Abstract: An electro-mechanical latch mechanism of a lock includes a latch claw that can move to close and release the latch mechanism and a pawl adapted to keep the latch claw in a closed position. Cooperating means have a point of action that can be operated on by a release lever, as well as a point of action that can be operated on by an electric motor. The pawl is linked to the latch claw by a unidirectional linkage that can be coupled-in and coupled-out electrically. Starting out from this core design, a whole range of locks can be built up by a suitable choice of release levers and electric motors and by suitable programming of the electric motor for coupling in and coupling out the unidirectional linkage between the pawl and the latch claw.