Electronic lock plug and electronic lock

Abstract

An electronic lock moves between latched or locked and unlatched or unlocked states and has an outer housing extending along a central axis. A lock plug includes a motor mounted eccentric relative to the outer housing. An output shaft rotates about a rotation axis spaced from the central axis of the outer housing. A lock wafer radially moves relative to the rotation axis, and is movable between engaged and disengaged positions, which corresponding respectively to the latched or locked and unlatched or unlocked states. To be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is at least partially positioned within a recess of the outer housing and is urged by a bias toward the engaged position to restrict movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position. To be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is moved away from the recess against the bias to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

Description

[0001] ELECTRONIC LOCK PLUG AND ELECTRONIC LOCK

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 442,382, filed on January 31, 2023, titled "ELECTRONIC LOCK PLUG AND ELECTRONIC LOCK," the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to the field of locks and latches, and particularly to electronic locks and latches.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Electronic door closure systems typically include a frame, a door or panel movably mounted to the frame, and an electronic lock or latch that is moveable between a latched or locked and unlatched or unlocked state, to hold the door or panel in the closed position or open position, respectively. Replacing existing lock systems with an electronic lock system can introduce additional challenges and / or may not be as economically viable. Thus, it has been found that there is a continuing need to improve upon or provide simple, reliable, and / or compact electronic lock alternatives to existing lock systems.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a lock plug is provided for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess. The lock plug includes a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; and wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock and is urged by a bias toward the engaged position to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position, and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a lock plug is provided for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess. The lock plug includes a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis that is spaced from the central axis of the outer housing when the lock plug extends within the housing, wherein the output shaft is configured for rotation about the rotation axis and between a first angular position and a second angular position; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being directly or indirectly mounted on at least one of the lock wafer and the shaft of the motor; and wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock and is urged by a magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position, and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock by the magnetic force of the magnets to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a lock plug is provided for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess. The lock plug includes a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis that is spaced from the central axis of the outer housing; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; a spring directly or indirectly coupled to at least one of the lock wafer or the shaft of the motor for biasing the lock wafer toward the engaged position; and wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock and is urged by the spring toward the engaged position to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position, and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock against a bias of the spring to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the invention, A lock plug for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing defining a recess. The lock plug inludes an external handle rotatably coupled to the outer housing of the electronic lock; a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft that defines a rotation axis; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; wherein the lock wafer includes a stop configured to engage the external handle, and when the lock wafer is in the engaged position, the stop is disengaged from the handle, thereby permitting the handle to rotate without moving the electronic lock between the latched or locked state or the unlatched or unlocked state, and when the lock wafer is in the disengaged position, the stop is engaged with the handle, thereby permitting the lock plug to be rotated about the rotation axis and permitting the electronic lock to move toward the unlatched or unlocked state from the latched or locked state.

[0013] According to still another aspect of the invention, a lock is configured to be mounted to an enclosure. The lock includes a housing assembly configured to extend into an interior of the enclosure; a cover configured to be coupled to the housing assembly and to extend to an exterior of the enclosure, the cover also being configured to permit selective access to a component of the lock with or without separation of the lock from the enclosure; the cover comprising a body portion configured to at least partially define an interior for accommodating the component and a perimeter portion extending from the body portion; the perimeter portion of the cover having a cover surface positioned for releasable engagement of a mating surface of the housing assembly.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the invention, an electronic locking mechanism is configured to restrict movement of components relative to one another, the electronic locking mechanism including a motor having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position to restrict movement of the components relative to one another and a disengaged position configured to allow movement of the components relative to one another; and a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being directly or indirectly mounted on at least one of the lock wafer and the output shaft of the motor. To be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be urged by a magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position to restrict movement of the components relative to one another, and to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be urged by a magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position to permit movement of the components relative to one another.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state is provided. The lock has a motor with an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis. A rotor is rotatably mounted to the output shaft of the motor and configured to rotate about the rotation axis in response to the output shaft. A slider is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock. To be moved into the disengaged position, the slider is configured to translate in response to rotation of the rotor and is urged by a bias toward the disengaged position.

[0016] According to still another aspect of the invention, an electronic lock is moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. The lock includes an outer housing and a motor within the outer housing. The motor has an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis. A lock wafer is disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis. The lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock. A slider is disposed adjacent the lock wafer. When the lock wafer is in the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to restrict or resist translation of the slider and when the lock wafer is in the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to permit translation of the slider.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the invention, an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state is provided. The lock includes a motor having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis between a first angular position and a second angular position. A lock wafer is disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor. The lock wafer is positioned to be detected by a sensor when the shaft is at the first angular position or at the second angular position. The lock also includes a plurality of magnets and a flux pipe through which magnetic flux from the plurality of magnets is communicated to the sensor.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and other aspects and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings.

[0020] FIGS. 1A-1B depict an exemplary electronic lock in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 1C depicts the electronic lock of FIG. 1A, with an optional locking member; FIGS. 2A-2C depict exploded views of the electronic lock of FIG. 1A;

[0022] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary lock plug, in accordance with aspects of the invention; FIGS. 4A-4B depict an exemplary housing of the electronic lock of FIG. 1A;

[0023] FIGS. 5A-5B depict an exemplary configuration of a lock wafer, an output shaft, and a plurality of magnets of the electronic lock of FIG. 1A, in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0024] FIGS. 6A-6D depict the configuration of FIG. 5A, showing an exemplary interface of the lock wafer and the plurality of magnets;

[0025] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary configuration of the lock wafer and the plurality of magnets, showing polarities of the plurality of magnets;

[0026] FIG. 8 depicts another exemplary configuration of the lock wafer and the plurality of magnets, showing polarities of the plurality of magnets;

[0027] FIG. 9 depicts yet another exemplary configuration of the lock wafer and the plurality of magnets, showing polarities of the plurality of magnets;

[0028] FIGS. 10A-10B depict cross-sectional views of the electronic lock of FIG. 1A;

[0029] FIGS. 11-12 depict exploded views of another exemplary electronic lock in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view of the electronic lock of FIG. 12;

[0031] FIGS. 14A-14B depict an exemplary configuration of a lock wafer, an output shaft, and a cam of the electronic lock of FIG. 12 in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0032] FIGS. 15A-15B depict views of another exemplary electronic lock in accordance with aspects of the invention; FIGS. 15C-15D depict views of an exemplary interface between a stop and a handle of the electronic lock of FIG. 15A;

[0033] FIGS. 16A-16B depict views of an exemplary locking system;

[0034] FIGS. 17A-17J depict views of an exemplary locking system having a handle or knob configured for optional battery installation or replacement;

[0035] FIGS. 18A-18G depict views of another embodiment of an exemplary locking system;

[0036] FIGS. 19A-19F illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention, illustrating features of the invention applied to a latch, for example a hood latch;

[0037] FIGS. 20A-20K illustrate still another embodiment of an exemplary locking system;

[0038] FIGS. 21A-21C illustrate an exemplary rotor of the locking system of FIGS. 20A- 20K;

[0039] FIGS. 22A-22G illustrate an exemplary slider of the locking system of FIGS. 20A- 20K;

[0040] FIGS. 23A-23F illustrate another embodiment of an exemplary locking system;

[0041] FIGS. 24A-24G illustrate an exemplary slider of the locking system of FIGS. 23A- 23F;

[0042] FIGS. 25A-25F illustrate an exemplary wafer of the locking system of FIGS. 23A- 23F;

[0043] FIGS. 26A-26H illustrate yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system; and

[0044] FIGS. 27A-27C illustrates an exemplary interface of a hard stop and a dowel pin of the locking system of FIGS. 26A-26H.

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

[0047] Additionally, various forms and embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures. It will be appreciated that the combination and arrangement of some or all features of any of the embodiments with other embodiments is specifically contemplated herein. Accordingly, this detailed disclosure expressly includes the specific embodiments illustrated herein, combinations and subcombinations of features of the illustrated embodiments, and variations of the illustrated embodiments. Various terms are used throughout the disclosure to describe the physical shape or arrangement of features. A number of these terms are used to describe features that conform to a cylindrical or generally cylindrical geometry characterized by a radius and a center axis perpendicular to the radius. Unless a different meaning is specified, the terms are given the following meanings. The terms "longitudinal", "longitudinally", "axial" and "axially" refer to a direction, dimension or orientation that is parallel to a center axis. The terms "radial" and "radially" refer to a direction, dimension or orientation that is perpendicular to the center axis. The terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to a direction, dimension or orientation that extends in a radial direction toward the center axis. The terms "outward" and "outwardly" refer to a direction, dimension or orientation that extends in a radial direction away from the center axis.

[0048] In the description, relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation.

[0049] Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as "mounted," "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

[0050] The terms "lock" and "latch" may be used interchangeably. Embodiments of this invention can be used with locks or latches or combinations thereof. Generally, embodiments of this invention make it possible to provide a lock plug or electronic lock that is small, energy efficient, and / or cost effective. For example, embodiments of this invention make possible energy efficiency that enables wireless connectivity for various electronic lock products.

[0051] Referring generally to FIGS. 1A-1C, a lock 100 is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic lock 100 is configured to be mounted to a frame to which a door or panel 146 (FIGS. 16A-16B) is movably mounted. Alternatively, the electronic lock 100 could be configured to be mounted to the door 146 itself. Although a cam lock type latch is shown for purposes of illustration, any form of electronic lock or latch is contemplated. The door 146 could be a door of a storage compartment or a locker, for example. However, the lock 100 is configured for use with various types of doors, and is not limited for use with the storage compartment or the locker. The door 146 can move between a closed position and an open position, as is known in the art. The lock 100 is configured to retain the door 146 in a latched position, as well as selectively lock and unlock the door with respect to the frame.

[0052] In general, the lock 100 is moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. The lock 100 comprises an outer housing 102 that is configured to be connected to the frame or door / panel 146 (for example). The lock 100 also includes a lock plug 104, with the lock plug 104 including a motor 130 having an output shaft 106. A singular lock wafer 142 is disposed adjacent the output shaft 106. The lock plug 104 can be retrofitted into an existing latch by removing the mechanical lock plug from the existing latch and replacing it with the lock plug 104 or one or more components thereof. Additional details regarding the individual components of the electronic lock 100, particularly of the lock plug 104, are discussed further below.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3, lock 100 includes lock plug 104 that is fixedly mounted within an interior space of the outer housing 102. The outer housing 102 or lock plug 104 may define one or more alignment ribs to facilitate the mounting or housing of lock plug 104 within outer housing 102. The lock plug 104 includes a substantially cylindrical body 124 defining a first end portion 132 and a second end portion 134. The first end portion 132 defines an opening 126 configured to receive a fastener 118. As will be discussed below, a locking pawl 120 (FIG. 1C) is fixedly coupled to the first end portion 132 of the lock plug body 124 via fastener 118 that is engaged with the opening 126 of lock plug body 124.

