Security lock

Abstract

To provide a security lock capable of protecting a slot from damage without making the security lock abut on a depth bottom of the slot in a notebook computer when locking.SOLUTION: A security lock attached to an electronic apparatus equipped with a security slot comprises: a lock member 20; and an engaging claw 30 movable in an axial direction relative to the lock member 20. The lock member 20 can be inserted in the axial direction in the slot of the electronic apparatus. A guide structure 21 is formed on the lock member 20. When moving in the axial direction by being guided by the guide structure 21 of the lock member 20, the engaging claw 30 engages outwardly with the slot in a radial direction. The lock member 20 retains a stationary state in a process in which the engaging claw 30 relatively moves to the lock member 20 and becomes engaged with the slot in a state that the lock member 20 is inserted into the slot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a security lock for preventing theft of electronic devices, and particularly to a security lock for a notebook computer.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, electronic devices, particularly portable and convenient electronic devices such as notebook computers, are provided with a security slot for preventing theft (hereinafter referred to as a slot), and by using a specific security lock adapted thereto, the notebook computer is fixed at a specific position to prevent theft.

[0003] Among existing security locks for notebook computers, there is a pressing operation type security lock. Such a security lock includes a casing, a movable lock core, two locking claws, a pressing spring, and an engaging member. The movable lock core is installed in the casing so as to be reciprocally movable in the front-rear direction with one end protruding from the casing. The top surface and the bottom surface of the movable lock core each have a guide groove formed obliquely. The two locking claws are each installed in the casing so as to be movable in the lateral direction with one end protruding from the casing, and are accommodated in the guide grooves on the top surface and the bottom surface of the movable lock core. The pressing spring is disposed in the casing and constantly applies a biasing force to push the movable lock core outward. In such a mechanism, when the movable lock core is pressed toward the inside of the casing, the movable lock core moves inside the casing while compressing the pressing spring. After moving a certain distance, the engaging member locks to the movable lock core, and the movable lock core cannot move.

[0004] Furthermore, when actually applying the lock, first, hold the casing of the security lock and insert the movable lock core so as to abut against the innermost bottom of the slot of the notebook computer. Next, further push the movable lock core inward (which is equivalent to pressing the movable lock core into the casing). Then, two locking claws protrude outward along the guide groove portion of the movable lock core and engage with the inner wall surface of the slot of the notebook computer. At the same time, the engaging member and the movable lock core are in an engaged and fixed state, so that the security lock is in a locked state.

[0005] When attempting to unlock, first, release the engaged and fixed state between the engaging member and the movable lock core. As a result, the compression spring pushes the movable lock core outward, and the two locking claws move inward along the guide groove portion of the movable lock core. As a result, the engaged and fixed relationship with the inner wall surface of the slot is released, and the security lock can be removed from the slot of the notebook computer.

[0006] However, existing security locks have the following two drawbacks.

[0007] Drawback 1: Each time the lock is applied, it is necessary to insert the movable lock core so as to abut against the innermost bottom of the slot of the notebook computer and then strongly push it in (to compress the compression spring). Therefore, with long-term repeated use, there is a possibility of damaging the innermost bottom of the slot being abutted against, or in the worst case, the slot may crack.

[0008] Since the slot is integrally formed with the case of the notebook computer, if the slot is damaged, the entire case must be replaced, which not only incurs repair costs but also burdens the environment. Also, generally, notebook computers equipped with security slots for anti-theft are high-priced products. Therefore, it is not desirable to damage the slot in order to apply the lock, and high repair costs will occur.

[0009] Disadvantage 2: Since both the movable lock core and the locking claw of the existing security lock are movable members, when assembled integrally, they form an unstable structure. Furthermore, although this structure is intended for engagement with other components (the slot of a notebook computer), it is difficult to obtain a strong engagement and fixing effect. Therefore, the locking claw of the existing security lock does not have sufficient strength against the tensile force in the pulling-out direction (X-axis) or the pressing force in the vertical direction (Y-axis or Z-axis) with respect to the security lock itself, and thus cannot achieve an excellent anti-theft effect.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a security lock that can protect the slot from damage without hitting the bottom of the slot of a notebook computer when locking.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention proposes a security lock for attachment to an electronic device provided with a security slot, the security lock being a security lock for attachment to an electronic device provided with a security slot, the security lock including a locking member and at least one locking claw that is axially movable relative to the locking member. The locking member is axially insertable into the slot of the electronic device, and at least one guide structure portion is formed on the locking member. When the at least one locking claw is guided by the guide structure portion of the lock member and moves axially, it is locked to the slot radially outward. In a state where the lock member is inserted into the slot, during the process in which the at least one locking claw moves relative to the lock member and is locked to the slot, the lock member is characterized by maintaining a stationary state.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] When using the security lock according to the present invention, first, insert the lock member into the security slot of the electronic device, and then move the locking claw toward the slot relative to the lock member. During the movement of the locking claw, it is guided by the guide structure portion of the lock member and is locked to the slot radially outward. During the process in which the locking claw moves relative to the lock member and is locked to the slot, the lock member remains stationary, that is, the lock member does not move or angularly displace relative to the casing and slot of the security lock, and only the locking claw moves.

