Position Limiting Device

Abstract

To provide a position limiting device which can achieve a fixing effect without using a lock hole and has favorable usability. [Solution] The position limiting device 800 is used in combination with an electronic device, and includes a support member 201 and an engagement member 202. The support member has a support surface 230 including a protrusion 240. The engagement member movably engages with the support member. When the position limiting device is in a locked state, the relative positions of the support member and the engagement member are constant, thereby limiting the position of the electronic device between them. The position limiting device further includes a housing 100, a support member driving device 300, and a lock body 400, and has a tip opening 110 at one end of the housing 100. The support member 201 is fixed outside the tip opening 110. The engagement member 202 is provided in the housing 100 and is rotatable relative to the housing 100.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a position limiting device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a position limiting device for use in an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] In modern life, consumer electronic products play an important role, and with the current fast-paced lifestyle and demand for real-time information, portable electronic products have become one of the necessities for people. However, such products have a high unit price and are easily converted into cash, which increases the possibility of theft and theft.

[0003] In order to prevent theft, position restriction devices such as notebook computer locks have been designed, which can be connected to the anti-theft lock holes of electronic products with a locking member and then control the movement of the locking member with a key lock mechanism to achieve the purpose of unlocking / locking. However, due to different specifications of the anti-theft lock holes, users need to purchase / possess a position restriction device with a locking member corresponding to the specifications of the anti-theft lock hole, which is not only uneconomical but also inconvenient to use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a position limiting device that can achieve a fixing effect without using a locking hole and is convenient to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The position limiting device of the present invention is used in combination with an electronic device and includes a support member and an engagement member. The support member has a support surface including a protrusion. The engagement member movably engages with the support member. When the position limiting device is in a locked state, the relative positions of the support member and the engagement member are constant, thereby limiting the position of the electronic device between them.

[0006] The position limiting device further includes a housing, a drive device, and a lock body. The housing has a tip opening at one end. The support member is fixed outside the tip opening. The engagement member is provided within the housing and rotatable relative to the housing, and includes a tip portion and a rear end portion, the tip portion at least partially protruding from the tip opening and the rear end portion extending in a direction opposite to the tip portion. The drive device includes a force applying member and a drive member. The force applying member includes a force receiving portion and a force applying portion, the force applying portion being provided within the housing, the force receiving portion and the force applying portion being connected to each other and rotatable relative to the housing. The drive member is provided within the housing and rotates relative to the force applying portion so as to selectively move on one side of the rear end portion to change the distance of the tip portion relative to the support member. The lock body is provided on one side of the drive device, and when the lock body is engaged, it limits the movement of the drive device.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the support surface extends along an X-axis, with the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis being orthogonal.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the engagement member is rotatable relative to the housing along a plane parallel to the YZ plane, the force application member is rotatable relative to the housing along a plane parallel to the XZ plane, and the drive member is selectively movable along the Y axis.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the support surface includes a protrusion.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the force application portion has a position limiting portion, and one end of the driving member engages with the position limiting portion so as to be movable along the Y-axis direction.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the driving device further includes a displacement limiting member fixed in the housing, the displacement limiting member having an accommodation space therein extending along the Y-axis direction, the side wall of the accommodation space being provided with a side wall thread, the driving member being a cylinder provided in the accommodation space and having a driving member thread on its side surface matching the side wall thread, when the force-giving member rotates, the driving member rotates in conjunction with it, and the driving member moves along the Y-axis direction due to the interaction between the side wall thread and the driving member thread.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing has an accommodation space extending along the Y-axis direction inside, and a side wall of the accommodation space is provided with a side wall thread. The driving member is a cylinder provided in the accommodation space and has a driving member thread on its side that matches the side wall thread. When the force-giving member rotates, the driving member rotates in conjunction with it, and the interaction between the side wall thread and the driving member thread causes the driving member to move along the Y-axis direction.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lock body includes an engagement member that is movable along the Z-axis direction, and when the lock body is engaged, one end of the engagement member engages with the force application member to limit the rotation of the force application member.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lock body is a key lock, and the engaging member includes a protruding post.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lock body is a combination lock, and includes a shaft rod that can move along the Y-axis direction, and the shaft rod has a shaft rod end. The engagement member includes a bump that can move along the Z-axis direction, and one side of the bump abuts against the shaft rod end, and the other side of the bump can engage with the force application member to restrict the rotation of the force application member when the lock body is engaged.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the position limiting device further includes a driving device, which includes a force applying member, a driving member, and a displacement limiting member. The force applying member is a cylinder having a partially closed end, and includes a force receiving portion and a force applying portion, the force applying portion being a recess provided inside the partially closed end. One end of the driving member is a polygonal block whose outer contour matches the contour of the force applying portion. The displacement limiting member is provided within the force applying member, and is coaxially rotatable with the force applying member along the Y-axis direction, and the relative position along the Y-axis direction does not change.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the position limiting device further includes a housing, a lock body, a drive device, and an assembly member. The lock body is disposed within the housing, the drive device is disposed within the lock body, and the assembly member is detachably disposed within the housing adjacent to the lock body. The support member and the engagement member are assembled to the assembly member, so that the engagement member can rotate relative to the assembly member, and the front end and rear end can move toward or away from the support member, respectively.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member has a support surface on one side and a support member hole on the other side, the engagement member has a flange on the top portion and an engagement member hole on one side, and the engagement member is engageable by moving laterally along the support member such that the support member hole and the engagement member hole at least partially pass through each other.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member has a support surface on one side and a support member hole on the other side, the engagement member has a flange on the top portion and an engagement member hole on one side, and the engagement member is movable up and down relative to the support member so that the support member hole and the engagement member hole at least partially pass through each other.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member has a support surface on one side and a support member hole on the other side, the engagement member has a flange on the top portion and an engagement member hole on one side, and the engagement member is movable back and forth along the support member to engage with the support member such that the support member hole and the engagement member hole at least partially pass through each other. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a position limiting device according to the present invention; [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a position limiting device according to the present invention; [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a position limiting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1D] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a position limiting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1E] 4 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the position limiting device according to the embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1F] 4 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the position limiting device according to the embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1G] 4 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the position limiting device according to the embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1H] 4 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the position limiting device according to the embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1I] 4 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the position limiting device according to the embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2A] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2B] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2C] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2D] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2E] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3A] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3B] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3C] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3D] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3E] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3F] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3G] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3H] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4C] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4D] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4E] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4F] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4G] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5A] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5B] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5C] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5D] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5E] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5F] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5G] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5H] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5I] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6A] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6B] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6C] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6D] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6E] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6F] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7A] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7B] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7C] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7D] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7E] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7F] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting device according to another embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The location restriction device of the present invention is used in combination with an electronic device, preferably a portable device, such as, but not limited to, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, an e-book reader, a digital photo frame, a global positioning system navigator, a mobile network device, a personal digital assistant, a digital walkman, an electronic dictionary, etc.

