Three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices

Abstract

A three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices is provided. The security lock comprises a casing, a lock core, a blocking element, and a locking unit. The lock core is moveably arranged in the casing in such a manner that the lock core lies across the interior of the casing and is provided with a push shaft at an end thereof. The blocking element is swivel-mounted in the casing and at least two snap-in teeth are arranged on the upper surface of the blocking element. The locking unit is moveably mounted in the casing. Two fastening clips are symmetrically pivot-mounted at an end of the locking unit and a fastening limb extends from an end of the respective fastening clip, protruding from the casing. Upon moving the lock core, the fastening limbs are both prompted to open or close. Moreover, at least two detents are arranged annularly on the circumference of the locking unit and configured to be fixed in conjunction with the snap-in teeth. By adjusting the contact depth by which the fastening clips are in contact with the push shaft, the spread of the two fastening limbs can be changed accordingly to suit the security lock to different types of lock slots on electronic devices.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a security lock, particularly to a three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices.2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] With the advancement of the times and the convenience brought by the rapid development of the Internet, modern people's lives have become inseparable from portable 3C products, such as laptops and tablets, which play an extremely important role in daily life and work. Due to their thinness and high price, such 3C products are very easy to be stolen or cannot be successfully recovered after being lost. Generally, 3C products are equipped with an anti-theft hole for anti-theft locks. An anti-theft lock has a lock element that can be inserted into the anti-theft hole and stuck in the anti-theft hole. By tying a cable of the anti-theft to a fixed object such as a table leg, the 3C product can be locked and secured against theft. However, the conventional structure as mentioned above still has the following problems in practical application. There are many 3C products on the market, the brands of notebook computers and tablet computers are also quite diverse. Even the anti-theft holes of products of the same brand may differ in specification and shape. Thus, consumers need to purchase corresponding anti-theft locks according to the specifications of the anti-theft holes of their electronic products. As a result, the conventional anti-theft locks can no longer meet the various anti-theft hole sizes on the market. It is inconvenient for users and uneconomical.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An objective of present invention is to provide a three-stage adjustable security lock for different types of lock slots, being used to physically secure electronic devices.

[0004] To achieve these and other objects of the present invention, a three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices is provided. The security lock comprises a casing, a lock core, a blocking element, and a locking unit. The casing consists of two parts which are symmetrically assembled. The lock core is moveably arranged in the casing in such a manner that the lock core lies across the interior of the casing. The lock core is provided with a stopper and a push shaft mounted in sequence at an end thereof and further equipped with a pushbutton switch extending from the casing. The pushbutton switch is configured to butt on the stopper of the lock core and then push it, thereby causing the lock core to move and work. The blocking element is swivel-mounted in the casing and at least two snap-in teeth are arranged on the upper surface of the blocking element. The lower surface of the blocking element is pushed by a first spring in such a manner that the blocking element is caught in normal state. The blocking element can be released by activating the pushbutton switch. The locking unit is moveably received in the casing. Two fastening clips are symmetrically pivot-mounted at an end of the locking unit and a fastening limb extends from an end of the respective fastening clip, protruding from the casing. Upon moving the lock core, the other ends of the two fastening clips will be moved accordingly, causing the fastening limbs to open or close and thereby locking or unlocking an electronic device. At least two detents are arranged annularly on the circumference of the locking unit and configured to be fixed in conjunction with the snap-in teeth while retracting and moving the locking unit in the direction of the casing. By further adjusting the contact depth between the fastening clips and the push shaft, the spread of the two fastening limbs can be changed accordingly. Moreover, the other end of the locking unit is pushed by a second spring in normal state. When the blocking element is released by the pushbutton switch, the locking unit will be pushed by the spring and return then to its original position.