[0014] According to the security lock of the present invention, during the locking process, it does not hit against the slot of the notebook computer, so even with long-term repeated use, it will not damage the slot. Furthermore, the lock member remains stationary during the locking process without moving or angularly displacing, and by maintaining a stationary state, as a structure for stably holding the locking claw, it can surely ensure the engagement and fixing relationship between the locking claw and the slot, improve the strength against the tensile force in the pulling direction and the pressing force in the vertical direction in the overall structure, and obtain an excellent anti-theft effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings and preferred embodiments of the present invention, the technical means taken to achieve the predetermined object of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0017] FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 show a security lock for being attached to an electronic device 90 provided with a security slot 91 according to the present invention. According to these drawings, the security lock includes a lock member 20 and at least one locking claw 30. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of the locking claws 30 is preferably two, but is not limited thereto, and only one may be provided. Further, the security lock according to the present invention includes a casing 10, a holding holder 40, a lock 50 and an unlocking operation member 60.

[0018] The casing 10 has an opening 11 corresponding to the slot 91, and the formation position of the opening 11 is preferably located at one end of the casing 10.

[0019] The lock member 20 can be axially inserted into the slot 91 of the electronic device 90, and at least one guide structure portion 21 is formed on the lock member 20. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the number of the at least one guide structure portion 21 is two so as to correspond to the two locking claws 30.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the locking claw 30 is axially movable with respect to the lock member 20. When the locking claw 30 moves axially with respect to the lock member 20 (in the direction toward the slot 91), it is guided by the guide structure portion 21 of the lock member 20, moves radially outward, and engages with the slot 91. On the other hand, in a state where the lock member 20 is inserted into the slot 91, in the process of the locking claw 30 moving relative to the lock member 20 and being locked to the slot 91, the lock member 20 always maintains a stationary state, that is, the lock member 20 does not move or angularly displace with respect to the casing 10 and the slot 91.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the lock member 20 is installed at the opening 11 of the casing 10. It is preferable that the lock member 20 is fixed on the casing 10 so as not to move or rotate with respect to the casing 10, but it is not limited thereto. The lock member 20 installed on the casing 10 only needs not to move or angularly displace with respect to the casing 10 in the process of the locking claw 30 moving relative to the lock member 20 and being locked to the slot 91.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner diameter of the opening 11 of the casing 10 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the casing 10, and the lock member 20 installed in the casing 10 substantially closes the opening 11, but is not limited thereto. The cross-sectional area of the opening 11 of the casing 10 may be slightly larger than the portion inserted into the slot 91 of the lock member 20, or the cross-sectional area of the opening 11 may correspond to the slot 91. In the latter case, the cross-sectional area of the lock member 20 corresponds to the slot 91.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each guide structure portion 21 of the lock member 20 includes at least one guide contact portion 211. When the locking claw 30 moves relative to the lock member 20, the locking claw 30 is guided to contact the guide contact portion 211 and move radially outward. It should be noted that it is preferable that the locking claw 30 contacts the guide contact portion 211 from the radial direction, whereby the locking claw 30 can smoothly move radially outward. Further, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the guide structure portions 21 preferably includes two guide contact portions 211 disposed on both radial sides of the locking claw 30, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the portion where the guide contact portion 211 contacts the locking claw 30 may be a flat surface (see FIGS. 13, 16, and 19), a protruding convex rib 2111 (see FIGS. 14, 17, and 20), or a recessed concave rib 2112 formed to be recessed (see FIGS. 15, 18, and 21). Still further, the guide structure portion 21 (and the guide contact portion 211) may be formed on the outer surface of the lock member 20 (see FIGS. 13 to 18). When there are two guide structure portions 21, the two guide structure portions 21 may be formed on the outer surfaces (top surface, bottom surface) on opposite sides of the lock member 20, or may be formed on the side wall surfaces on opposite sides of the lock member 20 (see FIGS. 19 to 21). In the latter case, each guide structure portion 21 is formed like a passage. It should be noted that the guiding movement method between the guide structure portion 21 of the lock member 20 and the locking claw 30 according to the present invention is not limited to the above content.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, when the locking claw 30 moves in a direction approaching the slot 91 with respect to the lock member 20, it moves radially outward. At this time, the outer end of the locking claw 30 protrudes so as to protrude from the radially outer wall 22 of the lock member 20. As a result, the locking claw 30 is locked to the slot 91. On the other hand, when the locking claw 30 moves in a direction away from the slot 91 with respect to the lock member 20, it moves radially inward. At this time, the outer end of the locking claw 30 retracts so as to be drawn into the radially outer wall 22 of the lock member 20. As a result, the engagement and fixing relationship between the locking claw 30 and the slot 91 is released. It should be noted that it is not necessary for the outer end of the locking claw 30 to retract completely into the radially outer wall 22 of the lock member 20. As long as the lock member 20 can be withdrawn from the slot 91, the outer end of the locking claw 30 may protrude slightly from the radially outer wall 22 of the lock member 20.