[0054] One skilled in the art would understand from the description herein that the first end portion 132 and the locking mechanism (e.g. locking pawl 120) may be configurable depending on the desired type of lock actuation or lock mechanism, or the constraints of the type of enclosure to be secured, such that the illustration in FIGS. 1A-1C, for example, are not intended to be limiting. The second end portion 134 includes a generally, flat and planar surface 138 to which electronic circuitry (e.g. printed circuit board or PCB 148) may be mounted. The lock plug body 124 may be a unitary molded component, which may be formed from a polymeric material or a metallic material, for example. Alternatively, the lock plug body 124 may be composed of multiple components that are adhered or mounted together. FIGS. 4A-4B depict the outer housing 102 of the lock 100. The outer housing 102 extends along a central axis 'A' (FIG. 2B) and defines a recess 136 (FIGS. 10A-10B). The recess 136 is generally parallel to the central axis A and extends for a partial or entire length of the outer housing 102. The outer housing 102 is optionally a unitary molded component that may be formed from a polymeric material or a metallic material, for example. The outer housing 102 includes a body 110 sized to fit within a door or panel hole. The outer housing 102 also includes a flange portion 112 extending circumferentially around an outer surface of the body 110. The flange portion 112 is sized to contact an inner or outer surface of the door 146. The outer housing 102 can be fitted to the panel 146 by means, which includes, for example, threading or friction fitting the body portion 110 into the hollow hole of the panel, or the flange portion 112 adhering to the surface of the panel. For example, a fastener such as a screw can be used as bracket mounting arrangements. Furthermore, a portion or all of outer housing 102 may be formed as an integral or unitary piece with the panel 146.

[0055] The outer housing 102 is stationary with respect to the frame. Additionally or optionally, the outer housing 102 is stationary with respect to the lock plug body 124. A hollow region 160 (FIG. 4B) is formed in the body 110 for accommodating at least lock plug 104. The geometry of the interior surface of the hollow region 160 relative to the geometry of the exterior surface of the lock plug 104 is such that the lock plug 104 is permitted to move (e.g., rotate) within the hollow region 160.

[0056] In one embodiment, the nut 116 is adapted to be coupled to an end portion 128 (FIG. 4A) of the body 110. A washer may be optionally added between the body 110 and nut 116 to create proper attachment of fastener 118 to the housing 102. Additionally or optionally, as shown in FIG. 1C, a locking pawl 120 is coupled to the lock plug body 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking pawl 120 is fixedly coupled to a first end portion 132 of the lock plug body 124 via fastener 118 that is engaged with the opening 126 of lock plug body 124. A washer 144 can be added between screw 118 and locking pawl 120 to create proper attachment of locking pawl 120 to lock plug body 124. When the locking pawl 120 is attached to lock plug body 124, the locking pawl 120 is rotatable along with lock plug body 124.

[0057] Still further, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIGS. 10A-10B, the motor 104 is fixedly mounted within the interior space of the lock plug body 124 and within outer housing 102. In a non-limiting example, the motor 104 is received within the lock plug 124 and mounted eccentric relative to the outer housing 102 and / or lock plug body 124. In this configuration, the output shaft 106 of the motor 104 is configured for rotation about a rotation axis 140 (FIG. 10A) that is not colinear with the central axis 'A' of the housing 102, e.g., that is spaced from the central axis 'A' of the housing 102. The motor 130 being mounted eccentric relative to the housing 102 and / or lock plug body 124 desirably allows for easier and simpler mounting of at least the motor 130, as well as other components of lock 100 (e.g. PCB 148). In an exemplary embodiment, motor 130 comprises an electric motor, though, the motor 130 may vary from that which is shown and described. In one non-limiting example, motor 130 comprises a 3V BDC Motor 26:1 planetary gearbox, but other motors and gear ratios are contemplated as noted elsewhere.

[0058] In operation, referring to FIGS. 5A-5B and 10A-10B, the lock wafer 142 is disposed adjacent the output shaft 106 of the motor 130, which is rotatable around the rotation axis 140. In this configuration, the lock wafer 142 is configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis 140. In a non-limiting example, the lock wafer 142 is movable between an engaged position (FIG. 5A) corresponding to the latched state (FIG. 10A) of the electronic lock 100 and a disengaged position (FIG. 5B) corresponding to the unlatched state (FIG. 10B) of the electronic lock 100. To be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer 142 is at least partially positioned within the recess 136 and is urged by a bias toward the engaged position to restrict movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position. In order to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer 142 is moved a distance away from the recess 136 against the bias, or by an opposite bias, to permit or cause movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the lock wafer 142 is urged toward the engaged position in order to restrict movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position, via rotation of the output shaft 106 between a first angular position and a second angular position. At the first angular position of the output shaft 106, the lock wafer 142 is moved toward or maintained in the engaged position. Conversely, at the second angular position of the output shaft 106, the lock wafer 142 is moved toward or maintained in the disengaged position. Additionally or optionally, at the first angular position of the output shaft 106, the lock wafer 142 is positioned radially outward relative to the rotation axis 140 (FIG. 10A). Conversely, at the second angular position of the output shaft 106, the lock wafer 142 is positioned radially inward relative to the rotation axis 140.

[0060] In a non-limiting example, activation of the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft 106 in a first rotational direction (clockwise, CW, or counterclockwise, CCW) to reach the first angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position. Conversely, deactivation or rotation of the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft 106 in a second rotational direction (CW or CCW) to reach the second angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the engaged position. In a non-limiting example, the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction. Alternatively, the second rotation direction and first rotation direction are substantially same, but may differ in degrees of angular displacement (of shaft 106), for example.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, activation or deactivation of the motor 130, and consequently movement of the lock wafer 142 between engaged and disengaged positions, and further consequently movement of the lock 100 between latched and unlatched states, is facilitated by electromechanical actuation. The PCB 148 may automatically deactivate the motor 130 using a timeout function, such that motor 130 runs at full power for a predetermined time period. In this regard, lock 100 includes a wireless receiver 150 (FIG. 2C), which is illustrated as being mounted to PCB 148. As shown in FIGS. 16A-16B, the wireless receiver 150 (e.g., antenna or multiple antennae) is configured to send or receive one or more of a wireless communication signal 152 and a wireless power signal 154.

[0062] Use of wireless power signals 154 can help prolong battery life as it provides an additional or exclusive power source to operate lock 100. Although FIGS. 16A-16B indicate that the wireless communication signal 152 is sent or received via Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) protocol, it should be understood that the illustration is not intended to be limiting. Rather, other communication protocols may be used, including near field communication (NFC) signals or other inductive or radiofrequency (RFID) signals, from which power or energy can be harvested or communication can be established. Additionally or optionally, wireless communication may be facilitated by low-power, wide area networking (LoRaWan) protocol. In this way, PCB 148 comprises one or more compatible system components, such as controller(s) or processor(s), for receiving / sending one or more of the wireless communication signal 152 and wireless power signal 154, e.g., an NFC processor, a RFID chip, or a BLE processor, etc.

[0063] Other forms of wireless power or communications are also contemplated. For example, wireless communication signals can also be utilized, such as for example Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Wi-Fi. Also, in certain embodiments, communication can be achieved in addition to or as an alternative to wireless communications, such as by wired communications and / or power. Regarding wireless power signals, any wireless power signals capable of transferring power / energy can be used; for example, these can include RF, NFC, light, Qi / inductive charging, and other power signals. Wireless communication signals need not send power and are typically limited to communications; for example, these can include LoRaWan, BLE, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and other communication signals.

[0064] Some protocols can be used to transmit both power and communications (such as NFC) or multiple protocols that have separate power signals and wireless communications can be used.

[0065] Additionally, a wake up function can be incorporated into the electronic latch or lock. For example, a button on the PCA can be used to wake up the BLE protocol (or other wireless protocol). In some applications, it may be beneficial to include a wake up feature either by a push button or a capacitive touch switch or some other sensor. Such a wake up feature can extend battery life, when a battery is employed. It would also allow the BLE protocol (or other protocol) to reduce or eliminate power draw when sleeping, then once woken up by the button or capacitive touch or other sensor, the BLE protocol would be able to connect to a mobile device.

[0066] Generally speaking, it has been discovered that there can be advantages of using a battery in conjunction with NFC; for example, a battery can be used to run a motor and the NFC (or other wireless power source) can run the electronics. In such an example, it is possible to instantly operate a lock or latch without a need to wait for a buffer capacitor to charge. Accordingly, optional use of a battery can have advantageous benefits.

[0067] In a non-limiting example, a compatible controller is coupled to the wireless receiver 150 and is configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal 152. Additionally or optionally, the source of the wireless communication signal 152 is a device 156 that is external to the lock 100 (e.g. mobile device, key fob, smart device, etc.), as illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16B. The mobile device 156 may be programmed with a software application that enables the mobile device 156 to communicate with lock 100. In one embodiment, the software application may be a mobile app and is distributed to customers or users through an app store such as Apple iTunes®, or Google Play®. Alternatively, the software applications may be installed and maintained privately, without being distributed through a public third party app distributor, such as Apple iTunes®, or Google Play®. In this way, the software application may be specialized software designed for use on mobile devices, or other display systems operated by consumers or users of lock 100. Further, one or more of the wireless communication signal 154 and the wireless power signal 154 is sent or received by the mobile device 156.

[0068] Additionally or optionally, lock 100 includes a controller coupled to the motor 130, which is configured to activate or deactivate the motor 130. In this way, when the motor 130 is activated, the output shaft 106 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis 140. In a non-limiting example, the wireless power signal 154 is the only source of electric power for the electronic lock 100. Additionally or optionally, lock 100 further comprises a battery 158 for providing power to operate the electronic lock 100, e.g. for activating or deactivating the motor 130, for authenticating the source of the wireless communication signal 152, etc. In a non-limiting example, battery 158 comprises a singular coin cell battery, which is sufficiently small to fit within the size constraints of lock 100, but also provides enough power to at least drive actuation of motor 130, thereby improving power management, particularly given the relatively small size of lock 100 and its housing 102.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, 3, and 10A- 10B, the battery 158 is enclosed within an interior formed by an electronics housing 168 and a user-accessible handle 170. As illustrated, handle 170 comprises a turnable or rotatable knob. However, other forms of handles with various motions (e.g. sliding, translation, etc.) is possible.

