US20010044330A1 - External connector and battery extension pack for a portable communication device - Google Patents
External connector and battery extension pack for a portable communication device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010044330A1 US20010044330A1 US09/137,194 US13719498A US2001044330A1 US 20010044330 A1 US20010044330 A1 US 20010044330A1 US 13719498 A US13719498 A US 13719498A US 2001044330 A1 US2001044330 A1 US 2001044330A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- communication device
- connector
- battery
- portable communication
- extension
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 108
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium Chemical compound [Li] WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910052744 lithium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical group [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- OJIJEKBXJYRIBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium nickel Chemical compound [Ni].[Cd] OJIJEKBXJYRIBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052987 metal hydride Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims 1
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 4
- -1 Nickel Metal Hydride Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/026—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components
- H04M1/0262—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components for a battery compartment
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
- H01R31/005—Intermediate parts for distributing signals
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/06—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for computer periphery
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/16—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for telephony
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
- H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
- H04M1/0214—Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/026—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components
- H04M1/0274—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components for an electrical connector module
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to electrical devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to improvements in external connectors and battery extension pack configurations for portable communication devices.
- the present invention provides improvements for portable communication devices such as cellular phones.
- the improvements result in decreased manufacturing costs and also improve useability and convenience of the portable device.
- One aspect of the present invention involves an improved external system connector on a portable communication device that is perpendicular to the backplate of the communication device.
- This configuration allows the improved connector to be placed directly on the circuit board. This reduces the number of pieces for assembly and reduces the cost of manufacturing. The cost is further reduced because the ‘footprint’ of the improved connector on the circuit board is smaller.
- the improved connector configuration also allows more freedom for placement of the connector part on the circuit board. The device is well suited for cradle mounting by ‘snapping’ the device to any horizontal surface.
- This configuration also allows removable modules to be placed off the backplate of the device.
- these removable modules may include a battery extension pack, a battery recharger, a system connector pack or any other device adapted to transfer data or power.
- a groove is preferably formed on the backplate of the device to receive a removable module.
- the external connector is preferably a female-type connector adapted to receive a male-type connector on a removable module.
- the external connector is a common interface connector with fourteen data connections and one radio frequency connector.
- the battery extension pack may supply voltage to the communication device or recharge a battery inside the communication device.
- the stackable battery extension pack has a male-type common interface connector on its front side and a female-type connector on its backside for receiving a male-type connector of another removable module.
- Multiple battery extension packs may be stacked on the back of the communication device with one battery extension pack on top of another. Because of the slim configuration of the battery extension packs, multiple battery packs may be used while maintaining the thin profile of the overall operating device.
- the battery extension pack may be standardized for a range of different communication devices, and thus eliminate additional tooling costs to design new battery pack configurations for each new communication device.
- a system connector pack may be attached to the back of the communication device.
- the system connector pack may be connected via a flexible cord to a laptop computer (via a RS232 or PCMCIA interface), a battery recharger or other device adapted to transfer data or power.
- a portable communication device comprising a housing, a circuit board mounted within said housing, and a first externally accessible connector mounted perpendicular to and on the circuit Board within the portable communication device.
- the communication device is a folding cellular phone.
- the portable phone has an integrated battery compartment in a hinge of the phone.
- the externally accessible connector extends through a back of said housing, and is adapted to receive a removable expansion module.
- the expansion module is a removable power source such as external battery, a power adapter or battery charger.
- the power adapter comprises an adapter connector configured to mate with said first externally accessible connector and a power cord.
- the power cord is adapted for connection to a cigarette lighter receptacle.
- the power cord is adapted for AC power connection
- the first removable module has a second externally accessible connector corresponding to said first externally accessible connector.
- the second externally accessible connector provides for further expansion modules.
- the externally accessible connectors have fourteen data connections and one radio frequency connection.
- the first removable module has a connector extending from a front of the first removable module adapted to mate with the first externally accessible connector of the communication device and a module externally accessible connector corresponding to said externally accessible connector of the communication device adapted to receive a connector of a second removable module.
- the first removable module is an extension battery which supplies power to the communication device.
- the removable module is adapted to recharge a battery within the communication device.
- the first removable module is an extension battery and the second removable module is a connector to a battery charging device.
