Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-31
2004-07-13
Schuberg, Darren (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C257S708000, C062S259200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06762935
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus and an electric part attached to the electronic apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recently, an electronic information processing apparatus such as a note type personal computer has been reduced in size and weight so that it can be used as a portable-type electronic apparatus. The portable type electronic apparatus includes a battery, the capacity of which is relatively large, so that the replacement of the battery is usually unnecessary and accordingly, the battery is accommodated in the apparatus body. However, it is required to reduce the size of the battery itself, and in some cases, it becomes necessary to replace the battery in view of the relationship between the size, weight and volume of the battery.
In the case where the battery is accommodated in the electronic apparatus body, it is not easy to replace the battery. In order to easily replace the battery, it is preferable that the battery is detachably attached to the electronic apparatus body on the outside of the latter.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3-27596 discloses a small electronic apparatus in which the battery is arranged in a recess formed in the apparatus body and a surface of the battery is exposed outside so that the surface of the battery constitutes a portion of the surface of the apparatus body.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-163015 discloses an accommodation structure of a battery pack in which a recess is provided on the side of the apparatus body and the battery can be attached to the apparatus body by inserting the battery into this recess.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-76887 discloses a thin structure in an information apparatus in which the battery can be attached to the rear of the apparatus body.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-55617 discloses a battery pack and its connection structure in which the battery can be connected to a connector arranged in the apparatus body from above, below or the side when the battery is attached to the apparatus body.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-116133 discloses a portable type information apparatus in which a connector is provided in the apparatus body and a connector box for extension can be connected to this connector. The connector box for extension includes a connector capable of being connected to the connector of the apparatus body and a plurality of connectors capable of being connected to other parts.
In the above patent publication, the connector box for extension may include a battery for extension (an external battery) with respect to a battery arranged in the apparatus body (a built-in battery). In the case of an information processing apparatus including the built-in battery and the external battery, even when the built-in battery has served its life, it is possible to operate the information processing apparatus by the external battery. Further, the usable condition of the information processing apparatus can be more extended, by increasing the capacity of the external battery.
In the case of an information processing apparatus having no external battery, heat generated in the information processing apparatus can be radiated outside from the outer wall of the information processing apparatus. However, in the case where the external battery is attached to the information processing apparatus, the external battery is arranged to closely contact the outer wall of the information processing apparatus, and at the joining region between the external battery and the information processing apparatus, heat generated in the information processing apparatus is prevented from radiating outside from the outer wall of the information apparatus. For the above reasons, there is a possibility that temperature of the electronic parts (especially, temperature of a CPU) arranged in the information processor is raised.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic apparatus and an electric part, in which the temperature of an electronic part in the electronic apparatus is not excessively raised even if the external electric part is attached to the electronic apparatus.
In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus comprising an apparatus body, and an electric part detachably attached to the apparatus body, wherein the electric part is attached to an outer wall of the apparatus body, and the electric part is provided with terminals for accomplishing electric connection of the electric part with the apparatus body and a heat radiating structure for radiating heat generated in the apparatus body.
With this structure, heat generated in the electronic apparatus is radiated through the heat radiating structure provided in the electric part. Consequently, the temperature of the electronic part arranged in the electronic apparatus is not excessively raised,
Preferably, the heat radiating structure comprises an uneven wall structure allowing passage of air between an outer surface of the electric part and an outer surface of the apparatus body. The heat radiating structure may comprise a heat radiating member for radiating heat generated in the apparatus body via the electric part. The heat radiating structure may include a fan for radiating heat generated in the apparatus body via the electric part. The heat radiating structure may comprise a structure in which two or three of the above means are combined with each other.
Preferably, the apparatus body and the electric part include mechanical connection means for mechanically connecting the electric part to the apparatus body. Preferably, the electric part is a battery pack, or a connector box to which another part can be further attached.
Preferably, the electric part extends long along a rear portion of the apparatus body. In this case, the length of the electric part is not less than half of the length of the rear portion of the apparatus body, and preferably, the length of the electric part is substantially the same as that of the rear portion of the apparatus body.
Preferably, the electronic apparatus is a notebook type information processing apparatus having a portion including a keyboard and a portion, attached to the portion including the keyboard, including a display.
In addition, an electric part according to the present invention comprises terminals for accomplishing an electric connection and a heat radiating structure for radiating heat generated in the apparatus body.
In this case too, the heat radiating structure comprises an uneven wall structure allowing a passage of air between an outer surface of the electric part and an outer surface of the apparatus body. The heat radiating structure may comprise a heat radiating member for radiating heat generated in the apparatus body via the electric part. The heat radiating structure may include a fan for radiating heat generated in the apparatus body via the electric part. The heat radiating structure may comprise a structure in which two or three of the above means are combined with each other. The electric part includes a mechanical connection means for mechanically connecting the electric part to the apparatus body. The electric part is a battery pack, or a connector box to which another part can be further attached.
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Copy of PCT International Preliminary Examination Report with International Search Report for corresponding PCT/JP99/01195 dated Sep. 27, 2000.
Copy of U.S. patent application No
Armstrong Kratz Quintos Hanson & Brooks, LLP
Duong Hung Van
Fujitsu Limited
Schuberg Darren
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