Computer power connection device

Abstract

A computer power connection device comprises: a 3-way connection; a DC source cable extending from a DC input plug to the 3-way connection; a DC output cable extending from the 3-way connection to a DC supply plug; a verification cable extending from the 3-way connection to a verification connector for connection to the power output of an unpowered power supply unit; a verification signal wire extending from the verification connector through the verification cable, through the DC output cable to the DC supply plug; a DC power wire extending from the DC input plug through the DC source cable, and through the DC output cable to the DC supply plug; and a ground wire through the cables connecting the DC input plug and the DC supply plug.

Description

[0001] P607152PC00

[0002] Computer Power Connection Device

[0003] Field of Invention

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a wheeled computer workstation which includes a housing to hold a workstation computer which is battery-powered.

[0005] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a computer power connection device.

[0006] Wheeled workstations permit a person to move the workstation from one location to another, and any equipment on the workstation such as a computer, monitor, printer, dock, Wi-Fi access point and the like move with the workstation so that the person can carry out their work in multiple locations. The workstation does not need to be plugged in during use because it carries a rechargeable battery which supplies DC electrical power to the equipment on the workstation. This permits the person to move the workstation from one location to another and to use the equipment on the workstation without having to plug the workstation in at each location.

[0007] A workstation like this is particularly useful in hospitals where an administrator can move their workstation to the location of a patient in order to enter personal information about the patient into their computer, or where a clinician can move their workstation to the location of the patient to enter patient observations and to view the medical records of the patient using their computer while at their bedside. A clinician might also have DC-powered special monitoring, diagnostic or therapeutic equipment located on the wheeled workstation, such as a blood pressure monitor, ultrasound imaging equipment, or a patient vital signs monitor.

[0008] A workstation like this is also useful in industrial settings where a worker can move their workstation from one location to another in order to record information about an industrial process occurring in different places within the industrial setting. The workstation might carry specialist DC-powered equipment which can be used in multiple locations by virtue of the fact that it is located on a wheeled workstation, or a label printer and scanner for use in managing inventory. Another use is for the workstation to give access to technical information, such as technical manuals.

[0009] For security reasons, workstations of this kind tend to include a housing for location of the computer in order to prevent unauthorised access. In contrast, the monitor screen, P607152PC00 keyboard and mouse are located outside of the housing so that the computer can be operated using those items.

[0010] Although wheeled workstations of this kind have become popular, there are some significant problems with them. One of the primary problems is that the housing impedes the cooling of the computer. As a result, the computer tends to overheat or run hot, and this causes the cooling fans within the computer to operate much more than if the computer were in the open. The increased fan operation causes more power to be consumed which adds to the load on the battery. Either the battery life is shortened, or a bigger battery is required to meet the needs of the wheeled workstation. The extra heat also increases the load on the computer such that its reliability and durability is negatively impacted.

[0011] An aim of the present invention is to facilitate improved cooling of a computer within the housing.

[0012] Some computers are sold with a power supply which converts Mains AC electricity into DC electricity to be used by the computer, and which also supplies a verification signal to the computer on a third wire which indicates that the power supply meets certain technical standards relating, for example to the voltage of the power supply, to the earthing of the power supply, to the maximum power that it can supply, and the like. The computer's performance is throttled if no verification signal is received in order to protect the computer and the power supply from damage in case the power supply is not compatible with the demands of the computer.

[0013] While laptop computers with an integrated battery enable the use of a computer when not connected to a Mains power source, there is a need for computers which are not laptops and which do not include an integrated battery to be used when not connected to a Mains power source. Examples of this need include computers mounted in wheeled computer workstations which are used in hospitals so that the computer can be moved to a patient, or in a factory so that the computer can be moved to a workstation or workpiece. There are many reasons why a laptop is unsuitable, for example where a laptop screen is inappropriate for the computer's use, such as displaying high resolution or large images, or the keyboard is inappropriate for the computer's use, such as inputting data which cannot be entered in text form. P607152PC00

[0014] An aim of the present invention is to enable an improved computing system in which nonlaptop computers can be used, without being connected to a Mains power source, on battery power without being throttled.

