JP2004527837A - Carrying case with pluggable connector module and pluggable switch module for small mobile computer workstation - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable case (1) having a body (4) carrying a workstation including a personal computer, computer peripherals (eg, a printer) and battery power is provided. Located within the body (4) of the carrying case (1) and extending along one side of the body is a shroud (12), which is spaced above the body. It has a cover (14) which is set open. Pockets (16, 18) are formed at opposite ends of the shroud (12) through the cover (14). A switch module (20) having a series of manually operable function switches (22) is detachable inside one of the pockets (16, 18) at one end of the shroud (12). Can be received. The connector module (30) is removably received in another pocket (18) at the opposite end of the shroud (12) and is portable without changing the arrangement of any of the computers or peripherals. The available power supply in the body (4) of the case (1) is adapted to interconnect the personal computer and computer peripherals. The function switches (22) of the switch module (20) are selectively operated such that appropriate power and control signals are provided to the computer and peripherals via the connector module (30).

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates to a carrying case adapted to carry a mobile computer workstation safely. The carrying case has a pluggable switch module and a pluggable connector module, which are removably mounted on the top of the shroud along one side of the carrying case and are easily accessible at the top of the shroud. Available. Thereby, power distribution signals and control signals can be selectively transmitted between the power supply of the workstation, the computer and the computer peripherals.
[Background Art]
[0002]
Mobile offices have become known in recent years. Generally, personal computers, printers, power supplies and other computer peripherals are packaged in a carrying case to facilitate movement and storage of the workstation. Many commercially available computer workstations are modular in nature, and different hardware components can be interconnected and then added or replaced as needed.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0003]
In some cases, the versatility of computer workstations has been limited primarily by space constraints that are characteristic of carrying cases. That is, it is often desirable to pack many hardware components in the same carrying case. As a result, the inconvenience and the need for the user to remove some of the computers, printers and / or other peripherals before ensuring sufficient space to connect or disconnect hardware components Often wastes time. Further, the cable runs that extend between the computer, peripherals and power supply in conventional carrying cases are known to be bulky and occupy a relatively large volume of space, thus undesirably using hardware-packed cases. It limits the available capacity.
[0004]
Therefore, it would be desirable to be able to efficiently locate a modular mobile computer workstation in a carrying case. In that case, the cable runs and connections between the computer, the peripherals and the power supply are located in an unobstructed area in the case, which advantageously saves available space. Thereby, the hardware can be efficiently packed and the connectors between them can be easily accessed to easily add or remove module components. This extends the life of the workstation and allows a wider range of computers and peripherals to be integrated within the carrying case.
[0005]
Examples of mobile computer workstations in carrying cases include commonly owned U.S. Patent Nos. 5,212,628 (issued May 18, 1993) and 5,226,540 (July 13, 1993). No. 5,442,512 (issued August 15, 1995).
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In general terms, a carrying case for a modular mobile computer workstation having a pluggable switch module and a pluggable connector module is disclosed. With this carrying case, the workstation can be carried in a shock-resistant, air-tight and water-tight body, which is pivotally connected to the body and has the case open position with respect to the body. It has a lid that can rotate between a closed position. Within the body of the carrying case are personal (eg, notebook) computers, printers, and other peripherals such as, for example, cell phones, satellite phones, modems, scanners, digital cameras, and built-in battery power.
[0007]
Extending along one side of the carrying case, preferably along the body, is a shroud. The shroud has a top or cover plate spaced above the body of the carrying case in the assembled relationship of the workstation. Thus, the electrical components and cables for power, temperature, voltage, etc. can be efficiently positioned in a space below the cover plate so that they are surrounded by the cover plate. Because of the above, such electrical components do not obstruct the available space in the body of the carrying case, thereby efficiently packing the computer and computer peripherals.
[0008]
A first pocket is formed through one end of the cover plate at the top of the shroud, and a second pocket is formed through the opposite end of the cover plate. A pluggable switch module having a series of function switches is removably received in a first pocket of the shroud. With the carrying case lid rotated to the open position, one or more function switches can be manually operated to control the distribution of power and control signals to the computer and computer peripherals. . A multi-pin connector is mounted on the bottom of the switch module. When the switch module is received by the first pocket of the shroud, the multi-pin connector at the bottom of the connector module automatically mates with a complementary connector mounted at the bottom of the pocket.
