Network port lock

Abstract

The present invention discloses a network port locking device comprising: a socket member that is inserted and mounted inside a network port, has an insertion space formed inside, a supporter formed on the upper part of the insertion space with one end fixed and the other end free, and a catch formed on the lower part of the insertion space that is elastically deformed by an external force applied when a dedicated key is inserted into the insertion space; a latch in which a journal is mounted and supported on the supporter so as to rotate up and down, and contacts a locking projection inside the network port to maintain and release an interference state according to rotation around the journal, and has locking grooves formed on both sides of the journal that are open toward the entrance of the insertion space; and a plug member that is inserted into the insertion space of the socket member and can slide forward by the dedicated key, has a keyhole formed on the front so as to insert the dedicated key, has a locking pin formed on the upper surface that is inserted into the locking groove of the latch, and has a locking projection formed on the rear that engages with the catch.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a network port locking device that physically blocks unused empty ports of computers or network equipment to fundamentally block unauthorized access, thereby preventing hacking, data leakage, and virus intrusion and enhancing security. More specifically, the invention relates to a network port locking device that can be inserted simply and stably without damaging the network port (connection port), secured by friction, and easily removed with a dedicated key when necessary. Background Technology

[0002] In general, unused empty I / O ports on servers, switching hubs, routers, and other network equipment can be a potential security threat.

[0003] For example, risks such as internal network intrusion, virus distribution, malware infection, illegal access attempts for hacking, data leakage, or network traffic interception may occur due to unauthorized and unapproved connections of external equipment.

[0004] To prevent such problems, so-called network port locks are being installed as security enhancement devices that are physically inserted into unused LAN ports on servers, switching hubs, routers, etc., to block unnecessary connections and unauthorized intrusions.

[0005] In other words, if a hacker or internal intruder forcibly removes the network port lock using specialized equipment, it is damaged, completely blocking the port; furthermore, since it can only be unlocked and removed with a dedicated key when necessary, it provides a physical blocking effect that prevents illegal cable connections in the simplest way possible.

[0006] In relation to this, prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 is 'network port cover module and network port lock device including the same'.

[0007] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cover module (200) inserted and installed inside the network port comprises a locking module (210) having a main locking part (213) that engages with a locking projection (27) inside the network port and a sub-locking part (217) that is interfered with by an extraction tool (300) inserted from the outside, and a pattern module (220) that is slidably coupled to the locking module (210) and has an interference part (225) that causes interference with the main locking part (213) and a locking projection (223b) that engages with the sub-locking part (217) to maintain a locked state, and has a keyhole (221a) formed through the front for inserting the extraction tool (300).

[0008] However, this conventional technology is structured such that when the pattern module (220) moves forward (in the unlocking direction) of the locking module (210), the interference part (225) interferes with the interfered part (215), and as a result, the elastic locking part (213b) of the main locking part (213) is pressed, and the contact state with the locking projection (27) of the network port is released due to elastic deformation.

[0009] Because of this, when the pattern module (220) is fully fitted into the locking module (210), the elastic locking part (213b) of the main locking part (213) does not easily deform to a position where it does not interfere with the locking projection (27) of the network port during the process of inserting and installing the cover module (200) inside the network port, making installation considerably inconvenient, and in severe cases, the main locking part (213) is damaged.

[0010] The background technology or prior art described above is information possessed by the inventor or acquired in the process of deriving and completing the present invention, and is specified merely to aid in understanding the technical significance of the present invention and to be useful for prior art search and examination; furthermore, drawing symbols in the prior art are mutually unrelated to drawing symbols in the present invention. Prior art literature

[0011] (Patent Document 0001) KR 10-1961922 B1(2019. 03. 19.)(Patent Document 0002) KR 10-2322076 B1(2021. 10. 29.)(Patent Document 0003) KR 10-2382958 B1(2022. 03. 31.)(Patent Document 0004) KR 10-2627959 B1(2024. 01. 17.) The problem to be solved

[0012] Accordingly, the inventors, while comprehensively considering the aforementioned matters and with the idea of ​​resolving the technical limitations and problems of existing network port locking devices, have devoted strenuous efforts to continuous research to develop a network port locking device of a new form and structure that can be inserted simply and stably without damaging the network port and secured by friction, and can be easily removed using a dedicated key suitable only for a specific locking device when necessary, and as a result, have conceived the present invention.

[0013] Therefore, the technical problem and objective that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a network port locking device that can be installed simply and stably inside a network port.