[0015] Summary of Invention

[0016] According to a first aspect of the invention, a wheeled computer workstation comprises a wheeled base, a worktop and a computer housing, wherein the computer housing includes: a housing body having an open front; an open-bottomed door arranged to close the front of the housing body such that it is spaced from the housing body to define a cavity therebetween; and a computer support mounted within the cavity between the housing body and the door. This permits much improved cooling by permitting air to pass through the cavity.

[0017] Preferably, the door includes a door top which permits the passage of air through or past it so that the open bottom of the door, the cavity and the top of the door define an airflow passage. The airflow through the passage has a highly effective cooling effect. The door top may be arranged to close against the housing body and spaces the door from the body to define the cavity. This maintains the size of the cavity such that it is effective. In a preferred embodiment, the door top is perforated. The door may include sides which close the door against the housing body.

[0018] The wheeled computer workstation might further comprise a support panel mounted across the front of the housing to which the computer support is mounted. This has the advantage of both locating a computer in an intended position and conducting heat to the housing body for improved cooling. The support panel might advantageously be connected to the housing body by a hinge connection so that it can be opened for access to the housing body.

[0019] The computer support advantageously includes a support base with an aperture to permit intake of cooling air to a computer.

[0020] The wheeled computer workstation preferably includes a lock between the housing body and the door arranged to lock the door with the top of the door touching the housing body. Not only does this make the housing secure, but it permits heat to be conducted from the housing body to the door for cooling.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention, a computer housing of a wheeled computer workstation, wherein the computer housing includes: a housing body having an open front; P607152PC00 an open-bottomed door arranged to close the front of the housing body such that it is spaced from the housing body to define a cavity therebetween; and a computer support mounted within the cavity between the housing body and the door. This permits much improved cooling by permitting air to pass through the cavity.

[0022] Advantageously, the door includes a door top which permits the passage of air through or past it so that the open bottom of the door, the cavity and the top of the door defines an airflow passage. The airflow through the passage has a highly effective cooling effect.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the invention, a computer power connection device comprises: a 3-way connection; a DC source cable extending from a DC input plug to the 3-way connection; a DC output cable extending from the 3-way connection to a DC supply plug; a verification cable extending from the 3-way connection to a verification connector for connection to the power output of an unpowered power supply unit; a verification signal wire extending from the verification connector through the verification cable, through the DC output cable to the DC supply plug; a DC power wire extending from the DC input plug through the DC source cable, and through the DC output cable to the DC supply plug; and a ground wire through the cables connecting the DC input plug and the DC supply plug.

[0024] The ground wire may additionally extend through the verification cable to the verification connector plug.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of connecting a computer to a DC power source comprises: connecting a DC power wire and a ground wire between the DC power source and the computer; and connecting a verification signal wire between a verification port of the computer and a port of an unpowered power supply unit of a type having circuitry to emit a verification signal on the verification signal wire when it has received a request to supply it.

[0026] Preferably, the method further comprises connecting the ground wire to the verification port of the unpowered power supply.

[0027] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: P607152PC00

[0029] Figures 1A and IB are schematic figures showing a wheeled computer workstation according to a first aspect of the invention;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a computer housing of the wheeled computer workstation shown in Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 3 is a view of the computer housing shown in Figure 2 with its door open;

[0032] Figure 4 is a view of the computer housing shown in Figures 2 and 3 with the door removed and a computer support pivoted to an open position;

[0033] Figure 5 is a front view of the computer housing shown in Figures 2 to 4;

[0034] Figure 6 is a side view of the computer housing shown in Figures 2 to 5;

[0035] Figure 7 is a top plan view of the computer housing shown in Figures 2 to 6;

[0036] Figure 8 is an underside view of the computer housing shown in Figures 2 to 7;

[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic drawing of the electrical connection of devices of a wheeled computing workstation according to a second aspect of the invention;

[0038] Figure 10 is a view of a power connection device of the wheeled computing workstation shown in Figure 9; and

[0039] Figure 11 is a schematic electrical connection diagram for the power connection device shown in Figure 10.

