Abstract
A preferred embodiment of a magnetic connecting apparatus for connecting two units has at least one first connecting element associated with a first one of the two units and at least one second connecting element associated with a second one of the two units, the connecting elements forming a connecting pair. The connecting elements of a connecting pair each have a plurality of contacts. The connecting elements of a connecting pair make magnetic contact with one another and are rotatable relative to one another in a contacted state.
Claims
1. A magnetic connection apparatus fin connecting two units, said apparatus comprising: at least one first connection member associated with a first unit of the two units and at least one second connection member associated with a second unit of the two units, said first connection member and said second connection member forming a pair of connections, said first connection member of said pair of connections and said second connection member of said pair of connections each having a plurality of contacts, wherein said connection members of said pair of connections make magnetic contact with one another, and wherein the connection members of said pair of connections can be rotated relative to one another in a contact-connected state, said connection members of said pair of connections having a mechanical guide.
2. A magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connection members of said pair of connections each comprise at least one magnet element for making said magnetic contact, and at least one said magnet element of said pair of connections is in the form of a permanent magnet.
3. A magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said connection members, said magnet elements and said contacts of said pair of connections are formed in such a say that, when said magnetic contact is made, said contacts of said connection members make electrical contact with one another.
4. A magnetic connection apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said connection members have a casing surface and said magnet elements are formed in such a way that said electrical contact and said magnetic contact can be made with said connection members of said pair of connections in at least one predetermined orientation and said connection members magnetically attract in said orientation, wherein said connection members of said pair of connections are configured in such a way that said connection members of said pair of connections can roll on one another at least over a partial area of said casing surface of said connection members in the event of a relative rotation in relation to one another in said contact-connected state, wherein said electrical contact and said magnetic contact are maintained.
5. A magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said magnet elements of said connection members of said pair of connections are aligned in respect of their polarity in such a way that said connection members of said pair of connections magnetically attract only in an orientation of the first unit to the second unit.
6. A magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said connection members of a pair of connections each have at least two of said magnet elements.
7. A magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one said partial area of said casing surfaces of the said connection members on which said connection members of a said pair of connections can roll on one another runs in a curved and/or arcuate manner and/or has a radius.
8. A magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said connection members of a said pair of connections are formed in a rod-like manner.
9. A magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said connection members formed in said rod-like manner have a said magnet element at their respective ends, and said plurality of contacts are arranged between said magnet elements.
10. A magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said partial area has a length and wherein said contacts and/or the said magnet elements run in a curved and/or arcuate manner and/or have a radius in a rolling direction of the said connection members (1a, 1b) at least over said length of said partial area.
11. A magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said magnet elements are formed in a cylindrical and/or disc-like and/or annular and/or partially annular manner.
12. A magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least some of said contacts of said connection members of a said pair of connections, which said contacts are aligned with one another and make said electrical contact, make said magnetic contact with one another.
13. A magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least some of said contacts are in the form of magnet elements.