[0005] Preferably, a first chamber and a second chamber are arranged on the casing near an end thereof. One end of the first chamber is open and in communication with the external surroundings, whereas a blocking plate is arranged at the other end of the first chamber. A via hole is provided in the centre of the blocking plate. A receptacle is formed on a side of the first chamber in such a manner that the receptacle communicates with the first chamber. A clearance hole is arranged on a side of the second chamber in such a manner that the clearance hole goes through the casing. The clearance hole and the receptacle are situated on opposite sides of the casing. A lower passage is arranged between the front end of the second chamber and the blocking plate in such a manner that the second chamber and the receptacle communicate with each other via the lower passage.

[0006] Preferably, a plurality of number wheels is slipped over the lock core. The lock core can be manipulated to move axially or not by actuating the number wheels. A plurality of through holes is arranged on the casing so that the number wheels can be exposed in part through the through holes. The stopper is slidably received in the second chamber. Furthermore, the push shaft is pulled through the centre hole of the blocking plate and the first chamber and extends then from the casing. The stopper is provided with a stop chamfer. The pushbutton switch is provided with a press control chamfer and a press portion extending from the bottom of the press control chamfer. The pushbutton switch is installed in the second chamber via the clearance hole. The press control chamfer pushes the stop chamfer and prompts it thereby to move, and the press portion protrudes into the receptacle via the lower passage. An elongated hole is arranged on the pushbutton switch in such a manner that the elongated hole goes through both ends thereof, allowing the push shaft to pass through the elongated hole.

[0007] Preferably, the blocking element is mounted in the receptacle. The receptacle is provided with a pivoted bolt for pivot-mounting the blocking element. An inclined recess is arranged on the lower surface of the receptacle for fixing the first spring. The first spring exerts a force against the lower surface of the blocking element, thereby causing the snap-in teeth on the upper surface of the blocking element to extend upwards into the first chamber in normal state and to abut on the lower end of the blocking plate at the same time. Thus, the snap-in teeth are fixed. Moreover, a press control portion is formed at an end of the blocking element in such a manner that the press control portion extends into the lower passage.

[0008] Preferably, the locking unit comprises a first assembly seat and a second assembly seat. An axial pass-through is arranged on the first assembly seat in such a manner that the axial pass-through goes through both ends thereof. Taking the axial pass-through as a centre, two pivoting recesses are formed at an end of the first assembly seat, whereas an annular groove is formed at the other end of the first assembly seat for receiving and fixing an end of the second spring. At the same time, the other end of the second spring is prompted to abut on the blocking plate. Furthermore, the detents are arranged annularly on the circumference of the first assembly seat. An elongated opening is formed on the second assembly seat in such a manner that the elongated opening goes through both ends thereof. Two pivoting slots are arranged at an end of the second assembly seat in accordance with the pivoting recesses. The second assembly seat is slipped over the fastening limbs of the fastening clips via the elongated opening. Next, the two pivoting slots are combined with the two pivoting recesses to assemble the two fastening clips. The outer diameter of the first assembly seat is greater than that of the second assembly seat. The first assembly seat is restricted in the first chamber. The second assembly seat is mounted in such a manner that it extends from the casing.

[0009] Preferably, a fixing pin is mounted at an end of the first assembly seat and a fixing hole is arranged on the second assembly seat in such a manner that the fixing hole goes through both ends thereof. The fixing pin is inserted through the fixing hole to ensure a solid assembly of the first assembly seat and the second assembly seat.

[0010] Preferably, a notch is formed on the fastening limb of the respective fastening clip in such a manner that the notches of the fastening limbs are symmetrically situated. An elastic ring is put in the notches to keep the fastening limbs of the two fastening clips abutting on each other in normal state.

[0011] Preferably, a first diameter segment, a second diameter segment, and a third diameter segment are arranged on the front end of the push shaft in such a manner that these three diameter segments are expanded inwardly gradually in stages. An actuating protrusion is arranged on the inner edge of the end of the respective fastening clip other than the end having the fastening limb. While the actuating protrusions move on the surfaces of the first, second, and third diameter segments, falls arise and serve to adjust the spread of the two fastening limbs.

[0012] Preferably, a guiding chamfer is formed on the outward face of the respective snap-in tooth and a retaining chamfer is formed on the inward face of the respective detent. While the locking unit is retracted and moved inwardly, the detents push the guiding chamfer of the snap-in teeth by means of the retaining chamfer, thereby driving the blocking element to swivel downwards.

