Electronic lock plug and electronic lock

Abstract

The electronic lock is movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state and includes an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess. The lock plug includes a motor eccentrically mounted relative to the outer housing. The output shaft rotates about an axis of rotation spaced from the central axis of the outer housing. The lock wafer moves radially relative to the axis of rotation and is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, corresponding to a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, respectively. To move to the engaged position, the lock wafer is at least partially disposed within the recess in the outer housing and is urged to the engaged position by a bias that limits movement to the engaged position. To move to the released position, the lock wafer is moved away from the recess against the bias, allowing the lock wafer to move to the released position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 442,382, filed January 31, 2023, entitled "ELECTRONIC LOCK PLUG AND ELECTRONIC LOCK," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of locks and latches, and more particularly to electronic locks and latches. [Background technology]

[0003] An electronic door closure system typically includes a frame, a door or panel movably mounted to the frame, and an electronic lock or latch movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state to hold the door or panel in a closed or open position, respectively. Replacing an existing lock system with an electronic lock system may pose additional challenges and / or may not be economically feasible. Therefore, it has been recognized that there is a continuing need to improve or provide a simple, reliable, and / or compact electronic lock to replace existing lock systems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locking plug for an electronic lock movable 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 locking plug including: a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured to rotate about a rotation axis; and a locking wafer disposed adjacent to the motor output shaft and configured to move radially relative to the rotation axis, the locking wafer being 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 to the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within a recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock and is biased by a bias toward the engaged position to limit or resist movement of the lock wafer to the disengaged position, and to be moved to the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to move away from the recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock to allow movement of the lock wafer to the disengaged position.

[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locking plug for an electronic lock movable 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 locking plug includes a motor configured to extend into an outer housing of the electronic lock and has an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation spaced from a central axis of the outer housing when the locking plug extends into the housing, the output shaft configured to rotate about the axis of rotation between a first angular position and a second angular position. a lock wafer disposed adjacent to the output shaft of the motor and configured to move radially relative to the rotational axis, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; and a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged or disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being attached directly or indirectly to at least one of the lock wafer and the shaft of the motor. To be moved to the engaged position with the plurality of magnets, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within a recess in an outer housing of the electronic lock, and is biased by the magnetic force of the magnets toward the engaged position, limiting or resisting movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position; and to be moved to the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to move away from the recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock by the magnetic force of the magnets to allow movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locking plug for an electronic lock movable 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 locking plug includes: a motor configured to extend within the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation spaced from the central axis of the outer housing; and a locking wafer disposed adjacent to the motor output shaft and configured to move radially relative to the axis of rotation, the locking wafer being 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 coupled directly or indirectly to at least one of the lock wafer or the motor shaft, biasing the lock wafer toward the engaged position; and when moved to the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially disposed within a recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock, and is biased by the spring toward the engaged position, limiting or resisting movement of the lock wafer to the disengaged position; and when moved to the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock against the bias of the spring, allowing movement of the lock wafer to the disengaged position.

[0007] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locking plug for an electronic lock movable 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 includes an external handle rotatably coupled to the outer housing of the electronic lock, a motor configured to extend into the outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft defining a rotation axis, and a lock wafer disposed adjacent to the motor output shaft and configured to move radially relative to the rotation axis, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock. Here, the lock wafer includes a stop configured to engage the external handle, and when the lock wafer is in the engaged position, the stop disengages from the handle, thereby allowing the handle to be rotated without moving the electronic lock between a latched or locked or unlatched or unlocked state. When the lock wafer is in the disengaged position, the stop engages the handle, thereby allowing the lock plug to rotate about the axis of rotation and moving the electronic lock from a latched or locked state toward an unlatched or unlocked state.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a lock is configured to be attached to a housing. The lock includes a housing assembly configured to extend into an interior of the housing, and a cover coupled to the housing assembly and configured to extend outside the housing, the cover also configured to allow selective access to components of the lock with or without separation of the lock from the housing, the cover including a body portion configured to at least partially define an interior for accommodating the components, and a peripheral portion extending from the body portion, the peripheral portion of the cover having a cover surface positioned for releasable engagement with a mating surface of the housing assembly.

[0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, an electronic locking mechanism is configured to limit relative movement between components, the electronic locking mechanism including a motor having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The locking wafer includes: a locking wafer disposed adjacent to the motor output shaft and configured to move radially relative to the rotational axis, the locking wafer being movable between an engaged position that restricts relative movement between the components and a disengaged position that allows relative movement between the components; and a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the locking wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being attached directly or indirectly to at least one of the locking wafer and the motor output shaft. To move to the engaged position, the locking wafer is biased toward the engaged position by magnetic force of the magnets, configured to restrict relative movement between the components, and to move to the disengaged position, the locking wafer is biased toward the engaged position by magnetic force of the magnets, configured to allow relative movement between the components.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an electronic lock is provided that is movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. The lock has a motor having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The rotor is rotatably mounted on the output shaft of the motor and is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation in response to the output shaft. The slider is movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock. To move to the disengaged position, the slider is configured to translate in response to rotation of the rotor and is biased toward the disengaged position by a bias.

[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the electronic lock is movable 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 to rotate about an axis of rotation. The lock wafer is disposed adjacent to the motor output shaft and configured to be movable radially relative to the rotation shaft. The lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock. A slider is disposed adjacent to the lock wafer. When the lock wafer is in the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to limit or resist translation of the slider, and when the lock wafer is in the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to allow translation of the slider.

[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, an electronic lock is provided that is movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. The lock includes a motor having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation between a first angular position and a second angular position. The lock wafer is positioned adjacent to the motor output shaft such that the lock wafer is detected by the sensor when the shaft is in the first angular position or 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 transmitted to the sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] These and other aspects and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] 1 is an exemplary electronic lock according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 is an exemplary electronic lock according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 1C] 1B is the electronic lock of FIG. 1A with an optional locking member. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the electronic lock of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the electronic lock of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the electronic lock of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3] 1 is an exemplary locking plug according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1B is an exemplary housing for the electronic lock of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4B] 1B is an exemplary housing for the electronic lock of FIG. 1A. [Figure 5A] 1B is 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 an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] 1B is 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 an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] 5B is the configuration of FIG. 5A, an exemplary interface between a lock wafer and multiple magnets. [Figure 6B]5B is the configuration of FIG. 5A, an exemplary interface between a lock wafer and multiple magnets. [Figure 6C] 5B is the configuration of FIG. 5A, an exemplary interface between a lock wafer and multiple magnets. [Figure 6D] 5B is the configuration of FIG. 5A, an exemplary interface between a lock wafer and multiple magnets. [Figure 7] 10A-10C are diagrams illustrating an exemplary configuration of a lock wafer and multiple magnets, showing the polarity of the multiple magnets. [Figure 8] 10A-10C are diagrams illustrating another exemplary configuration of a lock wafer and multiple magnets, showing the polarity of the multiple magnets. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is yet another exemplary configuration of a lock wafer and multiple magnets, illustrating the polarity of the multiple magnets. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic lock of FIG. 1A. [Figure 10B] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic lock of FIG. 1A. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of another exemplary electronic lock in accordance with aspects of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of another exemplary electronic lock in accordance with aspects of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic lock of FIG. 12. [Figure 14A] 13A-13C illustrate exemplary configurations of a lock wafer, output shaft, and cam of the electronic lock of FIG. 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14B] 13A-13C illustrate exemplary configurations of a lock wafer, output shaft, and cam of the electronic lock of FIG. 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15A] 1 is another exemplary electronic lock according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 15B] 1 is another exemplary electronic lock according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 15C] 15B illustrates an exemplary interface between the stop and handle of the electronic lock of FIG. 15A. FIG. [Figure 15D]15B illustrates an exemplary interface between the stop and handle of the electronic lock of FIG. 15A. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 17A] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary locking system having a handle or knob configured for optional battery installation or replacement. [Figure 17B] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary locking system having a handle or knob configured for optional battery installation or replacement. [Figure 17C] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary locking system having a handle or knob configured for optional battery installation or replacement. [Figure 17D] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary locking system having a handle or knob configured for optional battery installation or replacement. [Figure 17E] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary locking system having a handle or knob configured for optional battery installation or replacement. [Figure 17F] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary locking system having a handle or knob configured for optional battery installation or replacement. [Figure 17G] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary locking system having a handle or knob configured for optional battery installation or replacement. [Figure 17H] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary locking system having a handle or knob configured for optional battery installation or replacement. [Figure 17I] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary locking system having a handle or knob configured for optional battery installation or replacement. [Figure 17J] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary locking system having a handle or knob configured for optional battery installation or replacement. [Figure 18A] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 18B]FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 18C] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 18D] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 18E] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 18F] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 18G] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 19A] 10A and 10B show yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a latch, such as a hood latch. [Figure 19B] 10A and 10B show yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a latch, such as a hood latch. [Figure 19C] 10A and 10B show yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a latch, such as a hood latch. [Figure 19D] 10A and 10B show yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a latch, such as a hood latch. [Figure 19E] 10A and 10B show yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a latch, such as a hood latch. [Figure 19F] 10A and 10B show yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a latch, such as a hood latch. [Figure 20A] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 20B] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 20C] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 20D] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 20E]FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 20F] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 20G] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 20H] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 20I] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 20J] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 20K] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 21A] 20A-20K illustrate an exemplary rotor for the locking system shown in FIGS. 20A-20K. [Figure 21B] 20A-20K illustrate an exemplary rotor for the locking system shown in FIGS. 20A-20K. [Figure 21C] 20A-20K illustrate an exemplary rotor for the locking system shown in FIGS. 20A-20K. [Figure 22A] 20A-20K illustrate an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 20A-20K. [Figure 22B] 20A-20K illustrate an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 20A-20K. [Figure 22C] 20A-20K illustrate an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 20A-20K. [Figure 22D] 20A-20K illustrate an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 20A-20K. [Figure 22E] 20A-20K illustrate an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 20A-20K. [Figure 22F] 20A-20K illustrate an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 20A-20K. [Figure 22G] 20A-20K illustrate an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 20A-20K. [Figure 23A]FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 23B] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 23C] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 23D] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 23E] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 23F] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 24A] 23A-23F show an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 24B] 23A-23F show an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 24C] 23A-23F show an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 24D] 23A-23F show an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 24E] 23A-23F show an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 24F] 23A-23F show an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 24G] 23A-23F show an exemplary slider of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 25A] FIG. 23B illustrates an exemplary wafer of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 25B] FIG. 23B illustrates an exemplary wafer of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 25C] FIG. 23B illustrates an exemplary wafer of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 25D] FIG. 23B illustrates an exemplary wafer of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 25E] FIG. 23B illustrates an exemplary wafer of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 25F] FIG. 23B illustrates an exemplary wafer of the locking system shown in FIGS. 23A-23F. [Figure 26A] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 26B] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 26C] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 26D] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 26E] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 26F] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 26G] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 26H] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an exemplary locking system. [Figure 27A] 26A-26H illustrate an exemplary interface between a hard stop and a dowel pin of the locking system shown in FIGS. 26A-26H. [Figure 27B] 26A-26H illustrate an exemplary interface between a hard stop and a dowel pin of the locking system shown in FIGS. 26A-26H. [Figure 27C] 26A-26H illustrate an exemplary interface between a hard stop and a dowel pin of the locking system shown in FIGS. 26A-26H. Detailed description of the invention

[0014] 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.

