess 308, making it easier to install the internal housing 300 on the door.

[0050] In this example, the inner housing 300 includes a bottom wall 334, and the pivot axis 336 of the connector bracket clip 302 intersects the bottom wall 334 at an oblique angle 338. This orientation of the connector bracket clip 302 facilitates wire position control for both connectors 330, 314 while reducing the required size of the recess 308 within the inner housing 300.

[0051] Fig.10 A flow chart describing a method 400 for installing an electronic lock assembly on a door is shown. Example methods and operations may be performed by the components described herein (e.g., Figure 1-9 The method 400 is implemented or performed by mounting an external assembly on an outer surface of a door (operation 402). The external assembly has a wiring harness having an external connector extending from the external assembly, the external connector being configured to extend through a hole in the door. In one aspect, the wiring harness is configured to transmit electrical signals and receive power therethrough. On the inner surface of the door and opposite to at least a portion of the external assembly, a mounting plate is attached to the door (operation 404).

[0052] The wiring harness and at least a portion of the external connector extend through the hole of the door and the mounting plate (operation 406). Once the external connector is disposed on the interior side of the door, the external connector is physically connected to a corresponding internal connector accessible from the rear of the interior assembly (operation 408). The internal connector is pivotally supported by a connector bracket clip on the interior assembly and is in a first position relative to the interior assembly. In one aspect, the first position of the connector bracket clip orients the internal connector orthogonal to the rear of the interior assembly for receiving the external connector.

[0053] The connector assembly of the internal and external connectors is then pivoted (operation 410) to a different second position within the internal assembly by the connector bracket clip so that at least a portion of the wiring harness is inserted into a recess defined in the rear of the internal assembly. In one aspect, the connector bracket clip is disposed in the recess, and the second position of the connector bracket clip orients the internal connector parallel to the rear of the internal assembly. Once the wiring harness and connector are inserted into the recess, the internal assembly can be more easily installed on the mounting plate (operation 412). In addition, this installation procedure reduces wear on the wiring harness and connector during the connection and installation steps.

[0054] In some examples, the method 400 can further include attaching the internal connector to a connector bracket clip, and then pivotally mounting the connector bracket clip within the recess of the internal component. By pivotally mounting the internal connector to the rear of the internal component, the installer can more easily physically insert the external connector in an axial direction orthogonal to the rear of the internal component, and then fold the connector back into the recess without having to laboriously insert the longer two connector components into the recess. Therefore, the electronic lock assembly described herein improves installation performance and reduces wear on electronic connection components.

[0055] The various embodiments described above are provided as examples only and should not be construed as limitations on the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes may be made without following the exemplary embodiments and applications shown and described herein and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic lock assembly, comprising: a latch assembly having a locking bolt movable along a first axis between an extended position and a retracted position; a drive shaft extending along a second axis and coupled to the latch assembly, the drive shaft being selectively rotatable about the second axis to drive movement of the latch bolt, wherein the first axis is orthogonal to the second axis; a first assembly including a wiring harness having a first connector extending therefrom; and A second component is coupled to the drive shaft and includes a second connector configured to receive the first connector so that the first component and the second component are communicatively coupled, the second component comprising: a housing having a surface configured to face the door when the housing is mounted to the door, the recess being defined in the surface; and A connector bracket clip pivotably supports a second connector and is at least partially disposed within the recess, the second connector being movable between at least a first position in which the second connector is parallel to the second axis and a different second position.

2. The electronic lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second position is approximately 90° to the first position.

3. The electronic lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second assembly also includes a gearbox housing, the connector bracket clip being pivotably coupled to the gearbox housing.

4. The electronic lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector bracket clip pivots about a third axis that is different than the first and second axes.

5. The electronic lock assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The third axis is parallel to a plane defined by a surface of the housing.

6. The electronic lock assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing has a bottom wall, and the third axis intersects the bottom wall at an oblique angle.

7. The electronic lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the second connector is in the second position and the wiring harness is coupled thereto, the wiring harness extends at least 180° around the drive shaft within the recess.

8. The electronic lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector bracket clip includes a base member coupled within the recess and a clip member for the second connector pivotably coupled to the base member.

9. The electronic lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector bracket clip has a generally U-shaped body with a slot at one end.

10. An internal component for an electronic lock assembly, comprising: a housing having a surface configured to face the door when the housing is mounted to the door, the recess being defined in the surface; a gearbox housing at least partially disposed within the housing; a shaft extending at least partially from the gearbox housing and defining a first axis, the shaft drivingly coupled to the gearbox housing such that the shaft is selectively rotatable about the first axis; at least one printed circuit board disposed within the housing, the internal connector being communicatively coupled to the at least one printed circuit board and configured to receive an external connector extending from an external component of the electronic lock assembly; and A connector bracket clip is at least partially disposed within the recess and pivotably supports the inner connector, wherein the connector bracket clip is pivotable about a second axis parallel to a plane defined by a surface of the housing and orthogonal to the first axis.

11. The interior assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that One or more wires extend between the at least one printed circuit board and the inner connector, and the inner connector is pivotable about the second axis between at least two positions by the connector bracket clip.

12. The internal assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that The first position of the inner connector extends at least a portion of the inner connector out of the recess, and the second position of the inner connector retracts the inner connector into the recess.

13. The interior assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that The connector bracket clip defines a through opening to receive an internal connector having the one or more wires extending from one end.

14. The interior assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that The connector bracket clip is pivotally coupled to the gearbox housing via a pair of pivot pins.

15. The interior assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that The gearbox housing defines a pair of pivot pin receivers.

16. The interior assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that The housing includes a back plate that secures the connector bracket clip to the gearbox housing.

17. The interior assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that The connector bracket clip is elevated relative to a bottom wall of the recess.

18. The interior assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that The connector bracket clip is pivotable by at least 90° about the second axis.

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