[0023] As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 1A-1D, the position limiting device 800 of the present invention includes a support member 201 and an engagement member 202. The support member 201 has a support surface 230 including a protrusion 240. The engagement member 202 is movably engaged with the support member 201. When the position limiting device 800 is in a locked state, the relative positions of the support member 201 and the engagement member 202 are constant, so that the position of the electronic device is limited between them. More specifically, in this embodiment, the position limiting device 800 further includes a housing 100, a support member driving device 300, and a lock body 400. As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the housing 100 has a tip opening 110 at one end. The support member 201 is fixed outside the tip opening 110. The support surface 230 extends along the X-axis, that is, it can be considered to extend along the lateral direction. The engagement member 202 is provided in the housing 100, is rotatable relative to the housing 100, and includes a front end 210 and a rear end 220, the front end 210 at least partially protruding from the front end opening 110, and the rear end 220 extending in the opposite direction to the front end 210. In this embodiment, the engagement member 202 is rotatable along a plane parallel to the YZ plane relative to the housing 100. In other words, when the engagement member 202 rotates, the front end 210 and the rear end 220 can be considered to operate to open and close up and down relative to the support member 201. Here, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0024] As in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1C and 1D, the driving device 300 includes a force applying member 310 and a driving member 320. The force applying member 310 includes a force receiving portion 311 and a force applying portion 312, the force applying portion 312 is provided in the housing 100, the force receiving portion 311 and the force applying portion 312 are connected to each other, and can rotate in conjunction with the housing 100. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1D, the housing 100 has a rear end opening 120, the force receiving portion 311 and the force applying portion 312 are connected to each other through the rear end opening 120, and at least a part of the force receiving portion 311 is exposed from the housing 100. However, in other embodiments, the force receiving portion 311 is entirely provided in the housing 100, or at least does not protrude from the housing 100, and a user can rotate the force receiving portion 311 by applying a force to the force receiving portion 311 with a tool such as a screwdriver.

