Tool-adjustable electronic lock

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tool-adjustable electronic device lock for fixing an electronic device, and comprises a housing, a fixing member, a position adjustment mechanism and an actuating mechanism. The fixing member is used to be inserted into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device. The position adjustment mechanism has a tool operating portion, and the tool operating portion can adjust the position by tool operation. The actuating mechanism causes the fixing member to unfold according to the current position and be fixed in the anti-theft hole. The present invention provides a tool operating portion on the position adjustment mechanism to adjust the position of the position adjustment mechanism by tool operation, thereby effectively avoiding various touches that may cause the position to be changed, and ensuring that the same position is used each time on the same electronic device; and since the position is not easy to adjust, it can also be prevented from being easily adjusted after locking to prevent the anti-theft effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock for an electronic device, in particular to a lock 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 as to lock the laptop computer in a specific position to prevent theft.

[0003] The security holes of laptop computers in the prior art 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, are used by first inserting two hooks into the security hole of the laptop computer. Then, the two hooks are unfolded and locked in the security hole by switching the stages (e.g., turning a knob). 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 disengaged from the security hole, thereby securing the lock to the laptop computer.

[0005] However, most users use the same security slot on the same laptop computer. Therefore, after adjusting the position for the first time, there is usually no need to change the position again. However, this type of lock is usually exposed and installed next to the laptop or other portable electronic device, so the position adjustment mechanism is inevitably touched accidentally. This is especially true when not in use. This type of lock is often carried with you, and when placed in a bag, it is inevitable that various items will touch the position adjustment mechanism, causing inconvenience the next time you use it.

[0006] In addition, after this type of lock is locked, if the position can be easily adjusted and the hook can be retracted, the lock can be detached from the laptop. Therefore, a lock that can be easily adjusted will also reduce the anti-theft effect. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a tool-adjustable electronic device lock, which can effectively prevent the position from being changed due to accidental touch and can also enhance the anti-theft effect.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose of the invention, the technical means adopted by the present invention is to design a tool-adjustable electronic device lock, which is used to fix an electronic device having an anti-theft hole. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock includes

[0009] a shell;

[0010] a fixing member protruding from the housing and configured to be inserted into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device;

[0011] A level adjustment mechanism having a plurality of levels, the level adjustment mechanism having a tool operating portion, the tool operating portion being exposed from the housing, and the tool operating portion being capable of adjusting the level of the level adjustment mechanism by operating a tool;

[0012] An actuating mechanism is connected to the fixing member and the position adjusting mechanism. The actuating mechanism can make the fixing member unfold according to the current position of the position adjusting mechanism and be fixed in the anti-theft hole.

[0013] The advantage of the present invention is that by providing a tool operating portion on the level adjustment mechanism, the level of the level adjustment mechanism can be adjusted by operating a tool. This can effectively prevent the level from being changed due to various touches, and can ensure that the same level is used every time the same electronic device is used; and because the level is not easy to adjust, it can also prevent the level from being easily adjusted after locking, thereby preventing the anti-theft effect.

[0014] Furthermore, in the tool-adjustable electronic device lock, the tool operating portion is rotated by a tool to adjust the position of the position adjustment mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, in the tool-adjustable electronic device lock, the tool operating portion is moved by a tool to adjust the position of the position adjustment mechanism.

[0016] Furthermore, in the tool-adjustable electronic device lock, the tool operating portion is moved around by a tool to adjust the position of the position adjustment mechanism.

[0017] Furthermore, in the tool-adjustable electronic device lock, the housing has an axial direction and a radial direction perpendicular to each other, and the tool operating portion and the fixing member are respectively located at two axial ends of the housing.

[0018] Furthermore, in the tool-adjustable electronic device lock, the housing has an axial direction and a radial direction perpendicular to each other, the fixing member is located at one axial end of the housing, and the tool operating portion is located on the radial outer wall of the housing.