[0025] When the locking claw 30 moves in a direction approaching or separating from the slot 91 with respect to the lock member 20, the movement path of the locking claw 30 may move linearly (in an oblique direction) or move in an arc.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 (and FIGS. 13 to 15), in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the locking claw 30 moves in an arc, the guide structure portion 21 is formed as an arc-shaped guide path. Further, on the locking claw 30 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a fulcrum portion 31 protruding radially outward. By installing the fulcrum portion 31, when the locking claw 30 moves in an arc along the guide structure portion 21, the fulcrum portion 31 abuts against the guide contact portion 211 (the wall surface thereof), thereby functioning as a fulcrum for the arc movement of the locking claw 30. The structure for assisting the smooth arc movement of the locking claw 30 is not limited to the above content, and the fulcrum portion may protrude from the wall surface of the guide contact portion 211.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 11 (and FIGS. 16 to 21), in the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the locking claw 30 moves linearly, the guide structure portion 21 is formed as a linear guide path.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the holding holder 40 is connected to the inner end portion of the locking claw 30 and is axially movable with respect to the lock member 20. When the locking claw 30 moves in a direction approaching or separating from the slot 91 with respect to the lock member 20, the holding holder 40 can move the inner end portion of the locking claw 30 in the radial direction, thereby assisting the (linear or curved) radial movement of the locking claw 30.

[0029] The holding holder 40 may only assist the radial movement of the locking claw 30, or may displace the locking claw 30 together. That is, when the holding holder 40 moves axially with respect to the lock member 20, while moving the inner end portion of the locking claw 30 in the radial direction, the locking claw 30 can be moved axially together (in various ways such as pushing or pulling).

[0030] The locking claw 30 in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed to move in an arc. When the locking claw 30 moves in a direction away from the slot 91 with respect to the lock member 20, the holding holder 40 can move the inner end portion of the locking claw 30 in the radial direction, thereby assisting the outer end portion of the locking claw 30 to move into the lock member 20.

[0031] The inner end portion of the locking claw 30 in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention has a guide portion 32 protruding radially inward. The guide portion 32 is accommodated and held in the holding holder 40 and serves to move the locking claw 30 as the holding holder 40 moves.

[0032] The holding holder 40 is provided with at least one accommodating recess 41. In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holding holder 40 is provided with two of the at least one accommodating recess 41 so as to correspond to the two locking claws 30, and the two accommodating recesses 41 are preferably formed on the outer surfaces (top surface, bottom surface) on both opposite sides of the holding holder 40, respectively. Regarding the accommodating recess 41 in detail, each accommodating recess 41 has a radially movable space 411 and an entrance 412 that communicate with each other, and the opening width of the entrance 412 is smaller than the total length of the radially movable space 411 in the extending direction. The guiding portion 32 of the corresponding locking claw 30 is inserted from the entrance 412 and is radially movably accommodated and held in the radially movable space 411.