[0025] As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the lock body 400 is provided on one side of the driving device 300, and when the lock body 400 is engaged, it restricts the movement of the driving device 300. More specifically, the force application part 312 is a cylinder having a plurality of protruding members 314 on its periphery, and the lock body 400 includes an engagement member 410 that is movable along the Z-axis direction, and when the lock body 400 is engaged, the engagement member 410 restricts the rotation of the force application member 310 by inserting one end of the engagement member 410 between the plurality of protruding members 314. The engagement member 410 includes a protruding post 411. However, in other embodiments, the force application part 312 is not limited to a cylinder having a plurality of protruding members 314 on its periphery, and may only restrict the position of the engagement member 410 by shape complementarity or friction. For example, the force application part 312 may be provided with a plurality of holes on its periphery into which the protruding posts 411 are inserted. In other words, when the lock body 400 is engaged, one end of the engagement member 410 engages with the force application member 310 to restrict the rotation of the force application member 310. In this embodiment, the lock body 400 is a key lock used in combination with a key (not shown), for example, but not limited to, one in which the side opening 130 communicates with the outside of the housing 100 to insert and operate the key.

[0026] 1C and 1D, the driving member 320 is provided in the housing 100, and rotates in conjunction with the force application part 312 so that one side of the rear end part 220 is selectively moved to change the distance of the tip part 210 relative to the support member 201. In this embodiment, the force application part 312 has a position limiting part 313, and one end 321 of the driving member 320 engages with the position limiting part 313 so as to be movable along the Y-axis direction, whereby the driving member 320 and the force application member 310 rotate in conjunction with each other. More specifically, the position limiting portion 313 is a polygonal hole, and one end 321 of the driving member 320 is a polygonal cylinder whose outer contour matches the position limiting portion 313, so that when one end 321 of the driving member 320 is inserted into the position limiting portion 313, an engagement effect occurs in a direction parallel to the XZ plane, and the driving member 320 and the force applying member 310 can rotate in conjunction along a plane parallel to the XZ plane, but since there is no engagement effect between the end 321 and the position limiting portion 313 in the Y-axis direction, they can move relatively along the Y-axis direction. However, in other embodiments, the one that allows the driving member 320 and the position limiting portion 313 to match each other may be designed in a different way, or there may be multiple ones.

[0027] 1D and 1E, the driving device 300 further includes a displacement limiting member 330 fixed in the housing 100. The displacement limiting member 330 has an accommodation space 140 extending along the Y axis therein, and a side wall of the accommodation space 140 is provided with a side wall thread 144. The driving member 320 is a cylinder provided in the accommodation space 140 and has a driving member thread 324 on its side surface that matches the side wall thread 144. When the force applying member 310 rotates along a plane parallel to the XZ plane due to the abutment between the side wall thread 144 and the driving member thread 324, the driving member 320 rotates in conjunction with the force applying member 310, and the driving member 320 moves along the Y axis direction to enter into different depth positions on the side of the rear end portion 220, thereby changing the distance of the tip portion 210 from the support member 201. One end 322 of the driving member 320 facing the rear end 220 has a slope, which contributes to the end 322 moving along the Y-axis direction to penetrate to different depth positions on the side of the rear end 220 and abut against the rear end 220. However, in other embodiments, the accommodation space 140 may be directly provided in the housing 100, i.e., the side wall thread 144 may be directly provided on the inside of the housing 100, and the use of the displacement limiting member 330 may be omitted. Meanwhile, the position limiting device 800 further includes an elastic member 500, such as a rubber ring, for providing elasticity so that the rear ends 220 approach each other.

[0028] The operation of the position limiting device 800 of the present invention will be further described below.

[0029] 1E, when the lock body 400 is engaged, one end of the engagement member 410 enters between the multiple protruding members 314, thereby restricting the rotation of the force application member 310. Since the drive member 320 and the force application member 310 rotate in conjunction with each other, the drive member 320 is also restricted in its rotation relative to the housing 100, and is therefore unable to move along the Y-axis direction to change its position relative to one side of the rear end portion 220. In other words, at this time, the drive member 320 is fixed to and abuts against the rear end portion 220, so that the distance of the tip portion 210 relative to the support member 201 becomes constant.