- the extension battery may be any one of many batteries such as a Lithium Polymer battery, a Lithium Ion battery, a Nickel Metal Hydride battery, a Nickel Cadmium battery, an Alkaline battery or a rechargeable alkaline battery.
- the extension battery is between 2.0 mm to 8.0 mm thick in one embodiment.
- the voltage of the extension battery may be stepped up or down to accommodate the voltage level of the communication device.
- the removable extension module comprises a connector adapted to mate with the first externally accessible connector and a flexible communication cable attached in communication with the connector.
- the flexible connector is adapted to connect to a laptop, a battery charger, or a power supply.
- an extension module for use with a portable communication device, the portable communication device having a housing containing a circuit board and having a first externally accessible connector mounted perpendicular to and on the circuit board.
- the extension module has a connector adapted to mate with said first externally accessible connector.
- the extension module comprises a battery, a power supply connection, a communication connection, or a combination of these.
- the extension module may have a flexible communication cable adapted to be connected to a computer.
- the extension has a second externally accessible connector corresponding to said first externally accessible connector and adapted to receive another extension module, in a stacked configuration.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a portable communication device and a battery extension pack in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is a side view of the portable communication device illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the device illustrated in FIG. 2A.
- FIG. 2C illustrates the back of the portable communication device depicted in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3A is a side view of the portable communication device with the battery extension pack illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the device and battery extension pack illustrated in FIG. 3A.
- FIG. 3C illustrates the back of the portable communication device and battery extension pack depicted in FIG. 3A.
- FIG. 4A is a side view of the portable communication device illustrated in FIG. 1 with a system connector pack.
- FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the device and system connector pack illustrated in FIG. 4A.
- FIG. 4C illustrates the back of the portable communication device and system connector pack depicted in FIG. 4A.
- FIGS. 5 A- 5 D illustrate various views of the battery extension pack depicted in FIG. 1.
- FIGS. 6 A- 6 D illustrate various views of the system connector pack depicted in FIG. 4A.
- FIG. 7 illustrates the portable communication device and battery extension pack illustrated in FIG. 1 and a system connector pack attached to the battery extension pack.
- the present invention relates to an improved external connector and a battery extension pack for a portable communication device.
- the portable communication device is a folding, two-part cellular phone with an integrated battery compartment in the folding hinge of the phone.
- Preferred embodiments of the folding cellular phone with an integrated battery compartment are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/073,724 (attorney docket no. ROKWELL.014A) entitled Integrated Battery Compartment and Hinge filed on May 7, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the present invention may be embodied in other portable communication devices that do not fold and/or do not have an integrated battery compartment in the hinge.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a portable communication device 5 and a battery extension pack 40 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the portable communication device 5 comprises a top half 50 and a bottom half 55 .
- the top half 50 comprises a front lens 75 , a front top housing 10 , speaker cover and menu pad 80 , a speaker 85 , a liquid crystal display (LCD) 90 , a circuit board 15 , an antenna 95 and a top rear housing (or back plate) 20 which is adapted to receive a battery extension pack 40 .
- the bottom half 55 includes a bottom front housing 30 , a keypad 45 , microphon, 46 , and a bottom rear housing 35 .
- the communication device also includes an integrated battery compartment for a battery 25 such as a 3.6 volt Lithium Ion battery.
- FIG. 2A is a side view of the portable communication device 5 illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the device 5 illustrated in FIG. 2A.
- the external system connector 70 is perpendicular to the backplate 20 of the device 5 .
- the system connector 70 is placed directly on the circuit board 15 .
- the connect can be soldered or otherwise bonded to the circuit 6 and 15 .
- This configuration reduces the size of the ‘footprint’ of the system connector 70 on the circuit board 15 as compared to conventional connectors.
- the system connector 70 is a female-type connector adapted to receive a male-type connector, such as the male-type connector 140 on the battery extension pack 40 shown in FIG. 3B, or the male-type connector 135 on the system connector pack 60 shown in FIG. 4B.
- This system connector 70 is preferably a common interface connector with fourteen data connections and one radio frequency (RF) connection. Other configurations for the particular connector may also be used.
- RF radio frequency
- the system connector 70 shown in FIG. 2A may be used for a variety of functions.
- the connector 70 may be used to recharge the battery 25 within the hinge of the device 5 .
- battery cells include Lithium Ion, Lithium Polymer, Nickel Metal Hydride, Nickel Cadmium, and possibly Alkaline.