[0013] The three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices according to the present invention has following advantageous features. By retracting and moving the locking unit inwards, the two fastening clips will be moved inwards, enabling an adjustment of the contact depth by which the fastening clips are in contact with the push shaft. Thereby, the spread of the two fastening limbs can be further adjusted based on the adjustment of the said contact depth. As far as the locking unit is moved inwards, the snap-in teeth of the blocking elements can be prompted to engage with the detents on the circumference of the locking unit. In this way, the locking unit can be prevented from rebounding and returning to its original position, ensuring the adjusted spread of the two fastening limbs. Besides, the adjustment state of the locking unit can also be ascertained. Moreover, the design in which the at least two detents are arranged on the circumference of the locking unit in accordance with the at least two snap-in teeth of the blocking element allows for at least three adjustment stages of the locking unit. Thus, the security lock is applicable for different lock slots on commercially available electronic devices, enhancing its applicability and convenience of use distinctly.

[0014] Other objects, advantages, and novel features of invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explosive view of the security lock shown in Fig. 1. FIG. 3 shows schematically the security lock shown in Fig. 1 in an assembled state in a partial section view. FIG. 4 shows schematically the locking process of the security lock shown in Fig. 1 when used for a small-sized lock slot. FIG. 5 shows schematically the locking process of the security lock shown in Fig. 1 when used for a middle-sized lock slot. FIG. 6 shows schematically the locking process of the security lock shown in Fig. 1 when used for a large-sized lock slot. FIG. 7 shows schematically the unlocking process of the security lock shown in Fig. 1. FIG. 8 shows schematically the possibility to turn the locking unit of the security lock shown in Fig. 1 arbitrarily. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] First, please refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices comprises a casing 10, a lock core 20, a blocking element 30, and a locking unit 40.

[0017] The casing 10 consists of two parts which are symmetrically assembled. A first chamber 11 and a second chamber 12 are arranged on the casing 10 near an end thereof. One end of the first chamber 11 is open and in communication with the external surroundings, whereas a blocking plate 13 is arranged at the other end of the first chamber 11. A via hole 131 is provided in the centre of the blocking plate 13. A receptacle 14 is formed on a side of the first chamber 11 in such a manner that the receptacle 14 communicates with the first chamber 11. A clearance hole 15 is arranged on a side of the second chamber 12 in such a manner that the clearance hole 15 goes through the casing 10. The clearance hole 15 and the receptacle 14 are situated on opposite sides of the casing 10. A lower passage 16 is arranged between the front end of the second chamber 12 and the blocking plate 13 in such a manner that the second chamber 12 and the receptacle 14 communicate with each other via the lower passage 16.

[0018] The lock core 20 is moveably arranged in the casing 10 in such a manner that the lock core 20 lies across the interior of the casing 10. A plurality of number wheels 21 is slipped over the lock core 20. The lock core 20 can be manipulated to move axially or not by actuating the number wheels 21. A plurality of through holes 17 is arranged on the casing 10 so that the number wheels 21 can be exposed in part through the through holes 17. The lock core 20 is provided with a stopper 22 and a push shaft 23 mounted in sequence at an end thereof. The stopper 22 is slidably received in the second chamber 12. Furthermore, the push shaft 23 is arranged in such a matter that the push shaft 23 extends from the centre hole 131 of the blocking plate 13 to the first chamber 11 and the end of the push shaft 23 extends then from the casing 10. The stopper 22 is provided with a stop chamfer 221 and is driven by the pushbutton switch 24. The pushbutton switch 24 is installed in the second chamber 12 via the clearance hole 15. An elongated hole 241 is arranged on the pushbutton switch 24 in such a manner that the elongated hole 241 goes through both ends thereof, allowing the push shaft 23 to pass through the elongated hole 241. The pushbutton switch 24 is provided with a press control chamfer 242 and a press portion 243 extending from the bottom of the press control chamfer 242. The press control chamfer 242 pushes the stop chamfer 221 of the stopper 22 and prompts it thereby to move. In this way, the lock core 20 is prompted to move and work and the press portion 243 is further pressed until it protrudes into the receptacle 14 via the lower passage 16.

