Auto-lock mechanism for an image input/output device
AssigneeAvision Inc.
InventorsThomas Sheng, Chun-Min Wang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An auto-lock mechanism to be mounted on an image input/output device includes a first swingable element and a second swingable element. When the image input/output device is not slantwise and an upper cover of the device is opened, one of the first and second swingable elements swings but does not hook the other of the first and second elements. When the image input/output device is slantwise, both of the first and second swingable elements simultaneously swing, approach and hook each other such that the upper cover remains closed and is free from detachment to hurt a user.
Claims16
An auto-lock mechanism mounted between a body and an upper cover of an image input/output device, automatically locking the upper cover when the image input/output device is slantwise, the auto-lock mechanism comprising:
- a first swingable element and a second swingable element, swinging relative to each other such that one end of the first swingable element and one end of the second swingable element approach each other to lock the upper cover to the body or part from each other to unlock the upper cover from the body;
- a first counterbalance and a second counterbalance respectively attached to the first swingable element and the second swingable element, for providing reaction forces for swinging the first swingable element and the second swingable element, respectively;
- and
- a first fastener and a second fastener disposed on the first swingable element and the second swingable element, respectively;
- wherein, when the image input/output device is slantwise, the first swingable element and the second swingable element approach each other, and the first fastener and the second fastener engage with each other such that the upper cover is fixedly locked in place.
An auto-lock mechanism on an image input/output device having an upper cover, a body and at least one hinge disposed between the upper cover and the body such that the upper cover can be opened and closed, the mechanism being mounted between the body and the upper cover and capable of automatically locking the upper cover when the image input/output device is slantwise, the mechanism comprising:
- a first swingable element having one end pivotally mounted on the at least one hinge and the other end formed with a first fastener;
- a second swingable element pivotally mounted at a position opposite to the first swingable element and has one end formed with a second fastener;
- and a first counterbalance and a second counterbalance attached to the first swingable element and the second swingable element, respectively,
- wherein when the image input/output device is slantwise, the first counterbalance and the second counterbalance provide reaction forces, respectively swinging the first swingable element and the second swingable element, and the first swingable element and the second swingable element simultaneously swing and approach each other such that the first fastener engages with the second fastener to fixedly lock the upper cover in place.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.