KR100198740B1 - A docking system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer stand for mounting a portable computer, and more particularly to a portable computer docking station capable of interacting with a user. A portable computer docking station according to the present invention comprises a base having an electrical connector and a rotating member. The base accommodates electrical devices such as a power supply and a memory storage device. The rotatable member is pivoted between a first open position and a second locked position, respectively, for receiving or locking the base to the portable computer. When the base is fixed to the portable computer, the electrical connector of the base is connected to a portable computer for connecting the portable computer and an electrical device contained in the base.

Description

Portable Computer Docking Station

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable computer docking station according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the portable computer docking station of FIG. 1 with the rotating member folded.

3 is an exploded perspective view of the portable computer and the portable computer docking station of Fig. 2; Fig.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portable computer docking station of FIG. 1 on which a portable computer is mounted. FIG.

5 is a rear view of the portable computer docking station.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

20: Portable computer docking station 26: Electrical connector

30: rear portion 32: upper flat portion

34: latch 36: front part

38: electronic control unit 42: audio speaker

44: lid 45: optical disk drive

52: end 56: hinge block

58: end 62: switch

64: latch 70: latching groove

72: Portable computer 80: Electrical connector

82:

The present invention relates to a computer stand for mounting a portable computer, and more particularly to a portable computer docking station capable of interacting with a user.

In recent years, various communication methods have been developed in the field of computers to convey information to computer users. For example, such communication methods include audio sound through a speaker and video images displayed on a screen.

In particular, the transmission of information using one or more communication methods is referred to as " multimedia ". The sophistication and resolution of multimedia communications has been rapidly improving. The sophisticated images currently displayed on computer screens include animations, graphics and video as seen on a television. Also, in recent years, the sound generated by a personal computer has become better than the sound of a home audio system in the past.

Real - time video images can be stored, transmitted and displayed digitally, provided they have multimedia software and appropriate hardware. The video image may also be displayed with graphics, text, and audio sounds. For example, a video camera may be interconnected with a computer to store, enhance, and display images on a computer. The video image can be digitally stored. Sound can also be digitally stored, enhanced and reproduced using a computer.

The portable computer can be configured to employ special circuitry such as sound circuitry, video circuitry, expansion RAM for driving software with sophisticated multimedia capabilities, and high definition display. The portable computer has sufficient processing power and memory capacity to store and accurately reproduce digitized video images. In general, a 66 MHz 486-type processor can display real-time video images on an SVGA or VGA screen.

Most audio speakers integrated with today's portable computers can not produce high-quality stereo sound. The computer must be connected to the sound system to produce high quality sound. However, most sound systems are not portable. Accordingly, there is a need for a sound system that can be easily combined with a suitable portable computer capable of using a multimedia application.

Multimedia images and accompanying sounds often require sufficient memory storage capacity. A removable memory module inserted into a portable computer can not provide sufficient memory capacity and does not provide sufficient data call and storage speed to use sophisticated multimedia applications. Therefore, there is a need for a method for increasing the memory storage capacity and data call speed of a portable computer.

Portable computers require portable power supplies such as batteries. Portable computers, typically with extended memory and fast processing speed, require more energy than the energy required to operate a computer with a smaller memory and speed. Portable computers for operating multimedia and other software often require functions such as, for example, embedded memory storage modules, specialized circuits, modems, sound systems, and auxiliary power supplies. Therefore, portable computers that are associated with multimedia applications can provide various functions required and require a compact and portable method. This is either not yet developed or it has to add the new functionality required by the ongoing changes in today's computer.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable computer docking station that is configured to mount a portable computer and that can provide sound and video.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a compact and portable portable computer docking station.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable computer docking station capable of using a multimedia application with a portable computer.

The portable computer docking station of the present invention, as one preferred embodiment, with respect to the objects of the present invention described above, which will be mentioned or which will be mentioned later or will become apparent in the following description, A base having an electrical connector for connection with a portable computer and supporting the portable computer; And a rotary member rotatably mounted on the base and having a first open position and a second locking position, wherein when the portable computer is mounted on the base, the electrical connector is connected to a portable computer, Is rotated from the first open position to the second locking position to fix the portable computer to the base.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotating member projects further in the vertical direction from the base when the rotating member is in the second locking position.

In another preferred embodiment, the rotating member includes a catch for fixing the rotating member to the base.

In another preferred embodiment, the base has a hinge block integrally formed on the base for rotatably securing the rotating member.

In another preferred embodiment, the rotary member has two ends to which an audio speaker is attached, and the end of the rotary member is rotatably coupled to the base to enable the generation of stereo sound.

