Holding dock for portable computers

A holding dock for portable computers to house a portable computer and disperse heat includes an upper lid, a holding surface, sidewalls and a hub to form a heat dissipation space. Heated air generated by the computer may enter the heat dissipation space through a heat dissipation section formed on the holding surface. The hub has a fan mounted thereon to draw the heated air to provide heat dissipation effect for the portable computer. The hub further can connect other electronic devices to the portable computer. The heat dissipation space can also house the portable computer to facilitate carrying and storing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a holding dock for portable computers and particularly to a holding dock that has an upper lid, a holding surface, and two sidewalls to form a heat dissipation space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The popularity of portable computers has risen dramatically during recent years. They may be compact but are equipped with almost the same facilities as regular desktop computers. Hence heat the dissipation space has to be reduced, which in turn also reduces dispersion which is generally not as efficient as desktop computers. Usage over a short period of time might not result in overheating; however prolonged use on a fixed spot with no way for thermal energy to effectively escape can cause the computer to shutdown (self protection). Frequent occurrence shortens the service life of a portable computer.

ROC patent publication No. 562177 entitled “Heat dissipation base dock for portable computers” discloses a technique which uses an aluminum plate with good conducting properties. The aluminum plate has a front end bent downwards to form an inclined angle for the plate surface so that a heat dissipation space is formed thereunder. The plate surface has heat dissipation vents. A fan is located thereunder so that when the portable computer is rested on the aluminum plate for use, the aluminum plate absorbs heat, and the fan generates cool air to carry away the thermal energy to achieve heat dissipation. While providing a means for heat dissipation in the portable computer, the aluminum plate is too bulky and inconvenient to carry. It also cannot be connected to other electronic equipment. There is still room for improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a holding dock for a portable computer that has an improved heat dissipation effect. The holding dock according to the invention has an upper lid, a holding surface, sidewalls and a detachable hub to form a heat dissipation space which allows thermal air to flow. A heat dissipation fan is mounted on a sidewall to dispel hot air. The heat dissipation space may also hold a portable computer to facilitate carrying and storing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a holding dock for portable computers for connecting to a plurality of electronic devices. A hub is mounted on one sidewall to enable the portable computer to connect external electronic devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 1,2and3; the holding dock10according to the invention includes an upper lid11, a holding surface12, sidewalls13and18, and a detachable hub14. The holding surface12has heat dissipation sections17which have a plurality of vents for dispelling heat generated by a portable computer20resting on the holding surface12.

Referring toFIG. 3, the holding surface12is pivotally engaged with a coupling plate123to fasten the upper lid11when it is laid on the holding surface12. The coupling plate123and the upper lid11have respectively a coupling member124and a coupling element111that correspond to and can latch on to each other. In addition, the upper lid11, holding surface12and sidewalls13and18form heat dissipation space15. Besides dispersing heat for a portable computer20, the heat dissipation space15can also house the portable computer20to facilitate carrying. The holding surface12also has anti-slipping sections122(referring toFIG. 2) to prevent the holding dock10from slipping when rested on a flat surface, and also avoids scratching the holding surface12. The hub14is located on a sidewall18and has a plurality of insertion slots141to enable the portable computer20to connect external electronic devices (not shown in the drawings). A heat dissipation fan143is mounted on the sidewall18to facilitate heat dissipation of the portable computer20. The hub14has heat dissipation vents142matching the fan143for dispelling heated air.

Referring toFIG. 4, when the portable computer20is resting on the holding dock10, high temperatures generated by the portable computer20enters the heat dissipation space15through the heat dissipation sections17, the heated air is drawn by the fan143and dispelled outside through the heat dissipation vents142.

Refer toFIGS. 5 and 6for a second embodiment of the invention. A sliding lid125is added to the heat dissipation sections17on the holding surface12ato mate the tracks126. Such a structure provides water-proofing for the portable computer inside the holding dock.FIG. 6shows that the holding surface12bis formed with an indented recess to facilitate thermal airflow from the heat dissipation sections17into the holding dock10to further improve heat dissipation.

Referring toFIG. 7, foot racks16are provided on two corresponding ends of the sidewall13that can turn to extend from the bottom side of the holding dock10so that an inclined surface is formed to conform to ergonomics when in use.

Refer toFIG. 8for another embodiment of the invention. The upper lid11is fixedly mounted on the holding surface12. The coupling plate123is pivotally engaged with the holding surface12, and has respectively a coupling member124and a coupling element123that may be coupled to form a heat dissipation space15which opens and closes to hold a portable computer (not shown in the drawing).