Abstract:
A locking mechanism includes a first locking member positioned on the first object and a second locking member positioned on the second object. The second locking member can be moved to engage with or disengage from the first locking member. The second object defines at least one through hole for allowing insertion of the disassembly tool to push the second locking member, which disengages the second locking member from the first locking member.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to electronic devices, and particularly to an electronic device with a locking mechanism. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In order to satisfy the needs of users, many companies produce electronic devices (such as mobile phones, computers, and music players) with many different activities, such as playing games, listening to music, and browsing internet. Many of these electronic devices include an upper housing engaged with the lower housing by fixing members, such as screws. However, the fixing members are exposed, and the electronic devices may be disassembled by a user thus invalidating the warranty. However, it may be difficult for a technician to detect such unauthorized disassembly. 
     Therefore, there is room for improvement in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the embodiments can be better understood with references to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an electronic device in a first embodiment with a locking mechanism. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial, exploded view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a further exploded view of the electronic device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the locking mechanism in a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the locking mechanism in a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the locking mechanism in a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is similar to  FIG. 7 , but viewed from another aspect. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial assembled view of the electronic device of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the related drawings. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , an electronic device  100  includes an upper cover  10 , a lower cover  20 , an acoustic module  30 , and a locking mechanism  40   a  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The upper cover  10  and the lower cover  20  cooperatively define a receiving space  50  for receiving the locking mechanism  40   a  and the acoustic module  30 . The locking mechanism  40   a  is used for locking the upper cover  10  to the lower cover  20 . The electronic device  100  may be, for example, a mobile phone, a computer, or a music player. In the embodiment, the electronic device  100  is a mobile phone. 
     The lower cover  20  includes a base  201 , and a sidewall  203  perpendicularly extending from one rim of the base  201 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the sidewall  203  defines a plurality of through holes  2030 . In the illustrated embodiment, the through holes  2030  are a plurality of acoustic holes of the electronic device  100 . A protecting piece  209  is adhered to the inner surface of the sidewall  203  to cover the through holes  2030  to prevent penetration by dust and the like. The protecting piece  209  comprises a plate body  2090  and two breakaway portions  2091 . The plate body  2090  is divided into five pieces including the breakaway portions  2091  thereof. The breakaway portions  2091  are in the middle portion of the plate body  2090  but spaced apart and correspond to two of the through holes  2030 . The breakaway portions  2091  are breakaway portions joined to the neighboring portions and capable of being detached from the plate body  2090  by use of a disassembly tool  200  (partially shown in the figures) designed for the purpose and explained later. In the illustrated embodiment, the protecting piece  209  is made of dustproof mesh material. 
     The acoustic module  30  is on the base  201 . The acoustic module  30  may be used for any or all of reproducing, recording, and transmitting sound, and includes a first acoustic module  301  and a second acoustic module  303 . In the embodiment, the first acoustic module  301  is a speaker, and the second acoustic module  303  is a microphone. 
     The first acoustic module  301  includes a rectangular main body  3010  and a protruding portion  3012 . The main body  3010  of the first acoustic module  301  is parallel to and spaced from the sidewall  203 . The protruding portion  3012  and the second acoustic module  303  extend from opposite sides of the main body  3010  respectively and are symmetrical about the main body  3010 . The protruding portion  3012  and the second acoustic module  303  are perpendicular to the sidewall  203 , and the distance between the protruding portion  3012  and the sidewall  203  is less than the distance between the main body  3010  and the sidewall  203 , thus the main body  3010  and the second acoustic module  303  cooperate with the protruding portion  3012  to define a receiving groove  305 . The receiving groove  305  is between the sidewall  203  and the main body  3010 . 
     The locking mechanism  40   a  includes a first locking member  41   a  arranged on the upper cover  10 , and a second locking member  42   a  arranged on the lower cover  20 . The first locking member  41   a  includes two spaced apart first locking components  410   a ,  410   a ′, which have the same configuration and are mirror-images of each other. The second locking member  42   a  includes two base seats  420   a ,  420   a ′, two second locking components  430   a ,  430   a ′, which have the same configuration and are mirror-images of each other, and an elastic member  440   a . It is to be noted that, in the description below, the description about the first locking component  410   a ′, the base seat  420   a ′, and the second locking component  430   a ′ are omitted because they are similar to the first locking component  410   a , the base seat  420   a  which are described below. 
     The first locking component  410   a  includes a fixing portion  411   a , and a hook  413   a  connected to the fixing portion  411   a . The fixing portion  411   a  is fastened on the upper cover  10  by a fixing member such as a screw (not shown). The hook  413   a  perpendicularly projects from the lower surface of the fixing portion  411   a.    
     The base seat  420   a  includes a base body  421   a  and a first connecting portion  422   a . The first connecting portion  422   a  perpendicularly protrudes from the base body  421   a , and defines a first pivot hole  423   a.    