[0019] The blocking element 30 is mounted in the receptacle 14. At least two snap-in teeth 31 are arranged on the upper surface of the blocking element 30 in such a manner that they face the first chamber 11. The receptacle 14 is provided with a pivoted bolt 141 for pivot-mounting an end of the blocking element 30. An inclined recess 142 is arranged on the lower surface of the receptacle 14 for fixing the first spring 143. The first spring 143 exerts a force against the lower surface of the blocking element 30, thereby causing the snap-in teeth 31 on the upper surface of the blocking element 30 to extend upwards into the first chamber 11 in normal state und then get engaged. At the same time, the snap-in teeth 31 abut on the lower end of the blocking plate 13, being fixed consequently. Moreover, a press control portion 32 is formed at an end of the blocking element 30 in such a manner that the press control portion 32 extends into the lower passage 16. By being pressed by the press portion 243 of the pushbutton switch 24, the press control portion 32 will be released.

[0020] The locking unit 40 comprises a first assembly seat 41, a second assembly seat 42 and two fastening clips 43. An axial pass-through 411 is arranged on the first assembly seat 41 in such a manner that the axial pass-through 411 goes through both ends thereof. Taking the axial pass-through 411 as a centre, two pivoting recesses 412 are formed at an end of the first assembly seat 41, whereas an annular groove 413 is formed at the other end of the first assembly seat 41 for fixing the second spring 414. At least two detents 415 are arranged annularly on the circumference of the locking unit 41. An elongated opening 421 is formed on the second assembly seat 42 in such a manner that the elongated opening 421 goes through both ends thereof. Two pivoting slots 422 are arranged at an end of the second assembly seat 42 in accordance with the pivoting recesses 412. The one end of the respective fastening clip 43 is mounted between the pivoting recess 412 and the pivoting slot 422. A fastening limb 431 extends from an end of the respective fastening clip 43. Furthermore, the fastening limb 431 is extracted to protrude from the elongated opening 421 of the second assembly seat 42. In this way, the two fastening clips 43 are connected by assembling the first assembly seat 41 and the second assembly seat 42. The outer diameter of the first assembly seat 41 is greater than that of the second assembly seat 42. The first assembly seat 41 is moveably restricted in the first chamber 11, and the second spring 414 is prompted to abut on the blocking plate 13. The second assembly seat 42 is mounted in such a manner that it extends from the casing 10. The two fastening limbs 431 are prompted to extend from the casing 10. The end of the push shaft 23 of the lock core 20 passes through the axial pass-through 411 of the first assembly seat 41 and extends into the space between the two fastening clips 43. Upon moving the lock core 20, the fastening limbs 431 are both prompted to open or close to lock or unlock an electronic device.

[0021] Furthermore, a guiding chamfer 311 is formed on the outward face of the respective snap-in tooth 31 and a retaining chamfer 416 is formed on the inward face of the respective detent 415. While the locking unit 40 is retracted and moved inwardly, the detents 415 push the guiding chamfer 311 of the snap-in teeth 31 by means of the retaining chamfer 416, thereby driving the blocking element 30 to swivel downwards.

[0022] A fixing pin 417 is mounted at an end of the first assembly seat 41 and a fixing hole 423 is arranged on the second assembly seat 42 in such a manner that the fixing hole 423 goes through both ends thereof. The fixing pin 417 is inserted through the fixing hole 423 to ensure a solid assembly of the first assembly seat 41 and the second assembly seat 42.

[0023] Furthermore, a notch 432 is formed on the fastening limb 431 of the respective fastening clip 43 in such a manner that the notches 432 of the fastening limbs 431 are symmetrically situated. An elastic ring 433 is inserted in the notches 432. Thus, the fastening limbs 431 of the two fastening clips 43 will abut on each other automatically under constraint of the elastic ring 433.