In another preferred embodiment, the base has a pair of latches projecting from the upper flat portion and a pair of switches connected to the latch to secure the upper flat portion and the portable computer.

In another preferred embodiment, the base accommodates an electrical device, such as an optical disk drive.

In another preferred embodiment, the base includes a PCMCIA card slot, a DC connection for connecting the base and the A / C connector, a serial connection port, a VGA monitor connection port, a video, audio and MIDI connection port and a parallel connection port, .

The effect of the present invention is to provide a portable computer docking station that can be coupled to a portable computer.

Another effect of the present invention is to provide a compact and portable portable computer docking station.

Another effect of the present invention is to provide a portable computer docking station capable of using a multimedia application with a portable computer.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring first to FIG. 1, reference numeral 20 is a portable computer docking station. The portable computer docking station 20 is composed of a base 22, a rotary member 24, and an electrical connector 26. The rotary member 24 and the electrical connector 26 are attached to the base 22. The base 22 is configured to support a portable computer. The electrical connector 26 is configured to be electrically connected to the portable computer. The term portable computer is defined herein as a portable computer that has processing, memory, and display devices, and which can be carried by the user by hand. Portable computers include notebook computers, notepad computers, and laptop computers.

The rotating member 24 is rotatably coupled to the base. The rotary member (24) comprises a rear portion (30). The rear portion 30 is flat for close contact with the portable computer. The rotating member 24 is in the locking position with respect to the base 22. In the locking position, the rotary member 24 projects vertically from the base 2.

The rear portion 30 is shaped like a portable computer and is flat to secure the portable computer. Although the rotary member 24 has a flat rear portion 30 projecting vertically from the upper flat portion 32 at the locking position, the rotary member 24 may be applied in various forms to secure the portable computer And can be projected at various angles.

The base 22 has a switch (not shown), a pair of latches 34 and an upper flat portion 32. The upper flat portion 32 is generally rectangular in order to mount a portable computer. The latch 34 protrudes from the upper flat portion 32 to engage the portable computer with the upper flat portion 32. The clasp 34 moves independently to engage the unillustrated latching groove of the portable computer.

The switch is coupled to the base 22 for selectively actuating each latch 34. The switch can manually engage or disengage the portable computer from the base 22 by operating the latch 34. [ The latch (34) is pressed by a spring and responds to actuation by each switch. The latch 34 moves in response to moving the portable computer from the top flat portion 32 of the base 22 to hang the portable computer.

The base 22 has a front portion 36 and an electronic control, The rotary member 24 has an audio speaker 42. The front part 36 supports the electronic control part 38 between the speakers 42. The electronic control unit is adapted to perform various functions. In one embodiment, the electronic control 38 is electrically connected to the audio speaker 42 for manipulating the operation of the audio speaker 42 and is operable by hand. The electronic control 38 includes a volume 46, a balance 48 and a mixer 50. Other controls, such as bass and treble, are also provided on the front side within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The audio speaker 42 is at a suitable distance from each other so that a listener close to it can hear the output sound of the speaker 42 in stereo, for example, a listener who is several meters away. In one embodiment, the audio speaker 42 is coupled to each end 52 of the rotating member 24. A protective cover 54 is provided to protect each speaker 42 from being punctured or damaged.

The optical disc drive 45 with the lid 44 is mounted on the front portion 36 adjacent to the rotational member 24. The lid 44 is opened to insert a memory storage device such as an optical disc. The optical disk drive 45 is electrically connected to the portable computer to communicate digital information.

The electronic control unit 38 adjusts the operation of the optical disk drive 45. [ The electronic control unit 38 may be installed at another place in the portable computer docking station 20. [ For example, the electronic control unit 38 can be installed anywhere on the rotary member 24. [ Although the optical disk drive 45 has been disclosed, other electronic devices, including memory storage devices and electronic circuits, may be accommodated in the base 22.

Referring to FIG. 2, reference numeral 20 is a portable computer docking station. The rotary member 24 is in the open position. In this open position, the rear portion 30 of the rotary member 24 is coplanar with the upper flat portion 32 of the base 22. The base 22 includes a hinge block 56 integrally formed on the base 22 so that the rotary member 24 can be rotated in an open position (second support) in a locked position (first support assembly).

The hinge block 56 protrudes from the base 22. The hinge block 56 has a rectangular block shape with two opposite ends 58. The rotary member 24 is rotatably coupled to the opposite end 58 of the hinge block 56.