[0033] The security lock according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 is similar to the first preferred embodiment, but is different in the shape of the accommodating recess 41 of the holding holder 40 and the direction in which the guiding portion 32 of the locking claw 30 is accommodated and held in the holding holder 40. In the second preferred embodiment, the two locking claws 30 are also respectively arranged on both opposite sides (upper and lower sides) of the holding holder 40, but the guiding portion 32 of each locking claw 30 is respectively formed to protrude toward the holding holder 40 at the inner end of the locking claw 30. Here, the guiding portion 32 may be a columnar body having a cylindrical shape (see FIG. 9), or may be a bent end portion of the plate-shaped locking claw 30 (see FIGS. 22 to 24). On the other hand, the two accommodating recesses 41 of the holding holder 40 in the second preferred embodiment are respectively formed to extend in the radial direction, and are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the left and right of the holding holder 40, but are not limited thereto. The two accommodating recesses 41 may be respectively formed on the opposite top surface and bottom surface of the holding holder 40.

[0034] In addition, the portion in contact with the slot 91 at the outer end of the locking claw 30 shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 may be a flat side wall (see FIG. 22), or a protruding protrusion 33 (see FIG. 23), or a recessed depression 34 (see FIG. 24).

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 6, and 7, the lock 50 may be a cylinder lock or a dial lock. The lock 50 preferably includes an axially movable mandrel 51 that always tends to move toward the slot 91 and the locking member 20 (it is preferable to provide a mandrel biasing member 71 to axially bias the mandrel 51). One end of the mandrel 51 is connected to the locking claw 30 (directly or indirectly), and the locking claw 30 can be axially moved relative to the locking member 20. Incidentally, it is preferable that one end of the mandrel 51 is connected to the holding holder 40, and while moving the holding holder 40, the locking claw 30 is also moved.

[0036] The unlocking operation member 60 is connected to the mandrel 51, and by operating the unlocking operation member 60, the mandrel 51 can be moved in a direction away from the locking member 20. Specifically, the unlocking operation member 60 is installed so as to protrude from the casing 10, can be moved toward the mandrel 51 by a pressing operation, and has at least one inclined surface 61. With such a configuration, when the unlocking operation member 60 is pressed, the mandrel 51 is moved in a direction away from the locking member 20 via the at least one inclined surface 61. On the other hand, it is preferable that the unlocking operation member 60 always tends to move in a direction away from the mandrel 51 (it is preferable to provide an unlocking operation biasing member 72 to axially bias the unlocking operation member 60). Incidentally, the configuration of the unlocking operation member 60 is not limited to the above content, and the unlocking operation member 60 according to the present invention may have any configuration as long as the mandrel 51 can be moved by a pressing operation. On the other hand, when the lock 50 is in the locked state, since the mandrel 51 cannot be axially moved relative to the casing 10, the unlocking operation member 60 is in a state where it cannot be (pressed) operated.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when using the security lock according to the present invention, first, the lock 50 is switched to the unlocked state. Next, when the unlocking operation member 60 is pressed to move the core bar 51, the holding holder 40 moves the two locking claws 30 into the interior of the locking member 20 in a direction away from the slot 91. Thereafter, the outer ends of the locking member 20 and the locking claws 30 are inserted into the slot 91 to be locked. When the pressing operation of the unlocking operation member 60 is released, the core bar 51 moves toward the slot 91 by the biasing force of the core bar biasing member 71. Through the holding holder 40, the locking claws 30 are linearly pushed obliquely (in the case of the second preferred embodiment) or curvilinearly (in the case of the first preferred embodiment) along the guide structure portion 21 of the locking member 20. As a result, the outer ends of the locking claws 30 protrude from the locking member 20 and are locked to the slot 91. Finally, the lock 50 is switched to the locked state and the unlocking operation member 60 is made inoperable, thereby maintaining the engagement and fixing relationship between the locking claws 30 and the slot 91, and the locking of the security lock according to the present invention is completed.

[0038] During the above-described locking operation process, the locking member 20 according to the present invention always remains stationary without moving or angularly displacing with respect to the casing 10 or the slot 91, and only the locking claws 30 move. Thereby, the slot 91 can be protected from damage without applying an acting force that abuts against the bottom of the slot 91.

[0039] In addition, since the locking member 20 according to the present invention does not move or angularly displace during the locking operation process, as a structure for stably holding the locking claws 30, the engagement and fixing relationship between the locking claws 30 and the slot 91 can be surely ensured. In addition, in the structure of the assembled locking member 20 and the locking claws 30, the strength against the tensile force in the pulling direction and the pressing force in the vertical direction can also be improved.

