CHARGING BASE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Abstract

The utility model relates to a charging base configured for connection to an electronic device. The technical result is to ensure data transmission and automatic connection detection via a single connector. The charging base includes a housing and a connection interface. The housing has a connection surface. The first and second contacts of a plurality of contacts are configured to transmit data from the electronic device. The third and fourth contacts of the plurality of contacts are configured to transmit electrical energy to the electronic device. The fifth, sixth, and seventh contacts of the plurality of contacts are configured to establish a connection to ground. An eighth contact of the plurality of contacts is configured to detect a connection between the charging base and the electronic device. 9 clauses, 13 figs.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of device connections and to coupling devices (interfaces) supporting a mechanical connection between two devices. LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] This utility model relates to devices that selectively connect to each other. For example, smart devices, such as smart speakers and other user devices, can be connected to docking stations. More specifically, one of the devices in this disclosure relates to a connecting device, such as a docking station connector, for connecting a host device (i.e., a speaker device) to a base station or external battery. Mobile devices can be powered by rechargeable batteries. Some mobile devices may have removable batteries that can be charged externally, while others have a port for a power connector or charging cable. This port can also receive data signals from the charging cable.

[0003] The connecting device can be used for both power supply and data transfer between a primary device and a secondary device, such as a charging connector or an external battery. This can be a docking solution for connecting one device to another for both charging and data transfer. In some embodiments, various devices (e.g., a speakerphone, a battery pack, a display device, a base station, a lamp, a speaker, etc.) can be connected to each other in various configurations.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a more secure way to connect one device to another using the aforementioned docking stations. It is desirable to improve the systems to support digital applications.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 10298036 B2 discloses a docking station for charging and connecting wearable electronic devices, such as smart watches. A coupling device with five connecting contacts is also disclosed. SUMMARY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0006] This technology provides an assembled device that includes a charging base and a device that can be connected to the charging base. The charging base is equipped with latches that can be locked onto the device and magnets that can attract other magnets on the device. The magnetic attraction between the two sets of magnets is necessary for proper alignment of the device relative to the charging base. Each charging base and device are additionally equipped with connecting contacts that can, among other things, transmit data, transfer power, and provide grounding. One of the charging bases and the device is additionally equipped with a connecting contact that can enable detection of one or the other of the charging bases and the device.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present technology, the methods described herein relate to a charging base configured to be connected to an electronic device, wherein the charging base includes: a housing having a connection surface; a connection interface device located on the connection surface, wherein the connection interface device includes a connector configured to transmit power and data to the electronic device, wherein the connector includes a plurality of contacts, wherein: a first contact and a second contact of the plurality of contacts are configured to transmit data from the electronic device; a third contact and a fourth contact of the plurality of contacts are configured to transmit electric power to the electronic device;and the fifth contact, the sixth contact and the seventh contact of the plurality of contacts are configured to establish a connection with the ground, and the eighth contact of the plurality of contacts is configured to detect a connection between the charging base and the electronic device.

[0008] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to a charging base in which the eighth contact is further configured to establish a connection to ground.

[0009] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to a charging base in which a plurality of contacts define a rectangular shape.

[0010] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to a charging base in which a plurality of contacts are arranged in two rows.

[0011] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to a charging base in which a first row of two rows has four contacts of a plurality of contacts, and a second row of two rows has another four contacts of a plurality of contacts.

[0012] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to a charging base in which, for each of two rows, each contact of four contacts is located at an equal distance from an adjacent contact of four contacts.

[0013] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to a charging base in which the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth contacts are spring-loaded contacts that are biased toward an extended position.

[0014] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to a charging base, wherein the charging base further includes at least one magnet, and wherein a plurality of contacts are aligned with a corresponding plurality of contacts located on an electronic device, wherein the at least one magnet is configured to magnetically connect with and attract another magnet of the electronic device.

[0015] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to a charging base in which a connection interface device is located in a central portion of the housing.