[0040] Detailed Description - First Aspect:

[0041] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1A & IB, a wheeled computer workstation 1 includes a wheeled base 2, an upright 3 extending from the wheeled base 2 on which a worktop 4 is carried on which equipment such as a monitor 6, keyboard 7, mouse 8, printer, dock, Wi-Fi access point, diagnostic equipment and the like may be used. It is preferred that the upright 3 extending from the wheeled base 2 to the worktop 4 can be varied in its length in order to allow a user to adjust the height of the worktop 4. The wheeled workstation 1 also includes a computer housing 10 carried by the upright 3, which is arranged to be able to hold a computer which is connected to the monitor 6, keyboard 7 and mouse 8. The monitor 6 is carried on a monitor post 9. The computer housing 10 is located fully beneath the worktop 4, but spaced from it. As will be described later, the top of the computer housing 10 is either open or ventilated, so positioning it beneath the worktop 4 means P607152PC00 that the computer housing 10 is protected from dirt, dust, foreign objects and liquids being dropped or spilled into it. In alternative embodiments, the power housing could be carried by the wheeled base 2 or by the worktop 4.

[0043] In this embodiment, the monitor includes three batteries 11 which power the wheeled computer workstation 1. The batteries 11 can be removed from the monitor 6 individually so that they can be recharged, and they can be individually hot swapped with batteries which have already been charged. Being able to swap batteries individually means that the workstation 1 can continue to be used without interruption from the swapping of individual batteries. The monitor 6 is powered by the batteries 11, and there is a power cable (not shown) from the monitor 6 to the interior of the computer housing 10 for supplying power to the computer located inside. Of course, the power supplied to the computer is DC power, and the computer housing 10 might also supply other devices which can also be powered from the batteries 11 including the upright 3, if it is powered. It will be appreciated that, by swapping the batteries 11, the wheeled computer workstation 1 never needs to be plugged into the mains electricity supply.

[0044] The computer housing 10 will now be described in detail with respect to figures 2 to 8.

[0045] Figure 2 shows the computer housing 10 in its closed configuration including a housing body 14 and a door 15. The housing body 14, as can be seen in Figure 3, is an open fronted box, and the door 15 closes the open front in such a way that it is spaced away from the housing body 14 by its sides 16 and its top 18 to define a cavity therebetween. The door 15 is formed in one piece from a sheet of metal, preferably aluminium, where the sides 16 of the door are formed by bending the sheet aluminium so that they are perpendicular to the sheet of metal. The top 18 of the door is formed by folding the sheet aluminium along its top so that it is perpendicular to most of the rest of the door. The top 18 of the door is perforated to permit passage of cooling air, and a further perpendicular lip is folded at the very edge of the top of the door in order to touch the housing body 14, when closed. The door is hinged to the housing body 14 by a hinge connection 17 which allows the door to be moved from a closed position where the sides 16 of the door close against the housing body as a wrap-around clamshell overlapping the housing body 14, and the top 18 of the door rests against the top of the housing body 14. The door includes a lock 19 which permits the door 15 to be securely locked against the housing body 14 to resist unauthorised access. The door is open topped 20 outside of the extent of the top of the door 18. The top of the door 18 permits the passage of air through or past it.

[0046] Figure 3 shows the computer housing 10 with the door 15 in an open position with the door 15 pivoted away from the housing body 14. Within the computer housing 10 is located P607152PC00 a computer support 25 into which a computer can be installed, which support is mounted on a support panel 26 positioned across the full width of the housing body 14 such that it touches both sides of the housing body 14. The computer support 25 includes a support base 27 which contains an aperture 28 through it and support arms 29 to retain the computer within the computer support 25.

[0047] Figure 4 shows the computer housing 10 with the door 15 removed and the support panel 26 pivoted forwards to give access to the space within the housing body 14. The support panel 26 includes hinges 30 connected to the housing body 14 and a panel catch 31 in the support base 27 which may engage with the floor 35 of the housing body 14. In a closed position, the support panel 26 is restrained by the panel catch 31 being engaged with the floor 35 of the housing body 14. Once the panel catch 31 has been released, the support panel 26 can be swung forwards on the hinges 30.