- the system connector 70 may also be used to transfer data to a laptop computer or other device and to provide an external antenna. Other functions of an external connector are known in the art.
- FIG. 2C illustrates the back of the portable communication device 5 depicted in FIG. 1.
- a groove 125 is formed on the backplate 20 of the device 5 .
- This groove 125 is adapted to receive a battery extension pack 40 (shown in FIGS. 5 A- 5 D), a system connector pack 60 (shown in FIGS. 6 A- 6 D), or other removable module used for data or power transmission.
- the device 5 is also well suited for cradle mounting .
- FIG. 3A is a side view of the portable commnunication device 5 with a battery extension pack 40 .
- FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the device 5 and the battery extension pack 40 .
- FIG. 3C illustrates the back of the device 5 and the battery extension pack 40 .
- FIGS. 5 A- 5 D illustrate various views of the battery extension pack 40 .
- the battery extension pack 40 comprises a main portion 41 , a left release button 100 , a right releasor button 105 , an interface connector 140 on the front 42 of the main portion 41 .
- An interface connector 120 may be optionally provided on the back 44 of the main portion 41 to permit further connection.
- the optional interface connector 120 in the present embodiment, is a replica of the interface connector 70 for the phone 5 .
- the optional interface connector 120 simply couples through to the interface connector 70 on the phone 5 to provide a path for the connector 70 to maintain an external connector corresponding to the signals in the connector 70 which is accessible when the extension battery 40 is connected to the phone 5 .
- the connector 140 on the extension battery 40 is configured to mate with the interface connector 70 on the phone 5 .
- the left and right release buttons 100 , 105 are spring-activated and are adapted to attach or remove the battery extension pack 40 .
- the connector 140 of the battery extension pack 40 engages or disengages from the connector 70 of the device 5 .
- the release buttons 100 , 105 operate such that the connector 140 will not disengage if only one of the releasor buttons 100 , 105 is depressed. This prevents the battery extension pack 40 from accidentally detaching from the back 20 of the communication device 5 .
- alternative release mechanisms could be provided with the extension packs for the phone 5 or simply friction insertion force connectors could be used with no release mechanism.
- the battery extension pack 40 is a lithium polymer cell, and the main portion 41 is approximately 2.5 to 3 mm thick.
- the lithium polymer battery can also be formed to fit a curved profile.
- the battery extension pack 40 is a Lithium Ion cell, and the main portion 41 is approximately 6 to 8 mm thick.
- the lithium polymer battery extension pack can be fabricated in a much thinner profile than the lithium ion battery extension pack, and still provide sufficient power.
- the battery extension pack 40 may be Nickel Metal Hydride, Nickel Cadmium, and possibly Alkaline.
- the battery extension pack voltages could be stepped up or down within the pack 40 to accommodate the voltage level of the communication device 5 .
- the battery extension pack 40 is preferably ‘stackable’ such that multiple battery extension packs may be stacked one on top of another. Because of the slim configuration of the battery extension pack 40 (between 2.5 to 3 mm in one embodiment), multiple battery packs may be used while maintaining the thin profile of the overall operating device. Furthermore, the battery extension pack 40 may be standardized for a range of different communication devices, and thus eliminate additional tooling costs to design new battery pack configurations for each new communication device.
- FIG. 4A is a side view of the portable communication device 5 illustrated in FIG. 1 with a system connector pack 60 .
- FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the communication device 5 and system connector pack 60 .
- FIG. 4C illustrates the back of the communication device 5 and the system connector pack 60 .
- FIGS. 6 A- 6 D illustrate various views of the system connector pack 60 depicted in FIG. 4A.
- the system connector pack comprises a main portion 61 , a left release button 110 , a right release button 115 , an interface connector 135 on the front 62 of the main portion 61 , a flexible system cable 65 and a sheath 130 for the flexible system cable 65 .
- the interface connector 135 is adapted to mate with the interface connector 70 of the portable communication device 5 . Accordingly, through the connection, various functions typically available to a portable communication device through its external connectors can be provided, as well known in the art.
- the left and right release buttons 110 , 115 are spring-activated and are adapted to attach or remove the system connector pack 60 .
- the operation of the system connector pack's release buttons 110 , 115 are similar to the operation of the battery extension pack's release buttons 100 , 105 .