[0070] Also housed within this interior is PCB 148. Further, the electronics unit formed by the electronics housing 168 and handle 170, as well as the components therein, such as the PCB 148 and battery 158, is coupled to other components of lock 100, such as housing 102 and lock pawl 120, via connector portions 172, 174 (FIGS. 2A-2C and 3). The electronics unit may be a unitary molded component, which may be formed from a polymeric material or a metallic material, for example. Alternatively, the electronics unit may be composed of multiple components that are mounted together.

[0071] In one embodiment where the neutral position of the lock wafer 142 is the disengaged position, or when the lock wafer 142 is biased toward the disengaged position, when the wireless power signal 154 and / or the battery 158 provides power to the motor 130, rotation of output shaft 106 to the first angular position allows lock wafer 142 to be moved into the engaged position. In this engaged position, the lock wafer 142 is at least partially positioned within the recess 136 and is urged by the bias toward the engaged position to restrict movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position. Likewise, when the wireless power signal 154 and / or the battery 158 provides power to the motor 130, rotation of output shaft 106 to the second angular position allows lock wafer 142 to be moved into the disengaged position. Alternatively, when the wireless power signal and / or the battery 158 cuts off or removes power, thereby deactivating the motor 130, the lock wafer 142 is moveable into the disengaged position. Namely, the lock wafer 142 is moved a distance away from the recess 136 against the bias.

[0072] Alternatively, in the opposite configuration, when the neutral position of the lock wafer 142 is the engaged position, or when the lock wafer is biased toward the engaged position, when the wireless power signal 154 and / or the battery 158 provides power to the motor 130, rotation of output shaft 106 to the first angular position allows lock wafer 142 to be moved into the disengaged position. In this disengaged position, the lock wafer 142 is moved a distance away from the recess 136 against the bias. Likewise, when the wireless power signal 154 and / or the battery 158 provides power to the motor 130, rotation of output shaft 106 to the second angular position allows lock wafer 142 to be moved into the engaged position. In this engaged position, the lock wafer 142 is at least partially positioned within the recess 136 and is urged by the bias toward the engaged position to restrict movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position. Alternatively, when the wireless power signal and / or the battery 158 cuts off or removes power, thereby deactivating the motor 130 after the output shaft 106 reaches the second angular position, the lock wafer 142 is permitted to be moved into the engaged position. In such an embodiment, the motor can be rotated back to the locked position before power is removed such that the lock wafer can be moved back to the locked position when power is no longer supplied.

[0073] In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-9, movement of the lock wafer 142 between engaged and disengaged positions is facilitated by magnetic actuation. It has been discovered that the optional use of magnets can reduce the amount of power required to drive the latch or lock. Accordingly, magnets can facilitate low or lower power usage. In this configuration, the lock wafer 142 is urged by the bias toward the engaged position via a plurality of magnets 162. Additionally or optionally, the lock wafer 142 moves against the bias toward the disengaged position via the plurality of magnets 162.

[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, the plurality of magnets 162 is configured to bias movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the engaged position or the disengaged position. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of magnets 162 are directly or indirectly mounted on the lock wafer 142 and the shaft 106 of the motor 130. In one non-limiting example, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D and 7, the plurality of magnets 162 include at least one rotor magnet 164 directly or indirectly mounted on the shaft 106 of the motor 130. At least two wafer magnets 166 are directly or indirectly mounted on the lock wafer 142. In this way, to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer 142 is at least partially positioned within the recess 136 and is urged by a magnetic force of the magnets 162 to remain in the engaged position to restrict movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position. Conversely, to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer 142 is moved away from the recess 136 by the magnetic force of the magnets 162 to permit movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position.

[0075] The use of magnetic actuation lock permits use of a lower ratio gear motor 130 because it requires relatively less energy, and / or relatively less actuation time compared to existing locks. Further, the use of magnetic actuation mitigates or prevents friction between the shaft 106 or cam 280 (discussed below) and the lock wafer 142 as the lock 100 moves between unlocked and locked states. This also reduces the requirement to overcome a mechanical biasing force (e.g., from a spring, such as spring 284, which is discussed below), in that only magnetic forces among magnets 162 must be overcome. Additional advantages include mitigating or preventing binding on the lock wafer 142 (which causes the motor 130 to stall), because the magnets 162 physically decouple the shaft 106 from the lock wafer 142 and when the lock wafer 142 is held in the engaged position, the motor 130 can still rotate to move the lock 100 toward the unlocked state, such that the lock wafer 142 will be pulled into the disengaged position (by the magnets 162), when lock wafer 142 is no longer held in the engaged position.

[0076] In a non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 7, the at least two wafer magnets 166 comprise a first wafer magnet 166a and a second wafer magnet 166b diametrically positioned relative to each other and arranged with alternating polarities (e.g. north pole and south pole). FIGS. 6C-6D also illustrates this interaction between the rotor magnet 164 and wafer magnets 166, without the shaft 106 shown, for clarity. Additionally or optionally, the first wafer magnet 166a is positioned at a radially outward portion of the lock wafer 142 and the second wafer magnet 166b is positioned at a radially inward portion of lock wafer 142, with the radially outward portion being opposite the radially inward portion. So, in operation, at the first or second angular position of the output shaft 106, the at least one rotor magnet 164 and the first wafer magnet 166a or the second wafer magnet 166b are magnetically attracted to each other. Simultaneously, the at least one rotor magnet 164 and the other of the first wafer magnet 166a or the second wafer magnet 166b are magnetically repelled from each other.

[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 7, at the first angular position when the lock wafer 142 is in the disengaged position and the lock 100 is in the unlatched state, the at least one rotor magnet 164 and the first wafer magnet 166a are magnetically attracted to each other. Simultaneously, the at least one rotor magnet 164 and the second wafer magnet 166b are magnetically repelled from each other. These magnetic forces therefore move the lock wafer 142 away from the recess 136 to permit movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position. When the lock wafer 142 is in the disengaged position, the user may move (e.g. turn or rotate) the handle 170, which in turn simultaneously rotates the lock plug 104 and locking pawl 120 attached to the lock plug 104.

[0078] Conversely, at the second angular position when the lock wafer 142 is in the engaged position and the lock 100 is in the latched state, the at least one rotor magnet 164 and the first wafer magnet 166a are magnetically repelled from each other. Simultaneously, the at least one rotor magnet 164 and the second wafer magnet 166b are magnetically attracted to each other. These magnetic forces therefore urge the lock wafer 142 to be at least partially positioned within the recess 136 to restrict movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position.

[0079] In this configuration, when the output shaft 106 moves between the first angular position and the second angular position (e.g., by activation or deactivation of motor 130), the output shaft 106 is rotated about the rotation axis 140 for less than 45 degrees along the first or second rotational direction. In a preferred embodiment, the output shaft 106 is rotated about the rotation axis 140 for approximately 20 degrees along the first or second rotational direction.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, a manual or mechanical override for moving the lock wafer 142 away from the recess 136 and toward the disengaged position is provided. In a non-limiting example, the mechanical override may permit an authorized user to have access to the lock wafer 142 through an opening or access hole in order to manually depress or press on (e.g. apply force or pressure) the lock wafer 142 to move it from the engaged position toward the disengaged position. Because of the gap above magnet 164 as illustrated in FIG. 7 (locked), the lock wafer 142 can be manually pushed downwardly from the engaged position toward the disengaged position against the bias (e.g., magnetic force). This is made possible by the fact that the lock wafer 142 (or other component does) not interfere physically with such movement.

[0081] Another non-limiting example is shown in FIG. 8, which is generally similar to the embodiment described above, except that there are at least two rotor magnets 164 (e.g. a first rotor magnet 164a and a second rotor magnet 164b) directly or indirectly mounted on the output shaft 106 of the motor 130. The first rotor magnet 164a and the second rotor magnet 164b are diametrically positioned relative to each other and arranged with alternating polarities. In this configuration, at the first or second angular position of the output shaft 106, the first rotor magnet 164a and the first wafer magnet 166a are magnetically attracted to each other and simultaneously, the second rotor magnet 164b and the second wafer magnet 166b are magnetically repelled from each other.

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 8, at the first angular position when the lock wafer 142 is in the disengaged position and the lock 100 is in the unlatched state, the first rotor magnet 164a and the first wafer magnet 166a are magnetically attracted to each other. Simultaneously, the second rotor magnet 164b and the second wafer magnet 166b are magnetically repelled from each other. These magnetic forces therefore move the lock wafer 142 away from the recess 136 to permit movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position. When the lock wafer 142 is in the disengaged position, the user may move (e.g. turn or rotate) the handle 170, which in turn simultaneously rotates the lock plug 104 and locking pawl 120 attached to the lock plug 104.

[0083] Conversely, at the second angular position when the lock wafer 142 is in the engaged position and the lock 100 is in the latched state, the first rotor magnet 164a and the first wafer magnet 166a are magnetically repelled from each other. Simultaneously, the second rotor magnet 164b and the second wafer magnet 166b are magnetically attracted to each other. These magnetic forces therefore urge the lock wafer 142 to be at least partially positioned within the recess 136 to restrict movement of the lock wafer 142 toward the disengaged position. In this configuration, when the output shaft 106 moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, the output shaft 106 is rotated about the rotation axis 140 for less than 20 degrees along the first or second rotational direction.

[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates still another non-limiting example, which is generally similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 8. In this configuration, when the output shaft 106 moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, the output shaft 106 is rotated about the rotation axis 140 for up to 180 degrees along the first or second rotational direction. Alternatively, the output shaft 106 moves between the first angular position and the second angular position when the output shaft 106 is rotated at least 180 degrees along the first or second rotational direction. In a preferred embodiment, the output shaft 106 moves between the first angular position and the second angular position when the output shaft 106 is rotated between 170 to 190 degrees along the first or second rotational direction.