[0048] It will be noted that, when the support panel 26 is closed, the computer support 25 and any computer located in the computer support 25 is located outside of the housing body 14 in the cavity defined by the door being spaced away from the housing body 14. Additionally, the floor 35 of the housing body includes a perforated section 36 which extends outside of the housing body 14 into the cavity such that it covers a space beyond the extent of the support base 27. The perforated section 36 of the floor 35 also engages with the panel catch 31.

[0049] A power supply unit 37 may be located within the housing body 14. The power supply unit 37 is for medical grade certification purposes, and while it does transform the 230V mains power down to 19V needed by the powered monitor for running and charging of the batteries, it also acts as a filter for earth leakage back from the device to the hospital's electrical circuits. The PSU carries its own separate IEC60601 certification. The top of the housing body 14 includes a rectangular hole 38 to permit the location of the monitor post 9.

[0050] There are several features of this invention which work together to produce a high level of cooling.

[0051] The first cooling feature is that the computer support 25 is mounted on the support panel 26, and the support panel touches the housing body 14 such that the computer support 25 acts as a heat sink and conducts heat from the computer, and conducts heat to the support panel 26 and then on to the housing body 14. All of these components are made from heat conductive materials, preferably aluminium. All of these components act as heat conductors carrying heat away from the computer and heat radiators by forming a large cooling surface for radiating that heat to the surroundings. This effect is supplemented by P607152PC00 the fact that the top edge of the door 15, when closed, touches the housing body, so the door also conveys away some of the heat too.

[0052] The second cooling feature is that the aperture 28 in the support base 27 aligns with the air intake of the computer which is mounted in the computer support 25 such that cool ambient air is drawn into the computer to cool it, and this fan driven cooling air is exhausted upwards from the computer and out through the open top 20 and perforated top 18 of the door 15.

[0053] The third cooling feature is that, because the inside surfaces of the computer housing 10 are warmed by the first feature, an upward flow of air is induced by the air rising in through the open bottom of the door 15, and in through the perforated section 36 of the floor 35 of the housing body opens downwardly, upwardly through the perforated section 36 and through the open bottom of the door, upwards through the cavity between the support panel 26 and the door 15, and out through the open top 20 and perforated top 18 of the door 15. The open bottom of the door, the cavity between the door 15 and the support panel 26, and the top of the door which permits the passage of air through or past it together define an airflow passage through which a significant amount of air is induced, and the fan driven air through the computer further reinforces the induced airflow

[0054] The combination of these cooling features it is such that the computer is able to run with substantially the same amount of cooling from its own internal fans as if it were standing in free air. As a consequence, the amount of fan driven cooling required compared with computers housed in prior art computer housings is much lower, and so the energy consumption from the fan motor is substantially less. This results in increased battery life to the batteries 11 between charges which not only results in an energy saving, but reduced charge cycling means that the degradation of the batteries is also slower. It is expected that their service life will increase by 25% before requiring replacement.

[0055] The operation of the wheeled computer workstation 1 will now be described. Before it can be used, a computer must be installed within the computer housing 10. In this embodiment, a small form factor PCs used, typically described as a 1 litre PC or micro form factor PC. A computer of this kind contains a cooling fan which draws air in through an air inlet and exhausts the cooling air from an air exhaust. To install the computer, a person must first unlock the door by opening the lock 19 and then pivoting the door towards an open position around the hinge connection 17. The computer is inserted into the computer support 25 behind the support arms 29 such that the computer rests on the support base 27 with its air inlet facing downwards through the aperture 28. It can then be connected to wiring including a power cable from the batteries 11 in the monitor 6 and P607152PC00 wires to the keyboard 7, mouse 8 and video cable to the monitor 6. The cabling will typically pass through the hole 38 in the top of the housing body 14 with the monitor post 9. The computer's power supply unit 37 is mounted within the housing body 14, although it could be mounted anywhere convenient. Other equipment can be positioned within the housing body 14, access to which can be achieved by releasing the panel catch 31 and swinging the support panel 26 forward on the hinges to give access. The support panel 26 can then be closed and secured with the panel catch 31. Once installed, the door 15 can be closed and the lock 19 engaged. In doing so the top 18 of the door 15 is brought into contact with the top of the housing body 14 so as to cause a thermal connection from the housing body 14 to the door 15 for cooling purposes.

