JP2006085299A - Power supply and method for installing power supply - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power supply suited for installation in a computer case, for supplying a DC current from an AC power supply to components inside the computer case via a removable cable attached to the power supply. <P>SOLUTION: The power supply 110 includes: a housing having an internal volume defined by an upper panel, a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels; an AC/DC conversion circuit positioned within the internal volume of the housing; and a DC output socket. The AC/DC conversion circuit converts an AC current received from the AC power supply into a DC current for supply to the DC output socket. The DC socket is positioned on one of the upper panel, the bottom panel or the side panels of the housing while in a position such that when the power supply is installed inside a computer case the DC socket is positioned inside the computer case so as to be connected to the removable cable. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a power source and a method for installing a power source.

  More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention receives AC current from an AC current source and provides components placed inside a computer case via a removable cable attached to the power source. With respect to a power supply adapted to be installed in a computer case for supplying DC current from the power supply, the power supply includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a plurality of side panels. ), An AC / DC conversion circuit (AC to DC circuitry) disposed in the internal volume of the housing, and a DC output socket, wherein The DC output socket is fixed to one of the top panel, the bottom panel, and the side panel that defines the internal volume in which the AC-DC conversion circuit is disposed. The AC / DC conversion circuit receives an AC current from the AC current source, and the AC / DC conversion circuit converts the received AC current into a DC current, which is converted into the DC current. And also this DC output socket is located inside the computer case so that when the power source is installed in the computer case, the DC output socket is coupled to the removable cable described above. It is fixed to one of the above-mentioned housing panels in a position to be arranged.

  For purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “socket” is an electrical that can be connected / disconnected in conjunction with a “plug” (defined below). It is intended to refer to a device that provides a dynamic connection. Such sockets can have, for example, a male or female electrical terminal configuration and a male or female physical body configuration. Furthermore, such sockets are intended to refer to devices that are attached to a relatively fixed structure such as a housing.

  Further, for purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “plug” refers to an electrical connection that can be connected / disconnected in cooperation with a “socket” (defined above). It is intended to call a device that provides Such a plug can have, for example, a male or female electrical terminal configuration and a male or female physical body configuration. Furthermore, such a plug is intended to refer to a device attached to a relatively movable structure such as an electrical cable.

  Furthermore, for purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “component” refers to any internal element or component of a computer (eg, a personal computer) that requires power supply. Intended to be called. Thus, as used herein, the term “ponent” refers to one or more motherboards, floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, DVDs, sound cards, video cards, games. It is intended to include, but not be limited to, cards, network cards, cooling devices, and / or network hubs.

  Furthermore, for each term identified herein as “intended to include” a specific definition, such terms are used when the term is used in the claims. The term should be interpreted more specifically as “intended to include at least one of its definitions”.

  Various mechanisms have been proposed for supplying power (e.g., to a computer system or other electrical device). Examples include the mechanisms described in the following patent documents.

  U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,979 relates to a power supply for monitors and host computers. The device includes a first power supply having a plug at one end and a capacitor connected in parallel to the other end electrically connected to the monitor's internal circuitry for supplying DC power to the monitor; A second power supply device having a connection component electrically connected to an internal switching power supply circuit of the host computer and having an input terminal for obtaining DC power therefrom, and attached to a wall of the housing unit of the host computer. And an output terminal connected to the socket so that the first and second power supplies are connected together to eliminate any low and high frequency interference on the monitor screen. DC power is supplied directly from the host computer to the monitor.

  U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,580 relates to an expansion device including a body of a device having first and second sides and a bottom surface continuous with the first and second sides. The power cord of this apparatus is pulled out from the first side surface, and a plug is provided at the extended end of the power cord. This plug is adapted to be connected to a power socket of an electronic device. The body of the device includes a guide groove formed in the bottom surface, in which a part of the power cord is removably fitted. The guide groove extends from the other end of the first portion to the first side surface, the first portion having one end open to the first side surface and the other end on the bottom surface. A second portion; and a third portion extending from the other end of the first portion to the second side surface.

  U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,029 relates to an audio power amplifier module that fits into a disk bay of a computer and is bolted to the frame of the computer. The module is powered from a power source in the computer and uses the computer frame as a heat sink. This module includes a connector for attachment to an internal sound board and an external speaker. Volume adjustment is usually included in the sound board, while volume adjustment is provided on the power module.

