Locking method of electronic device and electronic device lock

Abstract

The present invention is a method for locking an electronic device. First, the position of the electronic device lock is adjusted to match the specifications of the anti-theft hole; then, the fixing member of the electronic device lock is inserted into the anti-theft hole; finally, the lock of the electronic device lock is changed to a locked state, so that the fixing member is fixed in the anti-theft hole at the position, so that the electronic device lock and the electronic device cannot be separated. By separating the position adjustment from the actuation of the fixing member (hook expansion), the position can be adjusted to the desired position first, and then the fixing member is expanded to engage and fix in the anti-theft hole after insertion; when unlocking, the fixing member only needs to be retracted to detach from the anti-theft hole. Since this process does not change the position, when it is used again in an anti-theft hole of the same specification, it is only necessary to directly expand the fixing member after insertion, without having to readjust the position, thereby facilitating use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a locking method for an electronic device, in particular to a locking method for a notebook computer. Background Art

[0002] Conventional electronic devices, especially portable electronic devices such as laptop computers, are usually provided with an anti-theft hole for use with a specific lock, such as a laptop computer lock, so that the laptop computer is locked in a specific position to prevent theft.

[0003] In the prior art, the security holes of laptop computers have at least three different specifications (widths), and manufacturers have also developed multi-stage adjustable locks to allow users to adjust them to the position corresponding to their laptop computers.

[0004] Conventional multi-stage adjustable locks, whether fixed-stage (e.g., three-stage) or stepless, require first inserting two hooks into the security hole of a laptop computer. Then, by switching the stages (e.g., turning a knob), the two hooks are unfolded and locked in the security hole. Then, depending on the type of lock, the key is removed from the key lock or the combination of the combination lock is confused, so that the two hooks cannot be retracted and removed from the security hole.

[0005] However, when unlocking a lock with the prior art, after inserting a key or turning the correct combination, the lock must be adjusted in the opposite direction (e.g., by turning the knob in the opposite direction) until the two hooks retract to the minimum angle, so that the lock can be released from the laptop. However, this method has the disadvantage that the lock must be re-adjusted to the desired position the next time it is reinstalled on the laptop to meet the specifications of the security hole. Even if users often use the same security hole with the same specifications on the same laptop, they still need to readjust to the desired position each time they relock, which is quite inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a locking method and an electronic device lock, wherein the unlocking action does not affect the level, so the level only needs to be adjusted once, and then the same level can be locked again, which is convenient to use.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention adopts a method for locking an electronic device, which includes the following steps:

[0008] Adjust the level of the electronic device lock to match the specifications of the anti-theft hole of the electronic device;

[0009] Then, the fixing member of the electronic device lock is inserted into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device. The spindle of the electronic device lock moves toward the fixing member to push against the rotating member, thereby causing the rotating member to push against the fixing member to expand. The rotating member rotates to different angles according to the selected position to push against the fixing member. The position adjustment mechanism and the spindle respectively control the rotation and movement of the rotating member, and the rotation and movement of the rotating member do not interfere with each other. The rotating member at different angles causes the fixing member to expand to different angles.

[0010] Then, the lock of the electronic device lock is changed to a locked state, so that the fixing member is fixed in the anti-theft hole at the selected section, and the electronic device lock and the electronic device cannot be separated.

[0011] To achieve the above-mentioned object of the invention, the present invention further provides an electronic device lock for fixing an electronic device, wherein the electronic device has an anti-theft hole, and the electronic device lock comprises:

[0012] a fixing member, which is used to be inserted into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device;

[0013] A rank adjustment mechanism having a number of ranks;

[0014] An actuating mechanism is connected to the fixing member and the segment adjustment mechanism. The actuating mechanism can make the fixing member expand according to the current segment of the segment adjustment mechanism and be fixed in the anti-theft hole. The actuating mechanism includes

[0015] A spindle, wherein after the spindle moves toward the fixing member, the fixing member can be expanded according to the current position of the position adjustment mechanism and fixed in the anti-theft hole;

[0016] a rotating member, located between the spindle and the fixed member and connected to the position adjustment mechanism; different positions of the position adjustment mechanism cause the rotating member to rotate to different angles, and the rotating member at different angles causes the fixed member to expand to different angles; after the spindle moves toward the fixed member, the spindle pushes against the rotating member, thereby causing the rotating member to push against the fixed member at an angle corresponding to the current position of the position adjustment mechanism to expand the fixed member; the position adjustment mechanism and the spindle respectively control the rotation and movement of the rotating member, and the rotation and movement of the rotating member do not interfere with each other;

[0017] The lock fixes the current position of the position adjustment mechanism when the lock is in the locked state.