[0009]
The pluggable connector module is removably received in the second pocket through the shroud cover plate. A series of connectors are mounted on top of the connector module and are positioned above the cover plate of the shroud to facilitate interconnection to computers and computer peripherals. A multi-pin connector is mounted on the bottom of the connector module. When the connector module is received by the second pocket of the shroud, the multi-pin connector at the bottom of the connector module automatically matches the complementary connector mounted at the bottom of the pocket. By mating together connectors mounted at the bottoms of the first and second pockets of the shroud, and by selectively operating function switches on the switch module, power and control signals are transmitted to the connector module. Sent to computers and peripherals by connectors.
[0010]
Depending on the needs of the user, the pluggable switch module and pluggable connector module can be quickly and easily removed from the carrying case and replaced with new or different modules without mechanical changes to the workstation. A variety of computer peripherals can be powered and controlled by the shroud. In addition, the cable runs between the computer, peripherals and battery power can be quickly moved from each other above the shroud without first emptying the body of the carrying case or operating the workstation therein. Can be cut.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION <br/> Here, a carrying case with a removable connector module and plug-switch modules forming the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a carrying case 1 in which computers, printers, battery power and other peripherals (not shown) can be easily and safely transported. Although the carrying case 1 is shown empty, it is to be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only and that the carrying case 1 will be filled with commercially available personal computers, printers and other computer peripherals. Should. By way of example, computer carrying case 1 surrounds a mobile workstation including a laptop, printer, cell phone, satellite phone, handset, modem, digital camera, optical scanner, DC battery power supply and charger. The exact selection and arrangement of the aforementioned hardware components used to form the mobile workstation in the carrying case 1 is a matter of choice for a person skilled in the art, depending on the application of the workstation and the needs of the user. . Nevertheless, see US Pat. No. 5,212,628 for an example of a modular mobile computer workstation in a carrying case.
[0012]
The carrying case 1 of the present invention is preferably a sturdy, impact resistant, air and water resistant enclosure, which is pivotally mounted to a deep, rectangular body 4 by hinges or the like. It has a generally flat rectangular lid 2 which rotates relative to the body 4 between a case open position and a case closed position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Can be. The lid 2 and the body 4 are releasably secured to each other in a closed position by a conventional latch 6 on the body 4 which cooperates with a complementary catch 8 on the lid 2. The carrying case 1 is also provided with a handle 10 mounted on the front of the body 4 and extending out therefrom to facilitate movement of the workstation.
[0013]
The shroud plate 12 is located inside the main body 4 of the portable case 1. As best shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, shroud plate 12 has a top or cover plate 14. In the assembled relationship shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shroud is preferably arranged to extend along one side of body 4. However, the exact location of the shroud 12 within the body 4 depends on the hardware configuration of the computer and computer peripherals carried by the case 1. Therefore, the position of the shroud 12 within the body 4 of the portable case 1 should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention.
[0014]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cover plate 14 at the top of the shroud plate 12 is spaced above the bottom of the carrying case 1 and has a storage compartment 15 ( (Best shown in FIG. 3). Due to the above, various electrical components and cables (not shown) are efficiently placed in the compartment 15 below the cover plate 14 so as to be surrounded by the shroud plate 12 to enable a compact workstation configuration. Can be positioned. This minimizes the consumption of usable space and does not interfere with the computer and peripheral devices in the main body 4 of the case 1. By way of example, one or more of a switchboard, power regulator, temperature and voltage sensing board, battery power and cable harness for routing power and control lines between the computer, computer peripherals and battery power may include a shroud. It can be conveniently located by 12 and positioned out of the way of the storage compartment 15 below its cover plate 14.
[0015]
A first pocket 16 (best shown in FIG. 3) is formed at one end of the cover plate 14 at the top of the shroud 12 and a second pocket 18 (also best shown in FIG. 3). (Shown) is formed through the opposite end of the cover plate 14. The first pocket 16 is sized to receive a plug-in switch module 20, which has a series of manually operated function switches 22, which are connected to the portable case 1. When lid 2 is in the open position of the case, it will be accessible to the user.
