LOCK ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF INSTALLING THE SAME

An electronic lock assembly includes a housing assembly with one or more elastomeric retainers that extend from a rear of the housing assembly. The elastomeric retainers project axially and/or radially from the other components of the housing assembly so as to engage within a bore of a door and facilitate retaining the housing assembly on the door. The elastomeric retainer may at least partially capture a wiring harness and seal the portion of the wiring harness extending from the housing assembly.

BACKGROUND

Locks (e.g., electronic and/or mechanical locks) may be utilized for securing access in both residential and commercial settings. At least some known locks include interior and exterior housing assemblies mounted at a bore of a door for controlling a latch assembly. Retaining the housing assembles at the bore is known to be difficult as the housing assembles need to be secured and flush with the door surface while also being operatively coupled together via electrical and/or mechanical connections. Improvements to door mounting components are thereby desired.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to lock assemblies and elastomeric retention components for facilitating retention of a housing assembly during installation on a door. The elastomeric retainers are configured to compress and engage within a bore of the door to retain a position and/or orientation of the housing assembly without the need for manual support by the installer.

In an aspect, the technology relates to a lock assembly for a door including: a latch assembly having a bolt movable between at least an extended position and a retracted position; a torque blade coupled to the latch assembly and selectively rotatable for moving the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position; and a housing assembly configured to couple to the torque blade for driving rotation thereof, the housing assembly including: a housing having one or more bore projections, the one or more bore projections configured to be received at least partially within a bore within the door such that at least a portion of the housing is positionable against a surface of the door; and one or more elastomeric retainers coupled to the housing and extending adjacent the one or more bore projections, wherein the one or more elastomeric retainers are configured to be received at least partially within the bore and engage with a sidewall of the bore so as to retain the housing assembly on the door.

In an example, the housing further includes a mounting plate having the one or more bore projections and an outer housing body configured to couple to the mounting plate, at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric retainers are disposed between the outer housing body and the mounting plate. In another example, at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric retainers are supported on the outer housing body. In yet another example, the one or more bore projections is a single, substantially cylindrical shaped projection having an outer diameter, at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric retainers radially extending beyond the outer diameter of the substantially cylindrical shaped projection. In still another example, a distal end of the one or more elastomeric retainers extends further out from the housing than the one or more bore projections.

In an example, the housing assembly further includes a wiring harness, at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric retainers configured to receive the wiring harness that extends out of the housing assembly. In another example, the one or more elastomeric retainers form a seal at least partially around the wiring harness.

In another aspect, the technology relates to an electronic lock housing assembly for a door including: a mounting plate including a substantially cylindrical bore projection, the substantially cylindrical bore projection configured to be received at least partially within a bore within the door such that the mounting plate is positionable against a surface of the door; an outer housing body coupled to the mounting plate and configured to support one or more systems configured to actuate a latch assembly; and one or more elastomeric retainers positioned along an outer perimeter of the substantially cylindrical bore projection, distal ends of the one or more elastomeric retainers projecting further out from the mounting plate than the substantially cylindrical bore projection, wherein the one or more elastomeric retainers are configured to be received at least partially within the bore and engage with a sidewall of the bore so as to retain the housing assembly on the door.

In an example, the one or more elastomeric retainers include a first retainer discrete from and different than a second retainer. In another example, each of the first retainer and the second retainer have an outer radial surface, the outer radial surfaces defining an outer diameter distance that is greater than an outer diameter of the substantially cylindrical bore projection. In yet another example, the outer housing body includes at least one support arm, the first retainer coupled to the at least one support arm. In still another example, the second retainer defines a channel configured to at least partially receive a wiring harness.