[0024] Furthermore, a first diameter segment 231, a second diameter segment, 232 and a third diameter segment 233 are arranged on the front end of the push shaft 23 in such a manner that these three diameter segments 231, 232, 233 are expanded inwardly gradually in stages. An actuating protrusion 434 is arranged on the inner edge of the end of the respective fastening clip 43 other than the end having the fastening limb 431. While the actuating protrusions 434 move on the surfaces of the first, second, and third diameter segments 231, 232, 233, falls arise and serve to adjust the spread of the two fastening limbs 431.

[0025] Please refer to FIG. 3 and 4 for the operation mechanism of the security lock. When the pushbutton switch 24 is not pressed to activate the lock core 20, the spring 25 provided at the back end of the stopper 22 pushes and abuts on the lock core 20 in normal state, allowing the front end of the push shaft 23 to extend between the fastening clips 43 and further pass the elastic ring 433. In this way, the fastening limbs are expanded to lock an electronic device. At the same time, the press control chamfer 242 of the pushbutton switch 24 abuts on the stop chamfer 221 of the stopper 22 and the press portion 243 is in contact with the front end of the stopper 22. To lock an electronic device with the security lock, the pushbutton switch 24 is to be pressed in such a manner that the press control chamfer 242 moves along the stop chamfer 221 and pushes the stopper backwards, thereby retracting and moving the lock core 20 inwards. By doing this, the front end of the push shaft 23 will be caused to retract inwards and to deviate from the elastic ring 433. Thus, the fastening limbs 431 of the two fastening clips 43 will abut on each other automatically under constraint of the elastic ring 433. Thereby, the two fastening limbs 431 can be inserted into a predetermined lock slot A of the electronic device. Subsequently, the pushbutton switch is released. Due to the resilience of the spring 25, the lock core 20 is then pushed to move the original position and the push shaft 23 extends into the space between the two fastening clips 43, causing the two fastening limbs 431 to spread open. Thereby, the two fastening limbs 431 snap into the lock slot A. The other end of the casing 10 is connected with a cable 18. The cable is tied to an object (e.g. a table). In this way, the electronic device can be secured against theft.

[0026] The security lock according to the embodiment mentioned above is applied for small-sized lock slots A. The locking unit 40 is pushed by the second spring 414, causing the first assembly seat 41 to abut on the front end of the first chamber 11 and then to be fixed. At the same time, the detents 415 on the circumference of the first assembly seat 41 are not in contact with the snap-in teeth 31 of the blocking element 30. At the moment, the actuating protrusions 434 of the two fastening clips 43 abut on the first diameter segment 231 at the front end of the push shaft 23. Thereby, the spread of the two fastening limbs 431 is adjusted to be equal to the diameter of the first diameter segment 231. The security lock adjusted in this stage can only be used for electronic devices with small-sized lock slots A.

[0027] Please refer to FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 2 for an embodiment of application of the security lock for middle-sized lock slots of electronic devices. To apply the security lock for a lock slot B which is larger than the spread of the two fastening limbs 431 initiated by the first diameter segment 231 of the push shaft 23, the fastening limbs 431 of the locking unit 40 are inserted into the lock slot B and the second assembly seat 42 exposed outside of the casing 10 is furthermore moved to abut on the outer wall of the electronic device, thereby bringing the first assembly seat 41 to move inwards. In this way, the detents 415 of the first assembly seat 41 push the snap-in teeth 31 of the blocking element 30. At the same time, the blocking element 30 is pushed to swivel downwards by the retaining chamfer 416 and the stop chamfer 221. As soon as the first assembly seat 41 is retracted inwards by a distance of the spacing of the detent 415, the blocking element 30 will be further pushed by the first spring 143 and thereby swivel upwards to move back to its original position. Thus, the snap-in teeth 31 engage with one of the detents 415 on the circumference of the first assembly seat 41. At the moment, the locking unit 40 moves inwards and adjusts the contact depth between the two fastening clips 43 and the push shaft 23 at the same time. Moreover, the actuating protrusions 434 of the two fastening clips 43 move from the first diameter segment 231 to the second diameter segment 232 of the push shaft 23, further defining the possible spread of the two fastening limbs 431 by the circle diameter of the second diameter segment 232. In this way, the spread of the two fastening limbs 431 is adjusted appropriately. Hence, the two fastening clips 43 are adjusted in the locked state suitable for middle-sized lock slots.