[0015] Furthermore, various aspects and embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings. It will be understood that combinations and arrangements of some or all features of any embodiment with other embodiments are 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.

[0016] Various terms are used throughout this disclosure to describe the physical shape or arrangement of features. Many of these terms are used to describe features that conform to a cylindrical or generally cylindrical shape characterized by a radius and a central axis perpendicular to the radius. Unless otherwise specified, terms are given the following meanings: "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "axial," and "axially" refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation parallel to a central axis. The terms "radial" and "radially" refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation perpendicular to a central axis. The terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation extending radially toward a central axis. The terms "outward" and "outwardly" refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation extending radially away from a central axis.

[0017] In this specification, relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "below," and derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downward," "upward," etc.) should be construed as referring to the orientation currently being described or shown in the drawing figures under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are generally not intended to mandate a particular orientation.

[0018] Terms relating to attachment, connection, and the like, such as "attached," "coupled," "interconnected," and the like, unless expressly stated otherwise, refer to a relationship in which structures are fixed or attached to one another, either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as to movable or rigid attachments or relationships.

[0019] The terms "lock" and "latch" may be used interchangeably. Embodiments of the invention can be used in conjunction with a lock or latch, or a combination thereof. Generally, embodiments of the present invention enable the provision of a locking plug or electronic lock that is compact, energy efficient, and / or cost effective. For example, embodiments of the present invention enable energy efficiency that allows wireless connectivity for a variety of electronic lock products.

[0020] Referring generally to Figures 1A-1C, a lock 100 is disclosed. In the exemplary embodiment, 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 can be configured to be attached to the door 146 itself. For purposes of illustration, a cam lock type latch is shown, however, any type of electronic lock or latch is contemplated.

[0021] Door 146 may be, for example, the door of a storage compartment or a locker. However, lock 100 is configured for use with various types of doors and is not limited to use with a storage compartment or locker. The door 146 is movable between a closed position and an open position as is known in the art. The lock 100 is configured to hold the door 146 in a latched position and to selectively lock and unlock the door relative to the frame.

[0022] In general, lock 100 is movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. The lock 100 comprises an outer housing 102 configured to connect to a frame or door / panel 146 (for example). The lock 100 also includes a locking plug 104, which includes a motor 130 having an output shaft 106. A single lock wafer 142 is positioned adjacent to the output shaft 106 . Locking plug 104 can be retrofitted to an existing latch by removing the mechanical locking plug from the existing latch and replacing it with locking plug 104 or one or more components thereof. Additional details regarding the individual components of the electronic lock 100, and in particular the individual components of the lock plug 104, are provided further below.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3, lock 100 includes a locking plug 104 that is fixedly mounted within the interior space of outer housing 102. As shown in FIG. The outer housing 102 or the locking plug 104 may define one or more alignment ribs to facilitate mounting or receiving the locking plug 104 within the outer housing 102 . Locking plug 104 includes a substantially cylindrical body 124 defining a first end portion 132 and a second end portion 134 . First end portion 132 defines an opening 126 configured to receive fastener 118 . As will be described below, locking pawl 120 (FIG. 1C) is fixedly coupled to a first end portion 132 of locking plug body 124 via a fastener 118 that engages with an opening 126 in locking plug body 124 .

[0024] Those skilled in the art will appreciate from the description herein that the first end portion 132 and locking mechanism (e.g., locking pawl 120) may be configurable depending on the desired type of locking actuation or mechanism or the constraints of the type of housing to be secured, for example, that the illustrations in Figures 1A-1C are not intended to be limiting. The second end portion 134 includes a generally planar surface 138 to which electronic circuitry (eg, a printed circuit board or PCB 148) may be mounted. Locking plug body 124 may be a single piece that may be formed from, for example, a polymeric or metallic material, or may be comprised of multiple pieces that are glued or attached together.

[0025] 4A-4B show the outer housing 102 of the lock 100. FIG. Outer housing 102 extends along a central axis "A" (FIG. 2B) and defines a recess 136 (FIGS. 10A-10B). Recess 136 is generally parallel to central axis A and extends over a portion or the entire length of outer housing 102. Outer housing 102 is optionally a single-piece molded part that may be formed, for example, from a polymeric or metallic material. 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 the exterior surface of the body 110. The flange portion 112 is sized to contact the interior or exterior surface of the door 146. The outer housing 102 can be mated to the panel 146 by means including, for example, threading or friction-fitting the body portion 110 into a hollow hole in the panel or sealing the flange portion 112 against the surface of the panel. For example, fasteners such as screws can be used, as can a bracket mounting arrangement. Additionally, some or all of the outer housing 102 can be integrally or integrally formed with the panel 146.

[0026] The outer housing 102 is stationary relative to the frame. Additionally or optionally, the outer housing 102 is stationary relative to the locking plug body 124. A hollow region 160 (FIG. 4B) is formed in the body 110 for receiving at least the locking plug 104. The shape of the inner surface of hollow region 160 relative to the shape of the outer surface of locking plug 104 is such that locking plug 104 is permitted to move (eg, rotate) within hollow region 160 .

[0027] In one embodiment, nut 116 is adapted to be coupled to end portion 128 of body 110 ( FIG. 4A ). A washer may optionally be added between body 110 and nut 116 to create a proper attachment of fastener 118 to housing 102. Additionally or optionally, locking pawl 120 is coupled to lock plug body 124, as shown in FIG. 1C . In the exemplary embodiment, locking pawl 120 is fixedly coupled to first end portion 132 of locking plug body 124 via fastener 118 that engages with opening 126 in locking plug body 124. A washer 144 may be added between screw 118 and locking pawl 120 to properly attach locking pawl 120 to locking plug body 124. When locking pawl 120 is attached to locking plug body 124, locking pawl 120 is rotatable with locking plug body 124.

[0028] 2A-2C and 10A-10B, motor 104 is fixedly mounted within the interior space of locking plug body 124 and within outer housing 102. In a non-limiting example, motor 104 is received within locking plug 124 and eccentrically mounted relative to outer housing 102 and / or locking plug body 124. In this configuration, output shaft 106 of motor 104 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 140 (FIG. 10A) that is not collinear with, e.g., spaced apart from, central axis "A" of housing 102. Mounting motor 130 eccentrically relative to housing 102 and / or locking plug body 124 desirably allows for easier and simpler mounting of at least motor 130, as well as other components of lock 100 (e.g., PCB 148). In the exemplary embodiment, motor 130 comprises an electric motor, although motor 130 may vary from that shown and described. In another non-limiting example, motor 130 comprises a 3V BDC motor with a 26:1 planetary gearbox, although other motors and gear ratios are contemplated as noted elsewhere.

[0029] 5A-5B and 10A-10B, the lock wafer 142 is positioned adjacent to the output shaft 106 of the motor 130, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation 140. In this configuration, the lock wafer 142 is configured to move radially relative to the axis of rotation 140. In a non-limiting example, the lock wafer 142 is movable between an engaged position (FIG. 5A), which corresponds to a latched state of the electronic lock 100 (FIG. 10A), and a disengaged position (FIG. 5B), which corresponds to an unlatched state of the electronic lock 100 (FIG. 10B). To move to the engaged position, the locking wafer 142 is positioned at least partially within the recess 136 and biased toward the engaged position, limiting movement of the locking wafer 142 toward the disengaged position. To move to the disengaged position, the locking wafer 142 is moved against or with an opposing bias away from the recess 136, allowing or causing movement of the locking wafer 142 toward the disengaged position.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the lock wafer 142 is biased toward the engaged position to limit movement of the lock wafer 142 to the disengaged position via rotation of the output shaft 106 between a first angular position and a second angular position. In the first angular position of the output shaft 106, the lock wafer 142 is moved toward or maintained in the engaged position. Conversely, in 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, in the first angular position of the output shaft 106, the lock wafer 142 is disposed radially outward relative to the rotation axis 140 ( FIG. 10A ). Conversely, in the second angular position of the output shaft 106, the lock wafer 142 is disposed radially inward relative to the rotation axis 140.

[0031] In a non-limiting example, activation of the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft 106 in a first rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) to reach a first angular position, allowing or causing movement of the locking wafer 142 to the disengaged position. Conversely, deactivation or rotation of the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft 106 in a second rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) to reach a second angular position, allowing or causing movement of the locking wafer 142 to the engaged position. In a non-limiting example, the second rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction. Alternatively, the second rotational direction and the first rotational direction may be substantially the same but may involve different degrees of angular displacement (of the shaft 106), for example.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, activation or deactivation of motor 130, and thus movement of lock wafer 142 between engaged and disengaged positions, and thus movement of lock 100 between latched and unlatched states, is facilitated by electromechanical actuation. PCB 148 can automatically deactivate motor 130 using a timeout feature such that motor 130 operates at full power for a predetermined period of time. In this regard, lock 100 includes a wireless receiver 150 ( FIG. 2C ), which is shown mounted to PCB 148. As shown in FIGS. 16A-16B , wireless receiver 150 (e.g., an antenna or antennas) is configured to transmit or receive one or more of a wireless communication signal 152 and a wireless power signal 154.

[0033] The use of wireless power signals 154 can help extend battery life by providing an additional or exclusive source of power for operating lock 100. While FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate that wireless communication signals 152 are transmitted and received via the Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocol, it should be understood that this illustration is not intended to be limiting. Rather, other communication protocols may be used, including near-field communication (NFC) signals or other inductive or radio frequency (RFID) signals, from which power or energy can be harvested or communications can be established. Additionally or optionally, wireless communication may be facilitated by the Low Power, Wide Area Networking (LoRaWan) protocol. As such, PCB 148 is configured with one or more compatible system components, such as a controller(s) or processor(s) for receiving / transmitting one or more of wireless communication signals 152 and wireless power signals 154, e.g., an NFC processor, an RFID chip, or a BLE processor.