14. (canceled)
15. An electronic system having at least one first unit and at least one second unit, wherein said first unit and said second unit are connected by means of a magnetic connection apparatus as claimed in claim 1.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0098] In the drawings:
[0099] FIG. 1 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a first connection member of a pair of connections in a first embodiment;
[0100] FIG. 1a schematically shows a simplified illustration of the three-dimensional view in FIG. 1;
[0101] FIG. 2 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a second connection member of a pair of connections in the first embodiment;
[0102] FIG. 2a schematically shows a simplified illustration of the three-dimensional view in FIG. 2;
[0103] FIG. 3 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a pair of connections according to FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0104] FIG. 3a schematically shows a simplified illustration of the three-dimensional view in FIG. 3;
[0105] FIG. 4a schematically shows a side view of a pair of connections with a deflection of 0 angular degrees;
[0106] FIG. 4b schematically shows a side view of a pair of connections with a deflection of over 90 angular degrees;
[0107] FIG. 4c schematically shows a side view of a pair of connections with a deflection of 180 angular degrees;
[0108] FIG. 5 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a first connection member of a pair of connections in a second embodiment;
[0109] FIG. 6 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a second connection member of a pair of connections in the second embodiment;
[0110] FIG. 7 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a pair of connections according to FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0111] FIG. 8 schematically shows a side view of the pair of connections according to FIG. 7;
[0112] FIG. 9a schematically shows a three-dimensional view of the connection of two units using two pairs of connections with a deflection of 0 angular degrees;
[0113] FIG. 9b schematically shows a three-dimensional view of the connection of two units using two pairs of connections with a deflection of 45 angular degrees;
[0114] FIG. 9c schematically shows a three-dimensional view of the connection of two units using two pairs of connections with a deflection of 90 angular degrees;
[0115] FIG. 9d schematically shows a three-dimensional view of the connection of two units using two pairs of connections with a deflection of 135 angular degrees;
[0116] FIG. 9e schematically shows a three-dimensional view of the connection of two units using two pairs of connections with a deflection of 180 angular degrees;
[0117] FIG. 10 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a first connection member of a pair of connections in a third embodiment;
[0118] FIG. 11 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a second connection member of a pair of connections in the third embodiment;
[0119] FIG. 12 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a pair of connections according to FIGS. 10 and 11; and
[0120] FIG. 13 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of the connection of two mobile telephones and/or tablets by two pairs of connections.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0121] One possible embodiment of a first connection member 1a is illustrated in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the electrical contacts 2 are surrounded by two magnet elements 3. The magnet elements 3 are located on the two ends of the connection member 1a. In the shown embodiment, the connection member 1a has a cross-sectional area 4 in the form of a square with one rounded corner. The cross-sectional area 4 resembles a segment of a circle, more precisely a quadrant of a circle.
[0122] The magnet elements 3 are designed as permanent magnets 3 and can be produced, for example, from a cylindrical magnet. The magnet elements 3 can therefore have poles N, S which are separated in the axial direction. A connection member 1a can have any desired number of contacts 2, preferably greater than two and less than one hundred, particularly preferably between two and fifty, very particularly preferably between ten and twenty. Thirteen contacts 2 are provided in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1. Recesses 5 are provided between the contacts 2 in order to allow mechanical preliminary guidance, preferably rough guidance. The contacts 2 themselves are arranged individually within electrically insulated framing elements 8 in a recessed manner.
[0123] FIG. 2 illustrates a second connection member 1b. This connection member 1b is designed in order to be able to magnetically and electrically form a pair 6 of connections with the first connection member 1a from FIG. 1. However, the thirteen contacts 2 are surrounded by two magnet elements 3 which are in the form of permanent magnets 3. The two permanent magnets 3 each have a north pole and a south pole and are arranged at the ends of the connection member 1b in such a way that one end of the connection member 1b has a polarity N and the other end of the connection member 1b has a polarity S. In this case, the distribution of the poles N, S is selected to complement that of the magnet elements 3 of the first connection member 1a. The arrangement of the magnet elements 3 has the effect that the magnetic force assists the contact-connection of the connection members 1a, 1b only in one orientation.
[0124] The said figure also shows the elements for mechanical preliminary guidance, in particular for rough guidance, in an embodiment as projecting, dome-like framing elements 7 in such a way that the framing elements 7 of the connection member 1b in FIG. 2 fit into the correspondingly designed recesses 5 in the connection member 1a in FIG. 1, wherein a certain amount of play can be provided here, so that rough guidance is preferably provided. The dome-like framing elements 7 each encompass an electrical contact 2 of the second connection member 1b in FIG. 2. In this case, the electrical contacts 2 are slightly recessed and are preferably mounted by spring elements.
[0125] The dome-like framing elements 7 are configured in such a way that they enter the recesses 5 in the connection member 1a and, in the process, encompass the framing elements 8 of the contacts 2 of the connection member 1a.
[0126] One possible way of mounting the magnet elements 3 on the connection members 1a, 1b or the contact part of the connection members 1a, 1b is shown in the form of a dovetail connection 9. Another connection or fastening can also be provided here.