In an example, the first retainer is disposed approximately 180° relative to the second retainer. In another example, at least one of the first and second retainers include a flange that is captured between the mounting plate and the outer housing body.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a lock assembly for a door including: a latch assembly having a bolt movable between at least an extended position and a retracted position; a torque blade coupled to the latch assembly and selectively rotatable for moving the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position; and an exterior housing assembly configured to couple to the torque blade for driving rotation thereof, the exterior housing assembly including: a housing including one or more bore projections, the one or more bore projections configured to be received at least partially within a bore within the door such that the housing is positionable against a surface of the door; one or more elastomeric retainers coupled to the housing and extending adjacent the one or more bore projections, wherein the one or more elastomeric retainers are configured to be received at least partially within the bore and engage with a sidewall of the bore so as to retain the exterior housing assembly on the door; and at least a portion of an electronic actuation system for the latch assembly and configured to drive rotation of the torque blade

In an example, the one or more elastomeric retainers include a first retainer and a second retainer disposed on opposite sides of the torque blade. In another example, a wiring harness is included, the wiring harness extending through at least one of the first and second retainers. In yet another example, the second retainer is substantially square-shaped with a channel defined therein, the wiring harness disposed at least partially within the channel. In still another example, the first retainer is substantially U-shaped, each leg of the first retainer supported on the housing. In an example, the first and second retainers and the one or more bore projections form a substantially cylindrical shape corresponding to the bore of the door, the first and second retainers being less than half of an outer perimeter of the substantially cylindrical shape.

In another example, the housing includes an outer housing body and a mounting plate, the mounting plate having the one or more bore projections. In yet another example, the exterior housing assembly further includes a key cylinder mounted on the housing and coupled to the torque blade.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of installing a lock assembly on a door, the method including: providing a housing assembly including a mounting plate having a substantially cylindrical bore projection, one or more elastomeric retainers positioned along an outer perimeter of the substantially cylindrical bore projection, and a wiring harness, distal ends of the one or more elastomeric retainers projecting further out from the mounting plate than the substantially cylindrical bore projection; inserting the substantially cylindrical bore projection with the one or more elastomeric retainers within a bore of the door such that the mounting plate is positioned against a surface of the door, wherein the one or more elastomeric retainers engage with a sidewall of the bore so as to retain the housing assembly on the door; and upon retention of the housing assembly within the bore of the door, sealing the wiring harness at the housing assembly with the one or more elastomeric retainers.

In another aspect, the technology relates to an elastomeric retention assembly for a lock assembly including: a first elastomeric retainer including a base, a first leg, and a second leg, each of the first leg and the second leg having an end through which a receiver opening is formed, the receiver opening being shaped and sized to receive a support arm of a lock housing body, wherein a first curved bore engagement outer surface is defined at least partially along a side of the base, the first leg, and the second leg, the first curved bore engagement outer surface having a tapered end at distal ends of each of the first leg and the second leg tapering toward the end having the respective receiver opening; and a discrete second elastomeric retainer including a flange and a second bore engagement outer surface extending therefrom, the second elastomeric retainer defining a channel therethrough and accessible via a slit defined through the flange and the second bore engagement outer surface extending therefrom, the channel shaped and sized to receive at least one wire of the lock assembly.

In an example, the first curved bore engagement outer surface and the second curved bore engagement outer surface are configured to be position against a portion of an inner bore surface of a door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

Electronic lock assemblies typically include two housing assemblies, one for each side of a door, and a latch assembly that is operable via one or more actuation systems located within the two housing assemblies. The two housing assemblies are operatively coupled to each other and to the latch assembly all within a bore of the door. One of the housing assemblies is on a more secure side of the door, and thus, is configured to reduce tampering and access to the electronic lock assembly. Because the two housing assemblies are on opposite sides of the door and need to be coupled together, retaining one of the housing assemblies on the door during installation without being manually supported assists the installer.

The electronic lock assembly described below includes one or more elastomeric retainers extending from a rear of the housing assembly. The elastomeric retainers may project axially and/or radially from the other components of the housing assembly so as to engage within the bore and facilitate retaining the housing assembly on the door. In the examples, the elastomeric retainers are configured to compress against the bore and retain the position and/or orientation of the housing assembly within the bore and against the surface of the door. This retention allows for ease of installation as the housing assembly can remain on the door on its own without the installer needing to manually support it.

In examples, the elastomeric retainer may also at least partially capture a wiring harness and seal the portion of the wiring harness extending from the housing assembly.