[0034] Other forms of wireless power or communication are also contemplated. For example, wireless communication signals such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi can be used. Also, in certain embodiments, communication may be achieved via wired communication and / or power, etc., in addition to or as an alternative to wireless communication.

[0035] With regard to the wireless power signal, any wireless power signal capable of transferring power / energy can be used, including, for example, RF, NFC, optical, Qi / contactless charging, and other power signals. Examples include LoRaWan, BLE, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and other communication signals. Some protocols transmit both power and communication (such as NFC), while others can use multiple protocols with separate power signals and wireless communication.

[0036] Additionally, wake-up functionality can be incorporated into electronic latches and locks. For example, a button on the PCA can be used to wake up the BLE protocol (or other wireless protocol). Depending on the application, it may be beneficial to include wake-up functionality, either via a push button or capacitive touch switch, or other sensor. Such wake-up capabilities can extend battery life when using batteries, and can allow the BLE protocol (or other protocols) to reduce or eliminate power consumption while asleep, allowing the BLE protocol to connect to mobile devices when woken up by a button or capacitive touch or other sensor.

[0037] In general, it has been discovered that there are advantages to using batteries in conjunction with NFC: for example, a battery can be used to power a motor, while NFC (or other wireless power source) can power an electronic device. In such instances, it is possible to instantly activate a lock or latch without having to wait for a buffer capacitor to charge, thus providing a beneficial advantage to the optional use of a battery.

[0038] In a non-limiting example, a compatible controller is coupled to the wireless receiver 150 and configured to authenticate the source of the wireless communication signal 152. Additionally or optionally, the source of the wireless communication signal 152 is a mobile terminal 156 (e.g., a mobile terminal, a key fob, a smart device, etc.) external to the lock 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16B. The mobile terminal 156 may be programmed with a software application that enables the mobile terminal 156 to communicate with the lock 100. In one embodiment, the software application may be a mobile app and distributed to customers or users through an app store, such as Apple iTunes® or Google Play®. Alternatively, the software application may be privately installed and maintained without being distributed through a public third-party app distributor, such as Apple iTunes® or Google Play®. As such, the software application may be specialized software designed for use on a mobile terminal or other display system operated by a consumer or user of the lock 100. Additionally, one or more of a wireless communication signal 154 and a wireless power signal 154 are transmitted or received by a mobile terminal 156 .

[0039] Additionally or optionally, the lock 100 includes a controller coupled to the motor 130, the controller configured to activate or deactivate the motor 130. In this manner, when the motor 130 is activated, the output shaft 106 is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation 140. In a non-limiting example, the wireless power signal 154 is the sole source of power for the electronic lock 100. Additionally or optionally, the lock 100 further includes a battery 158 for providing power to operate the electronic lock 100, e.g., for authenticating the source of the wireless communication signal 152 to activate or deactivate the motor 130. In a non-limiting example, the battery 158 comprises a single coin cell battery that is small enough to fit within the size constraints of the lock 100, yet also provides sufficient power to drive operation of at least the motor 130, thereby improving power management, particularly in view of the relatively small size of the lock 100 and its housing 102.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 2A-2C, 3, and 10A-10B, battery 158 is enclosed within an interior formed by electronics housing 168 and user-accessible handle 170. As shown, handle 170 comprises a rotatable or rotatable knob. However, other forms of handles with various motions (e.g., sliding, translating, etc.) are possible.

[0041] Also housed therein is PCB 148. Furthermore, the electronics unit formed by electronics housing 168 and handle 170, and the components therein, such as 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 single-piece molded part formed, for example, from a polymeric or metallic material. Alternatively, the electronics unit may consist of multiple parts that are attached together.

[0042] In one embodiment, when the neutral position of the lock wafer 142 is the disengaged position, or when the lock wafer 142 is biased toward the disengaged position, the wireless power signal 154 and / or battery 158 power the motor 130 to rotate the output shaft 106 to a first angular position, thereby moving the lock wafer 142 to the engaged position. In this engaged position, the lock wafer 142 is positioned at least partially within the recess 136 and biased toward the engaged position by a bias, limiting movement of the lock wafer 142 to the disengaged position. Similarly, when the wireless power signal 154 and / or battery 158 power the motor 130, rotation of the output shaft 106 to a second angular position allows the lock wafer 142 to move to the disengaged position. Alternatively, when the wireless power signal and / or battery 158 interrupt or remove power, thereby deactivating the motor 130, the lock wafer 142 can be moved to the disengaged position. That is, the lock wafer 142 is moved a distance away from the recess 136 against the bias.

[0043] Alternatively, in a reverse 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, the wireless power signal 154 and / or battery 158 can power the motor 130 to rotate the output shaft 106 to a first angular position, moving the lock wafer 142 to a disengaged position. In this disengaged position, the lock wafer 142 is moved a distance away from the recess 136 against the bias. Similarly, when the wireless power signal 154 and / or battery 158 power the motor 130, rotation of the output shaft 106 to a second angular position moves the lock wafer 142 to an engaged position. In this engaged position, the lock wafer 142 is positioned at least partially within the recess 136 and is biased toward the engaged position by the bias, limiting movement of the lock wafer 142 to the disengaged position. Alternatively, when the wireless power signal and / or battery 158 interrupts or removes power, thereby deactivating the motor 130 after the output shaft 106 reaches the second angular position, the locking wafer 142 is allowed to move to the engaged position. In such an embodiment, the motor can be rotated to the locked position before power is removed so that the locking wafer can return to the locked position when power is removed.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 6A-9, movement of the lock wafer 142 between the 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 actuate the latch or lock. Thus, magnets can facilitate low power usage or reduced power usage. In this configuration, the lock wafer 142 is biased toward the engaged position via a plurality of magnets 162. Additionally or optionally, the lock wafer 142 is moved against a bias toward the disengaged position via a plurality of magnets 162.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D , the plurality of magnets 162 are configured to bias movement of the lock wafer 142 toward either the engaged or disengaged position. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of magnets 162 are attached, directly or indirectly, to 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 includes at least one rotor magnet 164 attached, directly or indirectly, to the shaft 106 of the motor 130. At least two wafer magnets 166 are attached, directly or indirectly, to the lock wafer 142. In this manner, to be moved to the engaged position, the lock wafer 142 is positioned at least partially within the recess 136 and is urged by the magnetic force of the magnets 162 to remain in the engaged position, limiting movement of the lock wafer 142 to the disengaged position. Conversely, to move to the disengaged position, the locking wafer 142 is moved away from the recess 136 by the magnetic force of the magnet 162, allowing movement of the locking wafer 142 toward the disengaged position.

[0046] The use of a magnetically actuated lock requires relatively less energy and / or relatively less actuation time compared to existing locks, thereby allowing the use of a lower-ratio gear motor 130. Additionally, the use of magnetic actuation mitigates or prevents friction between the shaft 106 or cam 280 (described below) and the lock wafer 142 as the lock 100 moves between the unlocked and locked states. This also reduces the requirement to overcome mechanical biasing forces (e.g., from a spring, such as spring 284, described below) in that only the magnetic force between the magnets 162 must be overcome. Additional benefits include mitigating or preventing binding on the lock wafer 142 (which would stall the motor 130) when the magnets 162 physically decouple the shaft 106 from the lock wafer 142, so that 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 is retracted (by the magnets 162) to the disengaged position when the lock wafer 142 is no longer held in the engaged position.

[0047] In a non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 7, at least two wafer magnets 166 comprise a first wafer magnet 166a and a second wafer magnet 166b arranged radially relative to one another and with alternating polarities (e.g., north and south poles). FIGS. 6C-6D also illustrate this interaction between the rotor magnet 164 and the wafer magnets 166 without showing the shaft 106 for clarity. Additionally or optionally, the first wafer magnet 166a is positioned on a radially outer portion of the lock wafer 142, and the second wafer magnet 166b is positioned on a radially inner portion of the lock wafer 142, with the radially outer portion facing the radially inner portion. Thus, during operation, at least one rotor magnet 164 and the first wafer magnet 166a or the second wafer magnet 166b are magnetically attracted to one another at a first or second angular position of the output shaft 106. At the same time, at least one rotor magnet 164 and the other of the first wafer magnet 166a or the second wafer magnet 166b magnetically repel each other.

[0048] 7, in a 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. At the same time, the at least one rotor magnet 164 and the second wafer magnet 166b are magnetically repelled from each other. Thus, these magnetic forces move the lock wafer 142 away from the recess 136, allowing the lock wafer 142 to move to the disengaged position. When the lock wafer 142 is in the disengaged position, a user can move (e.g., turn or rotate) the handle 170, which simultaneously rotates the lock plug 104 and the lock pawl 120 attached to the lock plug 104.

[0049] Conversely, in a second angular position where 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 magnetically repel each other. Simultaneously, the at least one rotor magnet 164 and the second wafer magnet 166b magnetically attract each other. Thus, these magnetic forces bias the lock wafer 142 to be at least partially within the recess 136, limiting movement of the lock wafer 142 to the disengaged position.

[0050] In this configuration, when the output shaft 106 moves between the first and second angular positions (e.g., by activating or deactivating the motor 130), the output shaft 106 rotates about the rotational axis 140 by less than 45 degrees along the first or second rotational direction. In a preferred embodiment, the output shaft 106 is rotated about the rotational axis 140 by approximately 20 degrees along the first or second rotational direction.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, a manual or mechanical override is provided to move lock wafer 142 away from recess 136 and toward the disengaged position. In a non-limiting example, the mechanical override may allow an authorized user to access lock wafer 142 through an opening or access hole to manually depress or push (e.g., apply force or pressure) lock wafer 142 to move lock wafer 142 from the engaged position toward the disengaged position. With a gap above magnet 164 (locked) as illustrated in FIG. 7, lock wafer 142 can be manually pushed downward from the engaged position toward the disengaged position against a bias (e.g., magnetic force). This is made possible by the fact that the lock wafer 142 (or other components) do not physically prevent such movement.

[0052] 8, which is generally similar to the above-described embodiment, except that there are at least two rotor magnets 164 (e.g., a first rotor magnet 164a and a second rotor magnet 164b) mounted directly or indirectly on the output shaft 106 of the motor 130. The first rotor magnet 164a and the second rotor magnet 164b are radially disposed relative to one another and are arranged with alternating polarities. In this configuration, at a 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 one another, while the second rotor magnet 164b and the second wafer magnet 166b are magnetically repelled from one another.