[0028] Please refer to FIG. 6 for an embodiment of application of the security lock for large-sized lock slots of electronic devices. The fastening limbs 431 of the locking unit 40 are inserted into a lock slot C and the second assembly seat 42 exposed outside of the casing 10 is furthermore moved to abut on the outer wall of the electronic device, thereby bringing the first assembly seat 41 to move inwards. In this way, the detents 415 of the first assembly seat 41 push the snap-in teeth 31 of the blocking element 30. As soon as the first assembly seat 41 is retracted inwards by a distance of the spacing of the detent 415, the blocking element 30 will be further pushed by the first spring 143 and thereby swivel upwards to move back to its original position. Thus, the snap-in teeth 31 engage completely with the detents 415 on the circumference of the first assembly seat 41. At the moment, the locking unit 40 moves inwards again, thereby enlarging the depth by which the push shaft 23 extends into the space between the fastening clips 43 substantially as well as causing the actuating protrusions 434 of the two fastening clips 43 to move from the second diameter segment 232 to the third diameter segment 232 of the push shaft 23. Accordingly, the spread of the two fastening limbs 431 is defined by the circle diameter of the third diameter segment 232. Hence, the two fastening clips 43 are adjusted in the locked state suitable for large-sized lock slots.

[0029] Please refer to FIG. 7 for the unlocking process of the security lock for electronic devices. To unlock an electronic device, the pushbutton switch 24 is pressed in such a manner that the press control chamfer 242 moves along the stop chamfer 221 and pushes the stopper 22 backwards, retracting and moving the lock core 20 inwards und causing thereby the front end of the push shaft 23 to retract inwards and to depart from the elastic ring 433. Thus, the fastening limbs 431 of the two fastening clips 43 will abut on each other under constraint of the elastic ring 433. Thereby, the electronic device is unlocked and the two fastening limbs 431 can be then pulled out of the lock slot. To retract and adjust the locking unit 40 for different slot sizes, the pushbutton switch 24 is pressed in such a manner that the press portion 243 presses the press control portion 32 of the blocking element 30 at the same time. Thus, the snap-in teeth 31 will depart from the detents 415 of the first assembly seat 41 due to the press control chamfer 242 moves along the stop chamfer 221 and pushes the stopper 22 backwards, retracting and moving the lock core 20 inwards und causing thereby the front end of the push shaft 23 to move inwards and to depart from the elastic ring 433. The blocking element 30 will then swivel downwards, causing the snap-in teeth to separate from the detents 415 of the first assembly seat 41. Consequently, the first assembly seat 41 will be released from the lock of the blocking element 30 and the other end of the locking unit will be pushed by the second spring 414 in normal state. When the blocking element 30 is released by pressing the pushbutton switch 24, the locking unit 40 will be pushed by the second spring 414 und then move back to its original position. Thus, the two fastening clips 43 of the locking unit 40 come back to the state in which they are not retracted inwards and not adjusted yet, therefore allowing the security lock to be used for small-sized lock slots.

[0030] Furthermore, the first chamber 11 of the casing 10 is formed as a cylindrical chamber and the first assembly seat 41 and the second assembly seat 42 of the locking unit 40 are also formed cylindrical corresponding to the first chamber 11. In this way, the locking unit 40 is able to rotate arbitrarily in the first chamber 11, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the angle of the two fastening limbs 431 can be adjusted to adapt the security lock to lock slots with different angles and undesired winding and knotting of the cable can be avoided at the same time.