[0127] By way of example, the dimensions A-E can be gathered from the connection members 1a, 1b in FIGS. 1 and 2. Although the dimensional relationships of the components in relation to one another are not intended to be understood as being restricted by said dimensions and all of the dimensions can be scaled as desired, some particularly advantageous dimensions are cited in the text which follows. The height or width A of the cross-sectional area 4 or of the end face of the connection member 1a can be approximately 8 mm. The height or width of the cross-sectional area 4 or of the end face of the connection member 1b, including the dome-like framing elements 7 which project in terms of the height and the width, is likewise approximately 8 mm. That is to say, the magnet elements 3 of the second connection member 1b have a height or width which is lower than that of the magnet elements 3 of the first connection member 1a by the projecting portion of the dome-like framing elements 7.
[0128] The length B of the connection members 1a, 1b can be approximately 20 mm. The distance C between the centre lines of two contacts 2 can be approximately 1.05 mm. The width D of a contact 2 which can be arranged in the electrically insulating framing element 8 in a slightly recessed manner is preferably approximately 0.3 mm. The width E of the electrical contact 2 of the second connection member 1b which is preferably mounted in a radially sprung manner and is surrounded by the dome-like framing element 7 can be, for example, approximately 0.2 mm.
[0129] FIG. 3 illustrates how the connection members 1a, 1b in FIGS. 1 and 2 form a pair 6 of connections. In this case, the dovetail connection 9 for attaching the magnet elements 3 to the connection members 1a, 1b is not shown; said dovetail connection can have any desired design. One possible realization can also be performed, for example, by adhesive bonding. The connection members 1a, 1b are magnetically and electrically connected to one another. In addition, a mechanical preliminary guide, in the exemplary embodiment a rough guide, is provided, said mechanical preliminary guide not holding the connection members 1a, 1b together however, but rather performing only a guiding function and preventing an axial movement. The connection members 1a, 1b can initially be roughly brought together by the mechanical rough guide, as a result of which the magnet elements 3 exactly carry out the final contact-connection given the correct orientation which is illustrated in FIG. 3. The coding of the connection members 1a, 1b with the aid of the magnet poles N, S of the magnet elements 3 ensures that the connection members 1a, 1b make contact only in a predetermined orientation and then can be rotated in relation to one another or can roll on one another.
[0130] The magnetic and the electrical connection between the connection members 1a, 1b of a pair of connections takes place by means of the casing surface or a partial area of the casing surface of the said connection members. This is correspondingly illustrated in all of the exemplary embodiments. As the connection members 1a, 1b roll on one another, the axes of the connection members 1a, 1b preferably further run parallel in relation to one another.
[0131] FIGS. 1a and 2a show simplified views of the illustrations from FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the dimensions and the magnetic poles N, S are not illustrated. The magnet elements 3 have two poles N, S in each case. FIG. 3a illustrates a simplified view of the connection of the connection members in FIGS. 1a and 2a, wherein the magnet elements 3 can be fastened by means of a dovetail connection 9—illustrated in the said figure.
[0132] The connection member 1a according to FIGS. 1 and 1a preferably has a housing 50 which is preferably composed of plastic and which forms the framing elements 8. The housing 50 is indicated in FIG. 1a. The connection member 1b according to FIGS. 2 and 2a preferably has a housing 70 which is preferably composed of plastic and which is indicated in FIG. 2a. In this case, the housing 70 preferably forms the dome-like framing elements 7.
[0133] FIG. 4a shows the side view of a pair 6 of connections. On account of the illustrated cross-sectional areas 4 of the connection members 1a, 1b, it is possible for the said connection members to roll on one another in the form of a circular movement. The profile of a movement of this kind is indicated in FIGS. 4b and 4c which follow. In this case, FIG. 4a shows an alignment of zero angular degrees of the connection members 1a, 1b relative to one another, FIG. 4b shows an alignment of more than ninety angular degrees, and FIG. 4c shows an alignment of one hundred and eighty angular degrees after completion of the entire rolling movement. It goes without saying that the movement is reversible and can be repeated as often as desired. The rotation can also be permanently stopped in any desired angular position. According to the invention, the magnetic or electrical contact-connection is not lost in the process.