[0085] A second embodiment of the lock 100 in accordance with aspects of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 11-14. Specifically, FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of a lock 200, the details of which and operation thereof generally corresponds to the lock 100 as described above. In particular, like lock 100, the lock 200 is moveable between a latched state and an unlatched state. The lock 200 comprises an outer housing 202 that is configured to be connected to the frame or door / panel (for example). The lock 200 also includes a lock plug 204, with the lock plug 204 including a motor 230 having an output shaft 206 and a lock wafer 242 disposed adjacent the output shaft 206. In an exemplary embodiment, motor 230 comprises a 3V BDC Motor 136: 1 planetary gearbox, but other gearboxes can be selected (e.g., a 700:1 gearbox or a 26:1 gearbox or lower or higher ratios), depending for example on the biasing element used (e.g., spring or magnetic) and other factors and considerations. Lock 200 also includes an electronics unit comprising PCB 248 with a receiver 250 mounted thereon. The PCB 248 and battery 258 are mounted within an interior formed together by handle 270 and electronics housing 268. The housing 202 may be coupled to the electronics unit via connector portions 272, 274. However, lock 100 and lock 200 differ in some respects.

[0086] In one exemplary embodiment, as best illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the lock plug 204 is retained in the outer housing 202 with a retaining or retention wafer 282. In addition, lock plug 204 includes a bias in the form of a spring 284, that is directly or indirectly coupled to the lock wafer 242 or the shaft 206 of the motor 230. The spring 284 is configured to bias the lock wafer 242 toward the engaged position. The spring 284 is further configured to resist the movement of the lock wafer 242 between the engaged position and the disengaged position. Further, the lock wafer 242 defines a recess 286 into which at least a portion of the output shaft 106 extends, the recess 286 defining at least one contact surface 288. A cam 280 is rotatably mounted within the housing 202 and coupled to the output shaft 206 of the motor 230 for rotation (about a rotation axis similar to rotation axis 140) along with the output shaft 106. The cam comprises at least one lobe 280a configured for rotation along with the output shaft 206.

[0087] In operation, the at least one lobe 280a of cam 280 is positionable to bear on at least a portion of the least one contact surface 288 of the recess 286 to facilitate the radial movement of the lock wafer 242 relative to the rotation axis. In this way, to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer 242 is at least partially positioned within the recess 236, the details of which is similar to that of recess 136 of housing 102, as described above. The lock wafer 242 is also urged by the spring 284 toward the engaged position to restrict movement of the lock wafer 242 toward the disengaged position. Conversely, to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer 242 is moved away from the recess 236 against a bias of the spring 284 to permit movement of the lock wafer 242 toward the disengaged position.

[0088] Thus, as best illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14B, movement of the lock wafer 242 between engaged (FIG. 14A) and disengaged (FIG. 14B) positions is facilitated by the cam 280 and lock wafer 242. In operation, the motor 230 drives rotation of the output shaft 206 and consequently, cam 280, which results in the movement of the lock wafer 242 against the biasing force of the spring 284. As the shaft 206 and cam 280 rotate between a first and second angular position, the lock wafer 242 moves between engaged and disengaged positions. In a non-limiting example, at the first angular position of the output shaft 106, the at least one lobe 280a is positionable to bear on at least a portion of the least one contact surface 288 of the recess 286 and the lock wafer 242. At this first angular position, the interaction between the at least one contact surface 288 of lock wafer 242 and the at least one lobe 280a of the cam 280 permits or causes cause movement of the lock wafer 242 toward the disengaged position. Additionally or optionally, at the first angular position of the output shaft 106, the lock wafer 242 is positioned radially inward relative to the rotation axis.

[0089] Conversely, at the second angular position, the at least one cam lobe 280a is separated a distance away from at least a portion of the least one contact surface 288 of the recess 236. In this way, the separation of a portion of the at least one contact surface 288 of lock wafer 242 and the at least one lobe 280a of the cam 280 permits or causes movement of the lock wafer 242 toward the engaged position. Additionally or optionally, at the second angular position of the output shaft 106, the lock wafer 242 is positioned radially outward relative to the rotation axis.

[0090] Thus, in this way, unlike alternative embodiments which can optionally use lateral movement for driving actuation between engaged and disengaged positions of the lock wafer 242, or between latched and unlatched states of the lock 200, locks 100 and 200 preferably rely on non-lateral movement. This non-lateral movement comprises the lock wafer 242 moving radially outward relative to a rotation axis, such that the lock wafer is permitted or caused to move away or toward the recess 236 of housing 202.

[0091] In one embodiment, a manual or mechanical override for moving the lock wafer 242 away from the recess 236 and toward the disengaged position is provided. In a non-limiting example, the mechanical override may allow an authorized user to have access to the lock wafer 242 through an opening or access hole in order to manually depress or press on (e.g. apply force or pressure) the lock wafer 242 to move it from the engaged position toward the disengaged position.

[0092] In another non-limiting example, one or more magnets 294 may be mounted on the one or more lobes 280a. The magnets 294 are configured to be sensed by sensors 296 mounted on PCB 148. Other sensing methods known in the art may also be employed. In this way, the PCB 148 may perform one or more predetermined functions, based on the detected position of the cam lobes 280a. Additionally or optionally, an indicator corresponding to the latched and unlatched states of the lock 200 may be disposed on the housing 202, such that indicator 298 is visible to the user. Indicator 298 may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) configured to indicate a visual appearance corresponding to the latched and / or unlatched state of the lock 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the PCB 148 is configured to control the LED indicator 298 based on the sensed position of the cam lobes 280a.

[0093] In one embodiment, a cover attachment, such as a multiple- or 3-piece attachment, allows the knob or handle to be removed for battery installation and / or replacement. Additional details are illustrated in FIGS. 17A-17J, including the manner in which the knob or handle 270 is used. This "twist and lock" feature preferably includes three parts, a latch body, a latch cover, and a locking ring that interact with one another to become fully locked.

[0094] Generally, the knob 270 has an L-shaped slot on the inside that a connector portion, such as connector portion 274, drops and twists into place. For example, the knob is optionally configured to be twisted clockwise with respect to the latch body to be locked, and vice versa if it is twisted counterclockwise to be unlocked. Then ring connector 272 pushes on into the straight portion of the L slot and is held on by crush ribs on connector portion 274. This twist and lock battery cover configuration facilitates access to the battery without requiring removing the latch from the panel, to enable a user to replace a battery while the latch is still attached on the panel. This embodiment also avoids using special tools to take the battery cover off the latch body. Accordingly, embodiments of the battery cover allow separation from the rest of the latch body, without requiring any tools, and provides access from the front external side of the panel with a common flat screwdriver for example (e.g., no special tools being required).

[0095] The battery cover is optionally sized to fit over the rest of the latch body, such that by twisting the cover on the latch body their respecting features would engage in a locking state. A locking ring component provides an affirmative lock. Bumps on the periphery of the latch body hold the locking ring in place and the rest of the parts all locked in place securing the battery, the PCA and the rest of the internal components secure. The locking ring can be configured to secure everything until a flat screwdriver (or any other small flat object) is inserted into the ring slots to push the ring off and disengage the parts from their locking position.

[0096] Referring in greater detail to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17A- 17J, FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a lock or latch in installed configurations, with FIG. 17A providing a perspective view and FIG. 17B providing a side view. FIG. 17C shows an exploded view of the latch or lock, having a twist and lock battery cover, a latch housing, a locking ring, a prep panel, and a mounting nut.

[0097] FIGS. 17D and 17E show the process of installation. For example, in FIG. 17D the rotary latch is fixed onto the panel, such that the battery 258 is installed and provides power to the latch electronics. The locking ring is pushed into place. In FIG. 17E, the twist and lock battery cover 201 is fixed into position. To do so, the four locking legs 203 are located and the twist and lock cover is pushed in and rotated counterclockwise relative to the latch housing until the full locking position is reached. This is indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 17E.

[0098] As is illustrated in FIG. 17F, the twist and lock battery cover and locking ring 205 are secured. Typically, when pressed on and the lock battery cover is fully turned and in a locking position, it is secured with the locking ring pushed in from the opposite side. The locking ring will then clip, securing all of the parts in place. Preferably, no other tool is required.

[0099] The manner in which the locking ring can be removed is illustrated in FIG. 17G. To remove the locking ring, a user can insert a tool such as a standard flat screwdriver in the dedicated cut out found on the part, such that the locking ring can be unclipped from its fixed place. The cut out feature found on the locking ring is illustrated in FIG. 17G. A cross-sectional side view of the installed rotary latch is shown in FIG. 17H. In that figure, the twist and lock cover, locking ring, prep panel, and mounting nut are shown in place. FIGS. 171 and 17J illustrate embodiments of the twisted lock cover with the lock ring in place.

[0100] Alternatively, embodiments of this twist and lock mechanism can be configured such that the battery cover can only be removed from the latch body if the latch is removed from the panel. In such embodiments, it is not possible to access the internals of the latch unless it is taken off the panel.

[0101] Although the twist and lock mechanism or cover has been described or illustrated as used with electronic locks and electronic components with a lock plug, such a mechanism or cover can be applied to any removable knob to any latch. For example, it may be advantageous to access a mounting screw for a knob or other nonelectronic component on a purely or partially mechanical latch or non-locking latch.

[0102] A third embodiment of a lock in accordance with aspects of the invention is disclosed in FIGS. 15A-15D. Specifically, FIGS. 15A-15D depict a view of lock 300 with some components thereof being removed for clarity. The details of lock 300 and operation thereof generally corresponds to those of locks 100 and 200 as described above. In particular, the lock 300 is moveable between a latched state and an unlatched state. The lock 300 also comprises a handle 370 and a lock plug 304 having a body 324, with the handle 370 being operatively connected to each other. However, lock 300 differs in some respects relative to locks 100 and 200.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, the lock wafer 342 includes a stop 390 configured to engage the external handle 370. As illustrated in FIGS. 15-15D, the stop 390 comprises a protrusion and the handle 370 includes a corresponding slot 392 configured to receive the protrusion. Alternatively, the handle 370 comprises the protrusion and the stop 390 includes a corresponding slot 392 configured to receive the protrusion. When the stop 390 is engaged with the handle 370, the protrusion is adjacent or received in the slot 392. On the other hand, when the stop 390 is disengaged from the handle 370, the protrusion is separated a distance away from the slot 392.