[0056] During operation of the computer, the cooling fan within the computer draws air into its air inlet via the aperture 28 in the support base 27, and exhausts the cooling air upwards into the computer housing 10 as the vents on the computer face upwards, so that it passes upwardly through the open top 20 and the perforated top 18 of the door 15. In addition, the computer support 25, including the support base 27 and support arms 29 act as a heat sink to conduct heat away from the computer, and to conduct it first to the support panel 26 and then to the housing body 14 and then to the door 15 so that all of those parts of the computer housing 10 are able to radiate the heat from the computer. Since the inner surfaces of the computer housing 10 will be warm, heat will be radiated to the air within the cavity warming it. This will induce a flow of ambient air from outside the computer housing 10 upwardly through the open bottom of the door 15 and through the perforated section 36 of the floor 35, up through the cavity between the support panel 26 and the door 15, and out through the open top 20 and perforated top 18 of the door. The upward airflow is further induced by the fan-driven cooling air expelled by the computer.

[0057] As a result, very effective cooling of the computer is achieved, reducing energy consumption, increasing battery life between charges and increasing the service life of the batteries 11.

[0058] Detailed Description - Second Aspect:

[0059] Figure 9 is a schematic drawing of a wheeled computing workstation 40 comprising a computer 44, a monitor 45 and a power supply unit 46 for the computer. Since the workstation is wheeled, it needs to be able to operate whilst not plugged into a mains power supply. To permit this, the monitor 45 includes a battery 49 for powering the monitor 45 and for powering the computer 44. The battery 49 is preferably made up of three rechargeable batteries which can individually be removed from the monitor for recharging. The power supply unit 46 is the standard power supply unit for converting P607152PC00 mains AC electricity into DC power for the computer 44. However, in this application, although the power supply is present, it is unpowered because it is not plugged into the mains power supply.

[0060] The computer 44 is one which will only operate if it is powered by an approved manufacturer's power supply unit, such as the power supply unit 46 plugged into the mains power supply. In this type of computer, the power supply cable which is normally connected between the computer 44 and the mains-powered power supply unit 46 includes a third wire for transmission of data between those devices. The computer 44 starts communication with the mains-powered power supply unit 46 down the third wire, and circuitry within the mains-powered power supply unit 46 replies to the computer 44 in a verification signal through the third wire to identify characteristics of the mains-powered power supply unit 46. For example, it might identify charger characteristics such as maximum power, current, voltage and other appropriate things associated with the operation of the mains-powered power supply unit 46. The computer will refuse to accept power from the mains-powered power supply unit 46 if it does not meet specified criteria, or will throttle its performance.

[0061] Figure 10 is a drawing of the power connection device 50. The following text describes Figures 9 and 10 together. A power connection device 50 is connected between the monitor 45, the computer 44 and the un-powered power supply unit 46 in order to power the computer 44 from the battery 49 of the monitor 45. To achieve this, the power connection device 50 comprises three cables, a DC source cable 51, a DC output cable 52 and a verification cable 53. The three cables are connected together at a three-way connection 54.

[0062] The DC source cable 51 includes, at its end, a DC input plug 55 which can be plugged into a source port 48 in the monitor 45. This permits power from the battery 49 to be accessed by the power connection device 50. The DC input plug includes a shell 56, a tip 57 and a ring 58.

[0063] The DC output cable 52 includes at its end a DC supply plug 61 which can be plugged into a power port 47 in the computer 44 in order to power it. The DC supply plug 61 includes a shell 70, a tip 71 and a ring 72.