The term “lock” or “lockset” is broadly intended to include any type of lock, including, but not limited to, deadbolts, knob locks, lever handle locks, mortise locks, and slide locks, whether mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical locks. The locking points may have various mounting configurations and/or locations, including, but not limited to: mortised within the doorframe, mounted externally to the doorframe or support structure, and/or affixed directly to the door.

FIG.1is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic lock assembly100mounted on a door102.FIGS.2and3are perspective views of the electronic lock assembly100. Referring concurrently toFIGS.1-3, the electronic lock assembly100includes an exterior housing assembly104, a latch assembly106, and an interior housing assembly108. Typically, the exterior housing assembly104is mounted on the outside of the door102, while the interior housing assembly108is mounted inside of the door102. The latch assembly106is mounted in a bore208(shown inFIG.12) formed in the door102. The bore that the electronic lock assembly100mounts to is not shown inFIG.1, however, the bore is similar to a deadbolt bore110that is disposed above the electronic lock assembly100and configured to receive a deadbolt assembly (not shown). The deadbolt bore110is substantially cylindrical in shape and extends through both the outside and inside surfaces of the door102. An edge bore112extends from the edge of the door102and into the deadbolt bore110for a latch, bolt, deadbolt, etc.

The term “outside” is broadly used to mean an area outside the door102and “inside” is also broadly used to denote an area inside the door102. With an exterior entry door, for example, the exterior housing assembly104may be mounted outside a building, while the interior housing assembly108may be mounted inside the building. With an interior door, the exterior housing assembly104may be mounted inside a building, but outside a room secured by the electronic lock assembly100, while the interior housing assembly108may be mounted into the secured room. The electronic lock assembly100is applicable to both interior and exterior doors as required or desired.

In the example, the exterior housing assembly104includes a mounting plate114that mounts to the exterior surface of the door102and an outer housing body116that that couples to the mounting plate114and supports one or more systems configured to actuate the latch assembly106. For example, the outer housing body116supports a touch screen or touch interface118that may be used to enter a passcode for electronically locking/unlocking the electronic lock assembly100or otherwise control operation thereof via an electronic actuation system. Although a touch interface118is shown in this example, additionally or alternatively, other input devices may be utilized on the exterior housing assembly104, such as, but not limited to, a keypad with one or more buttons, biometric interface (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, retina, scanner, or camera including facial recognition), audio interface with voice recognition, and the like. In the example, the outer housing body116also supports a key cylinder120so that a physical key (not shown) can be used to mechanically lock/unlock the electronic lock assembly100. Accordingly, the exterior housing assembly104may be used to lock/unlock the electronic lock assembly100either electronically using the touch interface118or mechanically using the key cylinder120. In examples, the mounting plate114and the outer housing body116may be generally referred to as a housing which is configured to house and support the components of the exterior housing assembly104contained therewith.

As illustrated, the exterior housing assembly104has a decorative rectangular shape, but round, square, and other shapes for the exterior housing assembly104can be utilized as required or desired. In some examples, a handle (not shown) may be included with the exterior housing assembly104. The exterior housing assembly104is described in further detail below.

The interior housing assembly108includes a mounting plate122that mounts to the interior surface of the door102and an outer housing body124(illustrated schematically) that couples to the mounting plate122and houses components of the interior housing assembly108such as a motor and electromechanical control thereof. In examples, a turn-piece (not shown) is supported on the outer housing body124and used to manually lock/unlock the electronic lock assembly100from the interior of the door102. Examples of an interior housing assembly and exemplary components and features that may be contained therein are described in WIPO International Patent Application No. PCT/US2022/042150, filed Aug. 31, 2022, now WO 2023/038833 and WIPO International Patent Application No. PCT/US2022/078734, filed Oct. 26, 2022, now WO 2023/076962 which are both incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The latch assembly106is mounted at least partially within an edge of the door102and is coupled to both the exterior housing assembly104and the interior housing assembly108. The latch assembly106includes a bolt126that is movable between at least a locked (e.g., extended) and unlocked (e.g., retracted) position electronically and/or mechanically along a bolt axis128. The bolt126moves linearly in and out of a sleeve130. When the bolt126is retracted, an end of the bolt126is generally flush with a face plate132and as illustrated inFIGS.1-3. When the bolt126is extended, the bolt126protrudes through an edge bore in the door102into an opening of a strike plate (not shown), which is positioned in a door jamb adjacent the door102.