[0104] When the lock wafer 342 is in the engaged position, the stop 390 is disengaged from the handle 370, thereby permitting the handle 370 to rotate without moving the lock 300 between the latched state or the unlatched state. In this way, undesirable access by unauthorized persons may be mitigated or prevented. Conversely, when the lock wafer 342 is in the disengaged position, the stop 390 is engaged with the handle 370. In this configuration, the lock plug 304 can be rotated about the rotation axis (similar to rotation axis 140) and permits the lock 300 to move toward the unlatched state from the latched state. This is because when the lock wafer 342 is in the disengaged position and the stop is engaged with handle 370, the user may move (e.g. turn or rotate) the handle 370, and by operative connection of the handle 370 to the lock plug 304 (which is similar to lock plug 104 or 204), the user also simultaneously rotates the lock plug 304 and locking pawl 120 attached thereto.

[0105] Referring generally to FIGS. 18A-18G, another embodiment of a lock plug for an electronic lock is illustrated. It is configured for moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. Like prior embodiments, this embodiment of the electronic lock 400 has an outer housing 402 extending along a central axis and defining a recess. The lock plug includes a motor 430 configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis. As illustrated in FIG. 18A, the rotation axis need not be spaced from the central axis of the outer housing.

[0106] A lock wafer 442 is disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis. The lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock.

[0107] In this embodiment, a coupler component 407 is interposed between, and couples, the output shaft of the motor and the lock wafer. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18E, 18F, and 18G, the coupler 407 has a recess for receiving an end portion of the output shaft of the motor. As is illustrated for example in FIG. 18G, the recess is offset from the central axis of the coupler such that rotation of the output shaft of the motor causes eccentric rotation of the coupler relative to the output shaft of the motor, thus providing a camming function to move the lock wafer up and down in the orientation illustrated in FIG. 18G.

[0108] As illustrated clearly in the figures, this eccentric rotation of the coupler causes a glide or extension component 409 adjacent the lock wafer to move up and down and translate motion via the opposed biases of the illustrated springs 484. As is best illustrated in FIGS. 18C and 18D, the coupler translates rotational movement of the output shaft of the motor into linear motion of an extension component 409 that extends into a recess of the lock wafer. Opposed springs 484 each extend between an inner surface of the recess formed in the lock wafer and outward facing surfaces of the extension component. Accordingly, rotation of the output shaft of the motor, when driven by the motor, changes the position of the extension component 409 and, in turn, changes the position of the lock wafer. In this way, the lock wafer is moved into and out of a recess formed within the housing of the electronic lock. In the position illustrated in FIG. 18C, the lock wafer is biased upward into engagement with the recess in the housing, thereby resisting or preventing rotational movement of the lock plug.

[0109] It will also be noted by reference to FIG. 18A that the knob portion 470 of the electronic lock has a wing-shape configuration. This wing configuration accommodates PCB components and batteries and other components, generally indicated by numeral 471.

[0110] Also, in contrast to some other embodiments illustrated herein, the orientation of the motor and the output shaft of the motor is opposite. In other words, the output shaft of the motor extends away from the knob or handle or the exterior of the electronic lock plug. Also, the positioning of the motor is such that at least a portion of the motor can extend beyond the plane of the panel to which the electronic lock is mounted. Also, it optionally extends into the interior of the handle region or knob region of the electronic lock.

[0111] This embodiment also permits the mounting of the motor and the output shaft of the motor along a central axis corresponding to a central axis of the housing of the electronic lock. This feature of this embodiment is also illustrated in FIG. 18B, and in FIGS. 18F and 18G.

[0112] As illustrated in FIGS. 18C and 18D, at least one spring (in this case two springs 484) are directly or indirectly coupled to at least one of the lock wafer or the shaft of the motor (in this case coupled to or contacting the lock wafer) for biasing the lock wafer toward a desired position such as the engaged position.

[0113] To be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock and is urged toward the engaged position by the extension component to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position. To be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock via the extension component to permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position. FIGS. 19A-19F illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention, illustrating features of the invention applied to a latch, for example a hood latch. These figures illustrate an embodiment of an electronic locking mechanism configured to restrict movement of components relative to one another. The electronic locking mechanism includes a motor having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis. It also includes a lock wafer (any structure or component movable relative to the motor) disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis. The lock wafer is movable between an engaged position to restrict movement of the components relative to one another and a disengaged position configured to allow movement of the components relative to one another. A plurality of magnets is configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position. The plurality of magnets are directly or indirectly mounted on at least one of the lock wafer and the output shaft of the motor.

[0114] To be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be urged by a magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position to restrict movement of the components relative to one another. And to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be urged by a magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position to permit movement of the components relative to one another.

[0115] Referring generally to FIGS. 20A-20K, 21A-21C, and 22A-22G, another embodiment of a locking system including electronic lock 500 is illustrated. The lock 500 is configured to be moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. Like prior embodiments, this embodiment of the electronic lock 500 has an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess. The lock 500 includes a motor 530 configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock 500 and having an output shaft 506 configured for rotation about a rotation axis.

[0116] As illustrated in FIGS. 21A-21C, a rotor 542 is rotatably mounted to the output shaft 506 of the motor 520 and is configured to rotate about the rotation axis in response to rotation of the output shaft 506. To facilitate this, as best shown in 20F- 20K and 21A-21B, the rotor 542 has a recess 544 for receiving an end portion of the output shaft 506 of the motor 530. The rotor 542 is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock. In another non-limiting example, the rotor 542 is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position to facilitate installation of a lock to a frame or door / panel 146 (for example) or an enclosure.

[0117] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 22A-22G, a slider 507 is disposed adjacent the rotor 542, and is configured to translate (e.g. slide) along the central axis. In one non-limiting example, as best illustrated in FIGS. 20I-20K, the slider 507 has at least one recess or pocket 510 for receiving at least one moveable detent ball 590. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20K, a plurality of magnets 562 are directly or indirectly mounted on the slider 507 and one or more magnets 564 are directly or indirectly mounted on the rotor 542. One skilled in the art would understand from the description herein that in other embodiments, the one detent ball (or equivalent structures known to one skilled in the art) may not be moveable, so as to be configured as a blocker or otherwise stationary piece relative to another component of the lock 500 (e.g. to hold a component of lock 500 in place). In this way, the slider 507 is urged, via a magnetic force from the interaction between magnets 562 on the slider 507 and the magnets 564 on the rotor 542 (similar to the magnetic actuation discussed in the above embodiments), toward the engaged position and / or the disengaged position.

[0118] In operation, referring to FIGS. 20E-20K, the slider 507 is movable between an engaged position (FIGS. 20F, 201) and a disengaged position (FIGS. 20H, 20J). When the slider 507 is in the disengaged position, the at least one ball 590 is at least partially positioned within the at least one pocket 510 in order to permit or cause the unlatched state of the electronic lock 500. In a non-limiting example, when the slider 507 is in the engaged position, the at least one ball 590 is restricted from being received within the at least one pocket, thereby restricting or preventing the unlatched state of the electronic lock 500. In order to be moved into the disengaged position, the slider 507 is moved a distance away from the rotor 542 of the motor 530 and against a bias, or by an opposite bias (e.g. such as that provided by a pair of magnets 580, discussed below).

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, the slider 507 is urged toward the disengaged position, via rotation of the rotor 542 between a first angular position and a second angular position. At the first angular position of the rotor 542, the slider 507 is moved toward or maintained in the disengaged position. Conversely, at the second angular position of the rotor 542, the slider 507 is moved toward or maintained in the engaged position. In a non-limiting example, activation of the motor 530 is configured to rotate the rotor 542 in a first rotational direction (clockwise, CW, or counterclockwise, CCW) to reach the first angular position and permit or cause movement of the slider 507 toward the disengaged position. Conversely, deactivation or rotation of the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft 506 in a second rotational direction (CW or CCW) to reach the second angular position and permit or cause movement of the slider 507 toward the engaged position. In a non-limiting example, the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction. Alternatively, the second rotation direction and first rotation direction are substantially the same, but may differ in degrees of angular displacement of rotor 542, for example.

[0120] Additionally or optionally, as best shown in FIGS. 20I-20K, a pair of magnets 580, one of which is mounted directly or indirectly on the an end portion of slider 507 and another of which is mounted directly or indirectly on an end cap of lock 500, provide a biasing or spring-like force to facilitate movement of balls 590 in and out of the at least one pocket 510. As an alternative to magnets, one or more springs can provide the biasing force.

[0121] Referring generally to FIGS. 23A-23F, 24A-24G, and 25A-25F, another embodiment of a locking system including electronic lock 600 is illustrated. The lock 600 is configured to be moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. Like prior embodiments, this embodiment of the electronic lock 600 includes a motor 630 having an output shaft 606 configured for rotation about a rotation axis.

[0122] The magnetic actuation arrangement is similar to that as illustrated in FIGS. 6A- 6D and 7, as discussed above. A plurality of magnets 562 is configured to bias movement of a lock wafer 642 toward the engaged position or the disengaged position. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of magnets 562 are directly or indirectly mounted on the lock wafer 642 and the shaft of the motor 630. In one non-limiting example, the plurality of magnets 562 include at least one magnet directly or indirectly mounted on the shaft of the motor 630. At least two wafer magnets 566 are directly or indirectly mounted on the lock wafer 642.

[0123] In this way, to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer 642 is urged by a magnetic force of the magnets 562 to remain in the engaged position to restrict movement of the slider 607 toward the disengaged position. Conversely, to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer 642 is urged by the magnetic force of the magnets 562 to permit movement of the slider 607 toward the disengaged position. In operation, activation of motor 630 causes lock wafer 642 to translate relative to the rotation axis of the output shaft of the motor 630, thereby permitting or causing slider 507 to be urged (e.g. by an additional and / or separate actuating force) into a recess defined in the housing of lock 600.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, a manual or mechanical override for moving the electronic lock from the latched state to the unlatched state is provided. In a nonlimiting example, the mechanical override may permit an authorized user to insert a tool or key in an opening of an end portion of the lock. In an opposite end portion of the lock, an engagement surface comprises a pair of elevated surfaces creating a gap therebetween. Because of this gap as illustrated in FIGS. 23D-23F, the slider 602 (or other component) does not interfere physically directly or indirectly with movement of the lock from the latched state to the unlatched state. For example, the tool (or key) is inserted in the opening of a lock plug of lock 600 and then actuated (e.g. rotated) in the lock plug against a biasing force, thereby unlocking the lock plug to permit or cause the lock to move from the latched state to the unlatched state.