- the system connector pack 60 interfaces with the system connector 70 on the backplate 20 of the communication device 5 .
- the distal end of the flexible system cable 65 may be plugged into a variety of products or outlets that transfer data or power, such as a laptop computer (via a RS232 or PCMCIA interface), a cigarette lighter adapter for automobiles, or a battery recharger.
- the system connector pack 60 can be used to recharge the battery 25 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates the portable communication device 5 with a battery extension pack 40 and a system connector pack 60 attached to the back 44 of the battery extension pack 40 .
- the system connector pack 60 can be used to recharge the battery 25 and/or the battery extension pack 40 .
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to electrical devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to improvements in external connectors and battery extension pack configurations for portable communication devices.
- 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
- As portable electronic devices become smaller, lighter and more common, there is a need to minimize the size and cost of such devices and its associated parts without compromising the usefulness of the device. This is particularly true of portable communication devices. For example, it is desirable in these smaller devices to provide an external connector. Cellular phones require external connectors for data transmission, external antenna, external power supply and battery charging. As portable communication devices become smaller, it is increasingly more difficult to provide such external connectors while conforming to certain desirable form factors. Also, the external connectors should be placed in a convenient location for the user. Cost, however, becomes a significant factor if exotic designs are used.
- Similarly, it is desirable to minimize the size and cost of the battery pack for a portable communication device while providing a higher yield cell. Talk time and stand-by time has long been an important feature for cellular phones.
- Current cellular phones use right angle connectors at the base of the phone. This configuration allows a cord attached to the connector to come straight out of the base of the phone. This configuration does not interfere with a user's hand placement and allows the phone to be easily inserted into cradles or charge stations. Placement of the phone in a cradle is awkward because the phone must be inserted and then ‘snapped’ into place.
- Also some current cellular phones use extended life battery packs that are typically larger than the standard battery pack. Other phones use battery packs which involve more expensive, high-output battery cells such as Lithium Ion cells.
- The present invention provides improvements for portable communication devices such as cellular phones. The improvements result in decreased manufacturing costs and also improve useability and convenience of the portable device.
- One aspect of the present invention involves an improved external system connector on a portable communication device that is perpendicular to the backplate of the communication device. This configuration allows the improved connector to be placed directly on the circuit board. This reduces the number of pieces for assembly and reduces the cost of manufacturing. The cost is further reduced because the ‘footprint’ of the improved connector on the circuit board is smaller. The improved connector configuration also allows more freedom for placement of the connector part on the circuit board. The device is well suited for cradle mounting by ‘snapping’ the device to any horizontal surface.
- This configuration also allows removable modules to be placed off the backplate of the device. For example, these removable modules may include a battery extension pack, a battery recharger, a system connector pack or any other device adapted to transfer data or power. A groove is preferably formed on the backplate of the device to receive a removable module. The external connector is preferably a female-type connector adapted to receive a male-type connector on a removable module. In a preferred embodiment, the external connector is a common interface connector with fourteen data connections and one radio frequency connector.
- Another aspect of the present invention involves a ‘stackable’ battery extension pack for a portable communication device. The battery extension pack may supply voltage to the communication device or recharge a battery inside the communication device. The stackable battery extension pack has a male-type common interface connector on its front side and a female-type connector on its backside for receiving a male-type connector of another removable module. Multiple battery extension packs may be stacked on the back of the communication device with one battery extension pack on top of another. Because of the slim configuration of the battery extension packs, multiple battery packs may be used while maintaining the thin profile of the overall operating device. Furthermore, the battery extension pack may be standardized for a range of different communication devices, and thus eliminate additional tooling costs to design new battery pack configurations for each new communication device.
- In addition or instead of a battery extension pack, a system connector pack may be attached to the back of the communication device. The system connector pack may be connected via a flexible cord to a laptop computer (via a RS232 or PCMCIA interface), a battery recharger or other device adapted to transfer data or power.