[0030] 1F, for example, when the key is used to open the lock body 400, one end of the engagement member 410 is removed from between the protruding members 314, and the restriction on the rotation of the force application member 310 is released, and accordingly, the restriction on the rotation of the driving member 320 relative to the housing 100 is also released. At this time, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1G, the user applies force to the force receiving portion 311 to rotate the force application member 310 along the first rotation direction, and rotates the driving member 320 in conjunction with the force application member 310, and moves the driving member 320 along the Y-axis direction away from the tip portion 210 due to the abutment action between the side wall thread 144 and the driving member thread 324, thereby increasing the distance of the tip portion 210 from the support member 201, and thus a part of the electronic device 700 can be inserted between the tip portion 210 and the support member 201. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side edge of the notebook computer host as electronic device 700 is incorporated between tip portion 210 and support member 201 such that the upper surface 710 of one side of the keyboard faces tip portion 210, and a portion of the lower surface 720 and end surface 730 are supported by support member 201.

[0031] Then, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1H, the user applies force to the force receiving portion 311 to rotate the force applying member 310 in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction, rotates the driving member 320 in conjunction with the force receiving portion 311, and moves the driving member 320 along the Y-axis direction to approach the tip portion 210, thereby reducing the distance of the tip portion 210 from the support member 201 until a part of the electronic device 700 can be restricted in position between the tip portion 210 and the support member 201. Then, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1I, the user can use a key, for example, to engage the lock body 400, that is, one end of the engagement member 410 enters between the multiple protruding members 314 to restrict the rotation of the force applying member 310, thereby making the distance of the tip portion 210 from the support member 201 constant, thereby achieving the effect of fixing the electronic device 700. Here, the contour of the support surface 230 is preferably matched with the contour of a part of the lower surface 720 and the end surface 730 in order to obtain a suitable supporting and fixing effect. In embodiments where the lower surface 720 or the end surface 730 includes a groove 740, the support surface 230 may include a protrusion 240 that may be engaged with the groove 740 to improve the fastening effect.

[0032] In other embodiments, the lock body 400' may be a lock body other than a key lock. As in the embodiment shown in Figs. 2A-2E, the lock body 400' is a combination lock. Furthermore, as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 2C-2E, the lock body 400' is a combination lock, and includes a shaft rod 420 that can move along the Y-axis direction, and the shaft rod 420 has a shaft rod end 421. The engagement member includes a position limiting member 430 that can move along the Z-axis direction, and the position limiting member 430 includes a bump, and as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2E, one side 432 of the position limiting member 430 abuts against the shaft rod end 421, and when the lock body 400' is engaged, the other side 431 engages with the force applying member 310', thereby restricting the rotation of the force applying member 310'. In other words, in this embodiment, the shaft rod 420 of the lock body 400' extends along the Y-axis direction, and the position limiting member 430 achieves the effect of engaging with the force applying member 310' by moving along the Z-axis direction. However, for example, in other embodiments in which the shaft rod 420 of the lock body 400' extends along the Z-axis direction, one end of the shaft rod can directly engage with the force applying member, and therefore the position limiting member 430 does not need to be provided.

[0033] In other embodiments, the driving device 300 may be different according to needs. As in the embodiment shown in Figs. 3A-3D, the position limiting device 801 includes a support member 1201, an engagement member 1202, and further includes a driving device 1300. As in the embodiment shown in Figs. 3C and 3D, the driving device 1300 includes a force applying member 1310, a driving member 1320, and a displacement limiting member 1330. More specifically, the force applying member 1310 is a cylinder with one end at least partially closed, and includes a force receiving portion 1311 and a force applying portion 1312 (see Fig. 3E), and the force applying portion 1312 is a recess provided on the inside of the partially closed end 1310a. One end 1321 of the driving member 1320 is a polygonal block whose external contour matches the force application part 1312, so that when one end 1321 of the driving member 1320 is inserted into the force application part 1312, an engagement effect occurs in the XZ plane direction, and the driving member 1320 and the force application part 1310 can rotate in conjunction with each other. In addition, since there is no engagement effect between the end 1321 and the force application part 1312 in the Y-axis direction, they can move relatively along the Y-axis direction.

[0034] 3F and 3G, the displacement limiting member 1330 is provided within the force applying member 1310, and the two can rotate coaxially along the Y-axis direction, but their relative positions along the Y-axis direction do not change. The displacement limiting member 1330 has an accommodation space 1140 extending along the Y-axis inside (see FIG. 3C), and a sidewall thread 1144 is provided on the sidewall of the accommodation space 1140. The driving member 1320 is a cylinder provided within the accommodation space 1140 and has a driving member thread 1324 on its side surface that matches the sidewall thread 1144. When the force application member 1310 rotates along a plane parallel to the XZ plane due to the abutment action between the side wall threads 1144 and the drive member threads 1324, the drive member 1320 rotates in conjunction with the force application member 1310, and the drive member 1320 moves along the Y axis direction to penetrate to different depth positions on the side of the rear end portion 1220, thereby changing the distance of the tip portion 1210 from the support member 1201. One end 1322 of the drive member 1320 facing the rear end portion 1220 has a slope, which contributes to the end 1322 moving along the Y axis direction to penetrate to different depth positions on the side of the rear end portion 1220 and abut against the rear end portion 1220.