     The second locking component  430   a  includes a hinge  431   a , a second connecting portion  432   a , a pushing portion  433   a , and a pivot shaft  434   a . The middle of the hinge  431   a  defines an inclined surface  435   a . The second connecting portion  432   a  and the pushing portion  433   a  extend from opposite ends of the hinge  431   a  in the same direction. The second connecting portion  432   a  defines a second pivot hole  436   a  corresponding to the first pivot hole  423   a . The pushing portion  433   a  is spaced from the second connecting portion  432   a . The elastic member  440   a  includes a narrow strip-shaped body  441   a  and two arms  443   a.  The arms  443   a  extend from opposite ends of the body  441   a  and are curved in the same direction and manner to form a shallow U-shaped. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the means of connection among the first locking component  410   a,  the base seat  420   a  and the second locking component  430   a  is the same as that for the first locking component  410   a ′, the base seat  420   a ′ and the second locking component  430   a ′, and is as follows. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in assembly, the protecting piece  209  is adhered on the inner surface of the sidewall  203 , with the breakaway portions  2091  corresponding to two of the through holes  2030 . The acoustic module  30  is positioned on the base  201 . The protruding portion  3012  and the second acoustic module  303  face the protecting piece  209 . The base seat  420   a  is mounted on the base  201  and is received between the protecting piece  209  and the acoustic module  30 . The second locking component  430   a  is connected to the base seat  420   a , with the guide surface  435   a  facing the sidewall  203  and the pushing portion  433   a  corresponding to one of the breakaway portion  2091 . In this state, the first pivot hole  423   a  is aligned with the second pivot hole  436   a , and the pivot shaft  434   a  is inserted into the first pivot hole  423   a  and the second pivot hole  436   a  respectively. 
     The elastic member  440   a  is received in the receiving groove  305  and is positioned between the acoustic module  30  and the base seats  420   a ,  420   a ′. The body  441   a  is fixed to the main body  3010  of the acoustic module  30  by two fixing members  445   a , the projection part of the arms  443   a  resist the second locking components  430   a ,  430   a ′. The first locking component  410   a  is fixed on the upper cover  10  and corresponds to the second locking component  430   a . In this state, the second locking component  430   a  is rotatably coupled to the base seat  420   a  and is movable between a locking position for engaging with the first locking component  410   a  and an unlocking position where it is disengaged from the first locking component  410   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , when the upper cover  10  is secured to the lower cover  20 , the hook  413   a  of the first locking component  410   a  is guided by the corresponding inclined surface  435   a  to hook to the hinge  431  a and is received between the second connecting portion  432   a  and the pushing portion  433   a  to lock the upper cover  10  to the lower cover  20 . 
     It is to be noted that, in the description below, the means of disengaging the first locking component  410   a ′ from the second locking component  430   a ′ is same as disengaging the first locking component  410   a  from the second locking component  430   a , and is as follows. 
     To unlock the upper cover  10  from the lower cover  20  for the first time after initial assembly, a user inserts pegs of the disassembly tool  200  into two of the through holes  2030  which pushes the corresponding breakaway portion  2091  away from the plate body  2090  and pushes the pushing portion  433   a , causing the second locking component  430   a  to rotate and detach from the first locking component  410   a , and the elastic member  440   a  is compressed. In this state, the second locking component  430   a  is disengaged from the first locking component  410   a , and the upper cover  10  can be separated from the lower cover  20 . When the disassembly tool  200  is not applied to the pushing portion  433   a , the second locking component  430   a  is returned to the locking position by rebounding of the elastic member  440   a.    
     The locking mechanism  40   a  is positioned in the interior electronic device  100 , so it is difficult for the user to find and disassemble. Even if the user does find and use the locking mechanism  40   a , the breakaway portions  2091  will be broken from the plate body  2090  and provide evidence of disassembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , an electronic device  300  with a locking mechanism  40   b  according to a second embodiment is provided. The electronic device  300  according to the second embodiment has the substantially same arrangement as that of the electronic device  100  according to the first embodiment described above, except the locking mechanism  40   b.    
     The locking mechanism  40   b  includes a first locking member  41   b  and a second locking member  42   b . The first locking member  41   b  includes two first components  410   b ,  410   b ′ which are the same as the first locking components  410   a ,  410   a ′ respectively in the first embodiment, and description about the first components  410   b ,  410   b ′ is omitted. 
     The second locking member  42   b  includes two base seats  420   b ,  420   b ′, two second locking components  430   b ,  430   b ′, and two elastic members  440   b ,  440   b ′, which have the same configuration except for being mirror-images of each other. It is to be noted that, in the description below, the description about the base seat  420   b ′, the second locking component  430   b ′ and the elastic member  440   b ′ is omitted because they are similar to the base seat  420   b , the second locking component  430   b  and the elastic member  440   b  which are described below. 