The rotating member has two ends (52). A speaker 42 (first companion), a switch 62, and a pair of latches 64 are coupled to each end 52, respectively. The latch 64 is provided on the rear portion 30 and is mechanically connected to the switch 62. [ The base 22 is formed with a pair of engagement grooves 70 to which the latches 64 of the rotary member are respectively coupled. The latch 64 is automatically engaged with the latching groove 70 of the base 22 when the rotating member 24 is rotated in the locking position (first latching member). The switch 62 selectively releases the latch 64 from the base 22 so that the rotatable member 24 is unfolded from the locking position (the first rack) to the open position.

Referring to FIG. 3, reference numeral 72 is a portable computer prepared to be coupled with the portable computer docking station 20. The portable computer 72 has a display 76 rigidly folded over the portable computer 72.

The rotating member 24 of the portable computer docking station 20 is in an open position to mount the portable computer 72. The electrical connector 80 of the portable computer 72 is aligned to be electrically connected to the electrical connector 26 of the base 22. In particular, as the rotary member 24 is rotated from the open position to the locking position, the rotary member 24 pushes the portable computer 72 so that the portable computer is pushed along the upper flat surface 32 of the base 22 do. The electrical connection between the portable computer 72 and the base can be made through the electrical connector 80 and the electrical connector 26, respectively, and these connectors with several plugs and other types of connectors can be used.

The portable computer 72 has a rear portion 96 and a front portion 98. The portable computer docking station 22 has a rear portion 94. The rotary member 24 having the speaker 42 is rotated to push the front portion 98 of the portable computer 72 in order to align the portable computer 72 and the base. Rotation of the rotational member 24 causes the rear portion 30 of the rotational member 24 to push the rear portion 96 of the portable computer 72 to align with the rear portion 94 of the base 22.

Thus, the electrical connector 80 is aligned with the connector 26 of the portable computer 72. The rear portion 96 of the portable computer 72 is configured to receive the rear portion 96 of the computer docking station to align the electrical connector 80 and the electrical connector 26 when the portable computer 72 is coupled to the portable computer docking station 20. [ 94 to securely fasten.

The rotary member 24 is rotated from the open position to push the rear portion 30 toward the portable computer 72. [ The rotation of the rotary member 24 causes the portable computer 72 to slide on the upper flat surface 32 and catch on the latch 34. [ The electrical connector 26 is connected to the electrical connector 80 of the portable computer docking station 20 while the portable computer 72 is engaged with the latch 34. [

As also shown in FIG. 3, reference numeral 102 denotes a television output terminal, 104 denotes a ventilation hole, and 106 denotes a battery door. As is known, the television output connector 102 allows the portable computer 72 to communicate while watching a television screen connected thereto. The vent 104 discharges heat to maintain the portable computer 72 at the prescribed operating temperature. The battery door 106 allows an appropriate battery pack to be inserted into the portable computer for operation of the portable computer 72.

Referring to FIG. 4, reference numeral 72 denotes a portable computer 72 that is operatively coupled to a portable computer docking station 20. The portable computer 72 includes a keyboard 74 and a display 76 that is folded. The folded display 76 is open and visible.

The rotary member 24 is in a locking position and fixes the portable computer 72 on the base 22. The rotary member 24 hands the keyboard user's hand during the keyboard operation.

The base 22 includes a PCMCIA card port for receiving the Type II and Type III PCMCIA cards. Various other memory storage ports may be provided for the base 22, for example, those arranged for Type IV PCMCIA cards, floppy disks and other memory storage devices. Where PCMCIA is defined to include a removable memory storage device that is slightly thicker than a typical credit card, or has a size with approximately the same surface area.

As shown in FIG. 4, the portable computer 72 also includes a speaker 110 for a true multimedia experience by the portable computer 72.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a portable computer docking station 20 viewed from the rear side 82 side facing the rotating member 24 (second carrying case). In one embodiment, the rear portion 82 comprises a variety of electrical ports and connectors associated with the portable computer.

In the illustrated embodiment, the television input port 86 is connected to the rear portion 82 for connecting the television to the portable computer via the base 22, which enables communication of images from the portable computer 72 to the television, Lt; / RTI >

The DC input connector 88 is connected to the A / C adapter to operate an electrical device such as an electrical device, e.g., a speaker 42 (first enclosure), connected to the portable computer 72 and the base 22. [ To the rear portion 82 of the base 22. [ The A / C adapter connector 88 enables recharge of a battery (not shown) contained in the base 22 or the portable computer 72.

