A USB-C docking station
With its detachable cooling mechanism and dust cover design, the USB-C docking station provides effective heat dissipation under high load and maintains its slim and portable design under low load, solving the heat dissipation and power consumption problems of existing technologies.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521826147.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-08-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing USB-C docking stations suffer from significant heat dissipation issues under high loads, leading to increased size and power consumption even under low loads. Current solutions compromise portability and energy efficiency.
A detachable cooling mechanism was designed, including an intake fan inside the air duct and a power cord with a USB-C connector. The fan is powered by the USB interface only when under high load; when not under high load, the fan can be removed and a dust cover can be used to prevent dust intrusion and avoid unnecessary power consumption.
It achieves effective heat dissipation under high load without affecting portability, and avoids unnecessary power consumption under low load, solving the problems of increased size and continuous power consumption in existing solutions.
Smart Images
Figure CN224399794U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic digital device technology, specifically a USB-C docking station. Background Technology
[0002] With the accelerating trend towards thinner and lighter electronic devices, the USB-C interface, with its advantages of high-speed transmission, reversible plug compatibility, and multi-functional integration, has become a standard feature of mobile terminals such as laptops and tablets. USB-C docking stations, as key peripheral solutions, expand multiple functional interfaces through a single USB-C port, thereby meeting users' needs in various scenarios such as connecting monitors, external storage devices, and wired networks.
[0003] However, heat dissipation is a significant issue for USB-C docking stations under high load: when multiple ports are simultaneously transmitting data or outputting high-resolution video, the heat generated by the internal chipset and circuit board accumulates rapidly. Existing solutions mostly rely on passive cooling or active cooling by adding fans. However, active cooling with fans increases the size of the USB-C docking station, affecting portability. Meanwhile, passive cooling is sufficient for everyday use under low load conditions; continuous active cooling would lead to unnecessary increases in power consumption and energy consumption.
[0004] To address this issue, a USB-C docking station is proposed. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a USB-C docking station that has the advantages of effective heat dissipation without affecting portability during high-load operation and avoiding unnecessary power consumption during low-load operation. It solves the problems of increased size and continuous power consumption during low-load operation caused by existing USB-C docking station fan cooling solutions.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: It includes a bottom shell, on which a top cover is mounted. The top cover is fixedly connected to the bottom shell by screws. A pre-drilled slot is provided on the top cover, and a cooling mechanism is installed in the pre-drilled slot. The cooling mechanism is used for heat dissipation of the docking station, and includes an air duct. An intake fan is installed inside the air duct, and a power cord is installed on the air duct. One end of the power cord has a first USB-C connector, which is used to plug into the USB port of the docking station. The other end of the power cord passes through the air duct and is electrically connected to the intake fan. A dust cover is installed on the bottom shell to cover the pre-drilled slot.
[0007] Preferably, a circuit board is mounted on the bottom shell, and the circuit board is provided with a chipset, a USB interface, a video interface and a network interface; the bottom shell has slots that match the USB interface, the video interface and the network interface; a first positioning bracket is mounted on the bottom shell, and the first positioning bracket is used to engage the cooling mechanism or the dust cover.
[0008] In the design, the circuit board mounted on the bottom shell integrates the chipset, USB interface, video interface, and network interface, ensuring the reliability of data transmission and functional expansion. The slots on the bottom shell that match the interfaces precisely expose each interface, facilitating quick plugging and unplugging of external devices. The first positioning bracket uses a snap-fit method to fix the cooling mechanism or dust cover, enabling flexible component replacement. Under high load, the cooling mechanism can be installed to enhance heat dissipation, while under low load, the dust cover can be switched to prevent dust accumulation, thereby optimizing power management.
[0009] Preferably, a signal source cable is installed on the top cover, one end of which has a second USB-C connector, and the other end of which passes through the top cover and is electrically connected to the circuit board; a second positioning bracket is installed on the top cover, which is used to engage a dust cover or a cooling mechanism.