  U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,181 discloses a single housing structure for receiving a display unit, a power source, and a docking bay receptacle for accommodating insertion of the main computer body, and a power source, display unit and main unit. A computer system having a power / electrical signal connection assembly installed to provide a power / electrical signal connection between computer bodies. This power / electrical signal connection assembly is a connection plug attached to one side of the above single housing structure and a corresponding connection socket, when the main computer body is inserted into the coupling receptacle of the single housing structure. In order to prevent any misalignment that may cause damage to the connection plug, the corresponding housing socket of the single housing structure is mounted when the corresponding connection socket is mounted on the main computer body. And a corresponding connection socket mounted on the main computer body to be visibly coupled to a connection plug mounted on one side.

  U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,932 relates to a modular power source for use in a personal computer or other similar device. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a base assembly, a power supply housing, a power supply, and a fan assembly. The base assembly provides the basis for the modular power supply and the system common rapid that serves as a central connection for the distribution of power to the various electrical components embedded in the terminal board attached to it. Including a system common quick-disconnect. This power supply housing provides a protective structure for the power supply contained therein. The fan assembly provides cooling to the power supply and is mounted outside the power supply housing. The power supply is electrically connected to the system common quick disconnect described above that powers the terminal board attached to the base assembly, the fan assembly, and any other components located within the base assembly. The terminal board provides access to power for peripheral components such as logic cards, I / O boards, and the like. The use of multiple quick-disconnect electrical connectors allows components such as power supplies and fans to be replaced without removing the components that are “wired” to the normal power supply.

  US Pat. No. 6,535,377 relates to a power distribution unit (PDU) for supplying power to at least one electrical device (APP1-APP12). This PDU comprises at least one distribution point (P) for the power supply and at least one female outlet (J1-J12) on its accessible side. This outlet is adapted to receive the male connector of the cable of the electrical device (APP1-APP12). Said point (P) is electrically connected to at least one manually resettable breaker (BRK1-BRK6) by respective electric cables. The at least one breaker includes a respective push button (POU1-POU6) for resetting the breaker. The breakers (BRK1-BRK6) are connected to the at least one female outlet (J1-J12) by respective electric cables. The breakers (BRK1-BRK6) are installed inside the unit and are provided with at least one reset mechanism capable of resetting the at least one breaker. Several breakers can be supported in a line, and the reset mechanism described above can reset all breakers simultaneously. The push button has one end that extends beyond the wall for the distribution unit to provide a visual indication that an electrical failure has occurred in one of the electrical devices. Can respond to the condition.

  US Pat. No. 6,677,687 relates to a system for power distribution in a compact peripheral component interconnect (CPCI) computer architecture. The CPCI computer architecture comprises a plurality of CPCI systems with respective backplanes. The backplane further has a respective power rail that supplies power to a corresponding one of the plurality of CPCI systems. The power distribution system provides power to the backplane and includes a common bus connected to each one of the local buses of the backplane. A plurality of power supplies are connected to the common bus of the above distribution system. Power taken from any one of the plurality of power sources is available to any one of the backplanes described above.

  U.S. Patent No. 6,744,628 relates to a multi-directional power distribution unit (PDU) that provides flexibility in the configuration of a computer system, disk drive array, or other enclosure. This power distribution unit can be installed in one direction for power supply having a first configuration (eg from the front of the housing) and also in the second configuration (eg from the back of the housing) ) Can be installed in the second direction for power feeding. In either direction, a set of external power connectors couple to one or more external power supplies. Depending on the direction, the first or second internal connector will interface with the system or housing (eg, intermediate plane, power supply). The PDU may include circuitry for passing power through the filter and may also include a heat sink.

