U.S. patent application number 11/598758 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for notebook computer with replaceable battery holder module.
Invention is credited to Wei-Hao Huang.
Application Number | 20080112120 11/598758 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39368974 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080112120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huang; Wei-Hao |
May 15, 2008 |
NOTEBOOK COMPUTER WITH REPLACEABLE BATTERY HOLDER MODULE
Abstract
A notebook computer with a replaceable battery holder module is
provided, which comprises a notebook computer system and a
replaceable battery holder module. With the setting of the
replaceable battery holder module, when the original
standard-equipped rechargeable battery or backup battery is running
low, an ordinary long-life alkaline battery or ordinary
rechargeable battery may be used in the notebook computer.
Inventors: |
Huang; Wei-Hao; (Taipei,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 8910
RESTON
VA
20195
US
|
Family ID: |
39368974 |
Appl. No.: |
11/598758 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/26 20130101; G06F
1/1635 20130101; G06F 1/1616 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/683 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. A notebook computer with a replaceable battery holder module,
comprising: a notebook computer system, with a connector socket
disposed on the circuit board of the notebook computer system; and
a replaceable battery holder module, including: a battery holder
case, which is a hollow battery holder case, and has a base plate
and a plurality of joint vertical plates extending upwards around
the base plate; at least two conductive contacts, which are a first
conductive contact and a second conductive contact respectively,
and disposed on the vertical plates inside the battery holder case
correspondingly; and a connector, fixed on the base plate, and
having a substrate with a protruding portion protruding from the
battery holder case, wherein at least one first connection point
and at least one second connection point are disposed on the
protruding portion, and they are conductive and electrically
connected to the connector socket, and the first conductive contact
is electrically connected to the first connection point and the
second conductive contact is electrically connected to the second
connection point.
2. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
material of the battery holder case is a plastic material.
3. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
conductive contact is a metal plate with favorable conductivity,
and a circular conductive bump is formed on the metal plate.
4. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
conductive contact is a spring-like contact made of a metal wire of
favorable conductivity.
5. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
substrate is a printed circuit board.
6. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
connection point is a copper foil formed on the substrate.
7. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
connection point is a copper foil formed on the substrate.
8. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
conductive contact is electrically connected to the first
connection point by a first lead.
9. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
conductive contact is electrically connected to the second
connection point by a second lead.
10. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
conductive contact is electrically connected to the first
connection point by a first conductor formed on the substrate.
11. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
conductive contact is electrically connected to the second
connection point by a second conductor formed on the substrate.
12. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 1, wherein a set of
pivots are disposed at one side of the upper edge of the battery
holder case, and the set of pivots is further combined with a
cover.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a notebook computer with a
replaceable battery holder module, and more particularly, to a
notebook computer using ordinary long-life alkaline batteries or
ordinary rechargeable batteries.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] In a network communication era, network and communication
products are widely used for communication and message exchange. In
order to keep contact and process information anywhere anytime, the
notebook computer, light in weight and compact in size, has been
developed based on the original desktop computer. It is a popular
phenomenon in modern society to have a notebook computer. And many
companies list the notebook computer as standard equipment for
employees.
[0005] The notebook computer brings much happiness and convenience
for modern people in daily life. Users can access the Internet or
process information by using a notebook computer at the airport,
outdoors, in a cafe, or on other occasions. The notebook computer
can also be used for dealing with affairs and conferencing. For
example, taking the notebook computer along to the client, we can
make a presentation, product introduction, or exchange information
just by powering on the notebook. However, if the notebook computer
is short of battery during use, it is no longer convenient, and the
entire action is interrupted.
[0006] Due to the consideration of the volume and weight of the
notebook computer, the power capacity of the notebook computer is
always limited, and the battery of notebook computer needs to be
recharged frequently. Usually, a charger is used to recharge the
battery of the notebook computer. Most devices for storing electric
power of the notebook computer are rechargeable lithium batteries.