[0019] Furthermore, in the tool-adjustable electronic device lock, the tool operating portion cannot be operated by hand to adjust the position of the position adjustment mechanism, but can only be adjusted by tool operation.

[0020] Furthermore, in the tool-adjustable electronic device lock, the housing has an operating hole, and the position of the tool operating portion corresponds to the position of the operating hole and does not protrude outside the operating hole.

[0021] Furthermore, the tool-adjustable electronic device lock further comprises a fixing mechanism connected to the level adjustment mechanism and tending to prevent the tool operating portion from being operated and thus tending to prevent the level of the level adjustment mechanism from being adjusted.

[0022] Furthermore, in the tool-adjustable electronic device lock, the housing has an operating hole, the position of the tool operating portion corresponds to the position of the operating hole, and the fixing mechanism is formed on the inner wall surface of the operating hole.

[0023] Furthermore, in the tool-adjustable electronic device lock, the tool operating portion is formed with a groove for the tool to pass through so that the tool can operate the tool operating portion.

[0024] Furthermore, in the tool-adjustable electronic device lock, the actuating mechanism includes a spindle. When 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. The spindle tends to move toward the fixing member. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock further includes an unlocking operating member connected to the spindle, which can move the spindle away from the fixing member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A three-dimensional appearance diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Exploded view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figures 4 to 6 A top cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A side sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 A three-dimensional appearance diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Exploded view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A top cross-sectional action diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 14 and Figure 15 A side cross-sectional operational diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 16 An end cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 17 A three-dimensional appearance diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 18 An exploded view of some components of a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 19 A top view of a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 20 A three-dimensional appearance diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 21 and Figure 22 A three-dimensional action diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 23 A three-dimensional appearance diagram of a rotating member according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following is a detailed description of the technical means used by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose of the invention, with reference to the drawings and preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the tool-adjustable electronic device lock of the present invention is used to secure an electronic device having an anti-theft hole. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock comprises a housing 60, a fixing member 10, a position adjustment mechanism 20, and an actuating mechanism 30, and can be used in conjunction with a lock 40. The electronic device is preferably a portable electronic device, and more specifically, a laptop computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] See also Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the aforementioned fixing member 10 protrudes from the housing 60 and is inserted into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device. In this embodiment, the fixing member 10 comprises two mutually pivoted hooks 11 that cooperate with a hook elastic component 12 to enable the two hooks 11 to normally expand or retract, but the fixing member 10 is not limited to this structure.

[0043] See also Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 7As shown, the aforementioned position adjustment mechanism 20 has multiple positions (including fixed positions and non-positioned positions). Different positions allow the fixing member 10 to be deployed to different degrees, allowing the fixing member 10 to engage with security holes of different sizes. The position adjustment mechanism 20 has a tool operating portion 23, which is exposed (not necessarily protruding) from the housing 60. The tool operating portion 23 can be adjusted by operating a tool.

[0044] The aforementioned actuating mechanism 30 connects the fixing member 10 and the level adjustment mechanism 20 . The actuating mechanism 30 can cause the fixing member 10 to be unfolded and fixed in the anti-theft hole according to the current level of the level adjustment mechanism 20 .

[0045] 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.

[0046] The present invention has the following four embodiments to illustrate various variations of the tool operating portion 23 of the level adjustment mechanism 20, but is not limited to these four embodiments:

[0047] See also Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the housing 60 has an operating hole 62 (such as Figure 4 As shown), the position of the tool operating portion 23 corresponds to the position of the operating hole 62, and does not protrude outside the operating hole 62. In addition, the housing 60 has an axial direction and a radial direction perpendicular to each other, and the tool operating portion 23 and the fixing member 10 are respectively located at the two axial ends of the housing 60 (therefore, the operating hole 62 is also located at one axial end of the housing 60); the axial direction is parallel to the direction in which the fixing member 10 penetrates the anti-theft hole, rather than limiting the housing 60 to a cylindrical or tubular shape. Furthermore, the tool operating portion 23 is operated by the tool by being rotated by the tool. Finally, the tool operating portion 23 is formed with a groove 231 for the tool to pass through so that the tool can operate (rotate) the tool operating portion 23 (as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown), in the first embodiment, the groove 231 is a slotted groove for a slotted screwdriver to rotate, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0048] In the first embodiment, see Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the actuating mechanism 30 includes a spindle 31. When the spindle 31 moves toward the fixing member 10, it causes the fixing member 10 to expand and lock into the anti-theft hole according to the current position of the position adjustment mechanism 20. The shape of the spindle 31 is not limited to a thin rod; it can also be a cylindrical or other shape. After movement, the spindle 31 can directly push against the fixing member 10 to expand, or it can push against other components, thereby allowing the fixing member 10 to expand.

[0049] 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 stage adjustment mechanism 20. The stage adjustment mechanism 20 is rotated to different stages by the tool so that the rotating member 32 rotates to different angles (such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , after the spindle 31 moves toward the fixed member 10, it pushes against the rotating member 32, causing the rotating member 32 to push against the fixed member 10 at an angle corresponding to the current position of the position adjustment mechanism 20, thereby expanding the fixed member 10. Preferably, the rotating member 32 is a sleeve with an opening facing the fixed member 10 and covering the inner end of the fixed member 10. Different inner diameters enable the two hooks 11 of the fixed member 10 to expand to different degrees. However, the structure of the rotating member 32 is not limited to the above. In the first embodiment, the spindle 31 and the rotating member 32 are the same component, but this is not a limitation.

[0050] The spindle 31 tends to move toward the fixing member. Specifically, the actuating mechanism 30 further includes a spindle elastic component 33 to push the spindle 31. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock further includes an unlocking operating member 50 connected to the spindle 31. The unlocking operating member 50 can move the spindle 31 away from the fixing member 10.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the unlocking operating member 50 protrudes radially outward from the housing 60. Figures 5 to 8 As shown, when unlocking, the unlocking operating member 50 is directly pulled in the direction away from the fixed member 10, and the spindle 31 and the rotating member 32 can be moved away from the fixed member 10; since the angle of the rotating member 32 is not affected when unlocking, it is still in the same position after re-locking, which is convenient for use.

[0052] In the first embodiment, see Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of anti-rotation portions 311 (preferably grooves) are formed on the spindle 31, which correspond to the positions of the engaging members 41 of the lock 40. When the lock 40 is in the locked state, the engaging members 41 cannot be retracted. At this time, in addition to preventing the spindle 31 from moving away from the fixed 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, thereby preventing the fixed member 10 from switching to other sections or changing back to the engaged state.

[0053] See also Figures 9 to 16 As shown, the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment, with the following main differences:

[0054] First, see Figures 10 to 12 and Figure 14As shown, the spindle 31 of the second embodiment can be regarded as a part of the lock 40. The spindle 31 protrudes axially from both ends of the lock 40. The spindle 31 and the rotating member 32 are two independent components. The rotating member 32 can rotate relative to the spindle 31. After the rotating member 32 rotates, the fixing member 10 can also be switched to other sections (such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 When unlocked, the spindle 31 protrudes from the lock 40 away from the fixing member 10 (as shown); Figure 15 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 14 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 15 Therefore, the second embodiment does not have an unlocking operating member 50, and the lock 40 directly performs the unlocking function.

[0055] Second, see Figure 10 As shown, in the second embodiment, when the spindle 31 pushes the rotating member 32 to fit over the fixed member 10, the engaging portion 321 on the outer wall of the rotating member 32 engages with one of the multiple engaging portions on the inner wall of the housing 60, thereby preventing the rotating member 32 from rotating; and when the rotating member 32 moves away from the fixed member 10, the rotating member 32 disengages from the engaging portion of the housing 60 and is able to rotate to switch positions.