[0018] The advantage of the present invention is that the segment adjustment (including fixed segment type and segmentless type) of the present invention and the actuation of the fixing part (such as the expansion of the hook) are separately actuated. In other words, the actuation of the fixing part (expansion and retraction) will not affect the segment, so it can be adjusted to the required segment first, and then the fixing part can be expanded to engage and fix in the anti-theft hole after being inserted into the anti-theft hole. When unlocking, it is only necessary to retract the fixing part to detach from the anti-theft hole. Since this process does not change the segment, when it is used again in the anti-theft hole of the same specification, it is only necessary to directly expand the fixing part after insertion, without having to readjust the segment, which makes it convenient to use.

[0019] A further improvement of the electronic device locking method of the present invention is that the spindle of the electronic device lock tends to move toward the fixing member. The user moves the spindle away from the fixing member before inserting the fixing member of the electronic device lock into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device. The user then releases the spindle, causing it to move toward the fixing member, thereby causing the fixing member to expand in a selected position and be fixed in the anti-theft hole.

[0020] A further improvement of the electronic device locking method of the present invention is that after the fixing member of the electronic device lock is inserted into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device, the user moves the spindle toward the fixing member, thereby expanding the fixing member to a selected position and locking it in the anti-theft hole.

[0021] A further improvement of the electronic device locking method of the present invention is that the spindle of the electronic device lock tends to move away from the fixing member, and after the user moves the spindle toward the fixing member, the stop member of the electronic device lock prevents the spindle from moving away from the fixing member.

[0022] A further improvement of the electronic device lock of the present invention is that the spindle tends to move toward the fixing member; the electronic device lock further includes an unlocking operating member connected to the spindle, and the unlocking operating member can move the spindle away from the fixing member.

[0023] A further improvement of the electronic device lock of the present invention is that the spindle tends to move away from the fixing member; the electronic device lock further includes a stop member that tends to abut against the spindle and prevents the spindle from moving away from the fixing member when the spindle moves toward the fixing member and the fixing member is expanded according to the current position of the position adjustment mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional appearance diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figures 2 to 4 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figures 5 to 7It is a top cross-sectional action diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figures 8 and 9 It is a side sectional operation diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10 is an end cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 11 It is a three-dimensional appearance diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figures 12 to 13 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figures 14 to 16 It is a top cross-sectional action diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figures 17 and 18 It is a side sectional operation diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 19 It is a three-dimensional appearance diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figures 20 to 21 1 is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figures 22 to 23 It is a side sectional action diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 24 It is a three-dimensional appearance diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figures 25 to 26 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figures 27 to 29 It is a side sectional action diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figures 30 to 31 It is an end view and a cross-sectional operation diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 32 It is a three-dimensional appearance diagram of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figures 33 to 34 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figures 35 to 37 It is a top sectional action diagram of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figures 38 to 39 It is a side sectional action diagram of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 40 It is a three-dimensional appearance diagram of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figures 41 to 42 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figures 43 to 44 It is a side sectional action diagram of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following further describes the technical means adopted by the present invention to achieve the predetermined purpose of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] The method for locking an electronic device of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0049] Adjust the level of the electronic device lock according to the specifications (such as width) of the anti-theft hole of the electronic device.

[0050] Then, the fixing piece of the electronic device lock is inserted into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device. The fixing piece has a folded state in which it can be withdrawn from the anti-theft hole and an expanded state in which it can be engaged with the anti-theft hole. At this time, the fixing piece is in the folded state.

[0051] The electronic device lock is then switched to a locked state, whereby the fixing member of the electronic device lock is secured in the anti-theft hole of the electronic device in the selected position, rendering the electronic device lock and the electronic device inseparable. The process of switching the fixing member from the retracted state to the selected position may or may not be related to the lock being switched to the locked state, but the locked state of the lock ensures that the fixing member cannot be switched to another position or returned to the retracted state.

[0052] The electronic device is preferably a portable electronic device, and specifically a notebook computer, but not limited thereto.

[0053] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electronic device lock of the present invention includes a fixing member 10 , a level adjustment mechanism 20 , an actuating mechanism 30 and a lock 40 .

[0054] See also Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the fixing member 10 is used to be inserted into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device. In this embodiment, the fixing member 10 is two mutually pivoted hooks 11 cooperating with the hook elastic component 12 to make the two hooks 11 normally expand or retract, but the fixing member 10 is not limited to this structure.

[0055] The segment adjustment mechanism 20 has a plurality of segments (including fixed segment type and non-segment type), and different segments make the fixing member 10 have different expansion degrees (such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown), the fixing member 10 is engaged with anti-theft holes of different specifications.

[0056] The actuating mechanism 30 connects the fixing member 10 and the position adjustment mechanism 20 . The actuating mechanism 30 can cause the fixing member 10 to be unfolded according to the current position of the position adjustment mechanism 20 and fixed in the anti-theft hole.