The latch assembly106is mounted in the door102between the interior housing assembly108and the exterior housing assembly104. A drive shaft134(e.g., a torque blade) extends through a spindle drive (not shown) on the latch assembly106and couples to both the interior housing assembly108and the exterior housing assembly104. The drive shaft134extends along and is rotatable around a shaft axis136to drive the movement of the bolt126. The drive shaft134may be a single component or be formed from multiple components that transfer rotational movement there along as required or desired. In the example, the shaft axis136is orthogonal to the bolt axis128. In operation, rotation of the drive shaft134in a first direction causes the bolt126to extend and rotation of the drive shaft134in the opposing direction causes the bolt126to retract. Rotation of the drive shaft134may be induced by manual rotation of the turn-piece, mechanical rotation via the key cylinder120, and/or electronically controlled with a motor (not shown) housed within the interior housing assembly108and responsive to input from the touch interface118to extend/retract the bolt126. In examples, the motor may be an electric motor that is powered by a power source housed within the interior housing assembly108, such as, but not limited to, a battery pack.

In the example, the exterior housing assembly104is coupled in communication with the interior housing assembly108. This coupling may allow electronic power and/or signals to be transmitted between the exterior housing assembly104and the interior housing assembly108. The exterior housing assembly104includes a wiring harness138extending therefrom with an exterior connector140disposed on the free end. The wiring harness138enables a cable (e.g., electrical wires) to extend from the exterior housing assembly104and, for example, extend through the bore on the door102to reach towards the interior side and physically couple to the interior housing assembly108.

As such, to install the electronic lock assembly100on the door102, the exterior housing assembly104is first positioned on the exterior surface of the door102with the drive shaft134and wiring harness138extending through the bore. From the interior side of the door102and the mounting plate122, the interior housing assembly108is secured to the door102. However, maintaining position of the exterior housing assembly104during the assembly can be difficult as most of the assembly process occurs on the interior side of the door102. Accordingly, and as further described herein, the exterior housing assembly104includes one or more elastomeric retainers142,144coupled to the mounting plate114that are configured to be received at least partially within the bore and engage with the door102so as to retain the exterior housing assembly104on the door102. These elastomeric retainers142,144frictionally engage within the bore of the door102and facilitate maintaining position and/or orientation of the exterior housing assembly104on the door102during installation and during use of the electronic lock assembly100. Additionally, one of the elastomeric retainers144can be used to at least partially seal around the wiring harness138.

FIG.4is an exploded, perspective view of the exterior housing assembly104. The exterior housing assembly104includes the mounting plate114, the outer housing body116, and the touch interface118. The touch interface118, includes an outer cover146and internal touch components148(e.g., display screen, printed circuit board, etc.) that mounts to the outer side of the outer housing body116with one or more sealing gaskets150. The outer housing body116also supports the key cylinder120that is accessible through the outer cover146. The key cylinder120is coupled to the drive shaft134in order to drive rotation thereof. The mounting plate114mounts to the inner side of the outer housing body116with one or more fasteners152. The elastomeric retainers142,144are coupled to the outer housing body116via the mounting plate114. Additionally, the wiring harness138has a first end154configured to coupled to the internal touch components148and a second end with the exterior connector140.

FIG.5is a rear perspective view of the mounting plate114. The mounting plate114has a rear surface156that is configured to face the door102(shown inFIG.1). One or more bore projections158extend from the rear surface156and are configured to be received at least partially within the bore of the door102. In the example, the bore projection158is a single, substantially cylindrical shaped projection having a sidewall perimeter160defining an outer diameter162and an extension distance164. The outer diameter162corresponds to the size of the bore on the door102and so that the exterior housing assembly104(shown inFIG.4) can be positioned on the door102for installation and use. In other examples, the bore projection158may be a plurality of projections as required or desired spaced to form a cylindrical shape.