[0016]
Next, the details of the pluggable switch module 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 in the drawings. As best shown in FIG. 4, the upper portion 24 of the plug-in switch module 20 includes a manually operated function switch 22. As best shown in FIG. 5, the bottom 25 of the pluggable switch module 20 is held by a bracket mounted on the top 24 of the switch module 20 so that the top 24 and bottom 25 of the module 20 are vertically spaced. Leave open. Mounted on the bottom 25 of the switch module 20 is a commercially available multi-pin connector 27. The switch module bracket is also mounted on a post and electrically connected between the switch 22 on the top 24 of the pluggable switch module 20 and the multi-pin connector 27 on the bottom 25 of the switch module 20. The stack of circuit boards 28 is held. The circuit board 28 held by the switch module 20 includes suitable electronic components adapted to control the distribution of power to printers and other computer peripherals in the carrying case 1 as will be described subsequently. And a logic circuit. In this regard, the system logic can be conveniently changed by replacing one circuit board with another to suit the needs of the user of the mobile workstation in the carrying case 1.
[0017]
To enhance the modularity of the workstation, the pluggable switch module 20 is removably received by a pocket 16 formed through the cover plate of the shroud 12. As best shown in FIG. 3, the complementary female connector 60 is attached to the shroud 12 at the bottom of its pocket 16. Thus, when the pluggable switch module 20 is received by the pocket 16, the multi-pin connector 27 held at the bottom 25 of the switch module 20 is automatically moved towards the complementary connector 60 in the pocket 16, Will be combined. Thus, the manually operable function switch 22 of the plug-in switch module 20 is electrically connected to the connector 60 of the pocket 16 via the stacking of the distribution circuit board 28 of the switch module 20 and the connector 27 at the bottom 25. Will.
[0018]
The pluggable connector module 30 is sized to be received in the pocket 18 through the cover plate 14 of the shroud 12 opposite the pluggable switch module 20. Next, details of the connector module 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 in the drawings. As best shown in FIG. 6, the upper portion 32 of the pluggable connector module 30 is provided with a power connector 34 that can supply power to a digital camera (not shown). The upper portion 32 of the connector module 30 is also provided with a serial port 36 that is coupled to a digital camera. Similarly, a scanner connector 38 is mounted on the upper portion 32 of the connector module 30, to which cables from a scanner (also not shown) may be connected.
[0019]
The connector module 30 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes connectors 34, 36 and 38 for the digital camera and scanner located in the body 4 of the carrying case 1. However, the function, number and type of connectors mounted on the upper portion 32 of the connector module 30 can vary depending on the nature of the computer and computer peripherals forming the mobile workstation in the carrying case 1.
[0020]
As best shown in FIG. 7, the bottom 40 of the pluggable connector module 30 is held by a bracket mounted on the top 32 of the connector module 30 so that the top 32 and bottom 40 of the module 30 are vertically spaced. Is left open. Like the switch module 20, the brackets of the connector module 30 also hold a stack of printed circuit boards 44 between the top 32 and the bottom 40. Circuit board 44 has logic circuitry to allow the computer to interface with different computer peripherals at connectors 34, 36 and 38. Mounted on the bottom 40 of the connector module 30 is a commercially available multi-pin connector 42 that can provide the required signal and power interfaces. The multi-pin connector 42 at the bottom 40 of the connector module 30 is electrically connected by a circuit board 44 to the connectors 34, 36 and 38 at the top 32 of the module 30.
[0021]
As a significant advantage of the present invention in terms of cost reduction and increased flexibility, the pluggable connector module 30 is removably received by a pocket 18 formed through the cover plate 14 of the shroud plate 12. To accomplish the above, the upper portion 32 of the connector module 30 has a lip 50 depending therefrom and extending down along the sides of the module 30. When the pluggable connector module 30 is received by the pocket 18, the lip 50 of the connector module 30 extends over and around the rearward edge of the shroud 12 so as to be in frictional engagement therewith. The frictional connection between the lip 50 of the connector module 30 and the shroud 12 holds the connector module 30 in the pocket 18 until an upward pulling force is applied to the module 30.
