Portable computer having a modular power conversion unit
AssigneeAcer Incorporated
InventorChu-Zia Tsai
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A portable computer system is provided with a modular power conversion unit. The power conversion unit comprises a housing containing known circuitry for converting AC to DC, and a cover which is movably attached to the housing. The power conversion unit is capable of operating within the portable computer when the cover is in a first position and the unit is installed in a standard module slot. The power conversion unit is also capable of operating as an external power converter when the cover is in a second position. In this second position, the cover alternatively provides protection for electrical connections, or reduces the size of the power conversion unit.
Claims27
A modular power conversion unit for use with a portable computer, the modular power conversion unit comprising:
- a housing containing an assembly which converts AC power to DC power, the housing having a DC output connector coupled to the assembly;
- and
- a cover movably attached to said housing, said cover movable between a first position and a second position;
- wherein the power conversion unit with said cover in said first position is configured as an internal power converter for use within the portable computer;
- and
- wherein the power conversion unit with said cover in said second position is configured as an external power converter for use outside the portable computer.
A modular power conversion unit for use with a portable computer, the modular power conversion unit comprising:
- a housing containing an assembly which converts AC power to DC power, the housing having a DC output connector coupled to the assembly;
- and
- a cover movably attached to said housing, said cover movable between a first position and a second position;
- wherein the power conversion unit with said cover in said first position is configured as an internal power converter for use within the portable computer;
- wherein the power conversion unit with said cover in said second position is configured as an external power converter for use outside the portable computer said DC output connector protected by said cover when said cover is in said second position.
A modular power conversion unit for use with a portable computer having a module slot with a DC input connector, the power conversion unit comprising:
- a housing containing an assembly which converts AC power supplied to an AC input connector to DC power available at a DC output connector, said DC connector attached to the housing;
- a cover movably attached to said housing, said cover movable between a first position and a second position;
- wherein the power conversion unit with said cover in said first position is insertable in the module slot, and said DC output connector engages the DC input connector when the modular power conversion unit is inserted into the module slot;
- and
- wherein said DC output connector is protected by said cover when said cover is in said second position.
A modular power conversion unit for use with a portable computer having a module slot, the power conversion unit comprising:
- a housing containing an assembly which converts AC power to DC power;
- and
- a cover movably attached to said housing, said cover movable between a first position and a second position;
- wherein the power conversion unit is fittingly insertable in the module slot when said cover is in said first position, and
- wherein the power conversion unit occupies less space when said cover is in said second position than when said cover is in said first position.
An improved portable computer system of the type having a plurality of modular slots, at least one of the slots having a DC input connector, the improvement comprising:
- a modular power conversion unit including;
- a housing having a DC output connector, and
- a cover rotatably engaged with said housing and movable between and releasably fixable at a first position and a second position,
- wherein said power conversion unit occupies less space with said cover in said second position than said power conversion unit with said cover in said first position, and
- wherein said DC output connector is protected by said cover when in said second position;
- wherein said power conversion unit with said cover in said first position is fittingly insertable within the slot of the portable computer so that said DC output connector engages the DC input connector of the slot.
A modular power conversion unit for use with a portable computer having a module slot with a DC input connector and an opening adapted for an AC input connector, said power conversion unit comprising:
- a rectangular housing having a rear surface and two lateral sides, a DC output connector on said rear surface, and an AC input connector;
- and
- a U-shaped cover having a front surface, two lateral arms, and an extended surface perpendicular and adjacent to said front surface and extending down said lateral arms, and an opening in said cover adapted for an AC input connector;
- wherein said cover is rotatably engaged with said housing at said lateral arms and said lateral sides, respectively, and said cover is rotatable between a first position and a second position;
- wherein said housing and cover are formed with cooperating protrusions and sockets so that said cover is releasably fixable in said first position by engagement of one of said protrusions by one of said sockets, and is releasably fixable in said second position by engagement of another of said protrusions by another of said sockets;
- and
- wherein the power conversion unit with said cover in said first position is fittingly insertable in the slot such that the AC input opening aligns with said AC input connector and said DC output connector engages the DC input connector;
- and
- wherein the power conversion unit with said cover in said second position occupies roughly 2/3 the space of the power conversion unit with said cover in said first position, and said front surface and said extended surface of said cover protects said DC output connector, and said opening in said cover aligns with said AC input connector.
A method for installing an internal power converter in a portable computer comprising:
- providing a portable computer having a module slot and a modular power conversion unit having a housing and a cover movably engaged with said housing;
- moving said cover to a first position;
- fittingly inserting said modular power conversion unit into said module slot;
- electrically connecting said power conversion unit with said portable computer;
- and
- electrically connecting said power conversion unit with an external AC power supply.
A method for modifying a portable computer comprising:
- providing a portable computer having a module slot and having installed in said slot a modular power conversion unit;
- removing said modular power conversion unit from said slot;
- installing a modular computer accessory in said slot;
- electrically connecting said modular power conversion unit to said portable computer;
- and
- electrically connecting said modular power conversion unit to an external AC power source.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.