The bore projection158defines a top opening166and an opposite bottom opening168. The top opening166is configured to allow the drive shaft134(shown inFIG.4) to extend outward from the exterior housing assembly104. The bottom opening168is configured to allow the wiring harness138(shown inFIG.4) to extend outward from the exterior housing assembly104. Additionally, one or both of the openings166,168are configured to receive the elastomeric retainers142,144and allow the elastomeric retainers142,144to project from the exterior housing assembly104and extend adjacent to the bore projection158. The mounting plate114may be formed from a metal material, such as, stainless steel, aluminum, or the like. As such, retaining the bore projection158within the bore of the door is difficult without use of the elastomeric retainers142,144.

FIG.6is a rear perspective view of the outer housing body116. The outer housing body116may be formed from a plastic type material and may be formed by an injection molding process. The rear of the outer housing body116includes a bore support170that is received at least partially within the bore projection158of the mounting plate114(shown inFIG.5) and is substantially cylindrical in shape. The bore support170includes a center opening172such that the key cylinder120(shown inFIG.4) can be rotatably mounted therein and a bottom opening174such that the wiring harness138(shown inFIG.4) can extend through the outer housing body116. The center opening172aligns with the top opening166(shown inFIG.5) of the mounting plate114and the bottom opening174aligns with the bottom opening168(shown inFIG.5) of the mounting plate114.

At the top of the outer perimeter of the bore support170, a pair of circumferentially spaced support arms176,178project from the outer housing body116. The support arms176,178are configured to support the elastomeric retainer142and are configured to extend through the top opening166of the mounting plate114.

FIGS.7and8are perspective views of the first elastomeric retainer142. The first elastomeric retainer142is at least partially deformable (e.g., compressible) for frictionally securing the exterior housing assembly104(shown inFIG.4) to the door102(shown inFIG.1). In an example, the elastomeric retainer142may be formed from rubber or a elastomer type material (e.g., thermoset or thermoplastic material) or the like. The first elastomeric retainer142has a substantially U-shaped body having a base180and two legs182,184extending therefrom. The base180has a flange186projecting therefrom. Each leg182,184forms an opening188so that the legs182,184can be coupled to the support arms176,178of the outer housing body116(shown inFIG.6). The first elastomeric retainer142has first outer surface190that is curved and is at least a portion of the base180and the two legs182,184. In an example, the distal ends of the legs182,184have a partially tapered outer surface190opposite of the flange186. The tapered surface facilitates the retainer engaging an inner surface of the bore while allowing for easier insertion into the bore, but tighter retention of the assembly during and after installation.

FIGS.9and10are perspective views of the second elastomeric retainer144. The second elastomeric retainer144has the same or similar material construction as the first elastomeric retainer142(shown inFIGS.7and8). The second elastomeric retainer144has a substantially square-shaped body with a flange192extending therefrom and a channel194defined therein. The channel194is shaped and sized to at least partially receive the wiring harness138(shown inFIG.4). The body of the second elastomeric retainer144has a slit196so that the wiring harness138can be slid into the channel194. Proximate the flange192, a second outer surface198that is curved is defined on the body of the second elastomeric retainer144. The second outer surface198may have a tapered shape as it extends outward from the flange192. The tapered surface facilitates the retainer engaging an inner surface of the bore while allowing for easier insertion into the bore, but tighter retention of the assembly during and after installation. On the other side of the flange192, a positioning rib200is defined on the body and a pair of positioning tabs202are also defined. The positioning rib200and tabs202facilitate coupling the second elastomeric retainer144to the outer housing body116(shown inFIG.4). Additionally, a recess204is formed proximate the channel194opposite the slit196so as to facilitate flexibility of the channel194and receiving the wiring harness138.

FIG.11is a partial perspective view of the exterior housing assembly104. The elastomeric retainers142,144are positioned along the outer perimeter of the cylindrical bore projection158of the mounting plate114. In the example, the first elastomeric retainer142is discrete from the second elastomeric retainer144and are positioned on opposites sides of the drive shaft134about 180° apart from each other. The distal ends of both of the elastomeric retainers142,144extend further away from the rear surface156of the mounting plate114than the bore projection158.