[0134] The axes of the connection members 1a, 1b remain aligned parallel in relation to one another as the connection members 1a, 1b roll on one another.
[0135] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show a second embodiment. The contacts 2 are surrounded by the magnet elements 3 in this example too. The magnet elements 3 are arranged at the ends of the connection members 1a, 1b. However, the connection members 1a, 1b now have a cross-sectional area 4 in the form of a complete circle. The magnet elements 3 are attached to the contact parts of the connection members 1a, 1b by a connection or fastening 10 which can be designed as a round plug connection 10. A mechanical preliminary guide, preferably a rough guide, is once again provided, in which the contacts 2 of the first connection member 1a are surrounded by corresponding recesses 5. The second connection member 1b shown in FIG. 6 has dome-like framing elements 7 in the form of circular areas with larger radii than the cross-sectional area 4. In order to allow connection only in a predetermined orientation, magnet elements 3 are arranged in accordance with FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 6, corresponding contacts 2 are distributed and preferably sprung such that they form an accurate fit with the contacts 2 of the connection member 1a in FIG. 5.
[0136] A resulting pair 6 of connections is three-dimensionally illustrated in FIG. 7; FIG. 8 shows a side view. As an extension to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 4, it is possible in the pair of connections according to FIG. 7 for the connection members 1a, 1b to roll on one another completely, that is to say through up to three hundred and sixty angular degrees and beyond, owing to the complete circular cross section.
[0137] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 5 to 8, provision is preferably also made for the connection members 1a and 1b to roll on one another only over 180 angular degrees, this making it easier to connect the contacts 2 of the connection members 1a, 1b to further units.
[0138] The contacts 2 of the connection member 1a are at least partially surrounded by framing elements 8. In this case, the framing elements 8 are enclosed by the dome-like framing elements 7 of the connection member 1b when the dome-like framing elements 7 enter the recesses 5. At least one contact 2 of each pair of contacts is preferably sprung; both contacts of a pair 2 of contacts can also be of sprung design in principle.
[0139] The connection member 1a preferably has a housing 50 which is preferably composed of plastic and which forms the framing elements 8. The connection member 1b preferably has a housing 70 which is preferably composed of plastic and which forms the dome-like framing elements 7.
[0140] FIGS. 5 to 7 show an arrangement of the two magnet elements 3 in such a way that the first connection member 1a has a north pole at one end and a south pole at the other end.
[0141] The second connection member 1b accordingly has a south pole at one end and a north pole at the other end in a complementary manner. This results in it being possible for the connection members 1a, 1b to be closed only in one orientation with magnetic assistance. 1f the magnet elements 3 are arranged in such a way that the first connection member 1a has a south pole or a north pole at both ends and the second connection member 1b is of correspondingly complementary configuration, a connection of the connection members 1a, 1b in two orientations which are rotated through 180 angular degrees in relation to one another is possible in this case. This may be suitable for certain embodiments.
[0142] The connection members 1a, 1b are preferably connected to an electronic unit 11a, 11b or are arranged on the said electronic unit or can be connected to the said electronic unit.
[0143] The following units 11a, 11b can preferably be connected by at least one pair 6 of connections: [0144] (A) two tablets, [0145] (B) two mobile telephones, [0146] (C) one tablet and/or one mobile telephone and/or one electronic unit, [0147] (D) one tablet or one mobile telephone or one electronic unit and a keyboard and/or a screen or a further electronic unit.
[0148] A mobile telephone, a tablet or an electronic unit can preferably also be connected to a shell, a docking station, a housing, a cover, a base or a receptacle part.