[0057] When the lock 40 is in the locked state, the lock 40 fixes the position adjustment mechanism 20 in the current position (including direct and indirect fixation), even if the fixing member 10 cannot be changed to another position or changed back to the closed state.

[0058] The present invention separates the position adjustment from the actuation of the fixing member 10 (for example, the expansion of the two hooks 11). In other words, the actuation of the fixing member 10 (expansion and retraction) will not affect the position. Therefore, the position can be adjusted to the desired position first, and then the fixing member 10 can be expanded and fixed to the anti-theft hole after being inserted into the anti-theft hole. When unlocking, the fixing member 10 only needs to be retracted to be detached from the anti-theft hole. Since this process does not change the position, when it is used again in an anti-theft hole of the same specification, it is only necessary to directly expand the fixing member 10 after insertion, without having to readjust the position, thereby facilitating use.

[0059] The electronic device lock of the present invention has six embodiments, as follows.

[0060] See also Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the first embodiment of the electronic device lock of the present invention, please refer to Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the actuating mechanism 30 includes a spindle 31. After the spindle 31 moves toward the fixing member 10, the fixing member 10 can be expanded according to the current position of the position adjustment mechanism 20 and fixed in the anti-theft hole. The shape of the spindle 31 is not limited to a thin rod, and can also be various shapes such as a cylinder. After the spindle 31 moves, it can directly push against the fixing member 10 to expand it, or it can push against other components, and then expand the fixing member 10 through other components. In the first embodiment, the actuating mechanism 30 further includes a rotating member 32, which is located between the spindle 31 and the fixing member 10, and is connected to the position adjustment mechanism 20. Different positions of the position adjustment mechanism 20 cause the rotating member 32 to rotate to different angles (such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the position adjustment mechanism 20 is radially exposed (not necessarily protruding) outside the housing 60, allowing the user to operate it to adjust the position. Preferably, the user can turn the position adjustment mechanism 20, thereby indirectly rotating the rotating member 32. After the spindle 31 moves toward the fixed member 10, the spindle 31 pushes against the rotating member 32, causing the rotating member 32 to push against the fixed member 10 at the angle corresponding to the current position of the position adjustment mechanism 20, causing the fixed member 10 to expand.

[0061] Preferably, see Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the rotating member 32 is a sleeve and has an opening toward the fixed member 10, and covers the inner end of the fixed member 10. The hook elastic component 12 of the fixed member 10 causes the outer ends of the two hooks 11 pivoted to each other to normally retract and the inner ends to normally expand. The inner wall surface of the rotating member 32 has different inner diameters, thereby preventing the inner ends of the two hooks 11 from expanding. When the rotating member 32 is rotated to different angles, the different inner diameters cause the inner ends of the two hooks 11 to retract to different expansion degrees and thus the outer ends to expand to different degrees (such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown).

[0062] The structure of the rotating member 32 is not limited to the above. The inner wall of the rotating member 32 can also be conical, or the rotating member 32 can be changed to a convex conical shape. In this way, different axial positions of the rotating member 32 determine different expansion degrees of the two hooks 11.

[0063] See also Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the level adjustment mechanism 20 is connected to the rotating member 32 in a relatively movable but non-rotatable manner, and one end of the spindle 31 is connected to the rotating member 32 in a relatively rotatable but non-movable manner. Therefore, the spindle 31 can drive the rotating member 32 to move axially. The level adjustment mechanism 20 and the spindle 31 respectively control the rotation and movement of the rotating member 32 without interfering with each other.

[0064] Preferably, the spindle 31 tends to move toward the fixing member 10. Specifically, the actuating mechanism 30 further includes a spindle elastic component 33 that pushes the spindle 31. Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the electronic device lock further includes an unlocking operating member 50, which is connected to the spindle 31 and can move the spindle 31 away from the fixed member 10. The unlocking operating member 50 is exposed outside the housing 60 and can be operated by the user to indirectly pull back the spindle 31. When the spindle 31 is pulled back, the rotating member 32 is also moved away from the fixed member 10, so that the inner ends of the two hooks 11 are no longer covered by the rotating member 32 and are therefore expanded by the hook elastic member 12, while the outer ends are thus retracted (as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown), the fixing member 10 is in the retracted state and can be separated from the anti-theft hole.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the unlocking operating member 50 is a push button that normally protrudes radially outward. When the unlocking operating member 50 is pressed, the unlocking operating member 50 pushes the spindle 31 and moves the spindle 31 away from the fixing member 10. Preferably, one of the unlocking operating member 50 and the spindle 31 is provided with an inclined surface, so that the unlocking operating member 50 can push the spindle 31 in different directions.