[0035] More specifically, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3F, the user applies force to the force receiving portion 1311 to rotate the force application member 1310 along the second rotation direction, and rotates the driving member 1320 in conjunction with the force application member 1310, and the driving member 1320 is moved along the Y-axis direction away from the tip portion 1210 by the abutment action between the side wall thread 1144 and the driving member thread 1324, thereby increasing the distance of the tip portion 1210 from the support member 1201, and thus a part of the electronic device 700 can be inserted between the tip portion 1210 and the support member 1201. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side edge of the host of a notebook computer as the electronic device 700 is inserted between the tip portion 1210 and the support member 1201 so that the upper surface 710 on one side of the keyboard faces the tip portion 1210, and a part of the lower surface 720 and the end surface 730 are supported by the support member 1201.

[0036] 3G, the user applies force to the force receiving portion 1311 to rotate the force applying member 1310 in the direction opposite to the second rotation direction, rotates the driving member 1320 in conjunction with the force applying member 1310, and moves the driving member 1320 along the Y-axis direction so as to approach the tip portion 1210, thereby reducing the distance of the tip portion 1210 from the support member 1201 until a part of the electronic device 700 can be positionally limited between the tip portion 1210 and the support member 1201. Then, the user can, for example, pass the hook member 1400a of the lock body 1400 through the hole 1310b of the partially closed end 1310a and place it in a position other than where the end 1321 of the force applying portion 1312 is located, and then lock the lock body 1400, i.e., place the position limiting device 801 in a locked state. At this time, the movement of driving member 1320 along the Y-axis direction is limited by hook member 1400a, and the distance of tip portion 1210 from support member 1201 is constant, thereby achieving the effect of fixing electronic device 700. When position limiting device 801 is in the locked state, the relative positions of lock body 1400 and position limiting device 801 are, for example, as shown in FIG 3H.

[0037] As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, the position limiting device 802 includes a support member 2201 and an engagement member 2202, and further includes a housing 2100, a driving device 2300, a lock body 2400, and an assembly member 2500. As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4E to 4F, the driving device 2300 is provided in the lock body 2400, the lock body 2400 is provided in the housing 2100, and the assembly member 2500 is removably provided adjacent to the lock body 2400 in the housing 2100. The support member 2201 and the engagement member 2202 are incorporated into the assembly member 2500, so that the engagement member 2202 can rotate relative to the assembly member 2500, and thus the front end portion 2210 and the rear end portion 2220 can approach the support member 2201 or move away from the support member 2201, respectively. From another angle, the driver 2300 may be the shaft rod of the lock body 2400 .

[0038] 4F, when the lock body 2400 is unlocked, that is, when the position limiting device 802 is in the unlocked state, the driving device 2300 moves along the Y-axis direction away from the tip portion 2210, thereby increasing the distance of the tip portion 2210 from the support member 2201, and thus a part of the electronic device 700 can be inserted between the tip portion 2210 and the support member 2201. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side edge of the notebook computer host as the electronic device 700 is inserted between the tip portion 2210 and the support member 2201 so that the upper surface 710 on one side of the keyboard faces the tip portion 2210, and a part of the lower surface 720 and the end surface 730 are supported by the support member 2201.

[0039] 4G, the user can apply a force to the driving device 2300 along the Y-axis direction to move the driving device 2300 toward the tip portion 2210, thereby decreasing the distance of the tip portion 2210 from the support member 2201 until a part of the electronic device 700 can be limited in position between the tip portion 2210 and the support member 2201. One end 2322 of the driving device 2300 facing the rear end portion 2220 has a slope, which contributes to the end 2322 moving along the Y-axis to enter a different depth position on the side of the rear end portion 2220 and abut against the rear end portion 2220. When the lock body 2400 is locked, i.e., when the position limiting device 802 is in the locked state, the movement of the driving device 2300 along the Y-axis direction is limited. At this time, the end 2322 abuts against the rear end 2220, and the distance of the front end 2210 to the support member 2201 is constant, so that the effect of fixing the electronic device 700 can be achieved. Meanwhile, at this time, the rear end 2220 is separated from the support member 2201, that is, open to the support member 2201, so that the assembly member 2500 can be engaged with the housing 2100. In other words, when the lock body 2400 is locked, the assembly member 2500 engages with the housing 2100, and when the lock body 2400 is unlocked, the assembly member 2500 can be removed from the housing 2100. Since the assembly member 2500 is removably installed in the housing 2100, the effect of replacing the assembly member 2500 and the included support member 2201 and engagement member 2202 according to demand can be substantially achieved, so that it can be more effectively adapted to the electronic device to be fixed. For example, replacing the support member 2201 with one having a support surface 2230 with a larger curvature provides better support for the electronic device 700 having an end surface 730 with a larger curvature.