[0053] 8, in a 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. At the same time, the second rotor magnet 164b and the second wafer magnet 166b are magnetically repelled from each other. Thus, these magnetic forces move the lock wafer 142 away from the recess 136, allowing the lock wafer 142 to move to the disengaged position. When the lock wafer 142 is in the disengaged position, a user can move (e.g., turn or rotate) the handle 170, which simultaneously rotates the lock plug 104 and the lock pawl 120 attached to the lock plug 104.

[0054] Conversely, in a second angular position where the lock wafer 142 is in the engaged position and the lock 100 is latched, the first rotor magnet 164a and the first wafer magnet 166a magnetically repel each other. At the same time, the second rotor magnet 164b and the second wafer magnet 166b magnetically attract each other. Thus, these magnetic forces urge the lock wafer 142 to be at least partially within the recess 136, limiting movement of the lock wafer 142 to the disengaged position. In this configuration, as the output shaft 106 moves between the first and second angular positions, the output shaft 106 rotates about the rotation axis 140 by less than 20 degrees along either the first or second rotational direction.

[0055] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another non-limiting example, generally similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 8. In this configuration, as the output shaft 106 moves between the first and second angular positions, the output shaft 106 rotates about the rotational axis 140 through 180 degrees along the first or second rotational direction. Alternatively, the output shaft 106 moves between the first and second angular positions when the output shaft 106 rotates at least 180 degrees along the first or second rotational direction. In a preferred embodiment, the output shaft 106 moves between the first and second angular positions when the output shaft 106 is rotated between 170 and 190 degrees along the first or second rotational direction.

[0056] A second embodiment of a lock 100 in accordance with aspects of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 11-14. 11 depicts an exploded view of lock 200, the details and operation of which generally correspond to lock 100 described above. Notably, like lock 100, lock 200 is movable between latched and unlatched states. Lock 200 comprises an outer housing 202 configured to connect to (for example) a frame or door / panel. Lock 200 also includes a locking plug 204, which includes a motor 230 having an output shaft 206 and a locking wafer 242 disposed adjacent to the output shaft 206. In the exemplary embodiment, motor 230 consists of a 3V BDC motor with a 136:1 planetary gearbox, although other gearboxes (e.g., a 700:1 gearbox or a 26:1 gearbox or lower or higher ratios) can be selected depending, for example, on the biasing element (e.g., spring or magnetic) used and other factors and considerations. The lock 200 also includes an electronics unit consisting of a PCB 248 on which a receiver 250 is mounted. The PCB 248 and battery 258 are mounted within an interior space jointly formed by a handle 270 and an electronics housing 268. Housing 202 may be coupled to an electronics unit via connector portions 272, 274. However, lock 100 and lock 200 differ in several respects.

[0057] 12 and 13, the locking plug 204 is retained in the outer housing 202 using a retention or retention wafer 282. Additionally, the locking plug 204 includes a bias in the form of a spring 284 that is directly or indirectly coupled to the locking wafer 242 or the shaft 206 of the motor 230. The spring 284 is configured to bias the locking wafer 242 toward the engaged position and is further configured to resist movement of the locking wafer 242 between the engaged and disengaged positions. Additionally, the locking wafer 242 defines a recess 286 through which at least a portion of the output shaft 106 extends, the recess 286 defining at least one contact surface 288 . Cam 280 is rotatably mounted within housing 202 and coupled to output shaft 206 of motor 230 for rotation therewith (about an axis of rotation similar to axis of rotation 140). The cam is comprised of at least one lobe 280a configured to rotate with output shaft 206.

[0058] In operation, at least one lobe 280a of cam 280 is positionable to bear against at least a portion of at least one contact surface 288 of recess 286 to facilitate radial movement of locking wafer 242 relative to the axis of rotation. In this manner, to be moved to the engaged position, locking wafer 242 is at least partially positioned within recess 236, the details of which are similar to recess 136 of housing 102, as described above. The lock wafer 242 is also biased toward the engaged position by a spring 284, limiting movement of the lock wafer 242 to the disengaged position. Conversely, to move to the disengaged position, the lock wafer 242 moves away from the recess 236 against the bias of the spring 284, allowing movement of the lock wafer 242 to the disengaged position.

[0059] 14A-14B, movement of locking wafer 242 between an engaged position (FIG. 14A) and a disengaged position (FIG. 14B) is facilitated by cam 280 and locking wafer 242. In operation, motor 230 drives rotation of output shaft 206, and thus rotation of cam 280, resulting in movement of locking wafer 242 against the biasing force of spring 284. As shaft 206 and cam 280 rotate between first and second angular positions, locking wafer 242 moves between the engaged and disengaged positions. In a non-limiting example, in a first angular position of the output shaft 106, the at least one lobe 280a is positionable to contact at least a portion of the at least one contact surface 288 of the recess 286 and the locking wafer 242. In this first angular position, the interaction between the at least one contact surface 288 of the locking wafer 242 and the at least one lobe 280a of the cam 280 allows or causes the locking wafer 242 to move to the disengaged position. Additionally or optionally, in the first angular position of the output shaft 106, the locking wafer 242 is positioned radially inward relative to the axis of rotation. Conversely, in the second angular position, the at least one cam lobe 280a is spaced apart from at least a portion of the at least one contact surface 288 of the recess 236. In this manner, separation of a portion of the at least one contact surface 288 of the locking wafer 242 from the at least one lobe 280a of the cam 280 allows or causes movement of the locking wafer 242 to the engaged position. Additionally or optionally, in a second angular position of the output shaft 106, the locking wafers 242 are disposed radially outward relative to the axis of rotation.

[0060] Thus, unlike alternative embodiments that may optionally use lateral motion to drive actuation of lock wafer 242 between engaged and disengaged positions, or lock 200 between latched and unlatched states, locks 100 and 200 preferably rely on non-lateral motion. This non-lateral movement consists of the locking wafer 242 moving radially outward relative to the axis of rotation, such that the locking wafer is allowed or caused to move away from or towards the recess 236 in the housing 202.

[0061] In one embodiment, a manual or mechanical override is provided to move the locking wafer 242 away from the recess 236 and toward the disengaged position. In a non-limiting example, the mechanical override may allow an authorized user to access the lock wafer 242 through an opening or access hole to manually depress or push (e.g., apply force or pressure) the lock wafer 242 to move the lock wafer 242 from the engaged position toward the disengaged position.

[0062] In another non-limiting example, one or more magnets 294 may be attached to one or more lobes 280a. The magnet 294 is configured to be sensed by a sensor 296 attached to the PCB 148. Other sensing methods known in the art may also be employed. In this manner, the PCB 148 can perform one or more predetermined functions based on the sensed position of the cam lobe 280a. Additionally or optionally, indicators corresponding to the latched and unlatched states of the lock 200 may be located on the housing 202 such that the indicators 298 are visible to the user. Indicator 298 may be comprised of a light emitting diode (LED) configured to exhibit a visual appearance corresponding to the latched and / or unlatched state of lock 200. In the exemplary embodiment, PCB 148 is configured to control LED indicator 298 based on the sensed position of cam lobe 280a.

[0063] In one embodiment, a cover attachment, such as a multiple or three-piece attachment, allows the knob or handle to be removed for battery installation and / or replacement. Further details are illustrated in Figures 17A-17J, including how knob or handle 270 is used. This "twist lock" feature preferably includes three parts: a latch body, a latch cover, and a lock ring, which interact with each other to fully lock.

[0064] Generally, knob 270 has an L-shaped slot inside that a connector portion, such as connector portion 274, falls into and screws into place. For example, the knob is optionally configured to be twisted clockwise relative to the latch body to lock and counterclockwise to unlock. The ring connector 272 is then pressed into the straight portion of the L-shaped slot and is held in place by the crush ribs on the connector portion 274 . This twist-lock battery cover configuration allows easy access to the battery without removing the latch from the panel, allowing the user to replace the battery while the latch is still attached to the panel. This embodiment also avoids the use of special tools to remove the battery cover from the latch body. Thus, embodiments of the battery cover allow for separation from the rest of the latch body without the need for tools, providing access from the front exterior side of the panel with, for example, a standard flat-head screwdriver (e.g., no special tools required).

[0065] The battery cover is sized to fit over the rest of the latch body, and twisting the cover over the latch body engages these respectful features in a locked position. The locking ring assembly provides a positive lock. Bumps on the outer periphery of the latch body hold the locking ring in place, and all remaining components lock together to securely secure the battery, PCA, and remaining internal components. The locking ring can be configured to hold everything in place until a flat-head screwdriver (or other small, flat object) is inserted into the ring groove to press the ring and release the components from their locked position.

[0066] Referring more particularly to the embodiment shown in Figures 17A-17J, Figures 17A and 17B show the lock or latch in an installed configuration, with Figure 17A providing a perspective view and Figure 17B providing a side view. Figure 17C shows an exploded view of the latch or lock with the twist lock battery cover, latch housing, lock ring, pre-treatment panel, and mounting nut.

[0067] Figures 17D and 17E show the installation process. For example, in Figure 17D, the battery 258 is installed and secured to the panel to power the latch electronics. The locking ring is pressed into place. In Figure 17E, the twist lock battery cover 201 is locked into place by positioning the four locking legs 203 and then pushing the twist lock cover in and rotating it counterclockwise relative to the latch housing until it reaches the fully locked position, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 17E.

[0068] As shown in Figure 17F, the twist-lock battery cover and locking ring 205 are secured together. Typically, the twist-lock battery cover is pushed fully into the locked position, and then the locking ring is pushed in from the opposite side to secure it. The locking ring then acts as a clip, holding all parts in place. Preferably, no additional tools are required.

[0069] The method for removing the locking ring is shown in Figure 17G. To remove the locking ring, the user can insert a tool, such as a standard flat-head screwdriver, into the designated notch in the part to pry the locking ring from its fixed position. The notch found on the locking ring is shown in Figure 17G.

[0070] A cross-sectional side view of the installed rotary latch is shown in Figure 17H, with the twist lock cover, locking ring, front panel, and mounting nut in place. Figures 17I and 17J show an embodiment of the twist lock cover with the lock ring in place.

[0071] Alternatively, embodiments of this twist lock mechanism can be configured such that the battery cover can only be removed from the latch body when the latch is removed from the panel, such that the interior of the latch cannot be accessed without removal from the panel.

[0072] Although the twist-lock mechanism or cover has been described or illustrated as being used on electronic components with electronic locks and locking plugs, such a mechanism or cover may be applied to any removable knob on any latch. For example, it may be advantageous to have access to the knobs of purely or partially mechanical or non-locking latches or mounting screws of other non-electronic components.