Battery packs equipped in notebook computers include so-called 6
Cell, 8 Cell, and those of other, different specifications,
depending on the specifications of the notebook computer. The
battery packs are assembled in a battery holder, and usually, users
cannot change battery packs. When a battery pack is out of power,
users have to look for a receptacle for recharging. Therefore,
users have to carry a backup battery along with the notebook
computer for emergency use. However, there might be receptacles,
but not everywhere. When the battery runs out of power and no
receptacles can be found, the notebook computer cannot exert its
function, even if it has a powerful function.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to solve a conventional
problem existing in the notebook computer, that is, the notebook
computer taken along cannot work when the standard equipped
rechargeable battery or rechargeable backup battery thereof is out
of power, and cannot be recharged immediately, which is a burden on
users to take along a notebook computer that isn't working.
[0008] To achieve above object, the present invention provides a
notebook computer with a replaceable battery holder module, which
comprises a notebook computer system and a replaceable battery
holder module. The replaceable battery holder module further
includes a battery holder case, at least two conductive contacts,
and a connector.
[0009] The notebook computer system has a connector socket disposed
on the circuit board thereof.
[0010] The battery holder case is a hollow battery holder case
having a base plate and a plurality of joint vertical plates
extending upwards around the base plate.
[0011] At least two conductive contacts are a first conductive
contact and a second conductive contact respectively, which are
correspondingly disposed on the vertical plates inside the battery
holder case.
[0012] The connector is fixed on the base plate. The connector has
a substrate with a protruding portion protruding from the battery
holder case. And at least one first connection point and at least
one second connection point are disposed on the protruding portion,
wherein the first and second contacts are conductive, and the first
conductive contact is electrically connected to the first
connection point, and the second conductive contact is electrically
connected to the second connection point.
[0013] With the implementation of the present invention, the
following progressive efficiencies can be achieved.
[0014] 1. The notebook computer can be recharged more conveniently
and rapidly.
[0015] 2. The case that the notebook computer cannot work due to
being short of electric power can be reduced significantly.
[0016] 3. Users can use the notebook computer more conveniently
outdoors or on journeys, by taking along or purchasing long-life
alkaline batteries in a shop at any time.
[0017] 4. As the replaceable battery holder module and the battery
are separated, the weight for carrying can be reduced
significantly. When going abroad, users can take along the
replaceable battery holder module only, and purchase batteries
locally and install the batteries for use.
[0018] 5. The replaceable battery holder module is different from
the battery of the conventional notebook computer in which the
whole battery module must be replaced when its life ends.
[0019] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given herein below for illustration only,
and which thus is not limitative of the present invention, and
wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded spatial view of a notebook computer
with a replaceable battery holder module according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a spatial combined view of a notebook computer
with a replaceable battery holder module according to an embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 3 is a spatial view of a replaceable battery holder
module with a cover applied in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, it is an exploded spatial view of a
notebook computer 10 with a replaceable battery holder module
according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 2, it is a spatial combined view of a notebook computer 10
with a replaceable battery holder module according to an embodiment
of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, it is a spatial view
of a replaceable battery holder module 30 with a cover 35 applied
in the present invention.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the embodiment, a notebook
computer 10 with a replaceable battery holder module comprises a
notebook computer system 20 and a replaceable battery holder module
30. The replaceable battery holder module 30 further includes a
battery holder case 31, at least two conductive contacts 321, 322,
and a connector 33.
[0026] The notebook computer system 20 has the function and
appearance the same as those of the ordinary notebook computer, but
is different in that a connector socket 22 is disposed on the
circuit board 21 of the notebook computer system 20. The connector
socket 22 is a power input terminal, and is electrically connected
to the replaceable battery holder module 30, so as to obtain
electric power provided by the replaceable battery holder module
30.