[0014] The technical problems and objectives that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems and objectives will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0015] A specific means according to an embodiment of the present invention for effectively achieving a specific technical purpose while embodying a new concept for solving the technical problem of the present invention as described above comprises: a socket member that is inserted and mounted inside a network port, has an insertion space formed inside, has a supporter formed on the upper part of the insertion space with one end fixed and the other end free, and has a catch formed on the lower part of the insertion space that is elastically deformed by an external force applied when a dedicated key is inserted into the insertion space; a latch in which a journal is mounted and supported on the supporter so as to rotate up and down, contacts a stopper inside the network port to maintain and release an interference state according to rotation around the journal, and has locking grooves formed on both sides of the journal that are open toward the entrance of the insertion space; and a latch that is inserted into the insertion space of the socket member and can slide forward by the dedicated key, has a keyhole formed on the front surface to allow the dedicated key to be inserted, and has a locking pin protruding from the front of the upper surface that is inserted into the locking groove of the latch. A network port locking device is presented, characterized by comprising a plug member formed thereon and having a locking projection formed on the rear side that engages with the catch.

[0016] Thus, the present invention allows for simple and stable insertion without damaging the network port, securing it by friction, and easy removal with a dedicated key when necessary.

[0017] In addition, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a network port locking device is provided, characterized in that a rotational support is formed on the upper surface of the free end of the supporter to support rotation centered on the journal of the latch, and on both sides of the rotational support, an interference is formed to cause contact interference so that the latch cannot rotate centered on the journal in a direction facing a locking projection inside the network port, and the upper and lower front surfaces of the latch are formed in a rounded shape so that contact does not occur with the interference and the upper surface of the plug member when rotating centered on the journal.

[0018] Thus, the present invention prevents the latch from rotating in a direction facing the locking projection inside the network port around the journal due to an external force applied when the latch is inserted into the network port, thereby enabling smoother insertion into the network port.

[0019] In addition, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a network port locking device is provided, characterized in that the surface located below the locking groove of the latch and facing the locking pin of the plug member is formed as an inclined surface that gradually narrows in width toward the bottom, and the locking pin is formed as an overhang inclined surface that is vertically greater than or equal to the top and gradually narrows in width toward the top, thereby forming an incline corresponding to the inclined surface of the latch.

[0020] Thus, the present invention prevents the latch from rotating excessively around the journal due to an external force applied when it comes into contact with a locking projection inside the network port, and also allows the latch to rotate naturally and return to its original state when a plug member is inserted into the insertion space of the socket member.

[0021] In addition, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a network port locking device is provided, characterized in that an anti-detachment projection is formed on the front of the insertion space of the socket member, and at least one stopper is formed protruding from the upper surface of the plug member to cause interference when in contact with the anti-detachment projection.

[0022] Thus, the present invention can prevent the plug member from completely slipping out of the insertion space while assembled with the socket member.

[0023] In addition, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a network port locking device is provided, characterized in that notches corresponding to the pattern of the dedicated key are formed on both sides of the lower surface of the plug member.

[0024] Thus, the present invention allows unlocking and removal from a network port only with a dedicated key that fits the shape when inserted into a specific locking device, and can safely protect against unauthorized user intrusion by blocking the connection of external devices through the network port. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to an embodiment implementing the technical concept on which a unique solution means is based to solve the technical problem of the present invention, when a latch is forcibly inserted into a network port, the supporter is elastically deformed and bends downward due to the external force applied, causing the position of the latch to change downward, so that it can be easily and flexibly mounted into the network port.

[0026] In addition, when the latch is fully inserted into the network port, it automatically returns to its original position and contacts the retaining tab inside the network port to maintain the interference and locked state.

[0027] Therefore, it can be easily and stably inserted and mounted without damaging the network port.

[0028] In addition, the locking pin of the plug member is maintained in the locking groove of the latch, allowing for secure fixation without free rotation of the latch or movement of the supporter.

[0029] Therefore, by physically blocking unused input / output ports on computers and network equipment, unauthorized connection attempts can be fundamentally blocked, thereby preventing hacking, data leakage, and virus intrusion, and enhancing security.

[0030] Moreover, when an authorized internal user inserts a dedicated key while the socket member is fixed in place by inserting it into a network port, the catch of the socket member is elastically deformed by the external force applied, thereby releasing contact interference with the locking tab of the plug member. In this state, if the plug member is pulled forward and slid with the dedicated key, the locking pin disengages from the locking groove of the latch, causing rotation of the latch and elastic deformation of the supporter, thereby releasing contact interference between the latch and the locking tab inside the network port, allowing for easy removal.