[0125] Referring generally to 26A-26H and 27A-27C, another embodiment of a locking system including electronic lock 700 is illustrated. The lock 700 is configured to be moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. Like prior embodiments, this embodiment of the electronic lock 700 includes a motor 730 having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis. In one example, magnetic actuation is achieved by coupling a hard stop 710 to the motor 730. Without being limited to the specific geometry illustrated in FIGS. 27A-27C, for example, hard stop 710 defines a contoured surface along which a ferrous dowel pin 720 is configured to travel (e.g. as output shaft of motor 730 is rotated) and interact with the plurality of magnets 162 to urge or bias a lock wafer in a disengaged position and / or an engaged position.

[0126] In operation, the output shaft of the motor 730 is configured for rotation about a rotation axis between a first angular position and a second angular position. At the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in an engaged position, and, at the second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in a disengaged position. The plurality of magnets 162 is directly or indirectly mounted on the shaft of the motor. In this way, the plurality of magnets is positioned to be detected by a sensor when the shaft is at the first angular position or a the second angular position. Thus, the plurality of magnets is configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position.

[0127] Still further, the lock includes a flux pipe through which magnetic flux from the plurality of magnets 162 is communicated to the sensor, for urging or biasing (or facilitating thereof) a lock wafer in a disengaged position and / or an engaged position (e.g. in a similar manner as magnetic actuation described in connection with the prior embodiments above). In one non-limiting example, the sensor comprises a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor configured to detect the presence of magnetic fields and polarities (e.g. fields that have a north (N) and / or south (S) pole). So, in operation, when the output shaft moves between the first and second angular positions, flux from the plurality of magnets mounted on the output shaft changes, as detected, facilitated, or controlled by positioning of the flux pipe relative to the plurality of the magnets (or another component associated therewith, such as hard stop 710). In this way, the first angular position may correspond to the engaged position of the lock wafer and / or the latched state of the lock, and the second angular position may correspond to the disengaged position of the lock wafer and / or the unlatched state of the lock, and all of said positions and states can be detected and / or facilitated based on detected (e.g. by a TMR sensor) interaction between the flux pipe and the plurality of magnets mounted on the output shaft of the motor.

[0128] As is illustrated, aspects of this invention are beneficially applied to a wide variety of mechanisms including components that can be restricted from movement relative to one another. For example, the components can be, for example, components of a cam latch or lock, a compression latch or lock, a lever latch or lock, a hood latch or lock, a push to close latch or lock, a rotary latch or lock, a swing handle latch or lock, a draw latch or lock, a hinge, or a monitor mount.

[0129] This invention includes, but is not limited to, the following aspects.

[0130] 1. A lock plug for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess, the lock plug comprising: a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; and wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock and is urged by a bias toward the engaged position to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position, and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0131] 2. The lock plug of aspect 1, wherein the output shaft is configured for rotation between a first angular position and a second angular position.

[0132] 3. The lock plug of aspect 2, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in the engaged position, and, at the second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in the disengaged position.

[0133] 4. The lock plug of aspect 2, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first rotational direction to reach the first angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0134] 5. The lock plug of aspect 4, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach the second angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position.

[0135] 6. The lock plug of aspect 5, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction.

[0136] 7. The lock plug of aspect 2, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially outward relative to the rotation axis, and at the second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially inward relative to the rotation axis.

[0137] 8. The lock plug of aspect 1, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to send or receive one or more of a wireless communication signal and a wireless power signal.

[0138] 9. The lock plug of aspect 8, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received via near field communication (NFC) protocol or Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) protocol or wide area networking (LoRaWan) protocol. 10. The lock plug of aspect 9, further comprising a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal.

[0139] 11. The lock plug of aspect 10, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile device.

[0140] 12. The lock plug of aspect 9, further comprising a controller coupled to the motor and configured to activate or deactivate the motor, wherein when the motor is activated, the output shaft is configured to rotate about the rotation axis.

[0141] 13. The lock plug of aspect 12, wherein the wireless power signal is the only source of electric power for the electronic lock.

[0142] 14. The lock plug of aspect 12, further comprising a battery for providing power for the electronic lock.

[0143] 15. The lock plug of aspect 8, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received by a mobile device.

[0144] 16. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug of aspect 1.

[0145] 17. A lock plug for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess, the lock plug comprising: a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis that is spaced from the central axis of the outer housing when the lock plug extends within the housing, wherein the output shaft is configured for rotation about the rotation axis and between a first angular position and a second angular position; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being directly or indirectly mounted on at least one of the lock wafer and the shaft of the motor; and wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock and is urged by a magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position, and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock by the magnetic force of the magnets to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0146] 18. The lock plug of aspect 17, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first rotational direction to reach the first angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0147] 19. The lock plug of aspect 18, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach the second angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position.

[0148] 20. The lock plug of aspect 19, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction.

[0149] 21. The lock plug of aspect 17, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially outward relative to the rotation axis, and at the second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially inward relative to the rotation axis.

[0150] 22. The lock plug of aspect 17, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least two wafer magnets that are directly or indirectly mounted on the lock wafer.

[0151] 23. The lock plug of aspect 22, wherein the at least two wafer magnets comprise a first wafer magnet and a second wafer magnet diametrically positioned relative to each other and arranged with alternating polarities.

[0152] 24. The lock plug of aspect 23, wherein the first wafer magnet is positioned at a radially outward portion of the lock wafer and the second wafer magnet is positioned at a radially inward portion of lock wafer, the radially outward portion being opposite the radially inward portion. The lock plug of aspect 22, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least one rotor magnet that is directly or indirectly mounted to the output shaft of the motor. The lock plug of aspect 25, wherein at the first or second angular position of the output shaft, the at least one rotor magnet and the first wafer magnet or the second wafer magnet are magnetically attracted to each other and simultaneously, the at least one rotor magnet and the other of the first wafer magnet or the second wafer magnet are magnetically repelled from each other. The lock plug of aspect 26, wherein when the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, the output shaft is rotated for less than 45 degrees along the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction. The lock plug of aspect 22, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least two rotor magnets that are directly or indirectly mounted to the output shaft of the motor, and the at least two rotor magnets comprise a first rotor magnet and a second rotor magnet. The lock plug of aspect 28, wherein at the first or second angular position of the output shaft, the first rotor magnet and the first wafer magnet are magnetically attracted to each other and simultaneously, the second rotor magnet and the second wafer magnet are magnetically repelled from each other. The lock plug of aspect 29, wherein when the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, the output shaft is rotated for less than 20 degrees along the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction. The lock plug of aspect 29, wherein the first rotor magnet and the second rotor magnet are diametrically positioned relative to each other and arranged with alternating polarities. The lock plug of aspect 31, wherein when the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, the output shaft is rotated for up to 180 degrees along the first or second rotational direction. The lock plug of aspect 31, wherein when the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, the output shaft is rotated at least 180 degrees along the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction. The lock plug of aspect 17, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to send or receive one or more of a wireless communication signal and a wireless power signal. The lock plug of aspect 34, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received via near field communication (NFC) protocol or Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) protocol or wide area networking (LoRaWan) protocol. The lock plug of aspect 35, further comprising a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal. The lock plug of aspect 36, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile device. The lock plug of aspect 35, further comprising a controller coupled to the motor and configured to activate or deactivate the motor, wherein when the motor is activated, the output shaft is configured to rotate about the rotation axis. The lock plug of aspect 38, wherein the wireless power signal is the only source of electric power for the electronic lock. The lock plug of aspect 38, further comprising a battery for providing power for the electronic lock. The lock plug of aspect 34, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received by a mobile device. 42. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug of aspect 17.

[0153] 43. A lock plug for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess, the lock plug comprising: a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis that is spaced from the central axis of the outer housing; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; a spring directly or indirectly coupled to at least one of the lock wafer or the shaft of the motor for biasing the lock wafer toward the engaged position; and wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock and is urged by the spring toward the engaged position to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position, and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock against a bias of the spring to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0154] 44. The lock plug of aspect 43, wherein the spring is further configured to resist the movement of the lock wafer between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

[0155] 45. The lock plug of aspect 44, wherein the lock wafer defines a wafer recess into which at least a portion of the output shaft extends, the recess defining at least one contact surface.

[0156] 46. The lock plug of aspect 45, further comprising a cam that is rotatably mountable within the housing and coupled to the output shaft of the motor for rotation along with the output shaft. The lock plug of aspect 46, wherein the cam comprises at least one lobe configured for rotation along with the output shaft. The lock plug of aspect 47, wherein the at least one lobe is positionable to bear on at least a portion of the least one contact surface of the wafer recess to facilitate the radial movement of the lock wafer relative to the rotation axis. The lock plug of aspect 48, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first rotational direction to reach a first angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position. The lock plug of aspect 49, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially inward relative to the rotation axis. The lock plug of aspect 49, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach a second angular position to permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position. The lock plug of aspect 51, wherein at the second angular position of the output shaft, the at least one cam lobe is separated a distance away from at least a portion of the least one contact surface of the wafer recess. The lock plug of aspect 52, wherein at the second angular position of the output shaft, the spring is configured to move the lock wafer radially outward relative to the rotation axis. The lock plug of aspect 51, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction. The lock plug of aspect 43, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to send or receive one or more of a wireless communication signal and a wireless power signal. The lock plug of aspect 55, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received via near field communication (NFC) protocol or Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) protocol or wide area networking (LoRaWan) protocol. 57. The lock plug of aspect 56, further comprising a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal.

[0157] 58. The lock plug of aspect 57, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile device.

[0158] 59. The lock plug of aspect 56, further comprising a controller coupled to the motor and configured to activate or deactivate the motor, wherein when the motor is activated, the output shaft is configured to rotate about the rotation axis.

[0159] 60. The lock plug of aspect 59, wherein the wireless power signal is the only source of electric power for the electronic lock.

[0160] 61. The lock plug of aspect 59, further comprising a battery for providing power for the electronic lock.

[0161] 62. The lock plug of aspect 55, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received by a mobile device.

[0162] 63. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug of aspect 43.