[0027] The battery holder case 31 is a hollow battery holder case,
with a base plate 311 and a plurality of joint vertical plates 312
extending upwards around the base plate 311. The hollow portion of
the battery holder case 31 is used to accommodate ordinary
long-life alkaline batteries or ordinary rechargeable batteries 40.
Long-life alkaline batteries 40 are available in any ordinary
convenience store. Therefore, when the original standard-equipped
rechargeable battery or backup battery of the notebook computer is
out of power, the notebook computer can be made to keep on working
by purchasing long-life alkaline batteries 40. Also, the ordinary
rechargeable batteries 40 are rather popular, and therefore are
very convenient in use.
[0028] To make the ordinary long-life alkaline batteries or
ordinary rechargeable batteries 40 provide sufficient electric
power, in the hollow portion of the battery holder case 31, the
ordinary long-life alkaline batteries or ordinary rechargeable
batteries 40 are allowed to be disposed in series and parallel.
Generally speaking, the battery holder case 31 is made of a plastic
material.
[0029] At least two conductive contacts 321, 322 are a first
conductive contact 321 and a second conductive contact 322, which
are disposed on the substrate 331 correspondingly. The first
conductive contact 321 and the second conductive contact 322 are
disposed on two ends of the ordinary long-life alkaline batteries
or ordinary rechargeable batteries 40. The first conductive contact
321 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the
ordinary long-life alkaline batteries or ordinary rechargeable
batteries 40. The second conductive contact 322 is electrically
connected to the negative electrode of the ordinary long-life
alkaline batteries or ordinary rechargeable batteries 40.
[0030] In order to achieve a better electrical connection effect,
the first conductive contact 321 is a metal plate with favorable
conductivity, and a circular conductive bump 323 is formed on the
metal plate. The second conductive contact 322 is a spring-like
contact made of a metal wire with favorable conductivity.
[0031] The connector 33 is fixed on the base plate 311. The
connector 33 has a substrate 331, and the substrate 331 has a
protruding portion 332 protruding from the battery holder case 31.
At least one first connection point 333 and at least one second
connection point 334 are disposed on the protruding portion 332,
wherein the first and second connection points are conductive, and
electrically connected to the connector socket 22, such that the
electric power of the replaceable battery holder module 30 can be
provided to the notebook computer system 20, making the notebook
computer system 20 work normally. The first conductive contact 321
is electrically connected to the first connection point 333, and
the second conductive contact 322 is electrically connected to the
second connection point 334, such that the electric power of the
ordinary long-life alkaline batteries or ordinary rechargeable
batteries 40 can be transferred to the connection points.
[0032] The substrate 331 of the connector 33 is a printed circuit
board. The first connection point 333 and the second connection
point 334 are formed on the substrate 331 respectively, and they
are copper foils which are not connected with each other, such as
so-called "gold fingers". The first conductive contact 321 is
electrically connected to the first connection point 333 by a lead,
and the second conductive contact 322 is electrically connected to
the second connection point 334 by another lead. Alternatively, the
first conductive contact 321 can be electrically connected to the
first connection point 333 by a conductor formed on the substrate
331, the second conductive contact 322 can be electrically
connected to the second connection point 334 by another conductor
formed on the substrate 331.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, it is a spatial view of a replaceable
battery holder module 30 with a cover 35. In order to make the
ordinary long-life alkaline batteries or ordinary rechargeable
batteries 40 firmly disposed in the battery holder case 31, a set
of pivots 34 can further be disposed at one side of the upper edge
of the battery holder case 31, and the set of pivots 34 is further
combined with a cover 35. After the long-life alkaline batteries or
ordinary rechargeable batteries 40 are disposed in the battery
holder case 31, the cover 35 is put on. Therefore, when the
notebook computer is taken along, the ordinary long-life alkaline
batteries or ordinary rechargeable batteries 40 will not depart
from the battery holder case 31 when shaken.
[0034] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are intended to be included within the scope of the
following claims.
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