[0040] As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the position limiting device 803 includes a support member 3201 and an engagement member 3202. Furthermore, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the support member 3201 has a support surface 3230 including a convex portion 3240 on one side, and a support member hole 3201b on the other side. The engagement member 3202 has a flange 3202a on the top portion, and an engagement member hole 3202b on one side. The engagement member 3202 can engage with the support member 3201 and move along the X-axis direction such that the projections of the support member hole 3201b and the engagement member hole 3202b on the XZ plane at least partially overlap. In other words, the engagement member 3202 can move laterally relative to the support member 3201 and engage with it such that the support member hole 3201b and the engagement member hole 3202b at least partially penetrate each other.

[0041] As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5E and 5F, the user may place a part of the electronic device 700 on the support member 3201. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side edge of the notebook computer host as the electronic device 700 is placed on the support member 3201 so that a part of the lower surface 720 on one side of the keyboard is supported by the support member 3201. Then, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5G, the user can move the engagement member 3202 along the X-axis direction so that the engagement member 3202 engages with the support member 3201 and the projection of the support member hole 3201b and the engagement member hole 3202b on the XZ plane at least partially overlap. This makes it possible to reduce the distance of the flange 3202a from the support member 3201 to a point where a part of the electronic device 700 can be restricted in position between the flange 3202a and the support member 3201. Thereafter, as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 5H, the user can, for example, pass the hook member 3410 of the lock body 3400 through the support member hole 3201b and the engagement member hole 3202b, and then lock the lock body 3400, that is, place the position limiting device 803 in a locked state. At this time, the movement of the engagement member 3202 relative to the support member 3201 is limited by the hook member 3410, and the distance of the flange 3202a relative to the support member 3201 is constant, so that the effect of fixing the electronic device 700 can be achieved. When the position limiting device 803 is in the locked state, the relative position between the lock body 3400 and the position limiting device 803 is, for example, as shown in Fig. 5I.

[0042] In other embodiments, the engaging member is not limited to moving along the X-axis direction to engage with the support member. As in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the position limiting device 804 includes a support member 4201 and an engaging member 4202. Furthermore, as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the support member 4201 has a support surface 4230 including a convex portion 4240 on one side, and a support member hole 4201b on the other side. The engaging member 4202 has a flange 4202a on the top portion, and an engaging member hole 4202b on one side. The engaging member 4202 can move along the Z-axis direction to engage with the support member 4201 and to at least partially overlap the projections of the support member hole 4201b and the engaging member hole 4202b on the XZ plane. In other words, the engaging member 4202 can move vertically to the support member 4201 and engage with it such that the support member hole 4201b and the engaging member hole 4202b at least partially penetrate each other.

[0043] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6E, the user places the side edge of the notebook computer host as the electronic device 700 on the support member 4201, and moves the engagement member 4202 along the Z-axis direction so that the engagement member 4202 engages with the support member 4201 and the projections of the support member hole 4201b and the engagement member hole 4202b on the XZ plane at least partially overlap. This makes it possible to reduce the distance of the flange 4202a from the support member 4201 to a point where a part of the electronic device 700 can be positionally limited between the flange 4202a and the support member 4201. After that, the user can, for example, pass the hook member 4410 of the lock body 4400 through the support member hole 4201b and the engagement member hole 4202b, and then lock the lock body 4400, i.e., put the position limiting device 804 into the locked state. At this time, the movement of engaging member 4202 relative to supporting member 4201 is limited by hook member 4410, and the distance of flange 4202a relative to supporting member 4201 is constant, thereby achieving the effect of fixing electronic device 700. When position limiting device 804 is in the locked state, the relative position between lock body 4400 and position limiting device 804 is, for example, as shown in FIG 6F.