Additionally, the outer surfaces190,198of the elastomeric retainers142,144are radially outward relative to the sidewall perimeter160of the bore projection158with the outer diameter162(shown inFIG.5). As such, the outer surfaces190,198define an outer diameter distance that is greater than the outer diameter162of the bore projection158. The elastomeric retainers142,144and the bore projection158form a substantially cylindrical shape that corresponds to the bore of the door102. In an aspect, the elastomeric retainers142,144are less than half of the outer perimeter of the substantially cylindrical shape formed by the exterior housing assembly104. In another aspect, the elastomeric retainers142,144are less than a quarter of the outer perimeter of the substantially cylindrical shape formed by the exterior housing assembly104. The configuration of the elastomeric retainers142,144facilitate the elastomeric retainers142,144being received at least partially within the bore of the door (shown inFIG.1) and engaging with the door102so as to retain the exterior housing assembly104on the door102during installation and use.

The first elastomeric retainer142extends through the top opening166of the mounting plate114. The first elastomeric retainer142has the legs182,184supported on the support arms176,178of the outer housing body116. The distal ends of the legs182,184taper radially inward so as to facilitate the insertion of the first elastomeric retainer142into the bore of the door102. The U-shaped body of the first elastomeric retainer142allows for access to the key cylinder120and the drive shaft134that are coupled together with a clip206.

The second elastomeric retainer144extends through the bottom opening168of the mounting plate114. The second elastomeric retainer144receives the wiring harness138that extends out of the exterior housing assembly104. The wiring harness138is received within the channel194. In an example, the second elastomeric retainer144forms a seal at least partially around the wiring harness138. The distal end of the second elastomeric retainer144taper radially inward so as to facilitate the insertion of the second elastomeric retainer144into the bore of the door102.

FIG.12is a cross-sectional view of the exterior housing assembly104mounted on the door102. When the exterior housing assembly104is mounted on the door102, the mounting plate114is directly adjacent to the surface of the door102and the elastomeric retainers142,144are configured to be received at least partially within a bore208and engage with a sidewall210of the door102that defines the bore208to at least partially retain the exterior housing assembly104on the door102. In the example, the outer surfaces190,198of the elastomeric retainers142,144are configured to engage with the sidewall210to retain the exterior housing assembly104on the door102. By positioning and retaining the exterior housing assembly104in the bore208, the key cylinder120aligns with the latch assembly106for operation thereof. Additionally, the wiring harness138is facilitated to more easily extend through the bore208by positioning the wiring harness138at the bottom of the bore208via the second elastomeric retainer144.

In the example, the elastomeric retainers142,144may be at least partially compressed when inserted into the bore208. As such, the second elastomeric retainer144at least partially forms a seal around the wiring harness138so as to reduce egress into the exterior housing assembly104. By positioning the elastomeric retainers142,144at the top and bottom of the bore208, interference with the latch assembly106is reduced. The flanges186,192of the elastomeric retainers142,144are captured between the mounting plate114and the outer housing body116during the assembly of the exterior housing assembly104.

FIG.13illustrates a flowchart depicting a method300of installing a lock assembly on a door. The example methods and operations can be implemented or performed by the assemblies described herein (e.g., the electronic lock assembly100with the exterior housing assembly104, the latch assembly106, and the interior housing assembly108shown inFIGS.1-12). The method300begins with providing a housing assembly (operation302). In the example, the housing assembly includes a mounting plate having a substantially cylindrical bore projection, one or more elastomeric retainers positioned along an outer perimeter of the substantially cylindrical bore projection, and a wiring harness. The distal ends of the one or more elastomeric retainers projecting further out from the mounting plate than the substantially cylindrical bore projection.

The substantially cylindrical bore projection with the one or more elastomeric retainers are inserted within a bore of the door (operation304) such that the mounting plate is positioned against a surface of the door. In the example, the one or more elastomeric retainers engage with a sidewall of the door defining the bore so as to retain the housing assembly on the door. Upon retention of the housing assembly within the bore of the door, the wiring harness is sealed at the housing assembly with the one or more elastomeric retainers (operation306).

