| 摘要 |
A docking station is provided for coupling one of a set of differently configured portable computers to stationary peripheral devices, and for charging a respective battery pack for the portable computer. A battery receptacle is provided so that, while the user docks and uses the computer, he/she can insert the battery into the battery receptacle and charge the battery. This conveniently allows the user to charge up an extra battery pack while using the docked computer, even while a battery pack inside the computer is charging from AC power provided through the docking station to the computer. In a preferred embodiment, the docking station includes a standard module having all standard peripheral interfaces, AC power couplings, etc., and also includes a set of computer-specific second modules which accommodates the physical size and electrical characteristics of the different portable computers used. Each second module also has a battery receptacle compatible with the particular type of battery used by the corresponding portable computer. Accordingly, only the elements of the docking station which must vary from one model of computer and battery to another are embodied in the second module. Thus, design and manufacturing costs and inventory and administrative burdens are advantageously low for the manufacturer, and the user can easily upgrade to a new computer by getting only a new second module.
|