[0149] FIGS. 9a to 9e show an exemplary application of the invention. The said figures show two units 11a, 11b which each preferably have two connection members 1a, 1b. The connection members 1a, 1b preferably have two magnet elements 3 which are preferably arranged at the ends of the connection members 1a, 1b. In this case, the first unit 11a has in each case a first connection member 1a and a second connection member 1b; the second unit 11b is constructed in a complementary manner to the said first unit.
[0150] Two pairs 6 of connections are formed overall. The illustrated connection members 1a, 1b are preferably those of the first exemplary embodiment, that is to say the said connection members have a cross section 4 in the form of a square which is rounded at one end. However, the said connection members may also be the connection members 1a, 1b of the second or third exemplary embodiment.
[0151] The illustrated units 11a, 11b may be identical units or else different units. Therefore, a connection, for example, between two identical or else different mobile telephones, a mobile computer and a keyboard or docking station or the like can be established. FIG. 13 shows a connection between two identical mobile telephones 12 or tablets.
[0152] The connection of the two units 11a, 11b is advantageously flexible owing to the connection apparatus according to the invention. The units 11a, 11b can be rotated relative to one another or can be pivoted in relation to one another in the manner of a hinge or articulation. The course of one possible rotary movement is illustrated starting in FIG. 9a and ending in FIG. 9e. Given a cross-sectional area 4 according to the first embodiment of the connection members 1a, 1b, rotation through up to one hundred and eighty angular degrees of the elements 11a, 11b relative to one another is possible in this case—as illustrated.
[0153] Any desired number of connection members 1a, 1b can be provided in the units 11a, 11 b. It is also possible to use only one connection member 1a or 1b per unit, or else more than two connection members 1a, 1b. Corresponding arrangement of the connection members 1a, 1b, preferably symmetrically or possibly also asymmetrically, and corresponding arrangement of the magnet elements 3 on the connection members 1a, 1b can result in the magnetic connection apparatus only assisting the connection of the units 11a, 11b in one orientation or a connection also being possible in two orientations (rotated through 180 angular degrees in relation to one another), so that the alignment of the units 11a, 11b can be varied, wherein rotation of the units 11a, 11b in relation to one another (as illustrated in FIGS. 9a to 9e) is possible in both cases.
[0154] The unit 11a can have connection members 1a, connection members 1b or a mixture, as already described above, of the connection members 1a, 1b. The unit 11b can be equipped in a correspondingly complementary manner.
[0155] Particularly for connecting two physically identical units, it is advantageous when each unit has one connection member 1a and one connection member 1b, so that the units can be combined.
[0156] FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment for a first connection member 1a. In this example, a cross-sectional area 4 in the form of a square with one rounded corner is again used. The said figure shows a possible way of forming the contacts 2 as magnet elements 3. In this case, the contact or magnet elements 2, 3 are surrounded by a mechanical preliminary guide, preferably a rough guide 13, which, in addition to its function as a frame, can serve to simultaneously protect all of the contacts 2 against short circuits. The said figure shows an embodiment with four contacts 2. This embodiment is particularly suitable for forming a USB plug connection.
[0157] The mating piece to the first connection member 1a which is shown in FIG. 10, the second connection member 1b, is illustrated in FIG. 11. In this case, the second connection member 1b is formed in such a way that its mechanical and magnetic guide complements that of the first connection member 1a.
[0158] As shown by FIGS. 10 to 12, the contacts 2 or magnet elements 3 are each uniformly oriented on the respective connection members 1a, 1b in such a way that the north and, respectively, south poles of all of the magnet elements 3 of a connection member 1a and, respectively, 1b are located on the same side. Other configurations in order to achieve a different coding are also possible here. In addition, it is possible for not all of the contacts 2 to be magnetic in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 10 to 12. It may be advantageous, in particular, when only the power or earth contacts are magnetic, in order to avoid interference. Furthermore, yet further data or signal contacts may also optionally be magnetic, in particular when slow data transmission is provided and interference is less probable. In addition, as illustrated in the first and second embodiments of the connection members 1a, 1b, yet further magnet elements 3, which are not provided for making electrical contact, can also be added to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 10 to 12.
