WO2010018011A1

WO2010018011A1 - Docking station

Info

Publication number: WO2010018011A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/055423
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Abram; Terence Mann; Timothy Henson
Original assignee: Tempus Computers Limited
Priority date: 2008-08-11
Filing date: 2009-05-05
Publication date: 2010-02-18
Also published as: GB0814679D0

Abstract

A docking station for a portable computer comprising a support base for receiving the portable computer; a retainer movable substantially linearly with respect to the support base between an open position in which the portable computer may be placed in or removed from the support base and a closed position wherein the portable computer is secured within the docking station, a biasing device to urge the retainer into the open position and a latch mechanism to selectively hold the retaining member in the closed position.

Description

Docking Station

The present invention relates to a docking station. More particularly, the present invention relates to a docking station that both securely holds a portable computer, and also makes an electrical connection with the portable computer such that it may be supplied with electrical power and may optionally be connected to peripheral devices such as a camera, a global positioning system (GPS), keyboard, pointing device and the like.

In recent years a new form factor of portable personal computer has been developed that is known generically as a ultra-mobile personal computer ("UMPC"). This type of portable computer is typically smaller than a standard laptop or notebook computer, and unlike such computers, often does not have a screen that is hinged to the body of the device that includes the processor, hard-disk, keyboard and the like. Instead, such devices typically have a fixed relationship between the keyboard and the screen, with the keyboard being provided on the same face of the device as the screen. UMPCs are typically smaller than standard laptops, having a screen size in the range of four to seven inches (10 to 17.5 centimetres) and a mass of around 1 kilogram or less. In addition, the devices have touch screens and employ styluses as pointing devices.

However, the devices are capable of running a full desktop operating system such as Windows^R™ XP^R™, Vista^R™ or Linux. As such, UMPCs can also be distinguished from mobile telephones and PDA devices since they are typically larger than such devices and utilise a full desktop operating system rather than a mobile operating system such as Windows^R™ Mobile, Symbian^R™ or BlackBerry^R™ OS. Examples of UMPCs include the non-rugged Samsung^R™ Ql and Ql Ultra, the rugged GETAC^R™ ElOO and the Panasonic¹¹™ Toughbook^R™ CF-Ul.

A particular problem with UMPCs is how to securely hold them within a docking station in a potentially hostile environment such as within a vehicle passenger compartment, and yet at the same time enable access to the keyboard, touchscreen stylus and interface ports such as USB sockets, microphone and headphone sockets and expansion slots. This issue is particularly acute for such devices since the small size and extensive connectivity of them means that there are very few surfaces that can be used to retain the UMPC without interfering with its function when docked. A further complication with such devices is that they may be provided with a handstrap on their rear face that enables the UMPC to be held securely in one hand while a user interacts with the keyboard, screen, etc. using their other hand. The applicant has recognised that it is not desirable to remove the handstrap each time the UMPC is docked. Therefore, it is particularly desirable to provide a docking station that holds the UMPC with the handstrap in place, and yet ensures that the handstrap does not impede the insertion or removal of the UMPC from the docking station.

Thus, docking stations for use with standard tablet or laptop computers are not suitable for use with UMPCs, particularly when rugged versions of UMPCs and docking stations are needed for operation outside of the office environment, such as for operation in vehicles, factory floors and the like. As a result, known docking stations such as the present applicant's earlier published application, EP 1302368, are unsuitable for use with such devices.

The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

One aspect of the present invention provides a docking station for a portable computer comprising a support base for receiving the portable computer, a retainer movable substantially linearly with respect to the support base between an open position in which the portable computer may be placed in or removed from the support base and a closed position wherein the portable computer is secured within the docking station, a biasing device to urge the retainer into the open position and a latch mechanism to selectively hold the retaining member in the closed position.

Advantageously, this provides a secure mounting of the portable computer to the docking station, and simple one-handed insertion and removal of the portable computer.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a docking station for a portable computer having a strap attached to a rear face thereof; the docking station being configured to receive the computer in a generally upright orientation, wherein the portable computer being inserted into the docking station in a generally vertical direction in use, wherein the docking station comprises a rear support having an angled or chamfered shape so as to inhibit fouling of the strap on the support during insertion, and wherein the support is located with respect to the portable computer when docked such that the support may directly contact and support the portable computer and not the strap.

Advantageously, this enables a portable computer with a hand strap to be easily and reliably docked.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed condition with no portable computer present;

FIGURE 2 illustrates the docking station of Figure 1, but in an open condition, with the portable computer in place;

FIGURE 3 is an isometric cross-sectional view of the rear of the docking station of Figure 1 in an open condition, showing a latching mechanism thereof;

FIGURE 4 is a similar isometric view to Figure 1 , but with the portable computer in place;

FIGURE 5 is a rear cross-sectional view of the docking station of Figure 1 along the plane 3- 3 in a closed condition;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one portion of the retaining member of the docking station of Figure 1 along the plane 6-6;

FIGURE 7 is an isometric view of the rear and underside of the docking station of Figure 1 in a closed condition;

FIGURE 8 is an isometric view of a docking station according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a closed condition with no portable computer present;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged isometric view of the supports of the docking station of Figure 8; FIGURE 10 is a rear view of the docking station of Figure 8 in a closed condition with a back cover removed; and

FIGURE 11 is a rear view of the docking station of Figure 8 in an open condition with a back cover removed and with the release springs removed for improved clarity.

With reference to Figure 1 , a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally at 10 and comprises a support base 12 and a retainer 14. The support base 12 is intended to be fixed to another structure such as a vehicle dashboard (not shown) using a standard Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) flat display mounting interface (FDMI) on a rear panel 16 thereof (see Figure 7). The support base 12 further includes a front trough portion 18 to receive a portable computer P (see Figure 2) having sloping side walls 20 and a lower front wall 22. The trough portion 18 further includes first and second drain holes 24 (only one visible in Figure 1) and a standard electrical docking connector 26 for interfacing with a corresponding terminal (not shown) of the particular model of portable computer to be docked with the docking station 10, and opposed 'U' shaped guide lugs 28 either side of the aperture 26 to assist in the correct location of the portable computer P onto the docking connector.

The support base 12 also comprises a rear housing 30 that houses various electrical and mechanical components as discussed in more detail below and includes a front panel 32 that is generally planar and vertical, but includes at its lower end a guide projection 34, and two conical supports 36 projecting therefrom near the top thereof.

With reference to Figure 7 it can be seen that the bottom of the support base 12 includes various ports and connectors including power connector 38, a display (VGA) connector 40, a serial port 42, three USB ports 44, a local area network (LAN) connector 46 and two external antenna connectors 48 (e.g. for GPS and mobile telephony antennae).

In this embodiment the portable computer P is a ultra mobile personal computer (UMPC) manufactured by Panasonic under the model designation CF-Ul. The portable computer P is generally cuboid in shape and has a front face that includes a keyboard 8, and a screen 6. On the right hand side of the portable computer P is a slot 4 in which a stylus is stowed when not in use, as well as various additional slots and ports on the side edges of the computer P. A handstrap 2 is removably mounted to the rear of the device by an 'X' shaped mounting arrangement that connects to the corners of the portable computer P (not visible). Of course, in other embodiments, the docking station may be adapted for other models of portable computer by adjusting the dimensions of the various components and locations of the docking connector and retaining members.

Referring to Figure 3, it can be seen that the electrical components of the dock 10 are located within a separate compartment of the rear portion 30 that is separated from the mechanical components described below by a divider wall 50 that is generally in the shape of an inverted 'L'.

With reference to Figures 3 and 5, it can be seen that the retainer 14 is mounted to the support base 12 by a pair of shafts 52 that extend generally vertically within the rear portion 30 and project from the top thereof. The shafts 52 are secured to the retainer 14 at the top end thereof by a boss 55, and are vertically slidable within a pair of corresponding bearing blocks 54 mounted vertically within the rear portion 30 of the support base 12. The shafts are secured together at their bottom ends by a cross member 56 via screws 58. The cross member 56 is also provided with mounting holes 60 for a biasing device in the form of a pair of helical springs 62 that are mounted generally parallel to the shafts 52 and secured to the front panel 32 of the rear portion 30 by lugs 64. When the shafts 52 are retracted within the support base 12, the springs 62 are tensioned, thereby urging the retainer 14 into the extended position shown in Figure 3.

The shafts 52 are provided with a pair of notches 66 at corresponding vertical locations. The notches 66 interact with a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism comprises a latching plate 68 that is supported to slide horizontally (i.e. perpendicular to the movement direction of the shafts 52) and has slots 70 and 71 provided therein to accommodate the shafts 52 and springs 64 respectively. The edges of the slots 70 engage with the notches 66 and hold the shafts 52 in the retracted position as illustrated in Figure 5.

The latching plate 68 is biased into the engaged position shown in Figure 5 by a further helical spring 72 that acts between one of the bearing blocks 54 and a formation on the latching plate 68. A release button 74 projects from one side of the rear portion 30 and is pivotably mounted thereto. The release button 74 is located in an abutting relationship with the latching plate 68 such that when it is depressed, the locking plate is shifted to the right as viewed in Figure 5, thereby disengaging the edge of the slots 70 from the notches 66. The shafts 52 and the retainer 14 are therefore caused to move vertically under the influence of the release springs 62, so as to move to the position shown in Figure 3.

In order to prevent a sudden impact between the cross member 56 and the bearing blocks 54, first and second buffer springs 76 surround the bottom of the shafts 52 and provide for a smooth deceleration of the shafts and retainer 14.

In this embodiment, to inhibit unauthorised removal of the portable computer from the docking station, a key barrel 78 is fitted to the opposite side of the rear portion 30 from the release button 74. The key barrel 78 is provided with an appropriate output that is positioned so as to block the horizontal motion of the latching plate 68 when the key barrel is locked, and to permit the horizontal motion from latched to unlatched when the key barrel is unlocked.

With reference to Figure 1, it can be seen that the retainer 14 comprises first and second arms 80 projecting forward from a rear portion 82 thereof in which the shafts 52 are secured via the boss 55. The arms 80 define a recess that enables a user of the docking station 12 to have access to grasp the upper edge of the portable computer P when removing it from the dock.

Figure 6 is a cross section through one arm 80 along the line 6-6 of Figure 1. It can be seen that a non-circular passage 84 extends vertically through the arm 80 and is closed off by a cap 86 at the top of the passage, except for a smaller radius circular bore 88 that receives a bolt 90. A retainer pad 92 locates within the bottom opening of passage 84 via a complementary sliding portion 94 thereof and terminates in a curved engagement portion 96. The bolt 90 is secured within the top of the sliding portion to retain the retainer pad 92 within the passage 84 and a pre-loaded helical spring 98 urges the retainer pad 92 into the extended position shown in Figure 6. However, when the portable computer P is located within the docking station, the spacing between the base of the trough portion 18 and the retainer pad 92 is such that the spring 98 is forced to retract by a predetermined amount in order that the portable computer P is securely retained within the docking station by the force exerted by the spring 98. It should be noted that the engagement portion 96 of the retainer pad has a recess 99 therein so that a stylus (not shown) can be removed and replaced in slot 4 whilst the computer is docked.

Operation of the docking station is as follows:

Starting from the closed position shown in Figure 1 , a user depresses the release button 74 such that the retainer moves upwardly to the position shown in Figure 2 under the influence of release springs 72. The user then deposits the portable computer P into the trough portion 18 and the combination of guide projection 34, side walls 20, front wall 22, guide legs 28 and conical supports 36 ensure that the portable computer P automatically assumes a vertical position within the trough portion 18 and docks with the docking connector 26 in the correct orientation and the correct location. This ensures that a reliable connection is made, and wear on the docking connector and a corresponding terminal (not shown) on the portable computer P is minimised.

As noted above, the portable computer P is provided with a handstrap 2 on a rear face thereof, the arms of which strap extend in a cross-like manner from the corners of the portable computer to meet at the approximate centre thereof. The shape of the conical supports 36 ensures that this strap does not catch on the supports as it is inserted, and their location on the upper portion of the front panel 32 enables them to directly contact the rear face of the portable computer P without the handstrap 2 being an obstruction. It is also important to note that the depositing of the portable computer within the dock is a single handed operation.

To subsequently close the dock, a user simply depresses the retainer 14 until the latching plate 68 engages the notches 66 and holds the retainer in its retracted position. The retainer pads 92 contact the upper corners of the portable computer P and are caused to retract by a predetermined amount, with the helical spring 98 providing an amount of loading to the upper edge of the portable computer P such that it is securely retained within the docking station 10, as shown in Figure 4. The user may then lock the key barrel 78 to inhibit unauthorised removal of the portable computer P.

To release the portable computer P from the docking station, a user simply unlocks the key barrel 78 (if locked) and then depresses the release button 74, so that the retainer lifts under the influence of the release springs 62. The portable computer P can then simply be lifted from the trough portion 18 and then tilted forward to be removed from the docking station 10. It will again be appreciated that this entire operation may be carried out by using one hand.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 8 to 11. This embodiment is largely similar to the previous embodiment except that the latch mechanism has been altered and the supports 36 are of a different shape. These differences are described in more detail below. Components which have substantially the same function as components of the first embodiment are given corresponding reference numbers with the additional prefix ' 1 '.

Figure 9 shows a pair of supports 136 projecting from a front panel 32 of a rear housing 30. The supports 136 are shaped so that they can support the portable computer P once in position whilst inhibiting a handstrap 2 from catching as the portable computer P is inserted and removed. The supports 136 also provide a space beneath the supports 136 for the handstrap 2 to rest without affecting the positioning of the computer P. Whereas in the previous embodiment the supports 36 are conical, in this embodiment the supports 136 have flat sides, increasing the space between them so that fingers may be more easily inserted in order to manipulate the portable computer P during insertion and removal.

With reference to Figures 10 and 11, the retainer 114 is, as in the previous embodiment, mounted to the support base 112 by a pair of shafts 152 that extend generally vertically within the rear portion 130 and project from the top thereof. Two release springs 162 are attached at one end to front panel 132 and at the other end to the support base 112, running parallel to the shafts 152. In this embodiment the shafts 152 are vertically slidable within a corresponding pair of linear plain bearings of the type supplied by Igus of Cologne, Germany mounted within bearing blocks 154. Alternatively, linear ball bearings of the type supplied by SKF of Gothenburg, Sweden may be used

A plate 153 is attached to the base of the shafts 152, the plate comprising a central portion which extends upwardly between the two shafts 152 and has a substantially horizontal cross piece 155 with an opening 157 defining a substantially horizontal abutment surface 159.

The latch mechanism comprises a substantially U-shaped latching plate 168 having a first arm 161 and a second arm 163. A bore pivotally mounts the plate 168 to a shaft 171. The latching plate 168 has a slot 165 on each of its arms 161, 163 where it is further supported by two guides 173 which also limit its pivoting. A counter-balance 183 is attached to the latching plate below the bore 167 in this embodiment. A catch 169 with a major axis extending substantially vertically is arranged to pivot about the shaft 171 independently of the latching plate 168. The catch has a lower end with a bore which fits around the shaft 171 and an upper end in the shape of a hook with a ramped surface inclined relative to the axis and a lip 181 perpendicular to the axis. A helical spring 179 biases the catch 169 towards a stop 175 of the latching plate 168.

A release button 174 is connected to the end of the first arm 161 by a spring (not visible) so that pushing the release button 174 causes the latching plate 168 to pivot clockwise as viewed in figures 10 and 11. A key barrel 178 adjacent the second arm 163 prevents, when locked, the latching plate 168 from pivoting and thus the release button 174 from being pushed.

When a user depresses the retainer 114, the shafts 152 are retracted into the support base 112 and the plate 153 is lowered with them, causing the opening 157 to move down over the catch 169 with the ramp causing the catch 169 to pivot with respect to the plate 168. The catch 169 then springs back under the influence of spring 179 to be held in place by the lip 181 against the abutment surface 159, thus holding the shafts 152 in the closed position (as shown in Figure 10).

In order to return the latch mechanism to the open position (shown in Figure 11), the release button 174 is pushed inwards, causing the latching plate 168 to pivot around the shaft 171. The stop 175 of the latching plate 168 pivots the catch 169 so that the plate 153 is released from the lip 181 and the shafts 152 are able to move upwards under the influence of springs 162.

If the key barrel 178 is locked its output prevents the latching plate 168 from pivoting, thus also preventing the catch 169 from releasing the shafts 152 and inhibiting unauthorised removal of the portable computer from the docking station. Should the key barrel 178 be locked whilst the mechanism stands in the open position, it would still be possible to place the portable computer into the support base 112 as the catch 169 may pivot independently of latching plate 168 and so can still move to secure the plate 153. The size and shape of the counter-balance 183 mean that the centre of mass of the combined counter-balance 183 and latching plate 168 is at the bore 167. This helps to prevent unwanted unlatching of the docking station, for instance in the event of the docking station being fitted to a vehicle and that vehicle being involved in a side impact.

A protective skirt 185 is mounted to the underside of the support base 112. The protective skirt 185 comprises a sheet of material, having a number of apertures 187, which extends around the front and sides of the supportive base 112. In use, the protective skirt 185 shields the connectors which protrude from the support base 112. Additionally, cables may be secured to the skirt apertures 187 by tie wraps.

It should be appreciated that the docking station of the present invention enables docking to be carried out in a very user friendly manner with docking and undocking being achievable using just one hand. It will be further appreciated that the docking station ensures that the electrical connections to a power supply and peripheral components is achieved reliably, even when the docking station is used within a harsh environment such as in a vehicle, on a factory floor or the like. The docking station continues to provide access to the screen, keyboard and stylus of the computer when docked and also enables docking to be achieved with a rear handstrap still in place on the portable computer. The latching mechanism of the second embodiment has been found to be particularly beneficial in applications requiring a high number of inserting and removals since wear on its components is minimised. A further advantage is that some features of the latching mechanism are reversible. In the second embodiment, the release button 174 and the key barrel 178 may be positioned at either end of the latching plate 168 through use of suitable blanking plates, allowing easy customisation of the docking station.

Terms such as upper, lower, front, back, etc. as used in this specification should not be regarded as limiting.

It will be appreciated that numerous changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the dimensions of the docking station may be altered to accommodate different models of portable computer including portable computers having a different form- factor to UMPCs. There may be a multi-position retainer, potentially allowing a range of UMPCs or other electronic devices of different sizes to be used in a single docking station. The location of the release button and key barrel may be altered according to particular user requirements. The location of the retainer pads may be adjusted according to a requirement for access to certain features of the portable computer. The retainer may comprise a single retainer pad rather than two pads. The helical release springs may be replaced by gas struts, elastic members, or other suitable resilient components. The number of shafts may be increased or decreased. Alternative latching arrangements may be provided, such as a rotatable pawl instead of the latching plate. Alternative shapes of supports may be provided on the front panel. The docking station may be adapted to retain the portable computer in an inclined position (e.g. to face up towards a user). With respect to the second embodiment, the counter-balance may not be required if the docking station is not fitted to a vehicle. The locking mechanism may not be required, in which case the second latching mechanism arm would not be required and the catch would not need to be independent of the latching plate. The release button may be integral with the first arm.

Whilst the retaining arrangement and rear support arrangement of the present invention together provide a particularly beneficial docking station, it will be appreciated that the retaining arrangement may be provided on a docking station independently of the rear support arrangement (e.g. if a portable computer lacks a rear strap) and retain significant benefits over known docking stations. Equally, the rear support arrangement may also be beneficial in combination with retaining mechanisms other than the type disclosed herein when a rear strap is provided on a portable computer, but less secure retention is required.

Claims

1. A docking station for a portable computer comprising; a support base for receiving the portable computer; a retainer movable substantially linearly with respect to the support base between an open position in which the portable computer may be placed in or removed from the support base and a closed position wherein the portable computer is secured within the docking station; a biasing device to urge the retainer into the open position; and a latch mechanism to selectively hold the retainer in the closed position.

2. A docking station according to claim 1 wherein the support base provides support for the portable computer in a vertical direction.

3. A docking station according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the retainer provides support for the portable computer in a fore-aft direction when engaged therewith.

4. A docking station according to any preceding claim wherein the retainer provides support for the portable computer in a side to side direction.

5. A docking station according to any preceding claim wherein a docking station connector is provided on the support base.

6. A docking station according to any preceding claim wherein the biasing device comprises a spring configured to act on the retainer to move the retainer to the open position.

7. A docking station according to any preceding claim wherein the latch mechanism comprises a pivoting device.

8. A docking station according to claim 7 wherein the pivoting device pivots about a point below the latching mechanism.

9. A docking station according to claim 7 or claim 8 further comprising a catch independently movable with respect to the pivoting device.

10. A docking station according to any of claims 7 to 9 wherein the retainer is supported by two shafts with an abutment surface intermediate the shafts for selective retention by the catch.

11. A docking station according to ant of claims 7 to 10 wherein the latching mechanism further comprises a counter-balancing weight.

12. A docking station according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the biasing device is configured to act on a shaft of the retainer.

13. A docking station according to claim 12 wherein the shaft comprises a notch therein and the latch mechanism is configured to engage the notch to selectively hold the retainer in the closed position.

14. A docking station according to any preceding claim wherein a locking mechanism selectively blocks operation of the latch mechanism to inhibit unauthorised removal of the portable computer from the docking station.

15. A docking station according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the latch mechanism comprises a slidable latching plate arranged to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the retainer between the open and closed position.

16. The docking station according to any preceding claim wherein the retainer comprises a resilient retainer pad configured to engage the portable computer and exert a downward load thereon.

17. A docking station according to any one of claims 3 to 16 wherein the support base comprises a rear support to inhibit fouling of a strap attached to the portable computer during insertion and removal thereof.

18. A docking station for a portable computer having a strap attached to a rear face thereof; the docking station being configured to receive the computer in a generally upright orientation, the portable computer being inserted into the docking station in a generally vertical direction in use, wherein the docking station comprises a rear support mounted to a rear housing so as to inhibit fouling of the strap on the support during insertion, and wherein the support is located with respect to the portable computer when docked such that the support may directly contact and support the portable computer and not the strap, and the strap is provided with a region to rest under the support.

19. A docking station according to claim 18 wherein the rear support has an angled or chamfered shape.

20. A docking station according to claim 18 wherein the rear support is generally conical in shape.

21. A docking station according to any of claims 18 to 20 wherein the rear support comprises two projections with an intermediate space to allow manipulation of the portable computer.

22. A docking station according to any of claims 18 to 21 further comprising a lower rear support to guide a lower portion of the portable computer into a predetermined position with respect to the dock.