[0010] In the design, the signal source cable installed on the top cover enables the signal transmission connection between the docking station and the main device; the second USB-C connector at one end of the signal source cable has a high-speed plug-in function to ensure the stability and compatibility of the signal source input; the second positioning bracket uses a snap-fit method to fix the dust cover or cooling mechanism, which makes it easy for users to quickly switch components according to heat dissipation needs. Under high load, the cooling mechanism is activated to enhance heat dissipation, and under low load, the dust cover is used to maintain passive heat dissipation to avoid extra energy consumption.
[0011] Preferably, the air duct is provided with an integrally injection-molded second snap-fit bracket, and the air duct is snapped into the second positioning bracket or the first positioning bracket through the second snap-fit bracket.
[0012] In the design, the air duct is equipped with an integrally injection-molded second snap-fit bracket, which realizes a stable snap-fit with the second positioning bracket or the first positioning bracket, ensuring that the air duct is easy and reliable to install; the structure has the characteristics of quick disassembly, which makes it convenient for users to add a cooling mechanism to enhance heat dissipation under high load, and remove it under low load to maintain the docking station's thin and portable nature.
[0013] Preferably, the intake fan is a brushless fan.
[0014] In the design, the intake fan adopts a brushless fan, which achieves low power consumption and high-efficiency heat dissipation, and reduces the temperature of the chipset when running under high load. The fan has the advantages of low noise and long life, avoiding the high energy consumption problem of traditional fans. When not under high load, it can be disassembled to reduce unnecessary power consumption.
[0015] Preferably, the dust cover is provided with a connecting rope that connects to the bottom shell, and the dust cover is provided with an integrally injection-molded first snap-fit frame, and the dust cover is snapped into the first positioning frame or the second positioning frame through the first snap-fit frame.
[0016] In the design, the connecting rope on the dust cover achieves a physical connection with the bottom shell to prevent components from being lost; the one-piece injection-molded first snap-fit bracket on the dust cover has the function of quickly snapping with the first positioning bracket or the second positioning bracket, which makes it easy to cover the reserved slot when not under high load and block dust from entering; the structure adopts a lightweight design, saving energy without affecting portability.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0018] This invention features a detachable cooling mechanism, comprising an intake fan within an air duct and a power cord with a first USB-C connector connected to the intake fan. The first USB-C connector on the power cord can be plugged into the USB port of the docking station. This allows the intake fan to be powered via the USB port only when heat dissipation is needed, providing effective cooling during high-load operation. Simultaneously, a dust cover on the bottom shell conceals the pre-reserved slot, allowing the cooling mechanism to be replaced during non-high-load operation. This prevents dust intrusion and avoids excessive fan power consumption, thus maintaining the docking station's slim and portable design while ensuring effective heat dissipation. This solves the problems of increased size due to a fixed fan and increased power consumption during non-high-load operation in existing solutions. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom shell structure from one perspective of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom shell structure from another perspective of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover structure of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling mechanism of this utility model from one perspective.
[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling mechanism of this utility model from another perspective.
[0025] In the diagram: 1. Bottom shell; 11. Circuit board; 12. First positioning frame; 2. Top cover; 21. Signal source cable; 22. Second positioning frame; 23. Reserved slot; 24. Second USB-C connector; 3. Cooling mechanism; 31. Air duct; 32. Second card holder; 33. Power cord; 34. Intake fan; 35. First USB-C connector; 4. Dust cover; 41. First card holder. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0027] Example
[0028] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, one embodiment of this utility model provides a USB-C expansion dock, including a bottom shell 1, a top cover 2 installed on the bottom shell 1, the top cover 2 being fixedly connected to the bottom shell 1 by screws, a reserved slot 23 being provided on the top cover 2, and a cooling mechanism 3 being installed at the reserved slot 23; the cooling mechanism 3 is used for heat dissipation of the expansion dock, and includes an air duct 31, an intake fan 34 being installed in the air duct 31, a power cord 33 being installed on the air duct 31, one end of the power cord 33 being provided with a first USB-C connector 35, the first USB-C connector 35 on the power cord 33 being used to plug into the USB interface of the expansion dock, and the other end of the power cord 33 passing through the air duct 31 and being electrically connected to the intake fan 34; a dust cover 4 is installed on the bottom shell 1, the dust cover 4 being used to cover the reserved slot 23.