[0073] A third embodiment of a lock in accordance with aspects of the present invention is disclosed in Figures 15A-15D. Specifically, Figures 15A-15D depict a view of lock 300 with some components removed for clarity. The details of lock 300 and its operation generally correspond to those of locks 100 and 200 described above. In particular, lock 300 is movable between a latched state and an unlatched state. Lock 300 also includes a handle 370 and a lock plug 304 having a body 324, the handles 370 being operably coupled to one another. However, lock 300 differs from locks 100 and 200 in several respects.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment, locking wafer 342 includes a stop 390 configured to engage with external handle 370. As shown in FIGS. 15-15D , stop 390 comprises a protrusion, and handle 370 includes a corresponding slot 392 configured to receive the protrusion. Alternatively, handle 370 comprises a protrusion, and stop 390 includes a corresponding slot 392 configured to receive the protrusion. When stop 390 is engaged with handle 370, the protrusion is adjacent to or received in slot 392. Conversely, when stop 390 is disengaged from handle 370, the protrusion is spaced a distance away from slot 392.

[0075] When lock wafer 342 is in the engaged position, catch 390 is disengaged from handle 370, allowing handle 370 to be rotated without moving lock 300 between the latched and unlatched states. In this manner, unwanted access by unauthorized persons may be mitigated or prevented. Conversely, when lock wafer 342 is in the disengaged position, catch 390 engages handle 370. In this configuration, lock plug 304 can rotate about an axis of rotation (similar to axis of rotation 140), allowing lock 300 to move from a latched state toward an unlatched state. Because when lock wafer 342 is in the disengaged position and catch 390 is engaged with handle 370, a user can move (e.g., turn or rotate) handle 370, and by operably connecting handle 370 to lock plug 304 (which is similar to lock plug 104 or 204), the user simultaneously rotates lock plug 304 and its attached lock pawl 120.

[0076] Referring generally to Figures 18A-18G, another embodiment of a locking plug for an electronic lock is illustrated. The locking plug is configured to be movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. As with the previous embodiment, the electronic lock 400 of this embodiment has an outer housing 402 extending along a central axis and defining a recess. The lock plug is configured to extend into the outer housing of the electronic lock and includes a motor 430 having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. As shown in FIG. 18A, the axis of rotation may not be spaced from the central axis of the outer housing.

[0077] The locking wafer 442 is positioned adjacent to the output shaft of the motor and is configured to move radially relative to the axis of rotation. The lock wafer is movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock.

[0078] In this embodiment, a coupler part 407 is interposed between and coupled to the motor output shaft and the locking wafer. Specifically, as shown in Figures 18A, 18B, 18E, 18F, and 18G, the coupler part 407 has a recess for receiving the end of the motor output shaft. For example, as shown in Figure 18G, the recess is offset from the central axis of the coupler so that rotation of the motor output shaft causes eccentric rotation of the coupler relative to the motor output shaft, thus providing a cam function that moves the locking wafer up and down in the orientation shown in Figure 18G.

[0079] As clearly shown in the figures, this eccentric rotation of the coupler moves a slide or extension member 409 adjacent to the locking wafer up and down, translating the motion through the opposing bias of the illustrated spring 484. As best seen in Figures 18C and 18D, the coupler converts the rotational motion of the motor output shaft into linear motion of the extension member 409 which extends into a recess in the locking wafer.

[0080] Opposing springs 484 each extend between the inner surface of a recess formed in the locking wafer and the outward facing surface of the extension piece. Thus, rotation of the motor output shaft, when driven by the motor, changes the position of the extension piece 409, which in turn changes the position of the lock wafer, which thus moves in and out of a recess formed in the housing of the electronic lock. In the position illustrated in Figure 18C, the locking wafer is biased upward to engage a recess in the housing, thereby resisting or preventing rotational movement of the locking plug.

[0081] Also, with reference to Figure 18A, note that the knob portion 470 of the electronic lock has an airfoil-shaped configuration that houses the PCB components, generally designated by the numeral 471, as well as the battery and other components.

[0082] Also, in contrast to some other embodiments illustrated herein, the orientation of the motor and the orientation of the motor output shaft are reversed. In other words, the motor output shaft extends away from the exterior of the knob or handle or electronic lock plug. Also, the motor position is such that at least a portion of the motor can extend beyond the plane of the panel on which the electronic lock is mounted, and optionally extends within the handle or knob area of ​​the electronic lock.

[0083] This embodiment also allows the motor and its output shaft to be mounted along a central axis corresponding to the central axis of the housing of the electronic lock. This feature of this embodiment is illustrated in Figure 18B, as well as Figures 18F and 18G.

[0084] As shown in Figures 18C and 18D, at least one spring (in this case, two springs 484) is directly or indirectly coupled to (in this case, coupled to or in contact with) at least one of the lock wafer or the motor shaft to bias the lock wafer toward a desired position, such as an engaged position.

[0085] To be moved to the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially disposed within a recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock and is biased toward the engaged position by the extension piece to limit or resist movement of the lock wafer to the disengaged position. To move to the disengaged position, the lock wafer is moved away from a recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock via an extension piece configured to enable or cause the lock wafer to move to the disengaged position.

[0086] 19A-19F illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating features of the present invention as applied to a latch, such as a hood latch. These figures show an embodiment of an electronic locking mechanism configured to limit movement of components relative to one another. The electronic locking mechanism includes a motor having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The motor also includes a lock wafer (any structure or component that can move relative to the motor) that is disposed adjacent to the output shaft of the motor and configured to be movable in a radial direction with respect to the rotation shaft. The locking wafer is movable between an engaged position that restricts movement of the components relative to one another and a disengaged position configured to allow movement of the components relative to one another. The plurality of magnets are configured to bias movement of the locking wafer toward either the engaged or disengaged position. The plurality of magnets are attached directly or indirectly to at least one of the lock wafer and the output shaft of the motor.

[0087] To move to the engaged position, the locking wafer is biased toward the engaged position by the magnetic force of the magnet and is configured to limit relative movement of the components relative to one another. To move to the disengaged position, the locking wafer is biased toward the engaged position by the magnetic force of a magnet, allowing relative movement of the components relative to one another.

[0088] 20A-20K, 21A-21C, and 22A-22G, another embodiment of a lock system including an electronic lock 500 is illustrated. The lock 500 is configured to be movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. As with the previous embodiment, the electronic lock 500 in this embodiment has an outer housing extending along a central axis and defining a recess. The lock 500 includes a motor 530 configured to extend within an outer housing of the electronic lock 500 and having an output shaft 506 configured to rotate about an axis of rotation.

[0089] 21A-21C, rotor 542 is rotatably mounted on output shaft 506 of motor 520 and is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation in response to rotation of output shaft 506. To facilitate this, rotor 542 has a recess 544 for receiving the end of output shaft 506 of motor 530, as best shown in FIGS. 20F-20K and 21A-21B. The rotor 542 is movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock. In another non-limiting example, the rotor 542 is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position to facilitate attachment of the lock to a frame or door / panel 146 (for example) or enclosure.

[0090] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 22A-22G, a slider 507 is disposed adjacent to a rotor 542 and configured to translate (eg, slide) along a central axis. In one non-limiting example, as best shown in FIGS. 20I-20K, slider 507 has at least one recess or pocket 510 for receiving at least one movable detent ball 590. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20K, multiple magnets 562 are attached directly or indirectly to slider 507, and one or more magnets 564 are attached directly or indirectly to rotor 542. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from the description herein that in other embodiments, one detent ball (or equivalent structure known to those skilled in the art) may not be movable, such that it is configured as a blocker or other stationary piece relative to another component of lock 500 (e.g., to hold a component of lock 500 in place). In this manner, slider 507 is biased toward the engaged and / or disengaged positions via magnetic forces due to the interaction of magnets 562 on slider 507 and magnets 564 on rotor 542 (similar to the magnetic actuation discussed in the above embodiment).

[0091] In operation, referring to FIGS. 20E-20K, the slider 507 is movable between an engaged position (FIGS. 20F, 20I) 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 disposed within the at least one pocket 510 to permit or cause an 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 an unlatched state of the electronic lock 500. To move to the disengaged position, the slider 507 is moved away from the rotor 542 of the motor 530 against a bias or by an opposite bias (e.g., as provided by a pair of magnets 580, described below).

[0092] In the exemplary embodiment, slider 507 is biased toward the disengaged position via rotation of rotor 542 between a first angular position and a second angular position. In a first angular position of the rotor 542, the slider 507 is moved toward or maintained in a disengaged position, and conversely, in a second angular position of the rotor 542, the slider 507 is moved toward or maintained in an engaged position. In a non-limiting example, activation of motor 530 is configured to rotate rotor 542 in a first rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) to reach a first angular position and permit or cause movement of slider 507 to the disengaged position. Conversely, deactivation or rotation of the motor is configured to rotate output shaft 506 in a second rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) to reach a second angular position and permit or cause movement of slider 507 to the engaged position. In a non-limiting example, the second rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction, or the second rotational direction and the first rotational direction may be substantially the same but may involve different degrees of angular displacement of rotor 542, for example.

[0093] Additionally or optionally, as best shown in Figures 20I-20K, a pair of magnets 580, one attached directly or indirectly to the end of slider 507 and the other attached directly or indirectly to the end cap of lock 500, provide a bias or spring-like force to facilitate movement of ball 590 into and out of at least one pocket 510. As an alternative to magnets, one or more springs can provide the bias force.

[0094] 23A-23F, 24A-24G, and 25A-25F, another embodiment of a lock system including an electronic lock 600 is illustrated. The lock 600 is configured to be movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. As with the previous embodiment, this embodiment of the electronic lock 600 includes a motor 630 having an output shaft 606 configured to rotate about an axis of rotation.

[0095] The magnetic actuation arrangement is similar to that described above and illustrated in Figures 6A-6D and 7. The plurality of magnets 562 are configured to bias movement of the locking wafer 642 toward either an engaged or disengaged position. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of magnets 562 are attached directly or indirectly to the lock wafer 642 and the shaft of the motor 630 . In one non-limiting example, the plurality of magnets 562 includes at least one magnet attached directly or indirectly to the shaft of the motor 630. At least two wafer magnets 566 are attached directly or indirectly to the lock wafer 642.

[0096] In this manner, to move to the engaged position, lock wafer 642 is biased by the magnetic force of magnet 562 to remain in the engaged position and restrict movement of slider 607 toward the disengaged position. Conversely, to move to the disengaged position, lock wafer 642 is biased by the magnetic force of magnet 562 to allow movement of slider 607 toward the disengaged position. In operation, actuation of motor 630 translates lock wafer 642 relative to the axis of rotation of the output shaft of motor 630, thereby allowing or causing slider 507 to be urged (e.g., by an additional and / or separate actuation force) into a recess defined in the housing of lock 600.