[0056] Third, see Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown, the operating hole 62 and the tool operating portion 23 of the second embodiment are located on the radially outer wall of the housing 60. The tool operating portion 23 is operated by a tool by being pulled, and preferably, is moved in a circular motion by the tool, thereby rotating the rotating member 32 to switch the positions. In addition, the tool operating portion 23 includes a protrusion 232 (preferably a cylinder) and a recess 231 (preferably a circular groove) located at the center of the protrusion 232. This allows a tool to be inserted into the protrusion 232 or inserted into the recess 231 to rotate the rotating member 32.

[0057] See also Figures 17 to 19 As shown, the third embodiment of the present invention is similar to the second embodiment, with the following main differences:

[0058] The third embodiment further has a fixing mechanism 90, which is connected to the level adjustment mechanism 20 and tends to prevent the tool operating part 23 from being operated and thus tends to prevent the level of the level adjustment mechanism 20 from being adjusted. Preferably, the fixing mechanism 90 is formed on the inner wall surface of the operating hole 62 so that the tool operating part 23 tends to be positioned at one of a plurality of specific positions (or angles), thereby preventing the tool operating part 23 from being easily pulled and moved around (or rotated). Preferably, the fixing mechanism 90 is a plurality of protrusions 91 protruding from the inner wall surface of the operating hole 62 to prevent the tool operating part 23 from moving (or rotating). In other embodiments, the fixing mechanism 90 can also be formed on the inner wall surface of a circular operating hole 62 to prevent the tool operating part 23 in the operating hole 62 from being rotated.

[0059] See also Figures 20 to 23 As shown, the fourth embodiment of the present invention is similar to the second embodiment, with the following main differences:

[0060] The tool operating portion 23 of the first and fourth embodiments is similar to that of the first embodiment. The tool operating portion 23 is operated by a tool by being rotated. Specifically, the rotation axis of the tool operating portion 23 is non-parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating member 32, and is preferably perpendicular. Furthermore, the level adjustment mechanism 20 is provided with a plurality of teeth 24 protruding therefrom, and the rotating member 32 is also provided with a plurality of teeth 322 protruding therefrom. Rotation of the tool operating portion 23 by the tool drives the entire level adjustment mechanism 20 to rotate, and the meshing of the teeth 24 and 322 causes the rotating member 32 to rotate, thereby achieving the purpose of switching the level.

[0061] Second, the rotating member 32 of the fourth embodiment is designed to rotate in place without moving. Unlike the second embodiment, the rotating member 32 moves away from the fixed member 10 before retracting the fixed member 10. However, the rotating member 32 of the fourth embodiment can be rotated to a specific angle, allowing the inner wall of the rotating member 32 to retract the fixed member 10. Furthermore, the spindle 31 (which can be considered the engaging member of the lock 40, in which case the spindle 31 is absent) does not push the rotating member 32. Instead, the spindle 31 moves and engages (preferably inserts) the rotating member 32, preventing it from rotating. Consequently, it is impossible to adjust the position or return to the retracted state.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned four embodiments, and the various elements of the aforementioned four embodiments may be combined and interchanged with one another. For example, the rotating tool operating portion 23 may be located at one axial end or on the radial outer wall of the housing 60. The lever-operated tool operating portion 23 may also be located at one axial end of the housing 60, and so on. Furthermore, the lever-operated tool operating portion 23 is not limited to circular movement; the tool operating portion 23 may also be adjusted by linear movement after being levered. Furthermore, the fixing mechanism 90 of the third embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments, and the fixing mechanism 90 is not limited to being formed on the housing 60; it may also be a separate mechanism. Furthermore, while the tool operating portion 23 in the aforementioned embodiments includes a recess 231, this is not limited to this. It may also include a structure such as a protrusion 232 (even a non-cylindrical structure), as long as it can be operated by a tool. Furthermore, the tool may be a commonly available commercial tool or a tool specifically designed to accommodate the tool operating portion 23. Finally, in the aforementioned embodiments, the tool operating portion 23 does not protrude from the operating hole 62, but it may protrude from the operating hole 62 if necessary.