[0029] Specifically, by setting a detachable cooling mechanism 3, which includes an intake fan 34 inside the air duct 31 and a power cord 33 with a first USB-C connector 35 connected to the intake fan 34, the first USB-C connector 35 on the power cord 33 can be plugged into the USB port of the docking station. This allows the intake fan 34 to be powered by the USB port only when heat dissipation is needed, providing effective heat dissipation during high-load operation. At the same time, by setting a dust cover 4 on the bottom shell 1 to cover the reserved slot 23, the cooling mechanism 3 can be replaced during non-high-load operation, preventing dust intrusion and avoiding fan power consumption. This ensures heat dissipation while maintaining the docking station's slim and portable design, solving the problems of increased size due to fixed fans and increased power consumption during non-high-load operation in existing solutions.
[0030] Furthermore, a circuit board 11 is installed on the bottom shell 1, and the circuit board 11 is provided with a chipset, a USB interface, a video interface and a network interface; the bottom shell 1 is provided with slots that match the USB interface, the video interface and the network interface; a first positioning bracket 12 is installed on the bottom shell 1, and the first positioning bracket 12 is used to engage the cooling mechanism 3 or the dust cover 4.
[0031] Specifically, the circuit board 11 mounted on the bottom shell 1 integrates the chipset, USB interface, video interface, and network interface, ensuring the reliability of data transmission and functional expansion. The slots on the bottom shell 1 that match the interfaces accurately expose each interface, facilitating quick plugging and unplugging of external devices. The first positioning bracket 12 uses a snap-fit method to fix the cooling mechanism 3 or the dust cover 4, enabling flexible component replacement. Under high load, the cooling mechanism can be installed to enhance heat dissipation, while under low load, the dust cover can be switched to prevent dust accumulation, thereby optimizing power consumption management.
[0032] Furthermore, a signal source cable 21 is installed on the top cover 2. One end of the signal source cable 21 is provided with a second USB-C connector 24, and the other end of the signal source cable 21 passes through the top cover 2 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 11. A second positioning bracket 22 is installed on the top cover 2. The second positioning bracket 22 is used to snap the dust cover 4 or the cooling mechanism 3.
[0033] Specifically, the signal source cable 21 installed on the top cover 2 enables the signal transmission connection between the docking station and the main device; the second USB-C connector 24 at one end of the signal source cable 21 has a high-speed plug-in function to ensure the stability and compatibility of the signal source input; the second positioning bracket 22 uses a snap-fit method to fix the dust cover 4 or the cooling mechanism 3, which makes it easy for users to quickly switch components according to heat dissipation needs. Under high load, the cooling mechanism is activated to enhance heat dissipation, and under non-high load, the dust cover is used to maintain passive heat dissipation to avoid additional energy consumption.
[0034] Furthermore, the air duct 31 is provided with an integrally injection-molded second snap-fit bracket 32, and the air duct 31 is snapped into the second positioning bracket 22 or the first positioning bracket 12 through the second snap-fit bracket 32.
[0035] Specifically, the air duct 31 is provided with an integrally injection-molded second snap-fit bracket 32, which realizes a stable snap-fit with the second positioning bracket 22 or the first positioning bracket 12, ensuring that the air duct 31 is easy and reliable to install; the structure has the characteristics of quick disassembly, which makes it convenient for users to add a cooling mechanism to enhance heat dissipation under high load, and remove it under non-high load to maintain the docking station's lightness and portability.
[0036] Furthermore, the intake fan 34 is a brushless fan.
[0037] Specifically, the intake fan 34 adopts a brushless fan, which achieves low power consumption and efficient heat dissipation, reducing the temperature of the chipset when running under high load. The fan has the advantages of low noise and long life, avoiding the high energy consumption problem of traditional fans. When not under high load, it can be disassembled to reduce unnecessary power consumption.
[0038] Furthermore, the dust cover 4 is provided with a connecting rope that connects to the bottom shell 1, and the dust cover 4 is provided with an integrally injection molded first snap-fit frame 41. The dust cover 4 is snapped into the first positioning frame 12 or the second positioning frame 22 through the first snap-fit frame 41.