[0022]
As best shown in FIG. 3, the complementary female connector 52 is mounted to the shroud 12 at the bottom of the pocket 18. When the pluggable connector module 30 is removably received in the pocket 18 through the cover plate 14 of the shroud plate 12, the multi-pin connector 42 held at the bottom 40 of the connector module 30 becomes the complementary connector 52 in the pocket 18. Will be automatically moved towards and coupled to it.
[0023]
In the assembled relationship shown in FIG. 1, the pluggable switch module 20 is received in the pocket 16 through the cover plate 14 of the shroud 12 and the pluggable connector module 30 is received in the pocket 18. Thus, each of the connectors 60 and 52 extends inside the storage compartment 15 (best shown in FIG. 3) of the shroud plate 12 below the cover plate 14. This allows a cable that carries computer interface signals, power signals and voltage distribution signals to the computer peripherals of the mobile workstation to be mounted between the connectors 60 and 52 at an unobtrusive location on the carrying case 1.
[0024]
More specifically, a cable harness (not shown) is positioned below the cover plate 14 of the shroud plate 12 so that cables can be routed from the connector 60 below the pocket 16 within the carrying case 1. , Can be attached to both the connector 52 below the pocket 18 and the computer printer. A window 54 is formed through the side of shroud plate 12 below cover plate 14 to facilitate access to the computer printer. A connector module (not shown) similar to connector module 30 described above is received through window 54 so that the printer can be connected to a computer via connector 60.
[0025]
Here, by mating the complementary connector pairs 27, 60 and 42, 52, the pluggable switch module 20 is connected to the printer (not shown) and the connectors 34, 36 and 38 on the top 32 of the pluggable connector module 30. Can be recognized as being connected to The individual function switches 22 of the switch module 20 may be configured in a manner similar to that described in US Pat. No. 5,226,540, in which the workstation of the carrying case 1 is generally incorporated by reference. Can be selectively operated so that it can be controlled from above the shroud 12. Nevertheless, by way of example, by operating one or more function switches 22, the user distributes power and sends computer interface signals to printers and other computer peripherals in the carrying case 1. , Or alternatively, the workstation computer can be connected to external peripherals (eg, communication devices) that are available from outside the carrying case 1.
[0026]
Thus, the pluggable switch module 20 and pluggable connector module 30 described herein can be removed from the carrying case 1 and replaced with a new or different module. In this manner, changes can be made to the mobile computer workstation to provide power and control to different numbers or types of computer peripherals within the body 4 of the carrying case 1 while saving time. Eliminates the need to make such mechanical or electrical changes and maintains the modularity of the workstation. With the pluggable connector module 30 received by the pocket 18, the upper portion 32 of the connector module 30 is conveniently located above the cover plate 14 of the shroud plate 12, and the connectors 34, 36 and 38 are provided by the user. Will be readily available. In this embodiment, the cable run between the computer, the peripherals and the battery power supply rises above the shroud 12 without first emptying the body 4 of the carrying case 1 or operating the workstation therein. Available to be cut quickly and easily. Further, different peripheral devices can be removed from the portable case 1 without changing the arrangement of the remaining peripheral devices. In addition, carrying cases such as those shown in the drawings can be mass-produced with simple and relatively low cost modifications, using a wider range of computers and peripherals together in mobile workstations. Doing so can easily adapt to the needs of different users or computers in different work environments.
[0027]
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope. For example, in FIG. 3, the cable run is described as extending between connectors 60 and 52 at the bottom of pockets 16 and 18 of shroud 12, but signal transfer between switch module 20 and connector module 30. To increase the flexibility of the connector, connectors 60 and 52 can be modified to allow for the coupling of wireless IR signals therebetween.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a carrying case for a modular computer workstation, the case having a shroud extending along one side of the case.
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the carrying case of FIG. 1, showing a pluggable connector module and a pluggable switch module removably received in respective pockets formed through the cover plate of the shroud. FIG.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an enclosure, a pluggable connector module, a pluggable switch module, and a carrying case.
4 is a top view of the pluggable switch module of FIG. 2 including a series of manually operated function switches installed.
FIG. 5 is a side view of a plug-in switch module holding a set of circuit boards and a multi-pin connector electrically connected to a switch manually operated through the circuit boards.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the pluggable connector module of FIG. 2 including a series of mounted connectors.