[0097] In exemplary embodiments, a manual or mechanical override is provided to move the electronic lock from a latched state to an unlatched state. In a non-limiting example, the mechanical override may allow an authorized user to insert a tool or key into an opening in an end portion of the lock. At the opposite end portion of the lock, the engagement surface consists of a pair of raised surfaces that form a gap therebetween. 23D-23F, due to this gap, slider 602 (or other component) does not directly or indirectly physically impede the movement of the lock from the latched state to the unlatched state. For example, a tool (or key) can be inserted into an opening in the lock plug of lock 600 and then actuated (e.g., rotated) within the lock plug against a biasing force, thereby unlocking the lock plug and permitting or causing the lock to move from the latched state to the unlatched state.

[0098] 26A-26H and 27A-27C, another embodiment of a lock system is illustrated that includes an electronic lock 700. The lock 700 is configured to be movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state. As with the previous embodiment, this embodiment of the electronic lock 700 includes a motor 730 having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. In one example, magnetic actuation is achieved by coupling a hard stop 710 to the motor 730. Without being limited to the particular shape illustrated in FIGS. 27A-27C, for example, hard stop 710 defines a contoured surface along which ferrous dowel pin 720 is configured to move (e.g., as the output shaft of motor 730 is rotated) and interact with the plurality of magnets 162 to urge or bias the locking wafer into the disengaged and / or engaged positions.

[0099] In operation, the output shaft of the motor 730 is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation between a first angular position and a second angular position, where the first angular position of the output shaft maintains the locking wafer in an engaged position and the second angular position of the output shaft maintains the locking wafer in a disengaged position. The plurality of magnets 162 are attached directly or indirectly to the motor shaft, and are positioned such that a sensor detects when the shaft is in a first angular position or a second angular position, and are configured to bias movement of the locking wafer toward the engaged or disengaged position.

[0100] Additionally, the lock includes a flux pipe through which magnetic flux from the plurality of magnets 162 is transmitted to a sensor to urge or bias (or facilitate) the lock wafer into a disengaged and / or engaged position (e.g., in a manner similar to the magnetic actuation described in connection with the previous embodiment above). In one non-limiting example, the sensor comprises a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field and polarity (e.g., a magnetic field having a north (N) and / or south (S) pole). Thus, in operation, as the output shaft moves between a first angular position and a second angular position, changes in magnetic flux from a plurality of magnets attached to the output shaft are detected, facilitated, or controlled by the positioning of the flux pipe relative to the plurality of magnets (or another component associated therewith, such as hard stop 710). In this manner, the first angular position can correspond to an engaged position of the lock wafer and / or a latched state of the lock, and the second angular position can correspond to a disengaged position of the lock wafer and / or an unlatched state of the lock, all of which can be detected and / or facilitated based on detected interactions (e.g., by the TMR sensor) between the flux pipe and the plurality of magnets attached to the motor's output shaft.

[0101] As shown, aspects of the present invention are beneficially applied to a wide variety of mechanisms that include components that can limit relative movement with respect to one another. For example, the components can be, for example, 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 component.

[0102] The present invention includes, but is not limited to, the following aspects:

[0103] 1. A locking plug for an electronic lock movable 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 locking plug comprising: a motor configured to extend into an outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a lock wafer disposed adjacent to the output shaft of the motor and configured to move radially relative to the axis of rotation, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; and When moved to the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within a recess in an outer housing of the electronic lock and is biased by a bias toward the engaged position to limit or resist movement of the lock wafer to the disengaged position; Here, to be moved to the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to move away from a recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock, allowing movement of the lock wafer towards the disengaged position.

[0104] 2. The locking plug of aspect 1, wherein the output shaft is configured to rotate between a first angular position and a second angular position.

[0105] 3. The locking plug of aspect 2, wherein at a first angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer is maintained in an engaged position, and at a second angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer is maintained in a disengaged position.

[0106] 4. In the locking plug described in aspect 2, the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a first rotational direction to reach the first angular position, thereby allowing or causing the locking wafer to move to the disengaged position.

[0107] 5. In the locking plug of aspect 4, the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach a second angular position, thereby allowing or causing movement of the locking wafer toward the engaged position.

[0108] 6. The locking plug of embodiment 5, wherein the second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0109] 7. The locking plug according to aspect 2, wherein in a first angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer is positioned radially outward relative to the rotational axis, and in a second angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer is positioned radially inward relative to the rotational axis.

[0110] 8. The locking plug of aspect 1, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more of wireless communication signals and wireless power signals.

[0111] 9. The locking plug of aspect 8, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signals and wireless power signals are transmitted and received via a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocol, or a Wide Area Network (LoRaWan) protocol.

[0112] 10. The locking plug of aspect 9, further comprising: a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal.

[0113] 11. The locking plug according to aspect 10, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile terminal.

[0114] 12. The locking 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.

[0115] 13. The locking plug of aspect 12, wherein the wireless power signal is the sole power source for the electronic lock.

[0116] 14. The lock plug of aspect 12, further comprising a battery for powering the electronic lock.

[0117] 15. The locking plug of claim 8, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal are transmitted and received by a mobile device.

[0118] 16. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug according to aspect 1.

[0119] 17. A locking plug for an electronic lock movable 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 locking plug comprising: a motor configured to extend into an outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation spaced from a central axis of the outer housing when the lock plug extends into the housing, the output shaft configured to rotate about the axis of rotation between a first angular position and a second angular position; a lock wafer disposed adjacent to the output shaft of the motor and configured to move radially relative to the rotational axis, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the locking wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being attached directly or indirectly to at least one of the locking wafer and the shaft of the motor; and wherein, for movement to the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within a recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock and is biased by the magnetic force of the magnet toward the engaged position, limiting or resisting movement of the lock wafer toward the released position. Here, to be moved to the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured such that the magnetic force of the magnet moves the lock wafer away from the recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock, allowing movement of the lock wafer towards the disengaged position.

[0120] 18. The locking 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, thereby allowing or causing the locking wafer to move to the disengaged position.

[0121] 19. The locking plug of aspect 18, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach a second angular position, allowing or causing movement of the locking wafer to the engaged position.

[0122] 20. The locking plug of embodiment 19, wherein the second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0123] 21. The lock plug of aspect 17, wherein, in a first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially outward relative to the rotation axis, and, in a second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is positioned radially inward relative to the rotation axis.

[0124] 22. The locking plug of aspect 17, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least two wafer magnets attached directly or indirectly to the locking wafer.

[0125] 23. A lock plug according to aspect 22, wherein the at least two wafer magnets comprise a first wafer magnet and a second wafer magnet arranged radially relative to each other with alternating polarities.

[0126] 24. The locking plug of embodiment 23, wherein a first wafer magnet is positioned on a radially outer portion of the locking wafer and a second wafer magnet is positioned on a radially inner portion of the locking wafer, the radially outer portion facing the radially inner portion.

[0127] 25. The locking plug of aspect 22, wherein the plurality of magnets includes at least one rotor magnet attached directly or indirectly to an output shaft of the motor.

[0128] 26. The locking plug of embodiment 25, wherein at least one rotor magnet and the first wafer magnet or the second wafer magnet are magnetically attracted to each other, and simultaneously, at least one rotor magnet and the other of the first wafer magnet or the second wafer magnet are magnetically repelled from each other, at the first or second angular position of the output shaft.

[0129] 27. The locking plug of aspect 26, wherein the output shaft rotates less than 45 degrees along the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction as the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0130] 28. The lock plug of aspect 22, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least two rotor magnets attached directly or indirectly to the output shaft of the motor, the at least two rotor magnets comprising a first rotor magnet and a second rotor magnet.

[0131] 29. The locking plug of embodiment 28, wherein, at the first angular position or the 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.

[0132] 30. The locking plug of aspect 29, wherein the output shaft rotates less than 20 degrees along the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction as the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0133] 31. The lock plug according to aspect 29, wherein the first rotor magnet and the second rotor magnet are disposed radially relative to each other with their polarities alternated.

[0134] 32. The locking plug of aspect 31, wherein the output shaft rotates up to 180 degrees along the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction as the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0135] 33. The locking plug of aspect 31, wherein the output shaft is rotated at least 180 degrees along the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction as the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0136] 34. The locking plug of aspect 17, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more of wireless communication signals and wireless power signals.

[0137] 35. The locking plug of aspect 34, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal are transmitted and received via a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocol, or a Wide Area Network (LoRaWan) protocol.

[0138] 36. The locking plug of aspect 35, further comprising a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal.

[0139] 37. The locking plug of aspect 36, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile device.

[0140] 38. The locking 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.

[0141] 39. The locking plug of aspect 38, wherein the wireless power signal is the sole power source for the electronic lock.

[0142] 40. The lock plug of aspect 38, further comprising a battery for powering the electronic lock.

[0143] 41. The locking plug of aspect 34, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal are transmitted and received by a mobile terminal.

[0144] 42. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug according to aspect 17.

[0145] 43. A locking plug for an electronic lock movable 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 locking plug comprising: a motor configured to extend within an outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation spaced from a central axis of the outer housing; a lock wafer disposed adjacent to the output shaft of the motor and configured to move radially relative to the rotational axis, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; a spring coupled directly or indirectly to at least one of the locking wafer or the motor shaft for biasing the locking wafer toward the engaged position; and wherein, to be moved to the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially disposed within a recess in an outer housing of the electronic lock and is spring biased toward the engaged position, limiting or resisting movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position; To move to the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved against the bias of the spring and away from a recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock to allow movement of the lock wafer toward the disengaged position.

[0146] 44. The locking plug of aspect 43, wherein the spring is further configured to resist movement of the locking wafer between the engaged and disengaged positions.

[0147] 45. The locking plug of claim 44, wherein the locking wafer defines a wafer recess through which at least a portion of the output shaft extends, the recess defining at least one contact surface.

[0148] 46. ​​The locking plug of embodiment 45, further comprising a cam rotatably mounted within the housing and coupled to an output shaft of the motor for rotation therewith.

[0149] 47. The locking plug of aspect 46, wherein the cam includes at least one lobe configured to rotate with the output shaft.

[0150] 48. The locking plug of aspect 47, wherein the at least one lobe is positionable to bear against at least a portion of at least one contact surface of the wafer recess to facilitate radial movement of the locking wafer relative to the axis of rotation.

[0151] 49. The locking 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, allowing or causing movement of the locking wafer to the disengaged position.