[0066] Preferably, see Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the lock 40 can prevent the spindle 31 from moving away from the fixing member 10, that is, prevent the fixing member 10 from changing to the retracted state. The lock 40 has a retractable engaging member 41 (for example, a locking rod), which normally protrudes toward the spindle 31. When the lock 40 is in the unlocked state, the engaging member 41 is retractable, so the user can pull the spindle 31 through the unlocking operating member 50, and the spindle 31 will move and push the engaging member 41 to retract (as shown in FIG. Figure 9 However, when the lock 40 is in the locked state, the engaging member 41 cannot be retracted, thus preventing the spindle 31 from moving away from the fixing member 10, thereby preventing the fixing member 10 from changing back to the closed state (as shown). Figure 8 shown).

[0067] Also, see Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, the outer wall surface of the rotating member 32 is formed with a snap-fit ​​portion 321 (preferably a protrusion), which corresponds to the snap-fit ​​portions 61 (preferably a groove) on the inner wall surface of the housing 60. When the spindle 31 pushes the rotating member 32 to fit the fixed member 10, the snap-fit ​​portion 321 of the rotating member 32 is snap-fitted to the snap-fit ​​portion 61 of the housing 60 (as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, the rotating member 32 is unable to rotate. When the rotating member 32 moves away from the fixed member 10, the rotating member 32 disengages the engaging portion 61 of the housing 60 and is able to rotate to switch positions. Therefore, when the lock 40 is in the locked state, the rotating member 32 cannot move away from the engaging portion 61 of the housing 60, thereby ensuring that the fixed member 10 cannot be switched to another position.

[0068] The first embodiment separates the stage adjustment (pulling the stage adjustment mechanism 20 to rotate the rotating member 32) from the actuation of the fixing member 10 (the spindle 31 pushes the rotating member 32 and the unlocking operating member 50 pulls back the rotating member 32). Therefore, the desired stage can be adjusted first, and then the fixing member 10 is expanded to engage and fix in the anti-theft hole after being inserted into the anti-theft hole. When unlocking, it is only necessary to pull the unlocking operating member 50 to retract the fixing member 10 to detach from the anti-theft hole. Since this process does not change the stage, when using the anti-theft hole of the same specification again, first pull the unlocking operating member 50 to retract the fixing member 10, and release the unlocking operating member 50 after insertion to allow the spindle 31 to push against the rotating member 32 again and then expand the fixing member 10. There is no need to readjust the stage, which is convenient to use.

[0069] See also Figures 11 to 18 As shown, the second embodiment of the electronic device lock of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment, with the following main differences:

[0070] First, see Figures 12 to 14 and Figure 17 As shown, the spindle 31 and the rotating member 32 are fixed and can be regarded as the same component, so the spindle 31 will rotate together with the rotating member 32. The spindle 31 is formed with a plurality of anti-rotation parts 311 (preferably grooves), which correspond to the positions of the engaging members 41 of the lock 40, see Figure 12 、 Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, when the lock 40 is in the locked state, the engaging member 41 cannot be retracted. At this time, in addition to preventing the spindle 31 from moving away from the fixing member 10, the engaging member 41 cooperates with the anti-rotation portion 311 to prevent the spindle 31 and the rotating member 32 from rotating. Therefore, at the same time, the fixing member 10 cannot be switched to other sections or changed back to the closed state.

[0071] Second, see Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 17 As shown, the level adjustment mechanism 20 is axially exposed (not necessarily protruding) outside one end of the housing 60 (such as Figure 17 The position adjustment mechanism 20 is preferably operable with a tool (e.g., a flathead screwdriver) and cannot be rotated by hand, thereby preventing the position from being easily or accidentally adjusted. The position adjustment mechanism 20 includes a mandrel 31 and a rotating member 32 axially extending therethrough, allowing for relative movement but not relative rotation.

[0072] Third, see Figure 11 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the unlocking member 50 is a push button that protrudes radially outward from the housing 60. To unlock, simply pull the unlocking member 50 away from the fixed member 10, thereby moving the spindle 31 and the rotating member 32 away from the fixed member 10. Since the spindle 31 and the rotating member 32 are the same component in this embodiment, the unlocking member 50 can also be considered to be connected to the rotating member 32 and directly drive the rotating member 32.

[0073] Fourth, the lock 40 of the first embodiment is a combination lock, while the lock 40 of the second embodiment is a key lock.

[0074] Therefore, the second embodiment can also separate the position adjustment (using a tool to rotate the position adjustment mechanism 20 and thereby rotate the spindle 31 and the rotating member 32) from the actuation of the fixing member 10 (the spindle 31 pushes the rotating member 32 and pulls the unlocking operating member 50 to retract the rotating member 32), thereby achieving the purpose of the present invention.