     The base seat  420   b  does not include the first connecting portion  422   a  as does the base seat  420   a  shown in the first embodiment. Additionally, the second locking component  430   b  does not include the second connecting portion  432   a  corresponding to the first connecting portion  422   a  as does the second locking component  430   a  shown in  FIG. 4 . The elastic member  440   b  is substantially U-shaped in plan view, and includes an elastic body  441   b  and an elastic arm  443   b . The elastic body  441   b  perpendicularly extends from one rim of the base seat  420   b . The elastic arm  443   b  is bent from an end of the elastic body  441   b  away from the base seat  420   b.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, the means of connection among the first locking component  410   b,  the base seat  420   b  and the second locking component  430   b  is the same as that for the first locking component  410   b ′, the base seat  420   b ′ and the second locking component  430   b ′, and is as follows. 
     In assembly, the second locking component  430   b  is secured to a surface of the elastic body  441   b  back to the elastic arm  443   b  using any suitable approach, including for example welding, gluing or using a fastener. The elastic arm  443   b  abuts against the main body  3010  of the acoustic module  30 . 
     It is to be noted that, in the description below, the means of disengaging the first locking component  410   b  from the second locking component  430   b  is the same as the first locking component  410   b ′ and the second locking component  430   b ′, and is as follows. 
     To unlock the upper cover  10  from the lower cover  20  for the first time after initial assembly, a user inserts pegs of the disassembly tool  200  into the through holes  2030  which pushes the corresponding breakaway portion  2091  away from the plate body  2090  and pushes the pushing portion  433   b , causing the second locking component  430   b  to move and detach from the first locking component  410   b , and the elastic member  440   b  is compressed away from the base seat  420   b . In this state, the second locking component  430   b  is disengaged from the first locking component  410   b  and the upper cover  10  can be separated from the lower cover  20 . When the disassembly tool  200  is not applied to the pushing portion  433   b , the second locking component  430   b  is returned to the locking position by rebounding of the elastic member  440   b.    
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an electronic device  400  according to a third embodiment is provided. The electronic device  400  according to the third embodiment has substantially the same arrangement as that of the electronic devices  100 ,  300  according to the first and second embodiments described above, except for the locking mechanism  40   c.    
     The locking mechanism  40   c  includes a first locking member  41   c  and a second locking member  42   c . The first locking member  41   c  includes two first components  410   c ,  410   c ′ which are the same as the first locking components  410   a ,  410   a ′ respectively in the first embodiment, and description about the first components  410   c ,  410   c ′ is omitted. 
     The second locking member  42   c  includes two base seats  420   c ,  420   c ′, two second locking components  430   c ,  430   c ′, which have the same configuration except for being mirror-images of each other, and an elastic member  440   c . It is to be noted that, in the description below, description about the base seat  420   c ′, the second locking component  430   c ′ and the elastic member  440   c ′ is omitted because they are similar to base seat  420   c , the second locking component  430   c  and the elastic member  440   c  which are described below. 
     The base seat  420   c  has an added elastic block  424   c  compared with the base seat  420   b  shown in  FIG. 5 . The elastic block  424   c  is substantially plate-shaped and extends from one rim of the base seat  420   c . The second locking component  430   c  and the elastic member  440   c  are respectively the same as the second locking component  430   b  and the elastic member  440   b  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the means of connection among the first locking component  410   c,  the base seat  420   c , and the second locking component  430   c  is the same as that for the first locking component  410   c ′, the base seat  420   c ′ and the second locking component  430   c ′, and is as follows. 
     In assembly, the second locking component  430   c  is secured to a surface of the elastic block  424   c  back to the elastic member  440   c , by way of welding, gluing or using a fastener. The elastic member  440   c  resists a surface of the elastic block  424   c  back to the second locking component  430   c.    
     It is to be noted that, in the description below, the means of disengaging the first locking component  410   c  from the second locking component  430   c  is the same as the first locking component  410   c ′ and the second locking component  430   c ′, and is as follows. 
     To unlock the upper cover  10  from the lower cover  20  for the first time after initial assembly, a user inserts pegs of the disassembly tool  200  into two of the through holes  2030  which pushes the corresponding breakaway portion  2091  away from the plate body  2090  and pushes the pushing portion  433   c , causing the second locking component  430   c  to move and detach from the first locking component  410   c , and the elastic member  440   c  and the elastic block  424   c  are compressed. In this state, the second locking component  430   c  is disengaged from the first locking component  410   c , and the upper cover  10  can be separated from the lower cover  20 . When the disassembly tool  200  is not applied to the pushing portion  433   c , the second locking component  430   c  is returned to the locking position by rebounding of the elastic member  440   c  and the elastic block  424   c.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an electronic device  500  according to a fourth embodiment is provided. The electronic device  500  according to the fourth embodiment has substantially the same arrangement as that of the electronic devices  100 ,  300 ,  400  according to the first to third embodiments described above, except for the locking mechanism  40   d.    