[0064] The verification cable 53 includes at its end a verification connector 64 for connection to the power output of the unpowered power supply unit 46. The verification connector 64 of the verification cable 53 includes a shell 65, a tip 66 and a ring 67. P607152PC00

[0065] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, a verification signal wire (shown with alternating long and short dashes) extends from the verification connector 64 to the DC supply plug 61 via the verification cable 53 and the DC output cable 52; a ground wire (shown with an unbroken line) connects the DC source plug 55 to the verification connector and to the DC supply plug 61 via the DC source cable 51, the DC output cable 52 and the verification cable 53; and a DC power wire (shown with regular dashes) extends from the DC source plug 55 to the DC supply plug 61 via the DC source cable 51 and the DC output cable 52. This permits the computer 44 to be powered from the battery 49 of the monitor 45. However, since the computer will not operate unless it is powered by an approved manufacturer's power supply unit, it communicates with the unpowered power supply unit 46 down the verification signal wire, and the circuitry within the unpowered power supply unit 46 replies to the computer 44 with a verification signal through the verification signal wire, receipt of which allows the computer to be fully operational, in that the computer 44 will accept the power from the monitor 45. This is achieved because the communication through the verification signal wire between the computer and the unpowered power supply unit 46 occurs using a wired half duplex serial bus such as the 1-Wire system. The unpowered power supply unit 46 includes a small capacitor to store charge which powers circuitry within the unit such that on receipt of the communication from the computer 44, it becomes active and is able to reply, sending the verification signal. This system is not described in any more detail here because it is well established in the art.

[0066] Various further modifications to the above described examples, whether by way of addition, deletion or substitution, will be apparent to the skilled person to provide additional examples, any and all of which are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

P607152PC00Claims1. A computer power connection device comprising : a 3-way connection; a DC source cable extending from a DC input plug to the 3-way connection; a DC output cable extending from the 3-way connection to a DC supply plug; a verification cable extending from the 3-way connection to a verification connector for connection to the power output of an unpowered power supply unit; a verification signal wire extending from the verification connector through the verification cable, through the DC output cable to the DC supply plug; a DC power wire extending from the DC input plug through the DC source cable, and through the DC output cable to the DC supply plug; and a ground wire through the cables connecting the DC input plug and the DC supply plug.

2. A computer power connection device according to claim 1, wherein the ground wire additionally extends through the verification cable to the verification connector.

3. A method of connecting a computer to a DC power source comprising : connecting a DC power wire and a ground wire between the DC power source and the computer; and connecting a verification signal wire between a verification port of the computer and a port of an unpowered power supply unit of a type having circuitry to emit a verification signal on the verification signal wire when it has received a request to supply it.

4. A method according to claim 3, further comprising connecting the ground wire to the verification port of the unpowered power supply.

5. A wheeled computer workstation comprising a wheeled base, a worktop and a computer housing, wherein the computer housing includes: a housing body having an open front; an open-bottomed door arranged to close the front of the housing body such that it is spaced from the housing body to define a cavity therebetween; and a computer support mounted within the cavity between the housing body and the door.P607152PC006. A wheeled computer workstation according to claim 5, wherein the door includes a door top which permits the passage of air through or past it so that the open bottom of the door, the cavity and the top of the door define an airflow passage.

7. A wheeled computer workstation according to claim 6 wherein the door top is arranged to close against the housing body and spaces the door from the body to define the cavity.

8. A wheeled computer workstation according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the door top is perforated.

9. A wheeled computer workstation according to any one of the claims 5 to 8, further comprising a support panel mounted across the front of the housing to which the computer support is mounted.

10. A wheeled computer workstation according to claim 9, wherein the support panel is connected to the housing body by a hinge connection so that it can be opened for access to the housing body.

11. A wheeled computer workstation according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the door includes sides which close the door against the housing body.

12. A wheeled computer workstation according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the computer support includes a support base with an aperture to permit intake of cooling air to a computer.

13. A wheeled computer workstation according to any one of claims 5 to 12, further including a lock between the housing body and the door arranged to lock the door with the top of the door touching the housing body.

14. A computer housing of a wheeled computer workstation, wherein the computer housing includes: a housing body having an open front; an open-bottomed door arranged to close the front of the housing body such that it is spaced from the housing body to define a cavity therebetween; and a computer support mounted within the cavity between the housing body and the door.P607152PC0015. A computer housing according to claim 14 wherein the door includes a door top which permits the passage of air through or past it so that the open bottom of the door, the cavity and the top of the door define an airflow passage.

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