[0075] See also Figures 19 to 23 As shown, the third embodiment of the electronic device lock of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment, with the following main differences:

[0076] The spindle 31 of the third embodiment can be regarded as a part of the lock 40. The spindle 31 protrudes axially from both ends of the lock 40 (e.g. Figure 22 When unlocked, the spindle 31 protrudes from the lock 40 away from the fixing member 10 (as shown); Figure 22 To lock, directly press the spindle 31 toward the fixing member 10, the spindle 31 moves after the lock 40 will be changed to the locked state, and fixed in the position of the push rotating member 32 (as Figure 23 After unlocking, for example, by axially inserting the key into the lock and rotating it, the spindle 31 will rebound and pull the rotating member 32 away from the fixed member 10 (as shown). Figure 22 Therefore, the third embodiment does not have an unlocking operating member 50, and the lock 40 directly performs the unlocking function.

[0077] See also Figure 20 As shown, the third embodiment also prevents the rotation of the rotating member 32 by means of the engaging portion 321 on the outer wall of the rotating member 32 and the engaging portions on the inner wall of the housing 60 . The principle is the same as that of the first embodiment and will not be repeated.

[0078] Therefore, the third embodiment can also separate the position adjustment (pulling the position adjustment mechanism 20 and then rotating the rotating member 32) from the actuation of the fixed member 10 (the spindle 31 pushes the rotating member 32 and the lock 40 pulls back the spindle 31 and the rotating member 32), thereby achieving the purpose of the invention.

[0079] See also Figures 24 to 31 As shown, the fourth embodiment of the electronic device lock of the present invention is similar to the second embodiment, with the following main differences:

[0080] See also Figures 25 to 27 As shown, the spindle 31 of the fourth embodiment is inclined to move away from the fixing member 10, specifically, changing the position and pushing direction of the spindle elastic component 33. The electronic device lock further includes a stop member 70 that is inclined to abut against the spindle 31. When the spindle 31 moves toward the fixing member 10 to expand the fixing member 10, the stop member 70 prevents the spindle 31 from moving away from the fixing member 10. Preferably, the stop member 70 includes a pin body 71 and a pin elastic component 72. The pin elastic component 72 causes the pin body 71 to abut against the spindle 31.

[0081] The above structure is only a different way to control the axial position of the spindle 31. Therefore, the spindle 31 of the above structure can also be used in conjunction with the rotating member 32. However, in the fourth embodiment, the spindle 31 is changed to directly push against the fixed member 10 without the rotating member 32. In this case, the hook elastic component of the fixed member 10 causes the inner ends of the two hooks 11 pivoted to each other to normally retract and the outer ends to normally retract. Please refer to Figure 27 and Figure 28As shown, the closer the spindle 31 is to the inner ends of the two hooks 11 , the further the inner ends of the two hooks 11 are pushed apart, thereby further pushing the outer ends of the two hooks 11 apart.

[0082] For further information, see Figures 25 to 28 As shown, the position adjustment mechanism 20 rotates the spindle 31 when switching positions. When the spindle 31 moves toward the fixing member 10, causing the fixing member 10 to expand, the retaining member 70 stops the spindle 31 at different axial positions according to the different angles of the spindle 31. Preferably, the outer wall of the spindle 31 is provided with a plurality of retaining grooves 312 located at different angles. Each retaining groove 312 extends toward the fixing member 10 and extends to a different depth. In other words, each retaining groove 312 has a different axial distance from the fixing member 10. Therefore, when the spindle 31 is pushed toward the fixing member 10 (preferably, the user presses one end of the spindle 31 to protrude from the segment adjustment mechanism 20), the retaining member 70 will protrude into one of the retaining grooves 312 along the outer wall of the spindle 31, and when the force on the spindle 31 is stopped, the spindle 31 will tend to move away from the fixing member 10 until the retaining member 70 abuts against the wall of the corresponding retaining groove 312 and prevents the spindle 31 from continuing to move away from the fixing member 10; and the depth of each retaining groove 312 is different, so by rotating the spindle 31, the retaining member 70 can abut against different retaining grooves 312, thereby allowing the spindle 31 to stop at different axial positions.

[0083] See also Figures 28 to 31 As shown, when unlocking, it is only necessary to slightly rotate the spindle 31 (as shown in FIG. Figure 31 As shown, the retaining member 70 moves out of the retaining groove 312. Without the retaining member 70 abutting against it, the spindle 31 immediately continues to move away from the fixing member 10, causing the fixing member 10 to return to the retracted state. Therefore, the fourth embodiment does not employ the unlocking operating member 50. Instead, the level adjustment mechanism 20, the retaining member 70, and the retaining groove 312 perform the unlocking function.