  U.S. Pat. No. 2,032,02503 relates to automatic voltage selection in DC power distribution devices. Equipment is provided with one or more sockets in the host housing, and the peripheral components of the device are connected to the sockets to provide the low voltage DC power it requires to the host. Can be received directly from. The socket is electrically connected to the output of the host power supply (or regulator) in order to provide the low voltage required to power the peripherals. The power supply can be attached to the back of the computer. The main feature of the present invention is the use of a connector for connecting a DC power supply of a host to a peripheral DC power using apparatus. This connector comprises pins that are connected to selected resistors in the power supply. The value of this resistor (ie, resistance) is selected to produce a predetermined control voltage that is fed back to the DC / DC converter in the host's internal power supply. The converter includes a pulse width modulation controller. The above control voltage determines the duty cycle (ie, pulse width) of the modulation to reduce its output from the maximum voltage to an appropriate voltage suitable for a particular peripheral power usage device. Thus, simply selecting the appropriate connector (or cable) with the appropriate pins associated with the selected resistor previously provided in the power supply automatically selects the voltage level for the corresponding peripheral device. . In an alternative embodiment, the DC power distribution device of the present invention comprises a stand-alone unit having one or more universal ports for receiving cables with connectors including appropriate pins for selected DC power usage devices.

  British patent application GB 2,322,972 relates to a general purpose computer power supply unit. The DC power output check panel (1) is included in the computer power unit or computer power system and is a host computer such as a printer, external fax modem, multimedia speaker, scanner, video conferencing camera and many other external media drives. DC power is supplied to an external device connected to the system. An AC power output socket can also be provided (FIGS. 2, 4). The panel (1) can include DC sockets of various sizes (eg, A2, A4), LED indicators (A1), and fuses (A3). This panel can be implemented as an independent unit (10, FIG. 5) connected by a cable (11) to the rest of the power supply unit (9).

  British patent application GB 2,256,319 has a power supply unit 2 with a cabinet 4 supporting a fan 24 on a removable front panel 18 and a slidably removable circuit board 28 supporting a power circuit 30. And a computer system in which the circuit board can be easily replaced / repaired. The computer system includes a disk drive module that fits into a hole (51) (eg, FIG. 57) in the front panel of the cabinet (48). The module can be in one of three alternative orientations relative to the cabinet so that the cabinet can be used in a different direction than the disk drive module while remaining in the same manner. The computer system can place the plug-in card in sockets (64, 68) (FIGS. 8 and 9) on an alternative mounting housing (82) located adjacent to the back of the cabinet (48).

US Pat. No. 4,886,979 US Pat. No. 5,321,580 US Pat. No. 5,761,029 US Pat. No. 5,822,181 US Pat. No. 5,880,932 US Pat. No. 6,535,377 US Pat. No. 6,677,687 US Pat. No. 6,744,628 US Patent Publication No. 2003222503 British patent application GB2,322,972 UK patent application GB2,256,319

  Objects and advantages of the invention that are common to the advantages and improvements disclosed herein will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings form part of the present specification and include embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

  By the way, referring to a brief description of a number of embodiments of the present invention, one of these embodiments is DC by a conductively conductive path that does not include wiring disposed outside the power supply housing. It should be noted that the present invention relates to a computer power source that includes at least one electrical socket that is electrically connected to the power source. This socket is accessible from the outside of the power supply housing so that the socket can be physically and electrically connected to a removable cable plug to provide DC power to any desired component of the computer. It can be done. The sockets and plugs can be of any desired form factor, and any number and configuration as required to make a connection to a given component located within the computer. Other electrical terminals can also be included.

  In addition, another embodiment of the present invention provides a computer having an output socket configured to reduce or eliminate the presence of an obstructive and / or useless power cable within the computer enclosure. Regarding power supply.

  Still further, another embodiment of the invention provides a computer that uses only the number of power cables required for a given computer configuration (eg, for a computer configuration that uses a given number and type of components). It is related with the method of installing a power supply in. That is, only the necessary number of cables can be installed at a predetermined time.

  Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention uses a specific length of power cable appropriate for a given computer configuration (eg, for a computer configuration using a given number and type of components). The present invention relates to a method for installing a power supply in a computer. That is, such a detachable cable is not excessive (if it is excessive (e.g. in terms of wasted material added to the power distribution and / or in terms of unnecessary electrical resistance)) It can be chosen to be of sufficient length to reach a given component that may be annoying and / or may be wasted.

Although detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that can be implemented in various forms. Further, each example provided in connection with various embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but are merely representative for the understanding of those skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. Should be interpreted as a basic case.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view illustrating a modular cable configuration of a power source according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the power source 110 includes a housing including a front panel 112 formed with a grommeted hole 114 formed therethrough. The grommet hole 114 receives a motherboard cable 116 having a motherboard plug 118 at one end thereof.