[0163] 64. A lock plug for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing defining a recess, the lock plug comprising : an external handle rotatably coupled to the outer housing of the electronic lock; a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft that defines a rotation axis; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; wherein the lock wafer includes a stop configured to engage the external handle, and when the lock wafer is in the engaged position, the stop is disengaged from the handle, thereby permitting the handle to rotate without moving the electronic lock between the latched or locked state or the unlatched or unlocked state, and when the lock wafer is in the disengaged position, the stop is engaged with the handle, thereby permitting the lock plug to be rotated about the rotation axis and permitting the electronic lock to move toward the unlatched or unlocked state from the latched or locked state.

[0164] 65. The lock plug of aspect 64, wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock to restrict movement of the electronic lock toward the unlatched or unlocked state, and, wherein in the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock to permit movement of the electronic lock toward the unlatched or unlocked state.

[0165] 66. The lock plug of aspect 64, wherein the stop or the handle comprises a protrusion and the handle or the stop includes a corresponding slot or recess configured to receive the protrusion.

[0166] 67. The lock plug of aspect 66, wherein when the stop is engaged with the handle, the protrusion is adjacent or received in the slot or recess, and when the stop is disengaged from the handle, the protrusion is separated a distance away from the slot or recess.

[0167] 68. The lock plug of aspect 65, further comprising a plurality of magnets configured to permit or restrict movement of the lock wafer between the engaged position and the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being directly or indirectly mounted on at least one of the lock wafer and the shaft of the motor.

[0168] 69. The lock plug of aspect 68, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first rotational direction to reach the first angular position and permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0169] 70. The lock plug of aspect 69, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach the second angular position and permit movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position.

[0170] 71. The lock plug of aspect 70, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction. The lock plug of aspect 70, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer moves radially outward relative to the rotation axis, and at the second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer moves radially inward relative to the rotation axis. The lock plug of aspect 64, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to send or receive one or more of a wireless communication signal and a wireless power signal. The lock plug of aspect 73, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received via near field communication (NFC) protocol or Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) protocol or wide area networking (LoRaWan) protocol. The lock plug of aspect 74, further comprising a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal. The lock plug of aspect 75, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile device. The lock plug of aspect 74, further comprising a controller coupled to the motor and configured to activate or deactivate the motor, wherein when the motor is activated, the output shaft is configured to rotate about the rotation axis. The lock plug of aspect 77, wherein the wireless power signal is the only source of electric power for the electronic lock. The lock plug of aspect 77, further comprising a battery for providing power for the electronic lock. The lock plug of aspect 73, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received by a mobile device. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug of aspect 64. A lock configured to be mounted to an enclosure, the lock comprising : a housing assembly configured to extend into an interior of the enclosure; a cover configured to be coupled to the housing assembly and to extend to an exterior of the enclosure, the cover also being configured to permit selective access to a component of the lock with or without separation of the lock from the enclosure: the cover comprising a body portion configured to at least partially define an interior for accommodating the component and a perimeter portion extending from the body portion; the perimeter portion of the cover having a cover surface positioned for releasable engagement of a mating surface of the housing assembly. The lock of aspect 82, the housing assembly including a mount defining the mating surface of the housing assembly. The lock of aspect 83, the perimeter portion of the cover or the mount of the housing assembly having a recess positioned to removably receive a detent of the mount of the housing assembly or the perimeter portion of the cover. The lock of aspect 84, the detent being positioned to be engaged by the recess upon rotation of the cover relative to the housing assembly. The lock of aspect 84, comprising a lock body, the cover, and a locking ring providing the mount, wherein the lock body, the cover, and the locking ring interact with one another to become fully locked. The lock of aspect 84, further comprising a lock plug configured to extend within the housing assembly and into the interior of the enclosure. The lock of aspect 84, the lock being an electronic lock and the component being an electronic component. The lock of aspect 88, the electronic component being a battery. An electronic locking mechanism configured to restrict movement of components relative to one another, the electronic locking mechanism comprising : a motor having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position to restrict movement of the components relative to one another and a disengaged position configured to allow movement of the components relative to one another; a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being directly or indirectly mounted on at least one of the lock wafer and the output shaft of the motor; wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be urged by a magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position to restrict movement of the components relative to one another; and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be urged by a magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position to permit movement of the components relative to one another.

[0171] 91. The electronic locking mechanism of aspect 90, the components that the electronic locking mechanism is configured to restrict movement of being components of a cam latch or lock, a compression latch or lock, a lever latch or lock, a hood latch or lock, a push to close latch or lock, a rotary latch or lock, a swing handle latch or lock, a draw latch or lock, a hinge, or a monitor mount.

[0172] 92. A latch or lock comprising the electronic locking mechanism of aspect 90.

[0173] 93. An electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the lock comprising: a motor having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis; a rotor rotatably mounted to the output shaft of the motor and configured to rotate about the rotation axis in response to the output shaft; a slider movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the slider is configured to translate in response to rotation of the rotor and is urged by a bias toward the disengaged position. 94. The electronic lock of aspect 93, wherein the slider is urged by the bias toward the disengaged position to permit movement of at least one detent ball to be received by at least one recess or pocket defined by the slider.

[0174] 95. An electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the lock comprising : an outer housing; a motor within the outer housing and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; a slider disposed adjacent the lock wafer; wherein when the lock wafer is in the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to restrict or resist translation of the slider and when the lock wafer is in the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to permit translation of the slider.

[0175] 96. The electronic lock of aspect 95, wherein the lock comprises an end portion for receiving either a tool or a key and an opposite end portion comprising an engagement surface.

[0176] 97. The electronic lock of aspect 96, wherein the slider does not interfere physically with the engagement surface at the opposite end portion, when the tool or the key is inserted in the end portion.

[0177] 98. An electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the lock comprising : a motor having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis between a first angular position and a second angular position; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor, the lock wafer being positioned to be detected by a sensor when the shaft is at the first angular position or at the second angular position; a plurality of magnets; a flux pipe through which magnetic flux from the plurality of magnets is communicated to the sensor.

[0178] 99. The electronic lock of aspect 98, wherein the plurality of magnets are directly or indirectly mounted on the shaft of the motor.

[0179] 100. The electronic lock of aspect 99, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in an engaged position, and, at the second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in a disengaged position. 101. The electronic lock of aspect 100, wherein the lock wafer is configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis.

[0180] 102. The electronic lock of aspect 98, wherein the plurality of magnets is configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position.

[0181] 103. The electronic lock of aspect 98, wherein the sensor comprises a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR.) sensor.

[0182] 104. The electronic lock of aspect 98, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first rotational direction to reach the first angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0183] 105. The electronic lock of aspect 98, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach the second angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position.

[0184] 106. The electronic lock of aspect 98, wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within a recess of an outer housing and is urged by a bias toward the engaged position to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position; and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0185] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A lock plug for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess, the lock plug comprising: a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; and wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock and is urged by a bias toward the engaged position to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position, and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

2. The lock plug of claim 1, wherein the output shaft is configured for rotation between a first angular position and a second angular position.

3. The lock plug of claim 2, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in the engaged position, and, at the second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in the disengaged position.

4. The lock plug of claim 2, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first rotational direction to reach the first angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

5. The lock plug of claim 4, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach the second angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position.

6. The lock plug of claim 5, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction.

7. The lock plug of claim 2, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially outward relative to the rotation axis, and at the second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially inward relative to the rotation axis.

8. The lock plug of claim 1, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to send or receive one or more of a wireless communication signal and a wireless power signal.

9. The lock plug of claim 8, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received via near field communication (NFC) protocol or Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) protocol or wide area networking (LoRaWan) protocol.

10. The lock plug of claim 9, further comprising a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal.

11. The lock plug of claim 10, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile device.

12. The lock plug of claim 9, further comprising a controller coupled to the motor and configured to activate or deactivate the motor, wherein when the motor is activated, the output shaft is configured to rotate about the rotation axis.

13. The lock plug of claim 12, wherein the wireless power signal is the only source of electric power for the electronic lock.

14. The lock plug of claim 12, further comprising a battery for providing power for the electronic lock.

15. The lock plug of claim 8, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received by a mobile device.

16. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug of claim 1.

17. A lock plug for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess, the lock plug comprising: a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis that is spaced from the central axis of the outer housing when the lock plug extends within the housing, wherein the output shaft is configured for rotation about the rotation axis and between a first angular position and a second angular position; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being directly or indirectly mounted on at least one of the lock wafer and the shaft of the motor; and wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock and is urged by a magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position, and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock by the magnetic force of the magnets to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

18. The lock plug of claim 17, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first rotational direction to reach the first angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

19. The lock plug of claim 18, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach the second angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position.

20. The lock plug of claim 19, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction.

21. The lock plug of claim 17, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially outward relative to the rotation axis, and at the second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially inward relative to the rotation axis.

22. The lock plug of claim 17, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least two wafer magnets that are directly or indirectly mounted on the lock wafer.

23. The lock plug of claim 22, wherein the at least two wafer magnets comprise a first wafer magnet and a second wafer magnet diametrically positioned relative to each other and arranged with alternating polarities.

24. The lock plug of claim 23, wherein the first wafer magnet is positioned at a radially outward portion of the lock wafer and the second wafer magnet is positioned at a radially inward portion of lock wafer, the radially outward portion being opposite the radially inward portion.

25. The lock plug of claim 22, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least one rotor magnet that is directly or indirectly mounted to the output shaft of the motor.

26. The lock plug of claim 25, wherein at the first or second angular position of the output shaft, the at least one rotor magnet and the first wafer magnet or the second wafer magnet are magnetically attracted to each other and simultaneously, the at least one rotor magnet and the other of the first wafer magnet or the second wafer magnet are magnetically repelled from each other.

27. The lock plug of claim 26, wherein when the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, the output shaft is rotated for less than 45 degrees along the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction.

28. The lock plug of claim 22, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least two rotor magnets that are directly or indirectly mounted to the output shaft of the motor, and the at least two rotor magnets comprise a first rotor magnet and a second rotor magnet.

29. The lock plug of claim 28, wherein at the first or second angular position of the output shaft, the first rotor magnet and the first wafer magnet are magnetically attracted to each other and simultaneously, the second rotor magnet and the second wafer magnet are magnetically repelled from each other.

30. The lock plug of claim 29, wherein when the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, the output shaft is rotated for less than 20 degrees along the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction.

31. The lock plug of claim 29, wherein the first rotor magnet and the second rotor magnet are diametrically positioned relative to each other and arranged with alternating polarities.