[0084] In addition, the lock 40 is similar to the second embodiment. The anti-rotation portion 311 of the second embodiment is formed on the spindle 31. Figures 25 to 27 As shown, the anti-rotation portion 21 (preferably a groove) of the fourth embodiment is formed on the stage adjustment mechanism 20, which also corresponds to the position of the engaging member 41 of the lock 40. When the lock 40 is in the locked state, the engaging member 41 cannot be retracted. Therefore, the engaging member 41 cooperates with the anti-rotation portion 21 to prevent the stage adjustment mechanism 20 and the spindle 31 from rotating. Therefore, the anti-retraction member 70 cannot be moved out of the anti-retraction groove 312, so the fixing member 10 cannot be switched to other stages and cannot be changed back to the closed state.

[0085] In addition, the electronic device lock further includes a positioning member 80, which tends to abut against the stage adjustment mechanism 20 (or the spindle 31) so that the spindle 31 tends to be positioned at a specific rotation angle; preferably, a plurality of positioning portions 22 (preferably grooves) are formed on the stage adjustment mechanism 20 (or the spindle 31) to cooperate with the positioning member 80; the positioning member 80 fixes the spindle 31 at a plurality of angles at which the stop member 70 faces each stop groove 312, ensuring that the stop member 70 is inserted into the stop groove 312; in addition, after unlocking and slightly rotating the spindle 31, the user only needs to release the spindle 31, and the positioning member 80 will also rotate the stage adjustment mechanism 20 and the spindle 31 back to the angle at which the stop member 70 faces the stop groove 312, thereby facilitating use.

[0086] Finally, see Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, the level adjustment mechanism 20 is axially exposed at one end of the housing 60 as in the second embodiment, but the difference is that the level adjustment mechanism 20 of the fourth embodiment is replaced by a knob that can be rotated by hand.

[0087] Therefore, the fourth embodiment can also separate the stage adjustment (rotating the spindle 31 to make the retaining member 70 correspond to different retaining grooves 312) and the actuation of the fixing member 10 (pressing the spindle 31 to push the fixing member 10 and slightly rotating the spindle 31 to make the spindle 31 rebound), thereby achieving the purpose of the invention.

[0088] See also Figures 32 to 39 As shown, the fifth embodiment of the electronic device lock of the present invention is similar to the fourth embodiment, with the following main differences:

[0089] First, the same is true of the stage adjustment mechanism 20 rotating the spindle 31. The spindle 31 of the fourth embodiment is controlled by the user pressing and the combination of the stop member 70, the stop groove 312 and the spindle elastic component 33 to control the axial position of the spindle 31. Figures 33 to 36 As shown, the spindle 31 of the fifth embodiment is screwed onto the unlocking operating member 50 , and its axial position (relative to the position of the unlocking operating member 50 ) can be changed by rotating the spindle 31 .

[0090] In addition, the first four embodiments are all fixed-stage (e.g., three-stage), while the fifth embodiment and the subsequent sixth embodiment change the degree of expansion of the fixing member 10 by changing the axial position of the spindle 31 through screwing, so the fifth and sixth embodiments are both stepless.

[0091] The second and fourth embodiments do not have the unlocking operating member 50, but the unlocking is achieved by slightly rotating the spindle 31 through the level adjustment mechanism 20, see Figure 33 、 Figure 34 、 Figure 36 and Figure 37As shown, the fifth embodiment is provided with an unlocking operating member 50, and the unlocking operating member 50 directly drives (through a thread) the spindle 31 to move away from the fixing member 10. After releasing the unlocking operating member 50, the spindle 31 and the unlocking operating member 50 are pushed back by the spindle elastic component 33. In addition, the unlocking operating member 50 of the fifth embodiment is radially exposed outside the housing 60 so that the user can pull (such as Figure 32 shown).

[0092] Third, see Figure 33 、 Figure 38 and Figure 39 When the lock 40 is in the locked state, the engaging member 41 cannot be retracted. At this time, a portion of the engaging member 41 prevents the unlocking operating member 50 (or the spindle 31) from moving away from the fixing member 10, thereby preventing the unlocking operating member 50 from driving the spindle 31 away from the fixing member 10, thereby preventing the fixing member 10 from changing to the closed state; in addition, another portion of the engaging member 41 cooperates with the anti-rotation portion 21 of the level adjustment mechanism 20 to prevent the level adjustment mechanism 20 and the spindle 31 from rotating, thereby preventing them from being screwed relative to the unlocking operating member 50, thereby preventing the spindle 31 from moving and preventing the fixing member 10 from switching to other levels; in addition, when the lock 40 is in the unlocked state and the engaging member 41 can be retracted, the engaging member 41 and the anti-rotation portion 21 can further play the role of the positioning member 80 of the fourth embodiment, fixing the spindle 31 at a specific rotation angle, thereby allowing the stepless fifth embodiment to be adjusted similarly to the stepless fifth embodiment.