[0044] As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the position limiting device 805 includes a support member 5201 and an engagement member 5202. Furthermore, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the support member 5201 has a support surface 5230 including a convex portion 5240 on one side, and a support member hole 5201b on the other side. The engagement member 5202 has a flange 5202a on the top portion, and an engagement member hole 5202b on one side. The engagement member 5202 can engage with the support member 5201 and move along the Y-axis direction so that the projections of the support member hole 5201b and the engagement member hole 5202b on the XZ plane at least partially overlap. In other words, the engagement member 5202 can move back and forth and engage with the support member 5201 so that the support member hole 5201b and the engagement member hole 5202b at least partially penetrate each other.

[0045] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7E, the user places the side edge of the notebook computer host as the electronic device 700 on the support member 5201, and moves the engagement member 5202 along the Y-axis direction so that the engagement member 5202 engages with the support member 5201 and the projections of the support member hole 5201b and the engagement member hole 5202b on the XZ plane at least partially overlap. This makes it possible to reduce the distance of the flange 5202a from the support member 5201 to a point where a part of the electronic device 700 can be positionally limited between the flange 5202a and the support member 5201. After that, the user can, for example, pass the hook member 5410 of the lock body 5400 through the support member hole 5201b and the engagement member hole 5202b, and then lock the lock body 5400, i.e., put the position limiting device 805 into the locked state. At this time, the movement of engaging member 5202 relative to supporting member 5201 is limited by hook member 5410, and the distance of flange 5202a relative to supporting member 5201 is constant, thereby achieving the effect of fixing electronic device 700. When position limiting device 805 is in the locked state, the relative position between lock body 5400 and position limiting device 805 is, for example, as shown in FIG 7F.

[0046] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed by the above description and drawings, it should be understood that various additions, numerous modifications and substitutions can be made to the preferred embodiment of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the principles of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can understand that the present invention can be used in many forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, materials, elements and components. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be regarded as illustrative of the present invention, not as limiting the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be limited by the appended claims and should include the legal equivalents thereof, and should not be limited by the above description. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 100 Case 100' Enclosure 110 Tip opening 120 Rear end opening 130 Side opening 140 Storage Space 140' Storage Space 144 Sidewall Thread 144' Sidewall Thread 201 Support member 201' Support member 202 Engagement member 202' engagement member 210 Tip 210' tip 220 Rear end 220' rear end 230 Support surface 230' support surface 240 Convex 240' convex 300 Drive Unit 300' Drive Unit 310 Force applying member 310' force applying member 311 Force receiving part 311' Force receiving part 312 Force application section 312' Force applying section 313 Position restriction section 313' Position restriction section 314 Protruding parts 314' Protruding member 320 Driving member 320' Driving member 321 edge 321' end 322 edge 322' end 324 Drive member thread 324' Drive member thread 330 Displacement limiting member 330' Displacement limiting member 400 Lock body 400' lock body 410 Engagement member 411 Convex pillar 420 Shaft Rod 421 Shaft rod end 430 Position limiting member 431 Side 432 Side 440 Dial Module 500 Elastic member 700 Electronic equipment 710 Top 720 Bottom side 730 End face 740 Groove 800 Position limiter 800' Position limiter 801 Position limiting device 802 Position limiting device 803 Position limiting device 804 Position limiting device 805 Position limiting device 1140 Containment Space 1144 Sidewall Thread 1201 Support member 1202 Engagement member 1210 Tip 1220 Rear end 1230 Support surface 1240 Convex 1300 Drive Unit 1310 Force applying member 1310a Partially closed end 1310b hole 1311 Force receiving part 1312 Force applying section 1320 Driving member 1321 Edge 1322 edge 1324 Drive member thread 1330 Displacement limiting member 1400 Lock body 1400a Hook member 2100 Case 2201 Support member 2202 Engagement member 2210 Tip 2220 Rear end 2300 Drive Unit 2400 Lock body 2500 Assembly parts 3201 Support member 3201b Support hole 3202 Engagement member 3202a flange 3202b Engagement member hole 3230 Support surface 3240 Convex 3400 Lock body 3410 Hook member 4201 Support member 4201b Support hole 4202a flange 4202 Engagement member 4202b Engagement member hole 4230 Support surface 4240 Convex 4400 Lock body 4410 Hook member 5201 Support member 5201b Support hole 5202 Engagement member 5202a flange 5202b Engagement member hole 5230 Support surface 5240 Convex 5400 Lock body 5410 Hook parts XX axis YY axis ZZ axis

Claims

1. 1. A position limiting device for use in combination with an electronic device, comprising: A support member having a support surface including a protrusion; an engagement member movably engaged with the support member, A position limiting device in which, when the position limiting device is in a locked state, the relative positions of the support member and the engagement member are constant, thereby limiting the position of the electronic device between them.