[0152] 50. The locking plug of aspect 49, wherein in a first angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer is located radially inward relative to the axis of rotation.

[0153] 51. The locking 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 that allows or causes movement of the locking wafer to the engaged position.

[0154] 52. The locking plug of embodiment 51, wherein, in the second angular position of the output shaft, the at least one cam lobe is spaced apart from at least a portion of the at least one contact surface of the wafer recess.

[0155] 53. The locking plug of aspect 52, wherein, in a second angular position of the output shaft, the spring is configured to move the locking wafer radially outward relative to the rotational axis.

[0156] 54. The locking plug of aspect 51, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0157] 55. The locking plug of aspect 43, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more of wireless communication signals and wireless power signals.

[0158] 56. The locking plug of aspect 55, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal are transmitted and received via a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocol, or a Wide Area Network (LoRaWan) protocol.

[0159] 57. The locking plug of aspect 56, further comprising a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal.

[0160] 58. The locking plug of aspect 57, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile terminal.

[0161] 59. The locking 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.

[0162] 60. The lock plug of aspect 59, wherein the wireless power signal is the sole source of power for the electronic lock.

[0163] 61. The lock plug of aspect 59, further comprising a battery for powering the electronic lock.

[0164] 62. The locking plug of aspect 55, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal are transmitted and received by a mobile terminal.

[0165] 63. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug according to aspect 43.

[0166] 64. A locking plug for an electronic lock movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing defining a recess, the locking plug comprising: an external handle rotatably coupled to the outer housing of the electronic lock; a motor configured to extend into an outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft defining an axis of rotation; a lock wafer disposed adjacent to the output shaft of the motor and configured to move radially relative to the axis of rotation, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; Here, the lock wafer includes a stop configured to engage with the external handle, and when the lock wafer is in the engaged position, the stop is disengaged from the handle, thereby allowing the handle to be rotated without moving the electronic lock between a latched or locked state or an unlatched or unlocked state; when the lock wafer is in the disengaged position, the stop engages with the handle, thereby allowing the lock plug to rotate about the rotation axis and allowing the electronic lock to move from the latched or locked state toward the unlatched or unlocked state.

[0167] 65. The locking plug of aspect 64, wherein for movement to the engaged position, the locking wafer is configured to be positioned at least partially within a recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock, restricting movement of the electronic lock toward an unlatched or unlocked state, and wherein, in the disengaged position, the locking wafer is configured to be moved away from the recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock, allowing movement of the electronic lock toward an unlatched or unlocked state.

[0168] 66. The locking plug of claim 64, wherein the stop or the handle includes a protrusion, and the handle or the stop includes a corresponding slot or recess configured to receive the protrusion.

[0169] 67. A locking plug as described in aspect 66, wherein when the stopper is engaged with the handle, the protrusion is adjacent to or received within the slot or recess, and when the stopper is disengaged from the handle, the protrusion is spaced a distance from the slot or recess.

[0170] 68. The locking plug of aspect 65, further comprising a plurality of magnets configured to permit or restrict movement of the locking wafer between the engaged and disengaged positions, the plurality of magnets being directly or indirectly attached to at least one of the locking wafer and the shaft of the motor.

[0171] 69. The locking 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 locking wafer to the disengaged position.

[0172] 70. The locking plug of aspect 69, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach a second angular position and permit movement of the locking wafer to an engaged position.

[0173] 71. The locking plug of aspect 70, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0174] 72. The locking plug of aspect 70, wherein at a first angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer moves radially outward relative to the rotational axis, and at a second angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer moves radially inward relative to the rotational axis.

[0175] 73. The locking plug of embodiment 64, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more of wireless communication signals and wireless power signals.

[0176] 74. The locking plug of aspect 73, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal are transmitted and received via a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocol, or a LoRaWan protocol.

[0177] 75. The locking plug of aspect 74, further comprising: a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to authenticate a source of the wireless communication signal.

[0178] 76. The locking plug of aspect 75, wherein the source of the wireless communication signal is a mobile device.

[0179] 77. The locking 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.

[0180] 78. The lock plug of aspect 77, wherein the wireless power signal is the sole source of power for the electronic lock.

[0181] 79. The lock plug of aspect 77, further comprising a battery for powering the electronic lock.

[0182] 80. The locking plug of embodiment 73, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal are transmitted and received by a mobile terminal.

[0183] 81. An electronic lock comprising the lock plug according to aspect 64.

[0184] 82. A lock configured to be attached to a housing, the lock comprising: a housing assembly configured to extend into the enclosure; a cover coupled to the housing assembly and configured to extend exteriorly of the enclosure, the cover also configured to allow selective access to components of the lock with or without separating the lock from the enclosure; The cover includes a body portion configured to at least partially define an interior for accommodating the component, and a peripheral portion extending from the body portion; The peripheral portion of the cover has a cover surface positioned for releasable engagement with a mating surface of the housing assembly.

[0185] 83. The lock of embodiment 82, wherein the housing assembly includes a mount that defines a mating surface of the housing assembly.

[0186] 84. The lock of embodiment 83, wherein the peripheral portion of the cover or the mount of the housing assembly has a recess positioned to removably receive a detent of the mount of the housing assembly or the peripheral portion of the cover.

[0187] 85. The lock of aspect 84, wherein the detent is positioned to be engaged by the recess upon rotation of the cover relative to the housing assembly.

[0188] 86. The lock of embodiment 84, including a lock body, a cover, and a lock ring providing a mount, wherein the lock body, cover, and lock ring interact with each other to fully lock.

[0189] 87. The lock of embodiment 84, further comprising a locking plug configured to extend into the housing assembly and into the interior of the enclosure.

[0190] 88. The lock according to aspect 84, wherein the lock is an electronic lock and the components are electronic components.

[0191] 89. The lock according to claim 88, wherein the electronic component is a battery.

[0192] 90. An electronic locking mechanism configured to limit relative movement of electronic locking mechanism components with respect to one another includes: a motor having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a locking wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured for radial movement relative to the axis of rotation, the locking wafer being movable between an engaged position that restricts relative movement of the components relative to one another and a disengaged position that is configured to permit relative movement of the components relative to one another; a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the locking wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being attached directly or indirectly to at least one of the locking wafer and the output shaft of the motor; Here, when moved to the engagement position, the lock wafer is configured to restrict relative movement of the components with respect to each other toward the engagement position by the magnetic force of the magnet. Here, to move to the disengaged position, the locking wafer is biased by the magnetic force of the magnet towards the engaged position, and is configured to allow relative movement of the components relative to one another.

[0193] 91. The electronic locking mechanism of aspect 90 is characterized in that the component whose movement the electronic locking mechanism is configured to limit is 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 component.

[0194] 92. A latch or lock having the electronic locking mechanism according to embodiment 90.

[0195] 93. An electronic lock movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the lock comprising: a motor having an output shaft configured to rotate about a rotation axis; a rotor rotatably attached to the output shaft of the motor and configured to rotate about a rotation axis in response to the output shaft; a slider movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; and To be moved to the disengaged position, the slider is configured to translate in response to rotation of the rotor and is biased toward the disengaged position by a bias.

[0196] 94. The electronic lock of aspect 93, wherein the slider is biased toward the disengaged position to permit movement of at least one detent ball received by at least one recess or pocket defined by the slider.

[0197] 95. An electronic lock movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the lock comprising: Outer Housing a motor within the outer housing and having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a locking wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured to move radially relative to the axis of rotation, the locking wafer being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; a slider positioned adjacent to the lock wafer; Here, when the locking wafer is in the engaged position, the locking wafer is configured to limit or resist translation of the slider, and when the locking wafer is in the disengaged position, the locking wafer is configured to allow translation of the slider.

[0198] 96. The electronic lock of aspect 95, wherein the lock has an end for receiving either a tool or a key and an opposite end that defines an engagement surface.

[0199] 97. The electronic lock of embodiment 96, wherein when a tool or key is inserted into the end portion, the slider does not physically interfere with the engagement surface on the opposite end portion.

[0200] 98. An electronic lock movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, said lock comprising: a motor having an output shaft configured to rotate about a rotation axis between a first angular position and a second angular position; a lock wafer disposed adjacent to the output shaft of the motor, the lock wafer positioned to be detected by the sensor when the shaft is in the first angular position or the second angular position; Multiple Magnets A flux pipe through which magnetic flux from multiple magnets is transmitted to the sensor.

[0201] 99. The electronic lock of aspect 98, wherein the plurality of magnets are attached directly or indirectly to the shaft of the motor.

[0202] 100. The electronic lock of aspect 99, wherein at a first angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in an engaged position, and at a second angular position of the output shaft, the lock wafer is maintained in a disengaged position.

[0203] 101. The electronic lock of aspect 100, wherein the lock wafer is configured to move radially relative to the axis of rotation.

[0204] 102. The electronic lock of claim 98, wherein the plurality of magnets are configured to bias movement of the lock wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position.

[0205] 103. The electronic lock of embodiment 98, wherein the sensor comprises a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor.

[0206] 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 allow or cause the lock wafer to move to the disengaged position.

[0207] 105. In the electronic lock described in aspect 98, the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach a second angular position, thereby allowing or causing movement of the lock wafer toward the engagement position.

[0208] 106. In the electronic lock of aspect 98, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within a recess in the outer housing to be moved to the engaged position, and is biased toward the engaged position by a bias that limits or resists movement of the lock wafer to the disengaged position. Here, to be moved to the disengaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be moved away from a recess in the outer housing of the electronic lock, allowing movement of the lock wafer to the disengaged position.

[0209] While preferred embodiments of the present 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, the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A locking plug for an electronic lock movable 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 locking plug comprising: a motor configured to extend into an outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a lock wafer disposed adjacent to an output shaft of the motor and configured to move radially relative to the rotational axis, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; When moved to the engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within a recess in an outer housing of the electronic lock and is biased toward the engaged position to limit or resist movement of the lock wafer to the disengaged position; A locking plug configured to move to a disengaged position, the locking wafer disengages from a recess in an outer housing of the electronic lock, allowing movement of the locking wafer toward the disengaged position.

2. 10. The locking plug of claim 1, wherein the output shaft is configured to rotate between a first angular position and a second angular position.

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

4. 3. The locking 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 allow or cause movement of the locking wafer to the disengaged position.

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

6. 6. The locking plug of claim 5, wherein the second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation.

7. 3. The locking plug of claim 2, wherein in a first angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer is located radially outward relative to the axis of rotation, and in a second angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer is located radially inward relative to the axis of rotation.

8. 10. The locking plug of claim 1, further comprising a wireless receiver capable of transmitting and receiving one or more of wireless communication signals and wireless power signals.