[0040] In the first preferred embodiment, the locking claw 30 according to the present invention moves in an arc and can protrude longer compared to the linear movement in the second preferred embodiment. Further, the locking claw 30 is guided by the guide structure portion 21 having an arcuate guide path, so that its stability and strength against tensile force and pressing force can be further improved. The results of the strength test of the security lock according to the first preferred embodiment (with an arcuate movement path) of the present invention in FIG. 12 against tensile force and pressing force are as follows.

[0041] Strength test for tensile force along the pulling-out direction D1: Two locking claws 30 were locked to the slot 91 of the fixed electronic device 90, and the security lock of the present invention was pulled through a wire rope with a tensile force of 10 mm / min to separate it from the electronic device 90 for the strength test. Under this condition, the tensile force strength was 50 kgf or more.

[0042] Strength test for pressing force along the first radial direction D2: A strength test was carried out by applying a pressing force along the first radial direction D2 at a speed of 10 mm / min through a round bar. Under this condition, the pressing force strength was 50 kgf or more.

[0043] Strength test for pressing force along the second radial direction D3: A strength test was carried out by applying a pressing force along the second radial direction D3 at a speed of 10 mm / min through a round bar. Under this condition, the pressing force strength was 50 kgf or more.

[0044] According to the above test results, it was found that the security lock of the present invention has excellent tensile force strength and pressing force strength and a high anti-theft effect.

Explanation of Signs

[0045] 10 Casing 11 Opening 20 Locking Member 21 Guide Structure Portion 211 Guide Contact Portion 2111 Convex Rib 2112 Concave Rib 22 Outer wall surface 30 Locking claw 31 Fulcrum portion 32 Guide portion 33 Protrusion 34 Depression 40 Holding holder 41 Receiving recess 411 Radially movable space 412 Entrance / exit 50 Lock 51 Shank 60 Unlocking operation member 61 Inclined surface 71 Shank biasing member 72 Unlocking operation biasing member 90 Electronic device 91 Slot

Claims

1. A security lock for attachment to an electronic device having a security slot, comprising a locking member and at least one locking claw that is axially movable relative to the locking member, The locking member is axially insertable into the slot of the electronic device, and at least one guide structure portion is formed on the locking member, When the at least one locking claw is guided by the guide structure portion of the locking member and moves axially, it is locked to the slot radially outward, The at least one locking claw moves in an arc relative to the locking member during the process of moving relative to the locking member and being locked to the slot, A security lock, characterized in that in a state where the locking member is inserted into the slot, during the process in which the at least one locking claw moves relative to the locking member and is locked to the slot, the locking member remains stationary.

2. At least one guide structure portion of the locking member has at least one guide abutting portion, and when the at least one locking claw moves relative to the locking member, it is guided to abut against the at least one guide abutting portion and moves radially outward. The security lock according to claim 1.

3. The at least one locking claw is guided to abut radially against the at least one guide abutting portion when moving relative to the locking member, and moves radially outward. The security lock according to claim 2.

4. The security lock further includes a holding holder connected to the inner end of the at least one locking claw and axially movable relative to the lock member. When the at least one locking claw moves in a direction away from the slot relative to the lock member, the inner end of the at least one locking claw is guided by the holding holder and moves radially. The security lock according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The holding holder, when axially moving relative to the lock member, axially moves the at least one locking claw and guides the inner end of the at least one locking claw to move radially. The security lock according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. When the at least one locking claw moves in a direction away from the slot relative to the lock member, the inner end of the at least one locking claw is guided by the holding holder and moves radially inward. The security lock according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. At least one guide contact portion is provided on at least one guide structure portion of the lock member. When the at least one locking claw moves relative to the lock member, it is guided to contact the at least one guide contact portion and move radially. The at least one locking claw has a fulcrum portion protruding radially outward. When the at least one locking claw moves along an arc along the at least one guide contact portion, the fulcrum portion contacts the at least one guide contact portion and functions as a fulcrum for the arc movement of the at least one locking claw. The security lock according to claim 1, characterized in that.

8. The inner end of the at least one locking claw has a guiding portion protruding radially inward. The guiding portion is accommodated in the holding holder. The security lock according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that.

9. The holding holder includes at least one receiving recess, and the at least one receiving recess has a radially movable space communicating with each other and an entrance, and an opening width of the entrance is shorter than a total length in an extending direction of the radially movable space. A guiding portion of the at least one locking claw is inserted from the entrance and is movably held in the radially movable space. The security lock according to claim 8, characterized in that.

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