2. A housing having a tip opening at one end, The support member is secured to the outside of the distal opening, the engagement member is disposed within the housing and is rotatable relative to the housing, the engagement member including a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end at least partially protruding from the leading end opening and the trailing end extending in a direction opposite to the leading end; A drive device, a force application member including a force receiving portion and a force application portion, the force application portion being provided within the housing, the force receiving portion and the force application portion being connected to each other and being rotatable in conjunction with the housing; the drive unit includes a drive member provided in the housing and selectively moving on one side of the rear end portion to rotate in conjunction with the force application unit so that a distance of the tip portion relative to the support member changes; a lock body provided on one side of the driving device, the lock body restricting the movement of the driving device; The position limiter of claim 1 further comprising:

3. 3. The position limiter of claim 2, wherein the support surface extends along an X-axis, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis being orthogonal.

4. 4. The position limiting device of claim 3, wherein the engagement member is rotatable along a plane parallel to a YZ plane relative to the housing, the force applying member is rotatable along a plane parallel to an XZ plane, and the drive member is selectively movable along the Y-axis direction.

5. The force application portion has a position limiting portion, One end of the drive member engages with the position limiting portion so as to be movable along the Y-axis direction.

4. The position limiting device of claim 3.

6. the drive device further includes a displacement limiting member fixed within the housing, the displacement limiting member having an accommodation space therein extending along the Y-axis direction, and a side wall of the accommodation space having a side wall thread; the drive member is a cylinder disposed within the receiving space and having a drive member thread on a side surface thereof that matches the side wall thread; When the force application member rotates, the drive member rotates in unison, and the interaction between the sidewall threads and the drive member threads causes the drive member to move along the Y-axis.

6. The position limiting device of claim 5.

7. The housing has an accommodation space extending along the Y-axis direction inside, and a side wall of the accommodation space is provided with a side wall thread, the drive member is a cylinder disposed within the receiving space and having a drive member thread on a side surface thereof that matches the side wall thread; When the force application member rotates, the drive member rotates in unison, and the interaction between the sidewall threads and the drive member threads causes the drive member to move along the Y-axis.

6. The position limiting device of claim 5.

8. The lock body includes an engagement member that is movable along the Z-axis direction, and when the lock body is engaged, one end of the engagement member engages with the force application member to limit rotation of the force application member.

4. The position limiting device of claim 3.

9. The position limiter of claim 8 , wherein the lock body is a key lock and the engagement member includes a protruding post.

10. The lock body is a combination lock and includes a shaft rod that can move along the Y-axis direction, the shaft rod having a shaft rod end portion; The engagement member includes a bump that can move along the Z-axis direction, and one side of the bump abuts against the shaft rod end, and when the lock body is engaged, the other side engages with the force application member to limit the rotation of the force application member.

9. The position limiting device of claim 8.

11. a force application member which is a cylinder having a partially closed end and includes a force receiving portion and a force application portion, the force application portion being a recess provided on the inside of the partially closed end; a drive member, the drive member being a polygonal block at one end, the exterior contour of which matches the contour of the force application portion; a displacement limiting member provided within the force applying member, rotatable coaxially with the force applying member along the Y-axis direction, and the relative position of the displacement limiting member along the Y-axis direction does not change; Further comprising a drive unit.

2. The position limiting device of claim 1.

12. A housing and A lock body provided in the housing; A drive device provided in the lock body; an assembly member removably disposed within the housing adjacent to the lock body, The position limiting device of claim 1 , wherein the support member and the engagement member are assembled to the assembly member such that the engagement member is rotatable relative to the assembly member.

13. the support member has the support surface on one side and a support member hole on the other side; The engaging member has a flange on a top portion and an engaging member hole on one side, and the engaging member is movable along a lateral direction relative to the support member so that the support member hole and the engaging member hole at least partially penetrate each other, and is engageable with the support member.

2. The position limiting device of claim 1.

14. the support member has the support surface on one side and a support member hole on the other side; The engaging member has a flange on a top portion and an engaging member hole on one side, and the engaging member is movable vertically relative to the support member so that the support member hole and the engaging member hole at least partially penetrate each other, and is engageable with the support member.

2. The position limiting device of claim 1.

15. the support member has the support surface on one side and a support member hole on the other side; The engaging member has a flange on a top portion and an engaging member hole on one side, and the engaging member is movable along the front and rear of the supporting member to be engaged with the supporting member such that the supporting member hole and the engaging member hole at least partially penetrate each other.

2. The position limiting device of claim 1.

Images