[0039] Specifically, the connecting rope on the dust cover 4 enables a physical connection with the bottom shell 1 to prevent components from being lost; the one-piece injection-molded first snap-fit bracket 41 on the dust cover 4 has the function of quickly snapping with the first positioning bracket 12 or the second positioning bracket 22, which makes it easy to cover the reserved slot 23 when not under high load to block dust from entering; the structure adopts a lightweight design, saving energy without affecting portability.
[0040] When using this invention, connect the second USB-C connector 24 of the signal source cable 21 on the top cover 2 to the host device. At this time, the USB interface, video interface, and network interface of the docking station can be used normally. In non-high load scenarios, the reserved slot 23 is completely covered by the dust cover 4 installed on the bottom shell 1 to prevent dust from entering the interior of the docking station.
[0041] When performing high-load tasks with multiple interfaces, active cooling needs to be activated. At this time, remove the dust cover 4 from the reserved slot 23, align the second mounting bracket 32 of the cooling mechanism 3 with the second positioning bracket 22 of the top cover 2, press and lock it in place, and insert the first USB-C connector 35 of the power cord 33 of the cooling mechanism 3 into any available USB port on the docking station to power the built-in intake fan 34. At this point, the brushless fan starts, and external cool air is forced into the docking station through the air duct 31, achieving efficient heat dissipation.
[0042] After the high-load task is completed, disconnect the first USB-C connector 35 of the power cord 33 of the cooling mechanism 3 to stop the fan operation. Remove the cooling mechanism 3 from the reserved slot 23 and align the first clip 41 of the dust cover 4 with the second positioning clip 22 at the position of the reserved slot 23 to ensure that the reserved slot 23 is completely sealed. At this point, the docking station returns to its normal low-power, dustproof mode.
[0043] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A USB-C docking station, comprising a bottom shell (1), wherein a top cover (2) is mounted on the bottom shell (1), and the top cover (2) is fixedly connected to the bottom shell (1) by screws, characterized in that: The top cover (2) is provided with a reserved slot (23), and a cooling mechanism (3) is installed in the reserved slot (23); the cooling mechanism (3) is used for heat dissipation of the expansion dock, and includes an air duct (31), an air intake fan (34) is installed in the air duct (31), a power cord (33) is installed on the air duct (31), one end of the power cord (33) is provided with a first USB-C connector (35), the first USB-C connector (35) on the power cord (33) is used to plug into the USB interface of the expansion dock, and the other end of the power cord (33) passes through the air duct (31) and is electrically connected to the air intake fan (34); a dust cover (4) is installed on the bottom shell (1), and the dust cover (4) is used to cover the reserved slot (23).
2. A USB-C docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, A circuit board (11) is installed on the bottom shell (1). The circuit board (11) is provided with a chipset, a USB interface, a video interface and a network interface. The bottom shell (1) is provided with slots that match the USB interface, the video interface and the network interface. A first positioning frame (12) is installed on the bottom shell (1). The first positioning frame (12) is used to snap onto the cooling mechanism (3) or the dust cover (4).
3. A USB-C docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover (2) is equipped with a signal source line (21), one end of which is provided with a second USB-C connector (24), and the other end of which passes through the top cover (2) and is electrically connected to the circuit board (11); the top cover (2) is equipped with a second positioning frame (22), which is used to snap on the dust cover (4) or the cooling mechanism (3).
4. A USB-C docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct (31) is provided with an integrally injection molded second snap-fit bracket (32), and the air duct (31) is snapped with the second positioning bracket (22) or the first positioning bracket (12) through the second snap-fit bracket (32).
5. A USB-C docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intake fan (34) is a brushless fan.
6. A USB-C docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dust cover (4) is provided with a connecting rope that connects to the bottom shell (1). The dust cover (4) is provided with an integrally injection molded first snap-fit frame (41). The dust cover (4) is snapped to the first positioning frame (12) or the second positioning frame (22) through the first snap-fit frame (41).