[0031] The three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices according to the present invention has following advantageous features. By retracting and moving the locking unit 40 inwards, the two fastening clips 43 will be moved inwards, enabling an adjustment of the contact depth by which the fastening clips 43 are in contact with the push shaft 23. Thereby, the spread of the two fastening limbs 431 can be further adjusted based on the adjustment of the said contact depth. As far as the locking unit 40 is moved inwards, the snap-in teeth 31 of the blocking elements 30 can be prompted to engage with the detents 415 on the circumference of the locking unit 40. In this way, the locking unit 40 can be prevented from rebounding and returning to its original position, ensuring the adjusted spread of the two fastening limbs 431. Besides, the adjustment state of the locking unit 40 can also be ascertained. Moreover, the design in which the at least two detents 415 are arranged on the circumference of the locking unit 40 in accordance with the at least two snap-in teeth 31 of the blocking element 30 allows for at least three adjustment stages of the locking unit 30. Thus, the security lock is applicable for different lock slots on commercially available electronic devices, enhancing its applicability and convenience of use distinctly.

[0032] Although the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices, comprising: a casing 10 consisting of two parts which are symmetrically assembled; a lock core 20 moveably arranged in the casing 10 in such a manner that the lock core 20 lies across the interior of the casing 10, wherein the lock core 20 is provided with a stopper 22 and a push shaft 23 mounted in sequence at an end thereof and further equipped with a pushbutton switch 24 extending from the casing 10, wherein the pushbutton switch 24 is configured to butt on the stopper 22 of the lock core 20 and then push it, thereby causing the lock core 20 to move and work; a blocking element 30 swivel-mounted in the casing 10, wherein at least two snap-in teeth 31 are arranged on the upper surface of the blocking element 30, and the lower surface of the blocking element 30 is pushed by a first spring 143 in such a manner that the blocking element 30 is caught in normal state and can be released by activating the pushbutton switch 24; and a locking unit 40 moveably received in the casing 10, wherein the fastening clips 43 are symmetrically pivot-mounted at an end of the locking unit 40 and a fastening limb 431 extends from an end of the respective fastening clip 43, protruding from the casing 10; upon moving the lock core 20, the other ends of the two fastening clips 43 will be moved accordingly, causing the fastening limbs to open or close and thereby locking or unlocking an electronic device; at least two detents 415 are arranged annularly on the circumference of the locking unit 40 and configured to be fixed in conjunction with the snap-in teeth 31 while retracting and moving the locking unit 40 in the direction of the casing 10; by further adjusting the contact depth between the fastening clips 43 and the push shaft 23, the spread of the two fastening limbs can be changed accordingly; the other end of the locking unit 40 is pushed by a second spring 414 in normal state; when the blocking element 30 is released by the pushbutton switch 24, the locking unit 40 will be pushed by the spring 25 and return then to its original position.

2. The three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first chamber 11 and a second chamber 12 are arranged on the casing 10 near an end thereof; one end of the first chamber 11 is open and in communication with the external surroundings, whereas a blocking plate 13 is arranged at the other end of the first chamber 11; a via hole 131 is provided in the centre of the blocking plate 13; a receptacle 14 is formed on a side of the first chamber 11 in such a manner that the receptacle 14 communicates with the first chamber 11; a clearance hole 15 is arranged on a side of the second chamber 12 in such a manner that the clearance hole 15 goes through the casing 10; the clearance hole 15 and the receptacle 14 are situated on opposite sides of the casing 10; a lower passage is arranged between the front end of the second chamber 12 and the blocking plate 13 in such a manner that the second chamber 12 and the receptacle 14 communicate with each other via the lower passage.

3. The three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices as claimed in claim 2, wherein a plurality of number wheels 21 is slipped over the lock core 20; the lock core 20 can be manipulated to move axially or not by actuating the number wheels 21; a plurality of through holes 17 is arranged on the casing 10 so that the number wheels 21 can be exposed in part through the through holes 17; the stopper 22 is slidably received in the second chamber 12; the push shaft 23 is pulled through the centre hole of the blocking plate 13 and the first chamber 11 and extends then from the casing 10; the stopper 22 is provided with a stop chamfer 221; the pushbutton switch 24 is provided with a press control chamfer 242 and a press portion 243 extending from the bottom of the press control chamfer; the pushbutton switch 24 is installed in the second chamber 12 via the clearance hole 15; the press control chamfer 242 pushes the stop chamfer 221 and prompts it thereby to move, and the press portion 243 protrudes into the receptacle 14 via the lower passage; an elongated hole 241 is arranged on the pushbutton switch 24 in such a manner that the elongated hole 241 goes through the both ends thereof, allowing the push shaft 23 to pass through the elongated hole 241.

