Computer keyboard with backup battery

• US 20040066611A1
• Filed: 10/04/2002
• Published: 04/08/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Formosa Electronic Industries Inc
• Original Assignee: Formosa Electronic Industries Inc
• Inventors: Wu, Michael
• Application Number:
  US10/263,713
• Publication Number:
  US 20040066611A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/680
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/263 Arrangements for using multiple switchable power supplies, e.g. battery and AC G06F1/30 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/266 Arrangements to supply power to external peripherals either directly from the computer or under computer control, e.g. supply of power through the communication port, computer controlled power-strips
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/021 Arrangements integrating additional peripherals in a keyboard, e.g. card or barcode reader, optical scanner

Abstract

A computer keyboard includes a first recess for removably receiving a battery module and a second recess for rotatably receives a connector module. A connection port is formed on the connection module for connection with an external electronic device. Preferably, the second recess comprises a foldable support mechanism for supporting the external electronic device. The computer keyboard is formed with a computer connection port for connection with a host computer via a cable. A printed circuit board is provided in the keyboard and electrically connected with a socket of the first recess and a contact of the second recess. A socket is formed on the computer keyboard, which is electrically connected with an external power source via a cable for charging the battery module mounted in the first recess or charging the electronic device connected to the second recess.

Claims

1. A computer keyboard with a backup battery comprising:

a frame;

a first recess formed on the frame, which comprises a socket; and

a battery module formed on the frame, which is removably received in the first recess and comprises a plug for connection with the socket of the first recess when the battery module is received in the first recess.

2. The computer keyboard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the keyboard further comprises a second recess which rotatably receives a connector module for releasable connection with an external electronic device.

3. The computer keyboard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connector module comprises pivot shafts for selectively retaining the connector module to the second recess and a contact for connection with a mating contact formed in the second recess.

4. The computer keyboard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second recess further comprises a foldable support mechanism having two parallel and spaced legs with a support plate rotatably mounted between the legs and rotatable to an upright position for supporting the external electronic device.

5. The computer keyboard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the external device is a personal digital assistant.

6. The computer keyboard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery module further comprises a pair of guide slot on each side edge.

7. The computer keyboard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the keyboard is formed with a computer connection port for connection with a computer via a cable.

8. The computer keyboard as claimed in claim 7, wherein the computer connection port comprises a Universal Serial Bus connector.

9. The computer keyboard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer keyboard is formed with a socket which is connected to an external power source via a cable for supplying power to the battery module.