- One aspect of the present invention involves a portable communication device comprising a housing, a circuit board mounted within said housing, and a first externally accessible connector mounted perpendicular to and on the circuit Board within the portable communication device. In one embodiment, the communication device is a folding cellular phone. Advantageously, the portable phone has an integrated battery compartment in a hinge of the phone. Preferably, the externally accessible connector extends through a back of said housing, and is adapted to receive a removable expansion module. In one embodiment, the expansion module is a removable power source such as external battery, a power adapter or battery charger. Advantageously, the power adapter comprises an adapter connector configured to mate with said first externally accessible connector and a power cord. In one embodiment, the power cord is adapted for connection to a cigarette lighter receptacle. In another embodiment, the power cord is adapted for AC power connection
- In one embodiment the first removable module has a second externally accessible connector corresponding to said first externally accessible connector. The second externally accessible connector provides for further expansion modules. In one embodiment, the externally accessible connectors have fourteen data connections and one radio frequency connection.
- In one embodiment, the first removable module has a connector extending from a front of the first removable module adapted to mate with the first externally accessible connector of the communication device and a module externally accessible connector corresponding to said externally accessible connector of the communication device adapted to receive a connector of a second removable module. In one the first removable module is an extension battery which supplies power to the communication device. In another embodiment, the removable module is adapted to recharge a battery within the communication device. In yet another embodiment, the first removable module is an extension battery and the second removable module is a connector to a battery charging device. Preferably, the extension battery may be any one of many batteries such as a Lithium Polymer battery, a Lithium Ion battery, a Nickel Metal Hydride battery, a Nickel Cadmium battery, an Alkaline battery or a rechargeable alkaline battery. Advantageously, the extension battery is between 2.0 mm to 8.0 mm thick in one embodiment.
- In one embodiment, the voltage of the extension battery may be stepped up or down to accommodate the voltage level of the communication device.
- In another embodiment, the removable extension module comprises a connector adapted to mate with the first externally accessible connector and a flexible communication cable attached in communication with the connector. The flexible connector is adapted to connect to a laptop, a battery charger, or a power supply.
- Another aspect of the present invention involves an extension module for use with a portable communication device, the portable communication device having a housing containing a circuit board and having a first externally accessible connector mounted perpendicular to and on the circuit board. The extension module has a connector adapted to mate with said first externally accessible connector. The extension module comprises a battery, a power supply connection, a communication connection, or a combination of these. The extension module may have a flexible communication cable adapted to be connected to a computer. In one embodiment, the extension has a second externally accessible connector corresponding to said first externally accessible connector and adapted to receive another extension module, in a stacked configuration.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a portable communication device and a battery extension pack in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is a side view of the portable communication device illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the device illustrated in FIG. 2A.
- FIG. 2C illustrates the back of the portable communication device depicted in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3A is a side view of the portable communication device with the battery extension pack illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the device and battery extension pack illustrated in FIG. 3A.
- FIG. 3C illustrates the back of the portable communication device and battery extension pack depicted in FIG. 3A.
- FIG. 4A is a side view of the portable communication device illustrated in FIG. 1 with a system connector pack.
- FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the device and system connector pack illustrated in FIG. 4A.
- FIG. 4C illustrates the back of the portable communication device and system connector pack depicted in FIG. 4A.
- FIGS.5A-5D illustrate various views of the battery extension pack depicted in FIG. 1.
- FIGS.6A-6D illustrate various views of the system connector pack depicted in FIG. 4A.
- FIG. 7 illustrates the portable communication device and battery extension pack illustrated in FIG. 1 and a system connector pack attached to the battery extension pack.