4. The three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices as claimed in claim 3, wherein the blocking element 30 is mounted in the receptacle 14; the receptacle 14 is provided with a pivoted bolt 141 for pivot-mounting the blocking element 30; an inclined recess 142 is arranged on the lower surface of the receptacle 14 for fixing the first spring 143; the first spring 143 exerts a force against the lower surface of the blocking element 30, thereby causing the snap-in teeth 31 on the upper surface of the blocking element 30 to extend upwards into the first chamber 11 in normal state and to abut on the lower end of the blocking plate 13 at the same time; thus, the snap-in teeth 31 are fixed; moreover, a press control portion 32 is formed at an end of the blocking element 30 in such a manner that the press control portion 32 extends into the lower passage.

5. The three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking unit 40 comprises a first assembly seat 41 and a second assembly seat 42; an axial pass-through 411 is arranged on the first assembly seat 41 in such a manner that the axial pass-through 411 goes through both ends thereof; taking the axial pass-through 411 as a centre, two pivoting recesses 412 are formed at an end of the first assembly seat 41, whereas an annular groove 413 is formed at the other end of the first assembly seat 41 for receiving and fixing an end of the second spring 414; the other end of the second spring 414 is prompted to abut on the blocking plate 13; the detents 415 are arranged annularly on the circumference of the first assembly seat 41; an elongated opening 421 is formed on the second assembly seat 42 in such a manner that the elongated opening 421 goes through both ends thereof; two pivoting slots 422 are arranged at an end of the second assembly seat 42 in accordance with the pivoting recesses 412; the second assembly seat 42 is slipped over the fastening limbs of the fastening clips 43 via the elongated opening 421; next, the two pivoting slots 422 are combined with the two pivoting recesses 412 to assemble the two fastening clips 43; the outer diameter of the first assembly seat 41 is greater than that of the second assembly seat 42; the first assembly seat 41 is restricted in the first chamber 11, and the second assembly seat 42 is mounted in such a manner that it extends from the casing 10.

6. The three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices as claimed in claim 5, wherein a fixing pin 417 is mounted at an end of the first assembly seat 41 and a fixing hole 423 is arranged on the second assembly seat 42 in such a manner that the fixing hole 423 goes through both ends thereof; the fixing pin 417 is inserted through the fixing hole 423 to ensure a solid assembly of the first assembly seat 41 and the second assembly seat 42.

7. The three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices as claimed in claim 1, wherein a notch 432 is formed on the fastening limb 431 of the respective fastening clip 43 in such a manner that the notches 432 of the fastening limbs are symmetrically situated; an elastic ring 433 is put in the notches 432 to keep the fastening limbs of the two fastening clips 43 abutting on each other in normal state.

8. The three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first diameter segment 231, a second diameter segment 232, and a third diameter segment 233are arranged on the front end of the push shaft 23 in such a manner that these three diameter segments are expanded inwardly gradually in stages; an actuating protrusion 434 is arranged on the inner edge of the end of the respective fastening clip 43 other than the end having the fastening limb; while the actuating protrusions 434 move on the surfaces of the first, second, and third diameter segments, falls arise and serve to adjust the spread of the two fastening limbs.

9. The three-stage adjustable security lock for electronic devices as claimed in claim 1, wherein a guiding chamfer 311 is formed on the outward face of the respective snap-in tooth 31, and a retaining chamfer 416 is formed on the inward face of the respective detent 415; while the locking unit 40 is retracted and moved inwardly, the detents push the guiding chamfer of the snap-in teeth 31 by means of the retaining chamfer 416, thereby driving the blocking element 30 to swivel downwards.

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