     The locking mechanism  40   d  includes a first locking member  41   d , and a second locking member  42   d . The first locking member  41   d  includes two first components  410   d ,  410   d ′ which are the same as the first locking components  410   a ,  410   a ′ respectively in the first embodiment, and description about the first components  410   d ,  410   d ′ is omitted. 
     The second locking member  42   d  includes two base seats  420   d ,  420   d ′, two second locking components  430   d ,  430   d ′, and two springs  440   d ,  440   d ′, which have the same configuration except for being mirror-images of each other. It is to be noted that, in the description below, the description about the base seat  420   d ′, the second locking component  430   d ′, and the spring  440   d ′ is omitted because they are similar to base seat  420   d , the second locking component  430   d  and the spring  440   d  which are described below. 
     The base seat  420   d  has added an engaging portion  421  d compared with the base seat  420   c  shown in  FIG. 6 . The engaging portion  421   d  includes a first engaging portion  422   d  and two second engaging portions  423   d . The first engaging portion  422   d  is substantially plate-shaped, and perpendicularly protrudes from the middle portion of the base seat  420   d . The first engaging portion  422   d  defines a concave portion  424   d  facing the second locking component  430   d . The second engaging portion  423   d  perpendicularly extends from opposite rims of the corresponding first engaging portion  422   d  respectively. Each second engaging portion  423   d  defines a slide hole  425   d , a groove  426   d , and a slide slot  427   d . Each slide hole  425   d  is positioned at one end of each second engaging portion  423   d  adjacent to the base seat  420   d . Each slide slot  427   d  is positioned at the other end of each second engaging portion  423   d  opposite to the corresponding slide hole  425   d . Each groove  426   d  is positioned in the middle of each second engaging portion  423   d , with an opening configured to receive  431   d.    
     The second locking component  430   d  has added a pivot shaft  434   d , a third connecting portion  436   d , a fixing portion  437   d , and a slide portion  438   d  which protrude from a surface of the hinge  431   d  back to the pushing portion  433   d  in the same direction. The third connecting portion  436   d  defines an engaging hole  439   d.    
     The fixing portion  437   d  is substantially cylindrical, and is positioned between the slide portion  438   d  and third connecting portion  436   d . The slide portion  438   d  is substantially T-shaped, and is opposite to the third connecting portion  436   d . The slide portion  438   d  includes a shaft portion  4380   d  and two slide shafts  4381   d . The shaft portion  4380   d  is perpendicular to the hinge  431   d  and receives in the corresponding slide slot  427   d . Two slide shafts  4381   d  are perpendicularly extended from opposite ends of the shaft portion  4380   d  respectively. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the means of connection among the first locking component  410   d , the base seat  420   d , the engaging portion  421   d , and the second locking component  430   d  is the same as that for the first locking component  410   d ′, the base seat  420   d ′, the engaging portion  421   d ′, and the second locking component  430   d ′, and is as follows. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 9 , in assembly, the third connecting portion  436   d  is received between the second engaging portions  423   d , with the engaging hole  439   d  aligned with the slide holes  425   d . The pivot shaft  434   d  is inserted into the slide holes  425   d  and the engaging hole  439   d  respectively. One end of the spring  440   d  is sleeved on the fixing portion  437   d  and the other opposite end the spring  440   d  is received in the concave portion  424   d . The slide shafts  4381   d  are received in the slide slots  427   d  respectively. 
     When the upper cover  10  is secured to the lower cover  20 , the first locking component  410   d  hooks to the second locking component  430   d , and the second locking component  430   d  is retained in an end of the slide holes  425   d  away from the first engaging portion  422   d  (the locking position) by the force of the spring  440   d.    
     It is to be noted that, in the description below, the means of disengaging the first locking component  410   d  from the second locking component  430   d  is same as the first locking component  410   d ′ and the second locking component  430   d ′, and is as follows. 
     To unlock the upper cover  10  from the lower cover  20  for the first time after initial assembly, a user inserts pegs of one disassembly tool  200  through one of the through hole  2030  which pushes the breakaway portion  2091  away from the plate body  2090  and pushes the pushing portion  433   d , causing the second locking component  430   d  to slide and detach from the first locking component  410   d , and the spring  440   d  is compressed. In this state, the second locking component  430   d  is disengaged from the first locking component  410   d , and the upper cover  10  can be separated from the lower cover  20 . When the disassembly tool  200  is not applied to the pushing portion  433   d , the second locking component  430   d  is capable of driving back to the locking position by the spring  440   d.    
     Although information and the advantages of the present embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structures and functions of the present embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative only; changes may be made in detail, especially in the matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present embodiments to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.