[0063] The present invention provides a tool operating portion 23 on the level adjustment mechanism 20 to adjust the level through tool operation, which can effectively prevent various collisions from causing the level to be accidentally changed, and also prevent the level from being easily adjusted, thereby enhancing the anti-theft effect.

[0064] The tool-operated portion 23 of the present invention can be adjusted in position using a tool, but this is not limited to tool operation. Under certain circumstances, it can also be operated barehanded. For example, when the tool-operated portion 23 is located in a position that is difficult to operate barehanded, but still manageable, such as when it is located within the operating hole 62 but does not protrude beyond it, the tool-operated portion 23 is difficult to reach. However, it can still be manipulated with a fingertip or fingernail to switch positions, thereby achieving the objectives of the present invention. For example, in the first and fourth embodiments, the slot can be rotated with a fingernail, or in the second embodiment, the protrusion 232 of the tool-operated portion 23 can be pushed by inserting a fingertip into the elongated operating hole 62. However, even if these are possible, they are still somewhat difficult and require deliberate manipulation to switch positions. This also reduces the possibility of accidentally changing positions. In other words, the tool-adjustable electronic device lock of the present invention can be adjusted using a tool, but is not limited to adjustment with a tool.

[0065] However, the tool operating portion is not limited to this. In certain situations, it can also be designed to be inoperable by hand and can only be operated with a tool. This can further ensure that the level cannot be easily changed. For example, in the third embodiment, the fixing mechanism 90 prevents the tool operating portion 23 from moving, so the level can only be changed with a tool.

[0066] 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 person with ordinary knowledge in the technical 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 tool-adjustable electronic device lock, characterized in that: Used to fix an electronic device, the electronic device has an anti-theft hole, the tool-adjustable electronic device lock includes a shell; a fixing member protruding from the housing and configured to be inserted into the anti-theft hole of the electronic device; A level adjustment mechanism having a plurality of levels, wherein the level adjustment mechanism has a tool operating portion, the tool operating portion being exposed from the housing and capable of adjusting the level of the level adjustment mechanism by operating a tool; A rotatable actuating mechanism includes a spindle, which is pushed by a spring that resists the tool operating part and tends to move toward the fixing member; the actuating mechanism can cause the fixing member to expand and be fixed in the anti-theft hole according to the section corresponding to the rotation of the spindle; after the spindle moves toward the fixing member, the fixing member can expand and be fixed in the anti-theft hole according to the section corresponding to the rotation of the spindle.

2. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock according to claim 1, wherein: The tool operating portion adjusts the position of the position adjustment mechanism by being rotated by a tool.

3. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock according to claim 1, wherein: The tool operating portion is moved by a tool to adjust the position of the position adjustment mechanism.

4. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock according to claim 3, wherein: The tool operating portion is moved around by a tool to adjust the level of the level adjustment mechanism.

5. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The housing has an axial direction and a radial direction perpendicular to each other, and the tool operating portion and the fixing member are respectively located at two axial ends of the housing.

6. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The housing has an axial direction and a radial direction perpendicular to each other. The fixing member is located at one axial end of the housing, and the tool operating portion is located at a radial outer wall surface of the housing.

7. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The tool operating portion cannot be operated by hand to adjust the rank of the rank adjustment mechanism, and can only be adjusted by operating a tool.

8. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The housing has an operating hole, and the position of the tool operating portion corresponds to the position of the operating hole and does not protrude outside the operating hole.

9. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The tool-adjustable electronic device lock has a fixing mechanism connected to the level adjustment mechanism and tends to prevent the tool operating portion from being operated and thus tends to prevent the level of the level adjustment mechanism from being adjusted.

10. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock according to claim 9, wherein: The housing has an operating hole, the position of the tool operating portion corresponds to the position of the operating hole, and the fixing mechanism is formed on the inner wall surface of the operating hole.

11. The tool-adjustable electronic device lock according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The tool operating portion is formed with a groove for the tool to penetrate so that the tool can operate the tool operating portion.

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