In further examples, the method300may include coupling the housing assembly to a latch assembly for operation of the latch assembly (e.g., via a drive shaft or torque blade). Additionally or alternatively, the housing assembly may be an exterior housing assembly and the method300includes coupling the wiring harness to an interior housing assembly and mounting the interior housing assembly on an opposite side of the door.

The electronic lock assembly described herein facilitates installation and positioning of a housing assembly on a bore of a door. In the examples, an exterior housing assembly includes one or more elastomeric retainers that extend from a rear of the exterior housing assembly. The elastomeric retainers may project axially and/or radially from the other components of the exterior housing assembly so as to engage within the bore and facilitate retaining the exterior housing assembly on the door. By more securely retaining the position of the exterior housing assembly on the door, coupling a latch assembly and an interior housing assembly thereto is more easily facilitated. In examples, the elastomeric retainer may at least partially capture a wiring harness and seal the portion of the wiring harness extending from the exterior housing assembly. While the elastomeric retainers are described as being incorporated within the exterior housing assembly, it is appreciated that elastomeric retainers can additionally or alternatively be included on the interior housing assembly, and/or the latch assembly as required or desired.

EXAMPLES

Illustrative examples of the latch assembly disclosed herein are provided below. An embodiment of the latch assembly may include any one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below.

Example 1. A lock assembly for a door comprising:a latch assembly having a bolt movable between at least an extended position and a retracted position;a torque blade coupled to the latch assembly and selectively rotatable for moving the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position; anda housing assembly configured to couple to the torque blade for driving rotation thereof, the housing assembly including:a housing having one or more bore projections, the one or more bore projections configured to be received at least partially within a bore within the door such that at least a portion of the housing is positionable against a surface of the door; andone or more elastomeric retainers coupled to the housing and extending adjacent the one or more bore projections, wherein the one or more elastomeric retainers are configured to be received at least partially within the bore and engage with a sidewall of the bore so as to retain the housing assembly on the door.
Example 2. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the housing further includes a mounting plate having the one or more bore projections and an outer housing body configured to couple to the mounting plate, wherein at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric retainers are disposed between the outer housing body and the mounting plate.
Example 3. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric retainers are supported on the outer housing body.
Example 4. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the one or more bore projections is a single, substantially cylindrical shaped projection having an outer diameter, at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric retainers radially extending beyond the outer diameter of the substantially cylindrical shaped projection.
Example 5. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein a distal end of the one or more elastomeric retainers extends further out from the housing than the one or more bore projections.
Example 6. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the housing assembly further includes a wiring harness, at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric retainers configured to receive the wiring harness that extends out of the housing assembly.
Example 7. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the one or more elastomeric retainers form a seal at least partially around the wiring harness.
Example 8. An electronic lock housing assembly for a door comprising:a mounting plate including a substantially cylindrical bore projection, the substantially cylindrical bore projection configured to be received at least partially within a bore within the door such that the mounting plate is positionable against a surface of the door;an outer housing body coupled to the mounting plate and configured to support one or more systems configured to actuate a latch assembly; andone or more elastomeric retainers positioned along an outer perimeter of the substantially cylindrical bore projection, distal ends of the one or more elastomeric retainers projecting further out from the mounting plate than the substantially cylindrical bore projection, wherein the one or more elastomeric retainers are configured to be received at least partially within the bore and engage with a sidewall of the bore so as to retain the housing assembly on the door.
Example 9. The electronic lock housing assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the one or more elastomeric retainers include a first retainer discrete from and different than a second retainer.
Example 10. The electronic lock housing assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein each of the first retainer and the second retainer have an outer radial surface, the outer radial surfaces defining an outer diameter distance that is greater than an outer diameter of the substantially cylindrical bore projection.
Example 11. The electronic lock housing assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the outer housing body includes at least one support arm, the first retainer coupled to the at least one support arm.
Example 12. The electronic lock housing assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the second retainer defines a channel configured to at least partially receive a wiring harness.
Example 13. The electronic lock housing assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the first retainer is disposed approximately 180° relative to the second retainer.