  The front panel 112 further includes a plurality of holes for receiving sockets 120, 122 and 124 for supplying 12 volt power, auxiliary power, and ambient power, respectively. In one example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), the sockets 120, 122 and 124 can be mounted on a printed circuit board (such a printed circuit board). Can now be attached to the inside of the front panel (eg, via mounting screws 125).

  The present invention may further include a plurality of cables configured with plugs 132, 134 and 136 at each end to form a 12 volt power cable 126, an auxiliary power cable 128 and a peripheral power cable 130. Plugs 132, 134, and 136 can be configured to plug into respective sockets 120, 122, and 124 at one end of each cable. In addition, plugs 132, 134 and 136 are adapted to plug at the other end of each cable into a corresponding socket formed in a particular component contained within the device (eg, personal computer) in which power source 110 is used. Can be configured.

  In one example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), sockets 120, 122 and 124 and plugs 132, 134 and 136 may be of conventional form factors, Further, it may be male or female as required.

  In other examples (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), the motherboard cable 116 and the motherboard plug 118 may be of conventional form factors (the plug 118 may be May be male or female).

  In another example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), sockets 120, 122, and 124 are formed on the front panel 112 of the power supply 110 and are configured appropriately. (See FIG. 1).

  In another example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), the sockets 132, 134, and 136 can be integrally formed with each other as an integral connector 138. (See FIG. 2).

  In other examples (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), individual sockets and / or integrated connectors can be attached to the power supply 110 with flanges. In a more specific example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), the socket and integrated connector are held in place (eg, by a spring-loaded tab). The flange can be placed on the outer surface of the front panel 112 with its socket or integrated connector, and can be placed through a correspondingly formed hole in the front panel 112.

  It should be noted that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the motherboard cable 116 is connected to the power supply 110 by wiring, but in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the motherboard cable is plugs formed at both ends. It will be configured as a modular cable (not shown) with More particularly, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a motherboard socket 140 disposed through a corresponding hole formed in the front panel 112 of the power supply 110. This motherboard socket 140 will of course be configured to receive one plug of a modular motherboard cable (in contrast, the other plug of the modular motherboard cable is received by a socket attached to the motherboard. Will be.)

  Referring now to FIG. 3, it should be noted that this figure is illustrative of some conventional connector form factors commonly employed in power supplies (eg, personal computer power supplies). Specifically, the power supply is usually a motherboard cable (or main power cable) with a plug of the plug 118 type, an auxiliary power cable (or auxiliary power) with a plug of the plug 134 type, and a plug 132 type. A 12 volt power cable with a plug and a peripheral power cable with a plug of the plug 136 type. Floppy drives have been widely used in the past, but their penetration rate has been decreasing year by year. Nevertheless, the power supply 110 of the present invention is connected by inserting a plug into a corresponding power socket for a floppy disk, one end of which is arranged through a hole in the front panel 112 of the power supply 110, and the other end of the power supply 110. A floppy power cable having a plug of the type of plug 142 formed at the end thereof to be plugged into and connected to the drive. Of course, it will be appreciated that the plug shown in FIG. 5 may be commonly used today, but other plugs may be employed in the future without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Can be used.

  Referring also to FIG. 4, a back panel of a power supply 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As seen in this figure, what is attached to the back panel 144 of the power supply 110 is a conventional input socket 146 (eg, 115V or 230V input socket), a conventional voltage selection switch 148 (eg, 115V vs. 230V) and a conventional on / off. The off switch 150 may be used. The input socket 146 may be of a conventional type used within the personal computer industry that allows a power cord to be connected to the power supply 110, for example, to supply current from a receptacle or other outlet. . Further, the power supply can be controlled by an on / off switch 150. Furthermore, the voltage switch 148 may be of a conventional type in the industry that allows, for example, the selection of 115V versus 230V for the power supply 110.

  FIG. 4 is also suitable (for example, to allow air flow through the power source 110 to exit the site through a ventilation hole 154 (see FIG. 2) formed in the front panel 112 of the power source 110. Illustrated is a ventilation fan 152 attached to a back panel 144 (with grill work). As an example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), another ventilation fan 156 may be provided on the top panel 158 of the power supply 110.

  Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an example of the structure of the power supply housing (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting). More particularly, in this example, the power supply 110 is combined in a clamshell fashion (as if fastened together by suitable fasteners), thereby providing two substantially enclosed power supply circuits therein. It can be seen that it includes complementary U-shaped portions 110U and 110L. This FIG. 5 also shows that as an example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), each unused socket can be fitted with a removable cap to prevent its contamination. Indicates.

  It should be noted that the power supply 110 can facilitate the compact and efficient placement of power supply circuits within the power supply 110. In this regard, it should first be pointed out that the present invention is not limited to any particular power circuit type, topography, or rating. For example, existing power supply circuit designs may be employed to provide output power at different voltages (eg, 3.3V, 5V, 12V) and / or different capacities (eg, 300 watts or 400 watts). Can do. It is anticipated that future designs of the power supply circuit will be developed and can be incorporated into the power supply of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope.

  In any case, it is now known that a standard power supply circuit will generally include several basic components. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E show examples of layouts for standard power supply basic components that may be employed. As shown, the power supply circuit is conventionally a printed circuit permanently attached to the bottom panel of the lower portion 110L of the power supply 110 by a suitable stand-off or insulator common in the industry. Can be mounted on a substrate. A power supply voltage (line voltage) from the input socket 146 is connected to the input power line of the printed circuit board through the on / off switch 150. Connected to the printed circuit board is an input filter capacitor 164 and a transformer 166 (heat sink 168 is thermally coupled to the power transistor). An output circuit 170 is also attached to the printed circuit board. The motherboard socket 140 is wired to this printed circuit board. Similarly, 12 volt power sockets, auxiliary power sockets and peripheral power sockets (to be precise, these are treated identically as integrated connectors 138) are also wired to the printed circuit board. In addition, a voltage selection switch 148 is wired to the printed circuit board. Furthermore, the ventilation fans 152 and 156 are configured to be wired to the printed circuit board or otherwise powered separately.

  In one example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), the heat sink 168 facilitates the flow of air across the heat sink 168 during operation of the ventilation fan 152. And a generally elongate design aligned with the air flow created between the ventilation holes 154.

  As described above, the 12 volt power socket, the auxiliary power socket, and the peripheral power socket can be formed together as an integral unit. As an example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), the integrated unit may predetermine the integrated connector 138 by injection molding or other manufacturing techniques. Can be manufactured.

  In other examples, the terminals of the 12 volt power socket, the auxiliary power socket, and the peripheral power socket are buses 172, 174 and 176 (see FIG. 6B) to provide ground, plus and minus voltages to the respective terminals of the socket. Can be connected by. The ability to form these sockets together as an integrated connector 138 can help achieve a substantial degree of modularity and aesthetic benefits.

  Similarly, the motherboard socket 140 can be molded as an integral unit that can be mounted through a corresponding hole in the front panel 112. Further, the motherboard socket 140 can be connected to a printed circuit board by a connector 178 (see FIGS. 6B and 6C).

  Referring now to FIG. 7, the power supply 110 uses an independent modular motherboard cable 116 (connected to the power supply 110 via a plug 118 and socket 140) and the use of an independent 12 volt modular power cable, auxiliary power cable and peripheral cables. These cables can be plugged and connected individually to their respective sockets of the power supply 110 at one end and devices such as personal computers that receive power at their other end. It can be seen again that each internal component can be plugged in and connected (this FIG. 7 shows the use of only the peripheral power cable 130 in addition to the modular motherboard cable 116, but of course any other Desired cable set Together can also be used to).

  Therefore, only those cables that are required for a particular configuration are used as needed (as an example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting) Only those cables that are required for a particular configuration of a personal computer with the installed components are used as needed). Of course, when adding additional components, additional cables can be connected to the power supply 110 and its components simply by plugging them in for use. Similarly, if any component is to be removed, each cable can simply be unplugged from the power source 110.