[0031] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional network port lock disassembled. FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view showing a conventional network port lock disassembled. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of removing a conventional network port lock from a network port using a dedicated key. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a network port locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a disassembled perspective view of a network port locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view showing a network port locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention in disassembly. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a network port locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a dedicated key required to remove a network port locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention from a network port. FIGS. 9 to 11 are cross-sectional views to help understand the operating state when a network port locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed inside a network port. FIGS. 12 to 15 are cross-sectional views to help understand the operating state when a network port locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is removed from a network port. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] Prior to this, it is specified that the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention, and that they should be interpreted in accordance with the concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention and the meaning commonly accepted or recognized in the relevant technical field.

[0035] In addition, if it is determined that a detailed description of known functions or configurations related to the present invention could obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0036] It is stated that the attached drawings may be partially exaggerated or simplified for the purpose of explaining the configuration, operation, and operating principles of the technology, as well as for ease of understanding and clarity of the technology, and that each component in the drawings does not exactly correspond to the actual size and shape.

[0037] In addition, the term "and / or" in this specification means a combination of multiple related described items or includes any of the multiple related described items, and when a part is said to include a certain component, it means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0038] In other words, terms such as "include" and "have" as set forth in this specification mean that there is a feature, number, step, process, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, and should be understood as not excluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, processes, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Meanwhile, the terms "part" and "unit" used in the present invention refer to a unit or module form that performs a role in processing at least one intended function or a certain operation in a device or system, and this can be implemented mechanically or electronically, such as through means including hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, or a device or assembly capable of performing independent operations.

[0040] Furthermore, terms such as top, bottom, upper surface, lower surface, or upper, lower, upper side, lower side, front / rear, left / right, etc. used in the present invention are used for convenience to distinguish relative positions or explain directions of movement for each component. For example, the upper part of a drawing may be named or referred to as the upper part and the lower part as the lower part, and the length direction may be named or referred to as the front / rear direction and the width direction as the left / right direction.

[0041] [Best mode for carrying out the invention]

[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8, the network port locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is intended to physically block unused network ports (P), such as computers or network equipment, to fundamentally block unauthorized access, thereby preventing data leakage and virus intrusion and enhancing security. The main components constituting the device include a socket member (10), a latch (20), and a plug member (30).

[0043] Socket member (10) It is installed by inserting it into the network port (P), and an insertion space (11) is formed inside.

[0044] And at the upper part of the insertion space (11), a supporter (12) is formed so that the journal (21) can rotate up and down, with one end fixed and the other end free.

[0045] That is, the rear end of the supporter (12) is formed integrally with the rear portion of the socket member (10), and the front end is formed as a free end so as to move freely by elastic deformation.

[0046] And at the bottom of the insertion space (11), a catch (13) is formed that is elastically deformed by an external force applied when a dedicated key (K) is inserted into the insertion space (11).

[0047] That is, the front end of the catch (13) is formed integrally with the front part of the socket member (10), and the rear end is formed as a free end so as to move freely by elastic deformation.

[0048] And on the upper surface of the free end of the supporter (12), a rotational support (14) is formed to support and hold the lower part of the journal (21) so that the latch (20) rotates smoothly around the journal (21).

[0049] Additionally, on both sides of the rotating support (14), an interpier (15) is formed to cause contact interference so that the latch (20) cannot rotate in a direction facing the locking projection (J) inside the network port (P) with the journal (21) as the center while the latch (20) is inserted inside the network port (P).

[0050] And, an anti-detachment projection (16) is formed on the front of the insertion space (11) of the socket member (10).

[0051] Latch (20) It contacts the locking tab (J) inside the network port (P) to maintain and release the interference and locking state, and is mounted and supported on the supporter (12) of the socket member (10) so as to be rotatable up and down.

[0052] That is, the latch (20) has a journal (21) formed in the central part that is rotatably fitted into the rotating support (14) of the supporter (12), and is configured to maintain and release the interference state by contacting the locking projection (J) inside the network port (P) according to rotation around the journal (21).

[0053] And on both sides of the journal (21) of the latch (20), a locking groove (22) is formed that is open toward the entrance of the insertion space (11).

[0054] In addition, the front upper and lower portions of the latch (20) are formed in a rounded shape so that contact does not occur with the interpier (15) of the socket member (10) and the upper surface of the plug member (30) when rotated around the journal (21).

[0055] And the surface facing the locking pin (31) of the plug member (30), which is located below the locking groove (22) of the latch (20), is formed as an inclined surface (23) that gradually narrows in width as it goes downward.