A serial port 90 and a parallel port 92 are connected to the rear portion 82 of the base 22 for connection to the base 22 and other computers such as a computer, Respectively. Although various ports with various functions have been disclosed, the base 22 may have other ports and may include a modem, a network card, a video and logic circuit, an audio circuit, a microprocessor, a memory device, an input circuit, , But accommodates a variety of electrical devices that are not limited thereto. Various electrical devices are electrically connectable to the portable computer 72 through the electrical connector 26 to enable communication with the portable computer 72. [

While the above description has described various embodiments of the portable computer docking station according to the present invention, the above description is only for the sake of understanding and does not limit the disclosed invention. In particular, various devices that can be installed in the rotary member 24 may be a number of devices such as an input device, a display, an output device, and a control device. The device mounted to the base 22 may also be any type of electrical device that does not contradict or communicate with the portable computer 72. For example, the electrical apparatus mounted on the base 22 may include a type II PCMCIA card circuit, a type III PCMCIA card circuit, a video module board, a television input / output port, an audio control board, a battery power source, And so on. The hingable coupling with the structure of the base 22 and the rotatable member 24 may also include any other that can selectively secure the portable computer 72 to the base 22. For example, the rotatable member 24 may be a structure that can perform additional functions and align the computer 72 with the electrical connector 26.

Claims (20)

A base having an electrical connector for connection with a portable computer and supporting the portable computer; And a rotary member rotatably coupled to the base, the rotary member having a first open position and a second locking position, wherein when the portable computer is mounted on the base, the electrical connector is connected to a portable computer, Wherein the member is configured to be rotated from a first open position to a second locked position to secure the portable computer to the base. The portable computer docking station of claim 1, wherein the rotating member projects vertically from the base when the rotating member is in the second locking position. 3. The portable computer docking station of claim 2, wherein the rotating member includes a latch for securing the rotating member to the base. The portable computer docking station of claim 1, wherein the base includes a hinge block integrally formed on the base, and the rotating member is rotatably coupled to the block. The portable computer docking station of claim 1, wherein the rotating member has two ends with an audio speaker attached thereto, and the end of the rotating member is rotatably coupled to the base to enable generation of stereo sound. . 2. The portable computer according to claim 1, wherein the base includes an upper flat portion, a pair of switches and a pair of latches, and the switch is connected to the pair of latches protruding from the upper flat portion for fixing the portable computer Wherein the docking station is a portable computer docking station. The portable computer docking station of claim 1, wherein the base accommodates an electrical device. 8. The portable computer docking station of claim 7, wherein the electrical device is an optical disk drive. A base having an electrical connector for connection with a portable computer and supporting the portable computer; A rotatable member rotatably coupled to the base and having a first open position and a second locked position; And an audio speaker mounted on the rotating member, wherein when the portable computer is mounted on the base, the electrical connector is connected to a portable computer, and the rotating member is connected to the base at a first open position and at a second locking position So as to fix the portable computer. 10. The portable computer docking station of claim 9, wherein the base comprises an optical disk drive. 10. The portable computer docking station of claim 9, wherein the base includes a slot into which a PCMCIA card is inserted. 10. The portable computer docking station of claim 9, wherein the base includes an A / C connector for supplying power to the portable computer and the base. 10. The portable computer docking station of claim 9, wherein the base includes a serial port and a parallel port for connecting the base and the computer peripheral device. A base having a hinge block and an electrical connector for connection with a portable computer and supporting the portable computer; A rotary member rotatably coupled to the hinge block, the rotary member having a first open position and a second locked position; An audio speaker mounted on the rotating member and electrically coupled to the electrical connector to respond to a signal generated by the portable computer; And an electronic controller mounted on the base and adapted to adjust an operation of the audio speaker, wherein when the portable computer is mounted on the base, the electrical connector is connected to a portable computer, And is configured to rotate from the open position to the second locking position to secure the portable computer to the base. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the base includes a latch, the latch is coupled to the base when the portable computer is coupled to the base, and when the rotating member is in the locking position for securing the portable computer to the base, Wherein the docking station is coupled to the docking station of the portable computer. 16. The portable computer docking station of claim 15, wherein the latch includes a manual switch for selectively locking and unlocking the latch from the rotatable member to selectively lock the rotatable member in the second locked position. 15. The portable computer according to claim 14, wherein the hinge block has two opposite ends, the rotating member has two ends, and the end of the rotating member is rotatably coupled to the end of the hinge block. Docking station. 15. The portable computer docking station of claim 14, wherein the base includes a front portion, and the control portion is mounted on the front portion. 18. The portable computer docking station of claim 17, wherein an audio speaker is mounted at an end of the rotating member. 15. The portable computer docking station of claim 14, wherein the base includes means for securing the rotatable member in the locked position.