  Additional benefits (eg, aesthetic benefits) can be achieved by including one or more elements that are highly responsive to ultraviolet (UV) light. For example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting) one or more panels (eg, top panel 158 and / or side panel 180) are sensitive to UV light. A transparent or translucent panel insert 182 can be included (see, eg, FIG. 8). In other examples (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), all or part of fans 152 and / or 156 (eg, fan housing and / or fan blades) Can react to UV light (see, eg, FIG. 5). Another example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting) is one or more or all parts of one or more cables removably connected to a power source Can react to UV light.

  It should be noted that any element described herein that is responsive to UV light can be made as such by appropriate manufacturing and / or processing (eg, the element is a UV light-reactive coating applied to it). And / or the element can be formed (in whole or in part) of a material that is sensitive to UV light). Furthermore, any element described herein as responsive to UV light can emit visible light when UV light is applied to it. As an example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting) the emitted visible light is (a) green, (b) blue, (c) red, (d) orange , (E) yellow, and (f) a color selected from a group including white, but is not limited thereto. In another example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), any element described here as responsive to UV light is not affected when it is exposed to UV light. Can emit visible light of a color different from the color of the element (for example, an element that appears transparent in the presence of visible light, or appears transparent, translucent, or white is green, blue, or red in the presence of UV light Can be seen).

  In other examples (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), the UV light is generated by a UV light source located within the power supply (eg, a fan hub in the power supply). And / or at least partly by an annular UV light located somewhere else. In another example (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting), the UV light can be provided at least in part by a UV light source located outside the power source.

  Referring now to FIG. 9A, there is shown an example of a cable / plug assembly for use with a power supply according to one embodiment of the present invention (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting). ing. As seen in this FIG. 9A, the cable assembly 900 includes a first plug 902 and a second plug 904. Furthermore, as seen in this FIG. 9A, individual wires 906 can be bundled together in case 908 and metal sheath 910 can be used to help eliminate or reduce electromagnetic interference.

  It should be noted that FIG. 9A illustrates two types of plugs: a first plug 902 (a unique plastic injection type plug) and a second plug 904 (a conventional type plug). is there. Although this example shows a cable assembly 900 that uses each type of plug one by one, other combinations can of course be used (eg, this cable assembly may use two specific plastic injection molded type plugs). Alternatively, this cable assembly may use two conventional types of plugs).

  Referring now to FIG. 9B, a more detailed view of the individual wires 906 in the vicinity of each of the first plug 902 and the second plug 904 is shown. More specifically, in the vicinity of the first plug 902, the individual wires 906 are tightly wrapped around the case 908 and the metal sheath 910, whereas in the vicinity of the second plug 904, the individual wires 906 are In contrast, it is not suppressed.

  Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10H, various examples of specific plastic injection-type plug covers according to embodiments of the present invention (this example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting). )It is shown.

  More specifically, FIGS. 10A and 10B show perspective and plan views, respectively, of a 24-pin (PIN) plastic injection molded cover. Further, FIGS. 10C and 10D each show perspective views of two types of 4-pin (PIN) plastic injection molded covers. Furthermore, FIG. 10E shows a perspective view of a SATA plastic injection molded cover. Furthermore, FIG. 10F shows a perspective view of a 3-pin (PIN) plastic injection molded cover (for fans). Furthermore, FIGS. 10G and 10H show various views of a 4-pin (PIN) plastic injection molded cover.

  Referring also to FIG. 11, another embodiment of a power source according to the present invention is shown. More specifically, as seen in this FIG. 11, the power supply 1100 can include a 24-pin motherboard socket 1101, a SATA2 socket 1103, a 12V socket 1105, a P4 / 12V socket 1107 and / or a PCI Express socket 1109. .

  Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown another embodiment of a power supply according to the present invention (this embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 with the following additions): . More specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 12, the power supply outputs an output switch 1201, AC output socket 1203 (for example, outputting 115V or 230V) and / or (for example, 3.3V, 5V, 12V). DC output socket 1205. It should be noted that such output switch 1201, AC output socket 1203, and / or DC output socket 1205 can be accessed from the outside of the device (eg, personal computer) where the power supply is installed. Of further note, either or both of the AC output socket 1203 and / or the DC output socket 1205 can be switched, i.e., turned on and off (e.g., the AC output socket 1203 and the DC output socket 1203). 1205 can be switched together by output switch 1201 or separately by a separate dedicated switch (not shown). It should also be noted that a desired number of AC output sockets 1203 and / or DC sockets 1205 can be provided. It should also be noted that the AC output socket 1203 and / or DC socket 1205 each have a desired physical and / or electrical configuration (eg, 115V and / or 230V AC output voltage, 3.3V, 5V). And / or a DC output voltage of 12V).

  While a number of embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not limiting and that many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The For example, although the invention has been described primarily for use with computers (eg, personal computers), the invention can be used with any device that requires a power source. In addition, each socket can include one or more conductive terminals to interface with corresponding conductive terminals of a mating plug (eg, each socket has one Alternatively, there can be more electrically conductive pins to connect with the corresponding conductive receptacles of the mating plug, or each socket can be fitted with one or more conductive receptacles. Can have to connect with the corresponding conductive pin of the plug). Furthermore, if multiple sockets are formed in an integrated connector, each of the integrated connector sockets can be of the same type (or form factor), or the integrated connectors can be different. A type (or form factor) socket can be included. Furthermore, multiple sockets may be provided by forming multiple recesses in the integrated connector. Furthermore, the socket can be attached to (and / or accessible through) the panel of the power supply housing. Furthermore, each socket is mechanically coupled to the panel of the power supply housing, attached to a printed circuit board located within the housing, and / or one or more other sockets. (For example, as part of an integrated connector). Furthermore, the socket may include one or more electrical terminals disposed in a recess in the socket (a fit that allows a terminal disposed in the recess to plug into and connect to the socket. It can be protected from making electrical contact with anything other than the plug). Furthermore, any desired number of sockets can be utilized. Furthermore, the power supply according to the invention can receive one or more input voltage / current levels and can supply one or more levels of output voltage / current (dedicated input and / or ) Output circuit can be used). Furthermore, the present invention can utilize one or more proprietary socket / plugs (as opposed to conventional form factor / electrical configuration sockets / plugs). Furthermore, the sockets can be installed substantially flush with the external surface of the panel on which they are placed. Furthermore, the present invention can provide improved airflow within the case of a device powered by a power source (eg, improved airflow within a computer). This improved air flow, at least in part, can result from the elimination of unnecessary cabling and / or the use of the shortest possible cabling. It is. Furthermore, although 115V and 230V are mainly used here for AC voltage levels, these can be considered as nominal voltages, and of course other voltages (eg 110V, 120V, 220V, 240V) are used in the present invention. May be used. Furthermore, one or more sockets (eg, to help prevent electrical terminal shorting-out and / or to help prevent dust and debris from collecting within the socket). May be covered by one or more removable covers. Furthermore, any other part of the power supply can be responsive to UV light. Furthermore, any of the steps described herein may be performed in any desired order.

1 is a front view of a computer power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention (where the power supply is shown with an integrated socket that receives a wired plug of the motherboard cable and a removable plug of the power cable). FIG. 1 is a front view of a computer power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention (where the power supply is shown with a motherboard socket that receives a removable motherboard cable and an integrated power socket that receives a removable plug of the power cable). FIG. It is a table | surface which shows the example of the conventional form factor normally employ | adopted in order to terminate the power cable of a personal computer. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the power supply of FIG. 2 (showing rear ventilation fan, power input, voltage selector and main power switch). FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a computer power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention (showing the characteristic shape of the clamshell of the housing of this embodiment) FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the bottom of the illustrated power supply of FIG. 5 (showing how its internal components and power supply are assembled). FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the illustrated power supply of FIG. 5 (showing how its internal components and power supply are assembled). FIG. 6 is a left side perspective view of the illustrated power supply of FIG. 5 (showing how its internal components and power supply are assembled). FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the illustrated power source of FIG. 5 (showing how its internal components and power source are assembled). FIG. 6 is a plan view of the illustrated power supply of FIG. 5 (showing how its internal components and power supply are assembled). FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing that a power cable can be easily connected by inserting a plug into each socket of the power source of FIGS. 5 and 6A to 6E. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a computer power supply according to another embodiment of the present invention (wherein a portion of the various panels of the housing is translucent or transparent material that reacts to ultraviolet light to shine when exposed to ultraviolet radiation) Is formed). FIG. 2 shows a cable / plug assembly for use with a power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a cable / plug assembly for use with a power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the cover for plastic injection type plugs by the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cover for plastic injection type plugs by the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cover for plastic injection type plugs by the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cover for plastic injection type plugs by the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cover for plastic injection type plugs by the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cover for plastic injection type plugs by the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cover for plastic injection type plugs by the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cover for plastic injection type plugs by the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other Example of the power supply by this invention. It is a figure which shows the other Example of the power supply by this invention.