[0093] In addition, preferably, in the unlocked state, when the spindle 31 is pulled back to a certain extent by the unlocking operating member 50, the engaging member 41 will engage with the unlocking groove 51 of the unlocking operating member 50. At this time, if the lock state is changed to the locked state and the engaging member 41 cannot be retracted, the spindle 31 and the unlocking operating member 50 can be kept in a position away from the fixing member 10, and the fixing member 10 can be kept in the retracted state.

[0094] Therefore, the fifth embodiment can also separate the stage adjustment (rotating the spindle 31 to change the position of the spindle 31) and the actuation of the fixing member 10 (the spindle 31 pushes the fixing member 10 and the unlocking operating member 50 pulls back the spindle 31), thereby achieving the inventive purpose of the present invention.

[0095] See also Figures 40 to 44 As shown, the sixth embodiment of the electronic device lock of the present invention is similar to the fifth embodiment, with the following main differences:

[0096] First, the lock 40 of the fifth embodiment is a combination lock, and the lock 40 of the sixth embodiment is a key lock.

[0097] In the second and fifth embodiments, the engaging member 41 of the lock 40 is composed of two different parts to prevent the unlocking operating member 50 (or the spindle 31) from moving away from the fixing member 10 and to prevent the level adjustment mechanism 20 (or the spindle 31) from rotating. However, in the sixth embodiment, please refer to Figures 42 to 44 As shown, the engaging member 41 of the lock 40 is used at the same location to prevent the unlocking operating member 50 (or the spindle 31) from moving away from the fixing member 10 and to prevent the level adjustment mechanism 20 (or the spindle 31) from rotating.

[0098] Third, the sixth embodiment is provided with a positioning member 80 to fix the angle of the spindle 31 .

[0099] Therefore, the sixth embodiment can also separate the stage adjustment (rotating the spindle 31 to change the position of the spindle 31) and the actuation of the fixing member 10 (the spindle 31 pushes the fixing member 10 and the unlocking operating member 50 pulls back the rotating member 32), thereby achieving the inventive purpose of the present invention.

[0100] The electronic device lock of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned six embodiments, and the various elements of the aforementioned six embodiments can also be combined and replaced with each other. For example, the combination locks and key locks of the six embodiments can be interchanged.

[0101] The locking method of the electronic device of the present invention is described with reference to the six aforementioned embodiments:

[0102] First, the basic concept of the locking method is explained using the third and fourth embodiments. First, the spindle 31 has not yet abutted against or stretched the fixing member 10. At this time, the segment is adjusted by the segment adjustment mechanism 20 according to the specifications of the anti-theft hole (the third embodiment rotates the rotating member 32, and the fourth embodiment rotates the spindle 31); then, the fixing member 10 is inserted into the anti-theft hole. At this time, the fixing member 10 is still in a retracted state; then, the spindle 31 is pressed to expand the fixing member 10 to the selected segment, and the lock 40 is changed to a locked state to fix the segment of the fixing member 10 so that it is fixed in the anti-theft hole, and the electronic device lock and the electronic device cannot be separated.

[0103] In the other four embodiments, after adjusting the position, the fixing member 10 is folded by the unlocking operating member 50 so as to be inserted into the anti-theft hole. Then, the unlocking operating member 50 is released to allow the fixing member 10 to be unfolded in the selected position, and finally the lock 40 is changed to the locked state.

[0104] The locking method of the electronic device of the present invention can also be varied in many ways, which are also described here with reference to the aforementioned six embodiments:

[0105] After the fixing member 10 of the electronic device lock is inserted into the anti-theft hole, the spindle 31 of the electronic device lock is moved toward the fixing member 10 so that the fixing member 10 is deployed at a selected position and fixed in the anti-theft hole, as in the six aforementioned embodiments. However, the electronic device lock and locking method of the present invention are not limited to the spindle 31. In addition, the movement of the spindle 31 toward the fixing member 10 can be manual or automatic by an internal structure (such as the spindle elastic component 33).

[0106] Furthermore, when the spindle 31 moves toward the fixed member 10, the spindle 31 can directly push against the fixed member 10 to expand the fixed member 10, and the spindle 31 can move to different axial positions (different abutment depths) according to the selected section to push against the fixed member 10, as in the fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments. However, it is also possible that the spindle 31 pushes against the rotating member 32, which then pushes against the fixed member 10 to expand the fixed member 10, and the rotating member 32 rotates to different angles according to the selected section to push against the fixed member 10, as in the first, second, and third embodiments.