FIG. 7 is a side view of a pluggable connector module having a multi-pin connector mounted on the bottom of the connector module and electrically connected to a connector on the top of the module.

Claims (10)

A portable case (1) having a personal computer, at least one computer peripheral and a body (4) carrying a power supply,
A connector module (30) removably attached to the body of the carrying case;
A switch module (20) having switch means (22) removably attached to the body of the carrying case and coupled between the power supply and the connector module (30);
The switch means (22) is operated by the connector module (30) to transfer power to the at least one computer peripheral, the connector module being a plug-in adapted to communicate with the switch means of the switch module. A plug-in output means (34, 36, 38) interconnected with the plug-in input means (42) and electrically connected to said at least one computer peripheral; The carrying case is also
An enclosure (12) having a cover (14) extending over at least a portion of the body (4) of the portable case (1) such that a space (15) is provided between the cover and the body. The connector module (30) is detachably attached to the main body of the portable case with the shroud plate, and the plug-in output means (34, 36, 38) of the connector module (30) includes the shroud plate (34). 12) A portable case which is located above the cover (14) of (12) and the plug-in input means (42) of the connector module (30) is located below the cover (14). The at least one of the pluggable input means (42) and the pluggable output means (34, 36, 38) of the connector module (30) is connected between the pluggable input means (34, 36, 38) and the switch means (22) of the switch module (20). The portable case according to claim 1, further comprising at least one circuit board (44) having logic for sending power and control signals between one computer peripheral and the personal computer. The connector module (30) is positioned in the main body (4) of the portable case (1), and the plug-in input means (42) and the plug-in output means (34, 36, 38) The carrying case according to claim 1, wherein the portable case is accessible without changing the arrangement of the personal computer, the at least one computer peripheral device or the power supply. The shroud (12) is formed through its cover (14) and extends into a space (15) between the cover and the body (4) of the carrying case (1) in a first pocket (18). The portable case according to claim 1, comprising: the connector module (30) and the plug-in input means (42) of the connector module are removably received in the first pocket. The shroud (12) also includes a first mating connector (52) mounted in the first pocket (18) and adapted to couple to the switch means (22) of the switch module (20). And wherein said pluggable input means (42) of said connector module (30) is plugged into said first mating connector when said connector module is removably received within said first pocket. 9. The carrying case according to 8. The connector module (30) has a lip (50) depending therefrom for removably receiving the connector module in a first pocket (18) of the shroud and for attaching the connector module to the shroud. The carrying case according to claim 4, wherein the lip is in frictional engagement with an end of the shroud (12) when removably mounted. The shroud (12) also has a second pocket (16) formed through its cover (14) and extending into the space (15) between the cover and the body (4) of the carrying case (1). 5. The portable case according to claim 4, wherein the switch module (20) is attached to the body of the portable case and is removably received in a second pocket of the shroud. The shroud (12) also has a second mating connector (60) mounted in the second pocket (16) and the switch module (20) connects to its switch means (22). The plug-in means of the switch module when the switch module is removably received in the second pocket (16). The switch module plugs into a connector (60), the second mating connector of the second pocket being adapted to mate with a first mating connector (52) of the first pocket (18). The portable case according to claim 7, wherein the (20) and the connector module (30) communicate with each other. The switch module (20) includes at least one circuit board (28) electrically connected between the switch means (22) and the plug-in means (27) of the switch module, One circuit board is arranged such that the switch module (20) and the connector module (30) are in communication with each other and when the switch means of the switch module is operated, power is supplied from the power supply by the connector module to the at least 9. The carrying case of claim 8, having control logic for sending to one computer peripheral. A portable case (1) having a personal computer, at least one computer peripheral and a body (4) carrying a power supply,
A shroud (12) located within at least a portion of the body (4) of the portable case (1) and extending over the at least a portion, and a first formed through the shroud and projecting below the shroud. And a second pocket (18, 16);
A connector module (30) electrically connected to the at least one computer peripheral and removably received in a first pocket (18) of the shroud (12);
A switch module (20) connected to the power source and removably received in a second pocket (16) of the shroud (12), the switch module being below the shroud and the connector. A carrying case adapted to couple to a module (30), wherein power from the power supply is provided to the at least one computer peripheral via the switch module and the connector module.