9. 10. The locking plug of claim 8, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signals and wireless power signals are transmitted and received via a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocol, or a Wide Area Network (LoRaWan) protocol.

10. 10. The locking plug of claim 9, further comprising a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and capable of authenticating the source of the wireless communication signal.

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

12. 10. The locking 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 axis of rotation.

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

14. 13. The locking plug of claim 12, further comprising a battery for powering the electronic lock.

15. 10. The locking plug of claim 8, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal are transmitted and received by a mobile device.

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

17. 1. A locking plug for an electronic lock movable 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 locking plug comprising: a motor configured to extend into an outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation spaced from a central axis of the outer housing when the lock plug extends into the housing, the output shaft configured to rotate about the axis of rotation between a first angular position and a second angular position; a lock wafer disposed adjacent to the motor output shaft and configured to move radially relative to the rotational axis, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of an electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the locking wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being attached directly or indirectly to at least one of the locking wafer and a shaft of a motor; To be moved to an engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within a recess in an outer housing of the electronic lock and is biased by the magnetic force of a magnet toward the engaged position, limiting or resisting movement of the lock wafer toward the released position. a locking plug configured such that, to be moved to a disengaged position, the locking wafer is separated from a recess in an outer housing of an electronic lock by magnetic force of a magnet, allowing movement of the locking wafer toward the disengaged position.

18. 18. The locking 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 allow or cause movement of the locking wafer to the disengaged position.

19. 19. The locking plug of claim 18, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the output shaft in a second rotational direction to reach a second angular position, allowing or causing movement of the locking wafer to the engaged position.

20. 20. The locking plug of claim 19, wherein the second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation.

21. 18. The locking plug of claim 17, wherein in a first angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer is located radially outward relative to the axis of rotation, and in a second angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer is located radially inward relative to the axis of rotation.

22. 18. The locking plug of claim 17, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least two wafer magnets attached directly or indirectly to the locking wafer.

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

24. 24. The locking plug of claim 23, wherein a first wafer magnet is positioned on a radially outer portion of the locking wafer and a second wafer magnet is positioned on a radially inner portion of the locking wafer, the radially outer portion facing the radially inner portion.

25. 23. The locking plug of claim 22, wherein the plurality of magnets includes at least one rotor magnet attached directly or indirectly to an output shaft of the motor.

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

27. 27. The locking plug of claim 26, wherein the output shaft rotates less than 45 degrees along a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction as the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position.

28. 23. The locking plug of claim 22, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises at least two rotor magnets attached directly or indirectly to an output shaft of the motor, the at least two rotor magnets comprising a first rotor magnet and a second rotor magnet.

29. 29. The locking plug of claim 28, wherein, at the first angular position or the 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. 30. The locking plug of claim 29, wherein the output shaft rotates less than 20 degrees along a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction as the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position.

31. 30. The lock plug according to claim 29, wherein the first rotor magnet and the second rotor magnet are disposed radially relative to each other with their polarities alternated.

32. 32. The locking plug of claim 31, wherein the output shaft rotates a maximum of 180 degrees along the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction as the output shaft moves between the first angular position and the second angular position.

33. 32. The locking plug of claim 31, wherein as 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. 20. The locking plug of claim 17, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more of wireless communication signals and wireless power signals.

35. 35. The locking plug of claim 34, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal are transmitted and received via a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocol, or a Wide Area Network (LoRaWan) protocol.

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

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

38. 36. The locking 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 axis of rotation.

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

40. 39. The locking plug of claim 38, further comprising a battery for powering the electronic lock.

41. 35. The locking plug of claim 34, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signals and the wireless power signals are transmitted and received by a mobile terminal.

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

43. 1. A locking plug for an electronic lock movable 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 locking plug comprising: a motor configured to extend into an outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation spaced from a central axis of the outer housing; a lock wafer disposed adjacent to the output shaft of the motor and configured to move radially relative to the rotational axis, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; a spring coupled directly or indirectly to at least one of the locking wafer or the motor shaft for biasing the locking wafer toward an engaged position; To be moved to an engaged position, the lock wafer is configured to be at least partially disposed within a recess in an outer housing of the electronic lock and is biased by the spring toward the engaged position, limiting or resisting movement of the lock wafer toward a disengaged position; a locking plug configured to move to the disengaged position, wherein the locking wafer is moved against the bias of the spring and away from a recess in an outer housing of the electronic lock to allow movement of the locking wafer toward the disengaged position.

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

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

46. 46. ​​The locking plug of claim 45, further comprising a cam rotatably mounted within the housing and coupled to an output shaft of the motor for rotation therewith.

47. 47. The locking plug of claim 46, wherein the cam includes at least one lobe configured to rotate with the output shaft.

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

49. 49. The locking 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, allowing or causing movement of the locking wafer to the disengaged position.

50. 50. The locking plug of claim 49, wherein in a first angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafer is located radially inward relative to the axis of rotation.

51. 50. The locking 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 that allows or causes movement of the locking wafer to the engaged position.

52. 52. The locking plug of claim 51, wherein in the second angular position of the output shaft, the at least one cam lobe is spaced apart from at least a portion of the at least one contact surface of the wafer recess.

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

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

55. 44. The locking plug of claim 43, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more of wireless communication signals and wireless power signals.

56. 56. The locking plug of claim 55, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal are transmitted and received via a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol or a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol or a Wide Area Network (LoRaWan) protocol.

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

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

59. 57. The locking 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 axis of rotation.

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

61. 60. The locking plug of claim 59, further comprising a battery for powering the electronic lock.

62. 56. The locking plug of claim 55, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signals and the wireless power signals are transmitted and received by a mobile terminal.

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

64. 1. A locking plug for an electronic lock movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, the electronic lock having an outer housing defining a recess, the locking plug comprising: an exterior handle rotatably coupled to an outer housing of the electronic lock; a motor configured to extend into an outer housing of the electronic lock and having an output shaft defining an axis of rotation; a lock wafer disposed adjacent to an output shaft of the motor and configured to move radially relative to the rotational axis, the lock wafer being movable between an engaged position corresponding to a latched or locked state of the electronic lock and a disengaged position corresponding to an unlatched or unlocked state of the electronic lock; The lock wafer includes a stop configured to engage with an external handle, and when the lock wafer is in an engaged position, the stop is disengaged from the handle, thereby allowing the handle to rotate without moving the electronic lock between a latched or locked state or an unlatched or unlocked state; and when the lock wafer is in a disengaged position, the stop engages with the handle, thereby allowing the lock plug to rotate about an axis of rotation and allowing the electronic lock to move from a latched or locked state toward an unlatched or unlocked state.

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

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

67. 67. The locking plug of claim 66, wherein a protrusion is adjacent to or received within the slot or recess when the stopper is engaged with the handle, and wherein the protrusion is spaced a distance from the slot or recess when the stopper is disengaged from the handle.

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

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

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

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

72. 71. The locking plug of claim 70, wherein in a first angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafers move radially outward relative to the axis of rotation, and in a second angular position of the output shaft, the locking wafers move radially inward relative to the axis of rotation.

73. 65. The locking plug of claim 64, further comprising a wireless receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more of wireless communication signals and wireless power signals.

74. 74. The locking plug of claim 73, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signals and the wireless power signals are transmitted and received via a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol or a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocol or a LoRaWan protocol.

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

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

77. 75. The locking 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 axis of rotation.

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

79. 78. The locking plug of claim 77, further comprising a battery for powering the electronic lock.

80. 74. The locking plug of claim 73, wherein one or more of the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal are transmitted and received by a mobile terminal.

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

82. 1. A lock configured to be attached to a housing, the lock comprising: a housing assembly configured to extend into the enclosure; a cover coupled to the housing assembly and configured to extend exteriorly of the enclosure, the cover also configured to allow selective access to components of the lock with or without separating the lock from the enclosure; the cover includes a body portion configured to at least partially define an interior for accommodating a component, and a perimeter portion extending from the body portion; A peripheral portion of the cover has a cover surface positioned for releasable engagement with a mating surface of a housing assembly.

83. 83. The lock of claim 82, wherein the housing assembly includes a mount that defines a mating surface of the housing assembly.

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

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

86. 85. The lock of claim 84, comprising a lock body, a cover, and a lock ring providing a mount, wherein said lock body, said cover, and said lock ring interact with one another to fully lock.

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

88. 85. The lock of claim 84, wherein the lock is an electronic lock and the component is an electronic component.

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

90. an electronic locking mechanism configured to limit relative movement of components with respect to one another, said electronic locking mechanism comprising: a motor having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a locking wafer disposed adjacent the output shaft of the motor and configured to move radially relative to the axis of rotation, the locking wafer being movable between an engaged position that restricts movement of the components relative to one another and a disengaged position that is configured to allow movement of the components relative to one another; a plurality of magnets configured to bias movement of the locking wafer toward the engaged position or the disengaged position, the plurality of magnets being attached directly or indirectly to at least one of the locking wafer and the output shaft of the motor; When moved to the engagement position, the locking wafer is configured to limit relative movement of the components with respect to one another toward the engagement position by magnetic force of the magnet; an electronic locking mechanism configured such that, to move to a disengaged position, the locking wafer is biased by the magnetic force of the magnet toward an engaged position, allowing relative movement of the components relative to one another.

91. 91. The electronic locking mechanism of claim 90, wherein the component the electronic locking mechanism is configured to restrict movement of is 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 component.

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

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

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

95. 1. An electronic lock movable between a latched or locked state and an unlatched or unlocked state, said electronic lock comprising: An outer housing; a motor within the outer housing and having an output shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a locking wafer disposed adjacent to the output shaft of the motor and configured to move radially relative to the rotational axis, the locking wafer being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; a slider disposed adjacent to the lock wafer; an electronic lock, wherein when the locking wafer is in an engaged position, the locking wafer is configured to limit or resist translation of the slider, and when the locking wafer is in a disengaged position, the locking wafer is configured to allow translation of the slider.

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

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

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

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

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

101. 101. The electronic lock of claim 100, wherein the lock wafer is configured to move radially relative to the axis of rotation.

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

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

104. 99. 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 allow or cause movement of the lock wafer to the disengaged position.

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

106. To be moved to the engaged position, the locking wafer is configured to be at least partially positioned within a recess in the outer housing and biased toward the engaged position, limiting or resisting movement of the locking wafer to the disengaged position; 99. The electronic lock of claim 98, wherein the lock wafer is configured to be moved to a disengaged position by moving the lock wafer away from a recess in an outer housing of the electronic lock to allow movement of the lock wafer to the disengaged position.

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