- The present invention relates to an improved external connector and a battery extension pack for a portable communication device. In a preferred embodiment, the portable communication device is a folding, two-part cellular phone with an integrated battery compartment in the folding hinge of the phone. Preferred embodiments of the folding cellular phone with an integrated battery compartment are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/073,724 (attorney docket no. ROKWELL.014A) entitled Integrated Battery Compartment and Hinge filed on May 7, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the present invention may be embodied in other portable communication devices that do not fold and/or do not have an integrated battery compartment in the hinge.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a
portable communication device 5 and abattery extension pack 40 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Theportable communication device 5 comprises atop half 50 and abottom half 55. Thetop half 50 comprises afront lens 75, a fronttop housing 10, speaker cover andmenu pad 80, aspeaker 85, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 90, acircuit board 15, anantenna 95 and a top rear housing (or back plate) 20 which is adapted to receive abattery extension pack 40. Thebottom half 55 includes a bottomfront housing 30, akeypad 45, microphon, 46, and a bottomrear housing 35. In a preferred embodiment, the communication device also includes an integrated battery compartment for abattery 25 such as a 3.6 volt Lithium Ion battery. - FIG. 2A is a side view of the
portable communication device 5 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of thedevice 5 illustrated in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2B, theexternal system connector 70 is perpendicular to thebackplate 20 of thedevice 5. Thesystem connector 70 is placed directly on thecircuit board 15. The connect can be soldered or otherwise bonded to thecircuit 6 and 15. This configuration reduces the size of the ‘footprint’ of thesystem connector 70 on thecircuit board 15 as compared to conventional connectors. Thesystem connector 70 is a female-type connector adapted to receive a male-type connector, such as the male-type connector 140 on thebattery extension pack 40 shown in FIG. 3B, or the male-type connector 135 on thesystem connector pack 60 shown in FIG. 4B. Thissystem connector 70 is preferably a common interface connector with fourteen data connections and one radio frequency (RF) connection. Other configurations for the particular connector may also be used. - The
system connector 70 shown in FIG. 2A may be used for a variety of functions. For example, in one preferred embodiment, theconnector 70 may be used to recharge thebattery 25 within the hinge of thedevice 5. Examples of battery cells include Lithium Ion, Lithium Polymer, Nickel Metal Hydride, Nickel Cadmium, and possibly Alkaline. Thesystem connector 70 may also be used to transfer data to a laptop computer or other device and to provide an external antenna. Other functions of an external connector are known in the art. - The
communication device 5 in FIG. 1 allows multiple removable modules, such as battery extension packs, battery rechargers or system connector packs, to be placed on thebackplate 20 of thedevice 5. FIG. 2C illustrates the back of theportable communication device 5 depicted in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3C, agroove 125 is formed on thebackplate 20 of thedevice 5. Thisgroove 125 is adapted to receive a battery extension pack 40 (shown in FIGS. 5A-5D), a system connector pack 60 (shown in FIGS. 6A-6D), or other removable module used for data or power transmission. Thedevice 5 is also well suited for cradle mounting . - FIG. 3A is a side view of the
portable commnunication device 5 with abattery extension pack 40. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of thedevice 5 and thebattery extension pack 40. FIG. 3C illustrates the back of thedevice 5 and thebattery extension pack 40. FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate various views of thebattery extension pack 40. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, thebattery extension pack 40 comprises a main portion 41, aleft release button 100, aright releasor button 105, aninterface connector 140 on the front 42 of the main portion 41. Aninterface connector 120 may be optionally provided on theback 44 of the main portion 41 to permit further connection. Theoptional interface connector 120, in the present embodiment, is a replica of theinterface connector 70 for thephone 5. Theoptional interface connector 120 simply couples through to theinterface connector 70 on thephone 5 to provide a path for theconnector 70 to maintain an external connector corresponding to the signals in theconnector 70 which is accessible when theextension battery 40 is connected to thephone 5. However, it is not necessary to provide theextension interface connector 120 on the battery. The battery could simply connect to theconnector 70 of thephone 5 and provide additional power. - In the present embodiment, the
connector 140 on theextension battery 40 is configured to mate with theinterface connector 70 on thephone 5. - The left and
right release buttons battery extension pack 40. When the user presses bothrelease buttons connector 140 of thebattery extension pack 40 engages or disengages from theconnector 70 of thedevice 5. Therelease buttons connector 140 will not disengage if only one of thereleasor buttons battery extension pack 40 from accidentally detaching from the back 20 of thecommunication device 5. In another embodiment, alternative release mechanisms could be provided with the extension packs for thephone 5 or simply friction insertion force connectors could be used with no release mechanism. - In a preferred embodiment, the