[0107] In addition, the spindle 31 can tend to move toward the fixing member 10, but the user will only insert the fixing member 10 into the anti-theft hole after moving the spindle 31 away from the fixing member 10 (through the unlocking operating member 50 in the first, second, fifth and sixth embodiments). Thereafter, the user releases the spindle 31 (releases the unlocking operating member 50 in the first, second, fifth and sixth embodiments), causing the spindle 31 to move toward the fixing member 10, thereby causing the fixing member 10 to be expanded in the selected section and fixed in the anti-theft hole.

[0108] However, in other embodiments, the spindle 31 may not tend to move toward the fixing member 10. Instead, after the fixing member 10 is inserted into the anti-theft hole, the user moves the spindle 31 toward the fixing member 10 (the third and fourth embodiments require pressing the spindle 31). Only in this way can the fixing member 10 be expanded to the selected section and fixed in the anti-theft hole.

[0109] Furthermore, the spindle 31 may also tend to move away from the fixing member 10. When the user moves the spindle 31 toward the fixing member 10, the stop member 70 prevents the spindle 31 from moving away from the fixing member 10, thereby fixing the spindle 31 at a specific axial position, such as the fourth embodiment. In addition, the lock 40 of the third embodiment can also be regarded as having a stop member 70 to prevent the spindle 31 from moving away from the fixing member 10.

[0110] Finally, in the case of the retaining member 70, the position is adjusted by rotating the spindle 31. After the user moves the spindle 31 toward the fixing member 10, the retaining member 70 stops the spindle 31 at different axial positions according to the different angles of the spindle, such as the retaining grooves 312 at different angles in the fourth embodiment.

[0111] The above description of the present invention is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any ordinary technician in this field can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes using the technical content disclosed above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for locking an electronic device, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Adjust the level of the electronic device lock to match the specifications of the anti-theft hole of the electronic device; Then, the fixing member of the electronic device lock is inserted into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device. The spindle of the electronic device lock moves toward the fixing member to push against the rotating member, thereby causing the rotating member to push against the fixing member to expand. The rotating member rotates to different angles according to the selected position to push against the fixing member. The position adjustment mechanism and the spindle respectively control the rotation and movement of the rotating member, and the rotation and movement of the rotating member do not interfere with each other. The rotating member at different angles causes the fixing member to expand to different angles. Then, the lock of the electronic device lock is changed to a locked state, so that the fixing member is fixed in the anti-theft hole at the selected section, and the electronic device lock and the electronic device cannot be separated.

2. The method for locking an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The spindle of the electronic device lock tends to move toward the fixing member. The user moves the spindle away from the fixing member before inserting the fixing member of the electronic device lock into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device. The user then releases the spindle, causing it to move toward the fixing member, thereby causing the fixing member to expand in a selected position and be fixed in the anti-theft hole.

3. The method for locking an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: After inserting the fixing member of the electronic device lock into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device, the user moves the spindle toward the fixing member, thereby expanding the fixing member in a selected position and locking it in the anti-theft hole.

4. The method for locking an electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The spindle of the electronic device lock tends to move away from the fixing member. After the user moves the spindle toward the fixing member, the stop member of the electronic device lock prevents the spindle from moving away from the fixing member.

5. An electronic device lock for fixing an electronic device, wherein the electronic device has an anti-theft hole, characterized in that: The electronic device lock comprises: a fixing member, which is used to be inserted into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device; A rank adjustment mechanism having a number of ranks; An actuating mechanism is connected to the fixing member and the segment adjustment mechanism. The actuating mechanism can make the fixing member expand and be fixed in the anti-theft hole according to the current segment of the segment adjustment mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes A spindle, wherein after the spindle moves toward the fixing member, the fixing member can be expanded according to the current position of the position adjustment mechanism and fixed in the anti-theft hole; a rotating member, located between the spindle and the fixed member and connected to the position adjustment mechanism; different positions of the position adjustment mechanism cause the rotating member to rotate to different angles, and the rotating member at different angles causes the fixed member to expand to different angles; after the spindle moves toward the fixed member, the spindle pushes against the rotating member, thereby causing the rotating member to push against the fixed member at an angle corresponding to the current position of the position adjustment mechanism to expand the fixed member; the position adjustment mechanism and the spindle respectively control the rotation and movement of the rotating member, and the rotation and movement of the rotating member do not interfere with each other; The lock fixes the current position of the position adjustment mechanism when the lock is in a locked state.

6. The electronic device lock according to claim 5, characterized in that: The spindle tends to move toward the fixing member; the electronic device lock further includes an unlocking operating member connected to the spindle, and the unlocking operating member can move the spindle away from the fixing member.

7. The electronic device lock according to claim 5, characterized in that: The spindle tends to move away from the fixing member; the electronic device lock further includes a stop member, which tends to abut against the spindle, and when the spindle moves toward the fixing member and causes the fixing member to unfold according to the current position of the position adjustment mechanism, the stop member prevents the spindle from moving away from the fixing member.

Images