Example 14. The electronic lock housing assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein at least one of the first and second retainers include a flange that is captured between the mounting plate and the outer housing body.
Example 15. A lock assembly for a door comprising:a latch assembly having a bolt movable between at least an extended position and a retracted position;a torque blade coupled to the latch assembly and selectively rotatable for moving the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position; andan exterior housing assembly configured to couple to the torque blade for driving rotation thereof, the exterior housing assembly including:a housing including one or more bore projections, the one or more bore projections configured to be received at least partially within a bore within the door such that the housing is positionable against a surface of the door;one or more elastomeric retainers coupled to the housing and extending adjacent the one or more bore projections, wherein the one or more elastomeric retainers are configured to be received at least partially within the bore and engage with a sidewall of the bore so as to retain the exterior housing assembly on the door; andat least a portion of an electronic actuation system for the latch assembly and configured to drive rotation of the torque blade.
Example 16. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the one or more elastomeric retainers include a first retainer and a second retainer disposed on opposite sides of the torque blade.
Example 17. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, further comprising a wiring harness, the wiring harness extending through at least one of the first and second retainers.
Example 18. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the second retainer is substantially square-shaped with a channel defined therein, the wiring harness disposed at least partially within the channel.
Example 19. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the first retainer is substantially U-shaped, each leg of the first retainer supported on the housing.
Example 20. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the first and second retainers and the one or more bore projections form a substantially cylindrical shape corresponding to the bore of the door, the first and second retainers being less than half of an outer perimeter of the substantially cylindrical shape.
Example 21. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the housing includes an outer housing body and a mounting plate, the mounting plate having the one or more bore projections.
Example 22. The lock assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the exterior housing assembly further includes a key cylinder mounted on the housing and coupled to the torque blade.
Example 23. A method of installing a lock assembly on a door, the method comprising:providing a housing assembly including a mounting plate having a substantially cylindrical bore projection, one or more elastomeric retainers positioned along an outer perimeter of the substantially cylindrical bore projection, and a wiring harness, distal ends of the one or more elastomeric retainers projecting further out from the mounting plate than the substantially cylindrical bore projection;inserting the substantially cylindrical bore projection with the one or more elastomeric retainers within a bore of the door such that the mounting plate is positioned against a surface of the door, wherein the one or more elastomeric retainers engage with a sidewall of the bore so as to retain the housing assembly on the door; andupon retention of the housing assembly within the bore of the door, sealing the wiring harness at the housing assembly with the one or more elastomeric retainers.
Example 24. An elastomeric retention assembly for a lock assembly comprising:a first elastomeric retainer including a base, a first leg, and a second leg, each of the first leg and the second leg having an end through which a receiver opening is formed, the receiver opening being shaped and sized to receive a support arm of a lock housing body, wherein a first curved bore engagement outer surface is defined at least partially along a side of the base, the first leg, and the second leg, the first curved bore engagement outer surface having a tapered end at distal ends of each of the first leg and the second leg tapering toward the end having the respective receiver opening; anda discrete second elastomeric retainer including a flange and a second bore engagement outer surface extending therefrom, the second elastomeric retainer defining a channel therethrough and accessible via a slit defined through the flange and the second bore engagement outer surface extending therefrom, the channel shaped and sized to receive at least one wire of the lock assembly.
Example 25. The elastomeric retention assembly of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the first curved bore engagement outer surface and the second curved bore engagement outer surface are configured to be positioned against a portion of an inner bore surface of a door.

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some examples, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all examples and, in some examples, may not be included or may be combined with other features.

References in the specification to “one example,” “an example,” “an illustrative example,” etc., indicate that the example described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every example may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same example. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an example, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other examples whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Moreover, one having skill in the art will understand the degree to which terms such as “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” convey in light of the measurements techniques utilized herein. To the extent such terms may not be clearly defined or understood by one having skill in the art, the term “about” shall mean plus or minus ten percent.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made in the aspects of the disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the aspects. While the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims.