Laptop battery provided with door-type panel and capable of being disconnected automatically

Abstract

The invention provides a notebook computer battery which is provided with a door type panel and can be automatically disconnected. An electronic device includes a housing containing a power supply circuit and a housing cavity for supporting a battery having a set of battery contacts. The chassis also includes a latch and a circuit connector having a circuit contact to electrically connect to the battery contact and provide power to the power supply circuit. The access panel is coupled to the chassis by a hinge to selectively cover and expose the chassis cavity. The access panel has a wall configured to secure and align the battery to engage the battery contact with the circuit contact when the access panel is in the closed position secured by the latch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of batteries, and more particularly, to an automatically disconnectable laptop battery equipped with a door panel. Background Art

[0002] The current laptop battery replacement experience is difficult and unsafe for the average user. Most internal batteries are wrapped in a soft shell covered in polyester film. Removing such a battery may require using tools to remove an access panel or cover from the laptop case. When the battery is exposed to the fasteners used to secure the panel or cover and the tools used to remove the fasteners, the battery can be easily damaged. Current designs require the user to unscrew multiple screws to gain access to and remove the battery. The removal process can also be difficult for many users and can lead to potential safety or functionality issues if the user loses a screw or misplaces a screw in the case.

[0003] Accessing and removing the battery can also expose sensitive components in the device, making them susceptible to damage. Removing the battery from the case can be difficult, as it can be awkward to grip, often requiring the user to insert a tool under the battery to pry it out, potentially puncturing the battery or damaging surrounding components. Some batteries require disconnecting and reconnecting a delicate cable between the battery and the system board. If this connector is damaged, the system board may also be damaged.

[0004] Currently, the safest and most easily replaceable laptop batteries have hard cases, which results in significant tradeoffs in device thickness, cost, weight, and battery capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An electronic device includes a housing containing a power supply circuit and a housing cavity for supporting a battery having a set of battery contacts. The housing also includes a latch and a circuit connector having circuit contacts for electrically connecting to the battery contacts and providing power to the power supply circuit. An access panel is coupled to the housing via a hinge to selectively cover and expose the housing cavity. The access panel has a wall configured to secure and align the battery to engage the battery contacts with the circuit contacts when the access panel is in a closed position secured by the latch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a back side of an electronic device having an access panel for accessing a battery secured by the access panel according to an example embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 According to an example embodiment Figure 1A perspective view of an electronic device illustrating release of an access panel by operation of a latch.

[0008] Figure 3 According to an example embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of an electronic device showing further rotation of the access panel to expose the housing cavity and battery.

[0009] Figure 4A is a side block diagram of a portion of a battery and access panel wall showing respective angled edges and chamfered walls to facilitate alignment with the battery according to an example embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4B is a side block diagram of an alternative portion of a battery having a rectangular cross-section adapted to fit into an "L" shaped wall of an access panel according to an example embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an isolated set of push-pin contacts according to an example embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a push-pin contact set shown in an engaged and loaded position due to rotation of the access panel to a closed position, according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 is a block diagram side view illustrating the operation of a latch device according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a computer system for implementing one or more electronic devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this description and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments that can be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it should be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and that structural, logical, and electrical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following description of the example embodiments should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0016] The electronic device includes a hinged "D"-shaped battery access panel, with a battery mounted on the underside of the panel. The panel has structural supports that create a housing for the battery, thereby securing the battery in place when the panel is closed. In response to closing the panel, the structural supports securely snap the battery into place, electrically connecting the battery to electronic circuitry within the electronic device. The battery may be a Mylar-wrapped internal device battery without a hard shell covering.

[0017] The battery's installed position automatically disconnects the device's power connector in response to the door opening. The battery automatically disconnects from the device's power connector in response to the door opening due to the angle of the door's rotation about the hinge causing the battery's power connector contacts to move away from the device's power connector contacts. Closing the door aligns the corresponding connector contacts and makes an electrical connection.

[0018] In one example, a manually operated latch can be used to latch and open the access panel without the use of tools, making it safer to access and replace the battery because no tools or screws are required. In other examples, operating the latch to open the panel causes the panel to separate from the device, making it easy to manually open the panel to gain access to the battery without requiring the user to use tools or pry the panel open by inserting a finger into a small gap to grasp the panel or battery. Because there are no wires, connectors, or other components on the panel and battery during the removal process, the battery can be safely replaced. The battery can be accessed and replaced without the risk of potential damage. Because the battery automatically disconnects when the panel is opened, the user does not need to interact with the battery while it is still electrically connected and flowing current. The lack of operating current makes the battery replacement process safer.

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the back of an electronic device 100 having an access panel 110 coupled to a housing 115 of the electronic device 100 via a hinge 125 located on a hinged edge 130 of the access panel 110. A top side 132 of the access panel 110 is shown. The hinge 125 can be made of a compliant material that rotatably connects the hinged edge 130, or side, of the access panel 110 to the housing 115. In other examples, other types of hinges can be used, such as a butt hinge or a concealed hinge commonly found on doors.

[0020] The access panel 110 is secured to the housing 115 of the electronic device 100 via at least one latch 135. In one example, the second latch 140 and the latch 135 are shown adjacent to a latching edge 145 of the access panel 110, which is opposite the hinge edge 130, but in other examples the second latch 140 and the latch 135 can be positioned on other sides. Two latches 135 are shown. In other examples, the one or more latches can take any user-friendly form, such as a piece of material with a pivot point that is rotated over the access panel 110 to secure it.

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view of electronic device 100 showing opening of access panel 110 by operation of latch 135. Arrow 210 shows operation of latch 135 moving away from latch edge 145 of access panel 110 to release access panel 110 and allow further rotation of access panel 110 about hinge 125, as shown by arrow 215.

[0022] Figure 3 3 is a perspective view of electronic device 100, showing further rotation of access panel 110 to expose housing cavity 310 having a volume suitable for supporting battery 315. As indicated by arrow 325, battery 315 is shown being removed from bottom side 320 of access panel 110. In one example, electronic device 100 may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, cell phone, or other device containing power supply circuitry. The power supply circuitry need not be exposed by access to housing cavity 310.

[0023] The battery 315 has battery contacts 335 that will electrically couple to the circuit contacts 340 in response to closing of the access panel 110. The access panel 110 operates to selectively cover and expose the housing cavity while making electrical contact with the battery 315 in the closed position.

[0024] In one example, the battery 315 has an edge 345 that is angled or chamfered to mate with one or more walls extending from the bottom side 320 of the access panel 110. A first reverse-chamfered wall 350 extends along the hinged edge 130 and includes an opening 355 positioned to allow passage of a battery contact 335 extending a distance from one edge of the battery 315. The opening 355 enables the battery contact 335 to align and engage with the circuit contact 340, thereby substantially aligning the battery 315 in place when the access panel 110 is closed. In other examples, the walls of the access panel 110 and the edges of the battery 315 can employ a keying structure, such as through a tongue and groove arrangement or any other means, so that the battery 315 can be slid into and secured by the access panel 110, allowing contact alignment and battery replacement to be achieved in a convenient manner.

[0025] One or more side reverse chamfered walls 360, 365 can be used to assist in securing and aligning the battery 315 and engaging the battery contacts 335 with the circuit contacts 340 when the access panel 110 is in the closed position secured by the spring latch 135. In one example, the battery 315 includes a Mylar cover shaped to fit within the housing cavity and the reverse chamfered walls 350, 360, 365. In other examples, the wall can be "L" shaped, with the battery 315 shaped to match the shape of the wall.

[0026] In one example, the access panel 110 is rectangular in shape, and the reverse chamfered walls 350 , 360 , 365 extend along the hinge edge 130 of the access panel 110 and partially along both sides of the access panel 110 extending toward the latch edge 145 of the access panel 110 .

[0027] Figure 4A is a side block diagram of a portion of the battery 315 and the wall 350 of the access panel 110 showing the respective angled edges 410 , 415 and chamfered walls to align the battery 315 in position to ensure electrical contact when the access panel 110 is closed.

[0028] Figure 4B is a side block diagram of an alternative portion of a battery 420 having a rectangular cross-section adapted to fit within an "L"-shaped wall 425 of the access panel 110. The wall 425 includes a portion 430 forming the bottom of the "L" shape, which overlaps the battery 420 and secures it in place. In other examples, other mating types of structures may be used on various batteries and walls to align and secure the battery to the access panel 110.

[0029] In one example, the battery contact 335 and the circuit contact 340 are surface contacts that electrically engage based on surface pressure. Such contacts can be flexible to create consistent and repeatable electrical contact with repeated opening and closing of the access panel 110.

[0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a set of push-pin contacts 500 separated. In one example, the battery contact 510 includes a plurality of metal surface contacts 515. The circuit contact 520 includes a push-pin 525 that is spring-loaded via a spring can 530. In other examples, the battery 315 may include the push-pin 525, and the circuit contact 335 may include the surface contact 515. When the access panel 110 is rotated to the closed position, the push-pin 525 begins to engage the surface contact 515. When locked in the closed position, the push-pin 525 is spring-loaded into secure and conductive contact with the surface contact 515. Conversely, when the access panel is opened, the push-pin 525 and the surface contact 515 separate and are no longer in electrical contact, preferably before the access panel 110 is opened far enough to allow the user to access the cavity 330, thereby reducing the possibility of electric shock.

[0031] Figure 6 FIG2 is a perspective view of a set of push-pin contacts 500 (also known as pogo contacts) shown in an engaged and loaded position as a result of the access panel 110 being rotated to the closed position. The push-pins 525 have been pushed into their respective spring barrels 530, generating a force sufficient to press the pins into firm electrical contact with the surface contacts 515. In the closed position, the surface contacts 515 on the battery 315 provide electrical connection to the corresponding pin connector.

[0032] Figure 7 is a block diagram side view illustrating the operation of the latch device 700. In one example, the latch device 700 can include a spring-loaded slide plate 710 that moves laterally as indicated by arrow 715. A spring 720 can be coupled to the slide plate 710 to bias the slide plate 710 into a closed position of the spring latch, in which the latch portion 725 overlaps the latch engagement portion 730 of the battery 735. In one example, when the slide plate is moved leftward to the open position, the latch portion no longer overlaps the latch engagement portion 730 of the battery 735.

[0033] The opening spring 740 is supported by the housing of the device and pushes the latch engaging portion 730 upward out of the cavity to further open the access panel 110 and the battery 735 to remove or replace the battery 735. Once this is done and the access panel is closed, the opening spring 740 is compressed and the slide 710 can be moved back toward the closed position.

[0034] Due to the use of spring 720, it may be necessary to hold the sliding plate 710 in the left position while closing the access panel 110. In other examples, a ramp feature may be used to move the sliding plate 710 while closing the access panel 110. In other examples, other types of latch mechanisms that provide both securing and opening functionality may be used.

[0035] In one example, to assist in opening the access panel when the spring latch moves to the open position, the spring latch moves against the chamfered edge to slightly lift the access panel 110 and the battery, enabling further opening to a position where the battery can be removed therefrom.

[0036] Figure 8 is a block schematic diagram of a computer system 800 illustrating components of an example electronic device 100 (e.g., a laptop computer or other device having electronic circuitry powered by a battery). In various embodiments, not all components need be used. A battery 315 is shown coupled to the housing 115 of the computer system 800 and accessible via the access panel 110.

[0037] An example computing device in the form of a computer 800 may include a processing unit 802, a memory 803, a removable storage device 810, and a non-removable storage device 812. Although the example computing device is shown and described as a computer 800, the computing device may take different forms in different implementations. For example, the computing device may also be a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, a smart storage device (SSD), or include a processor and a processor. Figure 8 Other computing devices that incorporate the same or similar elements as those shown and described. Devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches are often collectively referred to as mobile devices or user equipment.

[0038] Although various data storage elements are shown as part of the computer 800, the memory may also or alternatively include cloud-based storage accessible via a network (e.g., the Internet or server-based storage). Note also that the SSD may include a processor that can have the parser run on the processor, thereby allowing the parsed and filtered data to be transferred via an I / O channel between the SSD and main memory.

[0039] Memory 803 may include volatile memory 814 and non-volatile memory 808. Computer 800 may include or have access to a computing environment that includes various computer-readable media (e.g., volatile memory 814 and non-volatile memory 808, removable storage 810, and non-removable storage 812). Computer storage includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions.

[0040] The computer 800 may include or have access to a computing environment including the following: an input interface 806, an output interface 804, and a communication interface 816. The output interface 804 may include a display device, such as a touch screen, which may also be used as an input device. The input interface 806 may include a touch screen, a touch pad, a mouse, a keyboard, a camera, one or more device-specific buttons, one or more sensors integrated in the computer 800 or coupled to the computer 800 via a wired or wireless data connection, and other input devices. The computer may be run in a network environment using a communication connection to be connected to one or more remote computers (such as a database server). The remote computer may include a personal computer (PC), a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device, or other common data stream network switches, etc. The communication connection may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other networks. According to one embodiment, the various components of the computer 800 are connected to a system bus 820.

[0041] Computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium can be executed by the processing unit 802 of the computer 800, such as program 818. In some embodiments, program 818 includes software for implementing one or more methods described herein. Hard disks, CD-ROMs, and RAM are some examples of non-transitory computer-readable media such as storage devices. The terms "computer-readable medium," "machine-readable medium," and "storage device" do not include carrier waves or signals, as carrier waves and signals are considered to be too transient to a certain extent. Storage devices can also include network storage, such as a storage area network (SAN). Computer program 818, together with workspace manager 822, can be used to cause the processing unit 802 to execute one or more methods or algorithms described herein.

[0042] Example:

[0043] 1. An electronic device includes a housing containing a power supply circuit and a housing cavity for supporting a battery having a set of battery contacts. The housing further includes a latch and a circuit connector having circuit contacts for electrically connecting to the battery contacts and providing power to the power supply circuit. An access panel is coupled to the housing via a hinge to selectively cover and expose the housing cavity. The access panel has a wall configured to secure and align the battery to engage the battery contacts with the circuit contacts when the access panel is in a closed position secured by the latch.

[0044] 2. The device of example 1, wherein the wall comprises a first reverse-chamfered wall along a hinged side of the access panel and includes an opening to allow the battery contacts to contact the circuit contacts.

[0045] 3. The device of any one of examples 1 to 2, wherein the circuit contacts comprise push-pin contacts.

[0046] 4. The device of any one of examples 1 to 3, wherein the battery includes a Mylar cover shaped to fit within the housing cavity and walls shaped to align with the battery.

[0047] 5. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the housing cavity conceals a power supply circuit within the housing when the housing cavity is exposed.

[0048] 6. The apparatus of any one of examples 1 to 5, wherein the hinge comprises a compliant material that rotatably couples the hinged side of the access panel to the housing.

[0049] 7. The apparatus of example 1, wherein the access panel is rectangular in shape and the wall extends along a hinged side of the access panel and partially along two sides of the access panel extending toward opposite sides of the access panel.

[0050] 8. The device of example 7, wherein opposite sides of the access panel are configured to cooperate with the latch in the closed position.

[0051] 9. The apparatus of example 8, wherein the opposing sides of the access panel include ramps that engage the latch to separate the opposing sides of the access panel from the housing in response to activation of the latch to unlock and open the access panel.

[0052] 10. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the access panel is rectangular in shape and the wall extends along a hinged side of the access panel and includes an opening to allow the battery contacts to contact the circuit contacts, and wherein the wall extends partially along both sides of the access panel extending toward opposite sides of the access panel, and wherein the circuit contacts include push-pin contacts such that opening the access panel disconnects the battery contacts from the circuit contacts.

[0053] 11. The device of any one of examples 1 to 10, wherein the latch comprises two spaced apart latches supported on the housing opposite the hinge.

[0054] 12. An electronic device includes a housing containing a power supply circuit. The housing includes a housing cavity sized to contain a battery having a set of battery contacts, a spring latch, and a circuit connector having circuit contacts for electrically connecting to the battery contacts and providing power to the power supply circuit. An access panel is coupled to the housing via a hinge to selectively cover and expose the housing cavity. The access panel includes reverse chamfered walls to secure and align the battery and to engage the battery contacts with the circuit contacts when the access panel is in a closed position secured by the spring latch.

[0055] 13. The device of example 12, wherein the reverse chamfered wall comprises a first reverse chamfered wall along the hinged side of the access panel and comprises an opening to allow the battery contacts to contact the circuit contacts.

[0056] 14. The device of any one of examples 12 to 13, wherein the circuit contacts comprise push-pin contacts.

[0057] 15. The device of any one of examples 12 to 14, wherein the battery comprises a Mylar cover shaped to fit the housing cavity and the reverse chamfered walls.

[0058] 16. The apparatus of any one of examples 12 to 15, wherein the housing cavity conceals a power supply circuit within the housing when the housing cavity is exposed.

[0059] 17. The apparatus of any one of examples 12 to 16, wherein the hinge comprises a compliant material that rotatably couples the hinged side of the access panel to the housing.

[0060] 18. The apparatus of any one of examples 12 to 17, wherein the access panel is rectangular in shape and the reverse chamfered wall extends along a hinged side of the access panel and partially along both sides of the access panel extending toward opposite sides of the access panel.

[0061] 19. An apparatus according to Example 18, wherein the opposing side of the access panel is configured to cooperate with the spring latch in a closed position, and wherein the opposing side of the access panel includes a ramp that engages the spring latch to separate the opposing side of the access panel from the housing in response to activating the spring latch to unlock and open the access panel.

[0062] 20. The apparatus of any one of Examples 12 to 19, wherein the access panel is rectangular in shape and the reverse chamfered wall extends along a hinged side of the access panel and includes an opening to allow the battery contacts to contact the circuit contacts, and wherein the reverse chamfered wall extends partially along both sides of the access panel extending toward opposite sides of the access panel, and wherein the circuit contacts include push-pin contacts such that opening the access panel disconnects the battery contacts from the circuit contacts.

[0063] Although certain embodiments have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. For example, the logic flows shown in the figures do not require the specific order or sequential sequence shown to achieve the desired results. Other steps may be provided, or steps may be omitted from the described flows, and other components may be added to or removed from the described systems. Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: A housing containing an electric power supply circuit, the housing comprising: a housing cavity for supporting a battery having a set of battery contacts; latch; and a circuit connector having circuit contacts to electrically connect to the battery contacts and provide power to the power supply circuit; and an access panel hingedly coupled to the housing to selectively cover and expose the housing cavity, the access panel including walls configured to secure and align the battery to engage the battery contacts with the circuit contacts when the access panel is in a closed position secured by the latch.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The wall includes a first reverse chamfered wall along a hinged side of the access panel and includes an opening to allow the battery contacts to contact the circuit contacts.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The circuit contact portion includes a push-pin contact portion.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein The battery includes a Mylar cover shaped to fit within the housing cavity and the walls shaped to align with the battery.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein When the housing cavity is exposed, the housing cavity hides the power supply circuit inside the housing.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein A hinge includes a compliant material that rotatably couples the hinged side of the access panel to the housing.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein The access panel is rectangular in shape, and the wall extends along the hinged side of the access panel and partially along both sides of the access panel extending toward opposite sides of the access panel.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein The opposing sides of the access panel are configured to cooperate with the latch in a closed position.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein The opposing side of the access panel includes a ramped surface that engages the latch to separate the opposing side of the access panel from the housing in response to activation of the latch to unlock and open the access panel.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein The access panel is rectangular in shape, and the wall extends along the hinged side of the access panel and includes an opening to allow the battery contacts to contact the circuit contacts, and wherein the wall extends partially along two sides of the access panel extending toward opposite sides of the access panel, and wherein the circuit contacts include push-pin contacts such that opening the access panel disconnects the battery contacts from the circuit contacts.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein The latch includes two spaced-apart latches supported on the housing opposite the hinge.

12. An electronic device comprising: A housing containing an electric power supply circuit, the housing comprising: a housing cavity sized to contain a battery having a set of battery contacts; Spring latch; and a circuit connector having circuit contacts to electrically connect to the battery contacts and provide power to the power supply circuit; and an access panel hingedly coupled to the housing to selectively cover and expose the housing cavity, the access panel comprising: The walls are reverse chamfered to secure and align the battery and engage the battery contacts with the circuit contacts when the access panel is in the closed position secured by the spring latch.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein The reverse chamfered wall includes a first reverse chamfered wall along a hinged side of the access panel and includes an opening to allow the battery contacts to contact the circuit contacts.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein The circuit contact portion includes a push-pin contact portion.

15. The device according to claim 12, wherein The battery includes a Mylar cover shaped to fit the housing cavity and the reverse chamfered wall.

16. The device according to claim 12, wherein When the housing cavity is exposed, the housing cavity hides the power supply circuit inside the housing.

17. The device according to claim 12, wherein A hinge includes a compliant material that rotatably couples the hinged side of the access panel to the housing.

18. The device according to claim 12, wherein The access panel is rectangular in shape, and the reverse chamfered wall extends along a hinged side of the access panel and partially along both sides of the access panel extending toward opposite sides of the access panel.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein The opposing side of the access panel is configured to cooperate with the spring latch in a closed position, and wherein the opposing side of the access panel includes a ramp that engages the spring latch to separate the opposing side of the access panel from the housing in response to activating the spring latch to unlock and open the access panel.

20. The device according to claim 12, wherein The access panel is rectangular in shape, and the reverse chamfered wall extends along a hinged side of the access panel and includes an opening to allow the battery contacts to contact the circuit contacts, and wherein the reverse chamfered wall extends partially along two sides of the access panel extending toward opposite sides of the access panel, and wherein the circuit contacts include push-pin contacts such that opening the access panel disconnects the battery contacts from the circuit contacts.

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