[0056] plug member (30)It is formed to restrict or release the rotational operation of the latch (20), and allows the socket member (10) to slide forward by means of a dedicated key (K) while inserted into the insertion space (11) of the socket member (10).

[0057] And a keyhole (31) is formed on the front of the plug member (30) so that a dedicated key (K) can be inserted.

[0058] Additionally, a locking pin (32) that is inserted into the locking groove (22) of the latch (20) is formed protrudingly on the front of the upper surface of the plug member (30), and a locking projection (33) that engages with the catch (13) is formed on the rear of the lower surface.

[0059] And the end portion of the locking pin (32) is formed as an inclined surface (34) that forms an incline corresponding to the inclined surface (23) of the latch (20).

[0060] That is, the end portion of the locking pin (32) is formed as a vertically or more overhanging sloped surface (34) that gradually narrows toward the top.

[0061] Here, it is preferable that the locking pin (32) be formed into two parts split in the middle in a fork shape so as to be inserted into the locking grooves (22) formed on both sides of the latch (20).

[0062] In addition, at least one stopper (35) is formed protruding from the upper surface of the plug member (30) to cause interference when in contact with the anti-detachment projection (16) of the socket (10).

[0063] That is, the stopper (35) is formed in such a way that when the plug member (30) is inserted into the insertion space (11) of the socket (10) to prevent the plug member (30) from coming out beyond a certain range, it is fitted into the inside of the anti-detachment projection (16) in a snap-fit ​​manner, and when the plug member (30) moves outward beyond a certain distance within the insertion space (11) of the socket (10), it comes into contact with the anti-detachment projection (16) to prevent it from moving.

[0064] And on both sides of the lower surface of the plug member (30), notches (36) are formed that correspond to a pattern formed by a combination of a predetermined engraved and embossed shape of the dedicated key (K).

[0065] That is, notches (36) are formed on each inner wall of the keyhole (31) into which a dedicated key (K) can be inserted.

[0066] Here, the dedicated key (K) can be applied by adopting a structure in which it is inserted into the insertion space (11) of the socket (10) through the keyhole (31) of the plug member (30) as shown in FIG. 8, and then engages with the notch (36) by operating to spread it outwards, and in this state, is pulled out to the outside of the network port (P).

[0067] [Operating Principles and Functions of Major Components]

[0068] The operation, operating principle, and function of the main components of the network port locking device according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

[0069] First, as shown in FIG. 9, when the plug member (30) is fully inserted into the insertion space (11) of the socket member (10) and coupled, the locking jaw (33) of the plug member (30) automatically engages with the catch (13) of the socket member (10), thereby fixing the plug member (30) without moving within the insertion space (11) of the socket member (10).

[0070] In this state, as shown in FIG. 10, when inserted into the network port (P), the latch (20) protruding from the upper side of the socket member (10) comes into contact with the locking projection (J) of the network port (P) and causes interference. In this case, the journal (21) of the latch (20) is supported by the rotational support (14) of the supporter (12) of the socket member (10), and since the upper and lower front parts of the latch (20) are formed in a round shape, the free end portion of the supporter (12) is elastically deformed by the external force applied from the latch (20) and naturally bends downward, and accordingly, the position of the latch (20) changes downward.

[0071] During this process, the latch (20) slides along the catch (J) inside the network port (P) and is positioned inside the catch (J) of the network port (P).

[0072] Afterwards, as shown in FIG. 11, when the latch (20) is fully inserted into the network port (P), contact interference with the locking tab (J) inside the network port (P) is released. At this time, the free end portion of the supporter (12) automatically returns to its original position by means of elastic action, and together with this, the position of the latch (20) also changes upward and contacts the locking tab (J) inside the network port (P) to maintain an interference state so that it does not come off.

[0073] At this time, the locking pin (32) of the plug member (30) is inserted into the locking groove (22) of the latch (20) to maintain a locked state, that is, the latch (20) cannot move freely due to the locking pin (32), thereby preventing the free end portion of the supporter (12) from bending downwards as it elastically deforms due to the external force applied from the latch (20), or preventing the latch (20) from rotating freely around the journal (21).

[0074] Therefore, security can be enhanced by inserting it simply and securely without damaging the network port (P), that is, by plugging it into the network port (P) and keeping it hooked, thereby blocking illegal access from the outside and preventing information leakage.

[0075] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when the network port locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is inserted into and mounted in the network port (P) and removed from the network port (P) as needed, if a dedicated key (K) is inserted into the insertion space (11) of the socket member (10) through the keyhole (31) of the plug member (30), the catch (13) of the socket member (10) is elastically deformed by the external force applied from the dedicated key (K) and naturally bends downward, thereby releasing contact interference with the locking jaw (33) of the plug member (30).