[0159] As is further shown by FIGS. 10 to 12, the mechanical rough guide 13 for preliminary positioning or for rough positioning is provided in order to prevent an axial movement of the connection members 1a, 1b in relation to one another. Axial positioning can therefore be performed in a simple manner by the mechanical rough guide, while the retaining force between the connection members 1a, 1b, in particular in the radial direction, is provided by the magnetic force. The elements of the connection members 1a, 1b which form the mechanical rough guide 13 are in the form of raised portions 14 which are in the form of part of a ring. The contour of the raised portions 14 which are in the form of part of a ring substantially follows the bent profile of the casing surface or surface of the connection members 1a, 1b, that is to say the said raised portions have an arcuate profile (in the form of part of a ring) which ends in a straight line at the ends. The two raised portions 14, which are in the form of part of a ring, of the first connection member 1a are formed at the ends of the connection member. The two raised portions 14, which are in the form of part of a ring, of the second connection member 1b are moved inward approximately by the thickness of the raised portions 14, which are in the form of part of a ring, of the first connection member 1a from the ends, so that the raised portions 14, which are in the form of part of a ring, of the two connection members 1a, 1b are situated next to one another when the connection members 1a, 1b are electrically and magnetically connected to one another. Forming two pairs of mechanical connections of this kind prevents displacement of the connection members 1a, 1b in both axial movement directions.
[0160] Although it is readily possible for a person skilled in the art to vary the connection members 1a, 1b and the sizes of their constituent parts in any desired manner, some particularly advantageous dimensions are cited in the text which follows. The height and width F of the cross-sectional area 4 of the first connection member 1a can be, for example, approximately 7.5 mm. The height and width F of the cross-sectional area 4 of the second connection member 1b is likewise approximately 7.5 mm. The length G of a connection member 1a, 1b can be approximately 15 mm. The distance H between the centre line of two contacts 2 or magnet elements 3 can be approximately 2.5 mm. The width I of a contact 2 or magnet element 3 can be approximately 1.5 mm. The projecting portion J by which the raised portion 14 which is in the form of part of a ring projects beyond the casing surface can preferably be approximately 1 mm. In this case, the distance is selected in such a way that, when the two connection members 1a, 1b are plug connected, the contacts 2 of the connection members 1a, 1b make contact with one another. This is assisted by a magnetic configuration of the contacts 2. Furthermore, provision can be made for one or both contacts 2 of a pair 2 of contacts to be mounted in a radially sprung manner.
[0161] The dimensions in FIGS. 1, 2, 10 and 11 are particularly advantageous but the embodiments are not restricted to those. The dimensions can differ by in particular +/−80%, preferably +/−50% and very particularly preferably +/−20%.
[0162] FIG. 12 illustrates the formation of a pair 6 of connections of the connection members 1a, 1b of the third embodiment in FIGS. 10 and 11 by way of example.
[0163] The units 11a, 11b which are illustrated in FIGS. 9a to 9e can also be equipped with the connection members 1a, 1b of the third embodiment, in particular also with the number of contacts 2 selected in the said embodiment.
[0164] FIG. 13 illustrates what a connection of two mobile telephones 12 or two tablets by two pairs 6 of connections can look like. The said figure shows an embodiment in which the connection members 1a, 1b have a cross section 4 according to the first or the third embodiment of the connection members 1a, 1b, and wherein in each case four contacts 2 are surrounded by magnet elements 3 which are arranged at the ends. According to the invention, it is possible to move the mobile telephones 12 toward one another in the direction of the arrows. There is therefore an articulated or rotatable connection. In particular, it would be feasible to electronically couple the mobile telephones 12 in such a way that the display area of one mobile telephone 12 can be extended to the display area or the display of the second mobile telephone 12. In this case, it would be possible, for example, to fold the mobile telephones 12 together in such a way that they are situated with their rear faces against one another, wherein the respective displays of the mobile telephones 12 face outward. This would, in particular, create a display device which has a display on both sides.