battery extension pack 40 is a lithium polymer cell, and the main portion 41 is approximately 2.5 to 3 mm thick. The lithium polymer battery can also be formed to fit a curved profile. In another preferred embodiment, thebattery extension pack 40 is a Lithium Ion cell, and the main portion 41 is approximately 6 to 8 mm thick. The lithium polymer battery extension pack can be fabricated in a much thinner profile than the lithium ion battery extension pack, and still provide sufficient power. - In other embodiments, the
battery extension pack 40 may be Nickel Metal Hydride, Nickel Cadmium, and possibly Alkaline. In one embodiment, the battery extension pack voltages could be stepped up or down within thepack 40 to accommodate the voltage level of thecommunication device 5. - The
battery extension pack 40 is preferably ‘stackable’ such that multiple battery extension packs may be stacked one on top of another. Because of the slim configuration of the battery extension pack 40 (between 2.5 to 3 mm in one embodiment), multiple battery packs may be used while maintaining the thin profile of the overall operating device. Furthermore, thebattery extension pack 40 may be standardized for a range of different communication devices, and thus eliminate additional tooling costs to design new battery pack configurations for each new communication device. - FIG. 4A is a side view of the
portable communication device 5 illustrated in FIG. 1 with asystem connector pack 60. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of thecommunication device 5 andsystem connector pack 60. FIG. 4C illustrates the back of thecommunication device 5 and thesystem connector pack 60. FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate various views of thesystem connector pack 60 depicted in FIG. 4A. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, the system connector pack comprises amain portion 61, aleft release button 110, aright release button 115, aninterface connector 135 on thefront 62 of themain portion 61, aflexible system cable 65 and asheath 130 for theflexible system cable 65. In one embodiment (not shown), there is an expansion interface connector on theback 64 of themain portion 61. As with the battery extension pack, theinterface connector 135 is adapted to mate with theinterface connector 70 of theportable communication device 5. Accordingly, through the connection, various functions typically available to a portable communication device through its external connectors can be provided, as well known in the art. - Similar to the
battery extension pack 40 described above, the left andright release buttons system connector pack 60. The operation of the system connector pack'srelease buttons release buttons - The
system connector pack 60 interfaces with thesystem connector 70 on thebackplate 20 of thecommunication device 5. The distal end of theflexible system cable 65 may be plugged into a variety of products or outlets that transfer data or power, such as a laptop computer (via a RS232 or PCMCIA interface), a cigarette lighter adapter for automobiles, or a battery recharger. Thesystem connector pack 60 can be used to recharge thebattery 25. - FIG. 7 illustrates the
portable communication device 5 with abattery extension pack 40 and asystem connector pack 60 attached to theback 44 of thebattery extension pack 40. In this position, thesystem connector pack 60 can be used to recharge thebattery 25 and/or thebattery extension pack 40. - While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims (34)
Priority Applications (1)
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US09/137,194 US6385468B2 (en) | 1998-08-20 | 1998-08-20 | External connector and battery extension pack for a portable communication device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US09/137,194 US6385468B2 (en) | 1998-08-20 | 1998-08-20 | External connector and battery extension pack for a portable communication device |
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US20010044330A1 true US20010044330A1 (en) | 2001-11-22 |
US6385468B2 US6385468B2 (en) | 2002-05-07 |
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US09/137,194 Expired - Fee Related US6385468B2 (en) | 1998-08-20 | 1998-08-20 | External connector and battery extension pack for a portable communication device |
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US20020128050A1 (en) * | 2001-03-07 | 2002-09-12 | Hong Soon-Kyo | Battery for an electronic device and an electronic device using the same |
US20030013506A1 (en) * | 2001-02-01 | 2003-01-16 | Wen-Hsu Wang | Stand-by battery assembly for portable electronic products |
US20030094924A1 (en) * | 2001-11-20 | 2003-05-22 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Card type device serving as supplementary battery and host using the same |
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WO2004003716A1 (en) * | 2002-06-27 | 2004-01-08 | Tai Guen Enterprise Co.,Ltd | A portable integrated data processing device with standard data interface |
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US8736694B2 (en) | 1995-04-24 | 2014-05-27 | Intellectual Ventures Fund 83 Llc | Transmitting digital images to a plurality of selected receivers over a radio frequency link |
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US7018737B2 (en) * | 2003-02-10 | 2006-03-28 | Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc. | Battery pack including rechargeable batteries |
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US20030013506A1 (en) * | 2001-02-01 | 2003-01-16 | Wen-Hsu Wang | Stand-by battery assembly for portable electronic products |
US20020128050A1 (en) * | 2001-03-07 | 2002-09-12 | Hong Soon-Kyo | Battery for an electronic device and an electronic device using the same |
US20030094924A1 (en) * | 2001-11-20 | 2003-05-22 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Card type device serving as supplementary battery and host using the same |
US7170257B2 (en) * | 2001-11-20 | 2007-01-30 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Card type device serving as supplementary battery and host using the same |
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US20050259605A1 (en) * | 2002-07-12 | 2005-11-24 | Stig Frohlund | Connector arrangement for a communication terminal |
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