Explanation of symbols

110 Power Supply 112 Front Panel 114 Grommet Hole 116 Motherboard Cable 118 Motherboard Plug 120, 122, 124 Socket 125 Mounting Screw 126 12 Volt Power Cable 128 Auxiliary Power Cable 130 Peripheral Power Cable 132, 134, 136 Plug

Claims (13)

A housing having an internal volume defined by a top panel, a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels;
An AC / DC conversion circuit disposed within an internal volume within the housing;
A DC output socket attached to one of the top, bottom and side panels defining the internal volume in which the AC / DC conversion circuit is disposed;
A removable cable having a first end with a first plug attached to the cable and a second end with a second plug attached to the cable. Including power supply,
The housing is adapted for installation in a computer case;
The AC / DC conversion circuit receives AC current from an AC current source, converts the received AC current into DC current, and supplies the DC current to the DC output socket;
When the power supply is installed in the computer case, the DC output socket is configured such that the detachable cable is (a) the DC output socket and the computer case via the first and second plugs. The DC output socket is internal to the computer so that it can be removably connected to components located within the computer and (b) can be entirely present in the computer case. Attached to one of the panels of the housing in a position to be disposed;
A power supply, wherein at least a portion of the removable cable is responsive to UV light such that at least a portion of the removable cable emits visible light when UV light is struck against the cable.   At least a portion of the removable cable is visible in a color selected from the group comprising (a) green, (b) blue, (c) red, (d) orange, (e) yellow, and (f) white. The power supply according to claim 1, wherein the power supply emits light. (I) a plurality of the DC output sockets, wherein when the power source is installed inside the computer case, each one of the plurality of removable cables is (a) each of the first and second Via a plug, removably connected between each one of the plurality of DC output sockets and each one of a plurality of components disposed within the computer case; and (b) Attached to one of the panels of the housing in a position such that each of the plurality of DC output sockets is disposed within the computer case so that it can be completely present in the computer case;
(Ii) at least a portion of each of the plurality of removable cables is converted to UV light such that at least a portion of each of the plurality of removable cables emits visible light when UV light is applied to the cable. The power supply according to claim 1, which reacts.   The power supply according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second plugs is formed by plastic injection molding.   At least one of the first and second plugs is formed of a first plug half and a second plug half that are operatively connected to form the plug. The power supply according to claim 4.   The power supply of claim 1, wherein the housing is adapted for installation in a personal computer.   The components arranged in the computer case include (a) a motherboard, (b) a magnetic disk drive, (c) an optical disk drive, (d) an input / output card, ((e) a memory card, and (f) a sound card. The power supply of claim 1, selected from the group comprising: (g) a game card; (h) a video card; (i) a network card; (j) a network hub; and (k) a cooling device. .   The power supply of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed from a plurality of housing elements that are operatively connected to define the top panel, the bottom panel, and a plurality of side panels.   9. The power supply of claim 8, wherein the housing is formed from two housing elements that are operatively connected to define the top panel, the bottom panel, and a plurality of side panels.   At least one of the top panel, bottom panel, and one of the plurality of side panels includes an insertion element that is responsive to UV light, the insertion element emitting visible light when the UV light is applied to the insertion element. The power supply according to claim 1.   The insertion element emits visible light of a color selected from the group comprising (a) green, (b) blue, (c) red, (d) orange, (e) yellow, and (f) white. The power supply according to claim 10.   The power source includes at least one fan assembly including a fan housing and a fan blade, wherein at least one of the fan housing and the fan blade is visible when at least one of the fan housing and the fan blade is provided with UV light. The power supply of claim 1 responsive to UV light to emit light.   The fan housing and the fan blade emit visible light of a color selected from the group including (a) green, (b) blue, (c) red, (d) orange, (e) yellow, and (f) white. The power supply according to claim 12.