32. The lock plug of claim 31, wherein when the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, the output shaft is rotated for up to 180 degrees along the first or second rotational direction.

33. The lock plug of claim 31, wherein when the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position, the output shaft is rotated at least 180 degrees along the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction.

34. The lock plug of claim 17, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to send or receive one or more of a wireless communication signal and a wireless power signal.

35. The lock plug of claim 34, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received via near field communication (NFC) protocol or Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) protocol or wide area networking (LoRaWan) protocol.

36. The lock plug of claim 35, further comprising a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal.

37. The lock plug of claim 36, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile device.

38. The lock plug of claim 35, further comprising a controller coupled to the motor and configured to activate or deactivate the motor, wherein when the motor is activated, the output shaft is configured to rotate about the rotation axis.

39. The lock plug of claim 38, wherein the wireless power signal is the only source of electric power for the electronic lock.

40. The lock plug of claim 38, further comprising a battery for providing power for the electronic lock.

41. The lock plug of claim 34, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received by a mobile device.

42. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug of claim 17.

43. A lock plug for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess, the lock plug comprising: a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis that is spaced from the central axis of the outer housing; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; a spring directly or indirectly coupled to at least one of the lock wafer or the shaft of the motor for biasing the lock wafer toward the engaged position; andwherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock and is urged by the spring toward the engaged position to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position, and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock against a bias of the spring to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

44. The lock plug of claim 43, wherein the spring is further configured to resist the movement of the lock wafer between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

45. The lock plug of claim 44, wherein the lock wafer defines a wafer recess into which at least a portion of the output shaft extends, the recess defining at least one contact surface.

46. The lock plug of claim 45, further comprising a cam that is rotatably mountable within the housing and coupled to the output shaft of the motor for rotation along with the output shaft.

47. The lock plug of claim 46, wherein the cam comprises at least one lobe configured for rotation along with the output shaft.

48. The lock plug of claim 47, wherein the at least one lobe is positionable to bear on at least a portion of the least one contact surface of the wafer recess to facilitate the radial movement of the lock wafer relative to the rotation axis.

49. The lock plug of claim 48, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first rotational direction to reach a first angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

50. The lock plug of claim 49, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially inward relative to the rotation axis.

51. The lock plug of claim 49, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach a second angular position to permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position.

52. The lock plug of claim 51, wherein at the second angular position of the output shaft, the at least one cam lobe is separated a distance away from at least a portion of the least one contact surface of the wafer recess.

53. The lock plug of claim 52, wherein at the second angular position of the output shaft, the spring is configured to move the lock wafer radially outward relative to the rotation axis.

54. The lock plug of claim 51, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction.

55. The lock plug of claim 43, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to send or receive one or more of a wireless communication signal and a wireless power signal.

56. The lock plug of claim 55, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received via near field communication (NFC) protocol or Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) protocol or wide area networking (LoRaWan) protocol.

57. The lock plug of claim 56, further comprising a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal.

58. The lock plug of claim 57, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile device.

59. The lock plug of claim 56, further comprising a controller coupled to the motor and configured to activate or deactivate the motor, wherein when the motor is activated, the output shaft is configured to rotate about the rotation axis.

60. The lock plug of claim 59, wherein the wireless power signal is the only source of electric power for the electronic lock.

61. The lock plug of claim 59, further comprising a battery for providing power for the electronic lock.

62. The lock plug of claim 55, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received by a mobile device.

63. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug of claim 43.

64. A lock plug for an electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing defining a recess, the lock plug comprising: an external handle rotatably coupled to the outer housing of the electronic lock; a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft that defines a rotation axis; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; wherein the lock wafer includes a stop configured to engage the external handle, and when the lock wafer is in the engaged position, the stop is disengaged from the handle, thereby permitting the handle to rotate without moving the electronic lock between the latched or locked state or the unlatched or unlocked state, and when the lock wafer is in the disengaged position, the stop is engaged with the handle, thereby permitting the lock plug to be rotated about the rotation axis and permitting the electronic lock to move toward the unlatched or unlocked state from the latched or locked state.

65. The lock plug of claim 64, wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock to restrict movement of the electronic lock toward the unlatched or unlocked state, and, wherein in the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock to permit movement of the electronic lock toward the unlatched or unlocked state.

66. The lock plug of claim 64, wherein the stop or the handle comprises a protrusion and the handle or the stop includes a corresponding slot or recess configured to receive the protrusion.

67. The lock plug of claim 66, wherein when the stop is engaged with the handle, the protrusion is adjacent or received in the slot or recess, and when the stop is disengaged from the handle, the protrusion is separated a distance away from the slot or recess.

68. The lock plug of claim 65, further comprising a plurality of magnets configured to permit or restrict movement of the lock wafer between the engaged position and the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being directly or indirectly mounted on at least one of the lock wafer and the shaft of the motor.

69. The lock plug of claim 68, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first rotational direction to reach the first angular position and permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

70. The lock plug of claim 69, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach the second angular position and permit movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position.

71. The lock plug of claim 70, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction.

72. The lock plug of claim 70, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer moves radially outward relative to the rotation axis, and at the second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer moves radially inward relative to the rotation axis.

73. The lock plug of claim 64, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to send or receive one or more of a wireless communication signal and a wireless power signal.

74. The lock plug of claim 73, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received via near field communication (NFC) protocol or Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) protocol or wide area networking (LoRaWan) protocol.

75. The lock plug of claim 74, further comprising a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal.

76. The lock plug of claim 75, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile device.

77. The lock plug of claim 74, further comprising a controller coupled to the motor and configured to activate or deactivate the motor, wherein when the motor is activated, the output shaft is configured to rotate about the rotation axis.

78. The lock plug of claim 77, wherein the wireless power signal is the only source of electric power for the electronic lock.

79. The lock plug of claim 77, further comprising a battery for providing power for the electronic lock.

80. The lock plug of claim 73, wherein the one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal is sent or received by a mobile device.

81. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug of claim 64.

82. A lock configured to be mounted to an enclosure, the lock comprising: a housing assembly configured to extend into an interior of the enclosure; a cover configured to be coupled to the housing assembly and to extend to an exterior of the enclosure, the cover also being configured to permit selective access to a component of the lock with or without separation of the lock from the enclosure: the cover comprising a body portion configured to at least partially define an interior for accommodating the component and a perimeter portion extending from the body portion;the perimeter portion of the cover having a cover surface positioned for releasable engagement of a mating surface of the housing assembly.

83. The lock of claim 82, the housing assembly including a mount defining the mating surface of the housing assembly.

84. The lock of claim 83, the perimeter portion of the cover or the mount of the housing assembly having a recess positioned to removably receive a detent of the mount of the housing assembly or the perimeter portion of the cover.

85. The lock of claim 84, the detent being positioned to be engaged by the recess upon rotation of the cover relative to the housing assembly.

86. The lock of claim 84, comprising a lock body, the cover, and a locking ring providing the mount, wherein the lock body, the cover, and the locking ring interact with one another to become fully locked.

87. The lock of claim 84, further comprising a lock plug configured to extend within the housing assembly and into the interior of the enclosure.

88. The lock of claim 84, the lock being an electronic lock and the component being an electronic component.

89. The lock of claim 88, the electronic component being a battery.

90. An electronic locking mechanism configured to restrict movement of components relative to one another, the electronic locking mechanism comprising: a motor having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position to restrict movement of the components relative to one another and a disengaged position configured to allow movement of the components relative to one another;a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being directly or indirectly mounted on at least one of the lock wafer and the output shaft of the motor; wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be urged by a magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position to restrict movement of the components relative to one another; and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be urged by a magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position to permit movement of the components relative to one another.

91. The electronic locking mechanism of claim 90, the components that the electronic locking mechanism is configured to restrict movement of being components of a cam latch or lock, a compression latch or lock, a lever latch or lock, a hood latch or lock, a push to close latch or lock, a rotary latch or lock, a swing handle latch or lock, a draw latch or lock, a hinge, or a monitor mount.

92. A latch or lock comprising the electronic locking mechanism of claim 90.

93. An electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the lock comprising: a motor having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis; a rotor rotatably mounted to the output shaft of the motor and configured to rotate about the rotation axis in response to the output shaft; a slider movable between an engaged position corresponding to the latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to the unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the slider is configured to translate in response to rotation of the rotor and is urged by a bias toward the disengaged position.

94. The electronic lock of claim 93, wherein the slider is urged by the bias toward the disengaged position to permit movement of at least one detent ball to be received by at least one recess or pocket defined by the slider.

95. An electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the lock comprising: an outer housing; a motor within the outer housing and having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis, wherein the lock wafer is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; a slider disposed adjacent the lock wafer; wherein when the lock wafer is in the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to restrict or resist translation of the slider and when the lock wafer is in the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to permit translation of the slider.

96. The electronic lock of claim 95, wherein the lock comprises an end portion for receiving either a tool or a key and an opposite end portion comprising an engagement surface.

97. The electronic lock of claim 96, wherein the slider does not interfere physically with the engagement surface at the opposite end portion, when the tool or the key is inserted in the end portion.

98. An electronic lock moveable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the lock comprising: a motor having an output shaft configured for rotation about a rotation axis between a first angular position and a second angular position; a lock wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor, the lock wafer being positioned to be detected by a sensor when the shaft is at the first angular position or at the second angular position; a plurality of magnets; a flux pipe through which magnetic flux from the plurality of magnets is communicated to the sensor.

99. The electronic lock of claim 98, wherein the plurality of magnets are directly or indirectly mounted on the shaft of the motor.

100. The electronic lock of claim 99, wherein at the first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in an engaged position, and, at the second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in a disengaged position.

101. The electronic lock of claim 100, wherein the lock wafer is configured for radial movement relative to the rotation axis.

102. The electronic lock of claim 98, wherein the plurality of magnets is configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position.

103. The electronic lock of claim 98, wherein the sensor comprises a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor.

104. The electronic lock of claim 98, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first rotational direction to reach the first angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

105. The electronic lock of claim 98, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach the second angular position and permit or cause movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position.

106. The electronic lock of claim 98, wherein to be moved into the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within a recess of an outer housing and is urged by a bias toward the engaged position to restrict or resist movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position; and wherein to be moved into the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess of the outer housing of the electronic lock to permit movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

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