[0076] In this state, the dedicated key (K) is operated to spread out to both sides so as to engage with the notch (36), and then pulled outward from the network port (P), so that the plug member (30) can be slid forward and removed from the socket member (10).

[0077] In this process, as shown in FIG. 13, the locking pin (32) of the plug member (30) comes out of the locking groove (22) of the latch (20) to first unlock the state, and in this state, when the plug member (30) is pulled forward of the socket member (10) with a dedicated key (K), the stopper (35) of the plug member (30) comes into contact with the anti-detachment projection (16) in the insertion space (11) and causes interference so that it can no longer be pulled out.

[0078] Continuing, as illustrated in FIG. 14, when the plug member (30) is pulled forward of the socket member (10) with a dedicated key (K), the latch (20) comes into contact with the locking projection (J) of the network port (P) and causes interference. At this time, since the journal (21) of the latch (20) is mounted to rotate up and down by the rotational support (14) of the supporter (12) of the socket member (10), the latch (20) rotates toward the rear of the socket member (10), and at the same time, the free end portion of the supporter (12) is elastically deformed by the external force applied from the latch (20) and naturally bends downward, causing the position of the latch (20) to change downward.

[0079] During this process, the latch (20) slides along the stopper (J) inside the network port (P) and comes out to the outside.

[0080] Afterwards, as shown in FIG. 15, when the latch (20) is completely removed from the network port (P), contact interference with the locking tab (J) inside the network port (P) is released, and the free end portion of the supporter (12) automatically returns to its original position by means of elastic action, and at the same time, the position of the latch (20) can also be changed upward.

[0081] Therefore, it can be easily removed with a dedicated key (K) when necessary, which can improve ease of use.

[0082] Meanwhile, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described above and the attached drawings, and that it can be modified and applied in various ways not exemplified within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, as well as widely applied by substituting each component and changing to equivalent alternative embodiments.

[0083] Therefore, content related to modifying and applying the technical features of the present invention should be interpreted as being included within the technical concept and scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0084] 10: Socket member 11: Insertion space 12: Supporter 13: Catch 14: Rotating base 15: Interpier 16: Anti-deviation barrier 20: Latch 21: Journal 22: Locking groove 23: Beveled surface 30: Plug member 31: Keyhole 32: Locking pin 33: Locking jaw 34: Inclined surface 35: Stopper 36: Notch P: Network port J: Stopper K: Dedicated key

Claims

Claim 1 A socket member that is inserted and mounted inside a network port, has an inserting space formed inside, a supporter formed on the upper part of the inserting space with one end fixed and the other end free, and a catch formed on the lower part of the inserting space that elastically deforms by an external force applied when a dedicated key is inserted into the inserting space; a journal mounted and supported on the supporter of the socket member so as to rotate up and down, a latch that maintains and unlocks a locked state by contacting a locking projection inside the network port according to rotation around the journal, and has locking grooves formed on both sides of the journal that open toward the entrance of the inserting space; A network port locking device comprising: a plug member that is inserted into the insertion space of the socket member and can slide forward by the dedicated key, has a keyhole formed on the front surface to insert the dedicated key, has a locking pin protruding from the front surface to be inserted into the locking groove of the latch, and has a locking projection formed on the rear surface of the bottom surface to engage with the catch. Claim 2 A network port locking device according to claim 1, wherein a rotational support is formed on the upper surface of the free end of the supporter to support and hold the lower part of the journal so that the latch rotates smoothly around the journal, and an interference is formed on both sides of the rotational support to cause contact interference so that the latch cannot rotate around the journal in a direction facing a locking projection inside the network port, and the upper and lower front parts of the latch are formed in a round shape so that contact does not occur with the interference and the upper surface of the plug member when rotating around the journal. Claim 3 A network port locking device according to claim 1, wherein the surface facing the locking pin of the plug member, which is located below the locking groove of the latch, is formed as an inclined surface that gradually narrows in width toward the bottom, and the end portion of the locking pin is formed as a vertically greater overhang inclined surface that gradually narrows in width toward the top, thereby forming an incline corresponding to the inclined surface of the latch. Claim 4 A network port locking device according to claim 1, wherein an anti-detachment projection is formed on the front of the insertion space of the socket member, and at least one stopper protrudes from the upper surface of the plug member to cause interference when in contact with the anti-detachment projection. Claim 5 A network port locking device according to claim 1, wherein notches corresponding to the pattern of the dedicated key are formed on both sides of the lower surface of the plug member.

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