[0016] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to a charging base, wherein the charging base is configured to be electrically connected to a power source.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present technology, the methods described herein relate to an assembled device, including: a charging base, including: a housing having a connection surface; a base connection interface device located on the connection surface, wherein the base connection interface device includes a base connector including a plurality of base contacts, wherein: a first base contact and a second base contact of the plurality of base contacts are intended for transmitting data; a third base contact and a fourth base contact of the plurality of base contacts are intended for transmitting electrical energy;and a fifth base contact, a sixth base contact and a seventh base contact of the plurality of base contacts are configured to establish a connection with the ground, and an eighth base contact of the plurality of base contacts is intended to detect a connection, and an electronic device selectively connected to the charging base, wherein the electronic device includes a device connection interface device that includes a plurality of device contacts, and when the charging base is connected to the electronic device, the first base contact, the second base contact, the third base contact, the fourth base contact, the fifth base contact, the sixth base contact and the seventh base contact are connected to the corresponding contacts of the plurality of device contacts for transmitting data and power between the charging base and the electronic device.

[0018] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to an assembled device, wherein the electronic device is a smart speaker.

[0019] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to an assembled device in which a plurality of base contacts define a rectangular shape.

[0020] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to an assembled device in which a plurality of base contacts are arranged in two rows.

[0021] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to an assembled device in which a first row of two rows has four base contacts of a plurality of base contacts, and a second row of two rows has another four base contacts of the plurality of base contacts.

[0022] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to an assembled device in which, for each of two rows, each base contact of the four base contacts is located at an equal distance from an adjacent base contact of the four base contacts.

[0023] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to an assembled device in which the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth contacts of the base are spring-loaded contacts that are biased toward an extended position.

[0024] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to an assembled device, in which: the charging base further includes at least one base magnet, the electronic device further includes at least one device magnet, and wherein a plurality of contacts of the base are aligned with a corresponding plurality of contacts of the device, the at least one base magnet is configured to magnetically connect with and attract at least one magnet of the device.

[0025] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to an assembled device in which the connection interface device is located in a central portion of the housing.

[0026] In some aspects, the methods described herein relate to an assembled device in which a charging base is configured to be electrically connected to a power source.

[0027] According to embodiments, an electronic device is provided in a communication network, wherein said device includes a processor, a network interface, and memory and is configured to perform one or more methods described herein. According to embodiments, a system of such electronic devices is proposed, connected in a network and configured to interact for the purpose of performing one or more methods described herein.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided that includes a (e.g., non-transitory) computer-readable medium that stores statements and instructions that, when executed by one or more computer processors, cause the computer processors to perform the method described above. The computer processors may be parts of one or more electronic devices (e.g., network entities), as described herein.

[0029] The embodiments have been described above in connection with the aspects of the present technical solution on which they can be implemented. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments can be implemented in combination with the aspect with which they are described, but can also be implemented with other embodiments of this aspect. If the embodiments are mutually exclusive or otherwise incompatible with each other, this will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Some embodiments may be described with respect to one aspect, but can also be applied to other aspects, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further features and advantages of the present technical solution will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an assembled device according to one embodiment of the present technology, wherein the assembled device includes a charging base, a docking station and a speaker;

[0032] Fig. 2 is a perspective view from above, from the front, of the charging base shown in Fig. 1.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a perspective view from above, behind, on the right side of the charging base shown in Fig. 1.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the charging base shown in Fig. 1 and a portion of the docking station shown in Fig. 1, wherein the docking station is located at a distance from the charging base.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of parts of the charging base and docking station shown in Fig. 4, wherein the docking station connector is offset at an angle relative to the charging base connector.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the parts of the charging base and the docking station shown in Fig. 4, wherein the docking station connector is aligned and connected to the charging base connector.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a perspective view from above, from the front, from the right side, of the charging base shown in Fig. 1, with parts thereof shown as transparent.

[0038] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the latches of the charging base shown in Fig. 1.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a front view in vertical section of a portion of one of the latches shown in Fig. 8.

[0040] Fig. 10 is a top view of one of the latches shown in Fig. 8.

[0041] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the charging base shown in Fig. 1 and the docking station shown in Fig. 1, wherein the docking station is located at a distance from the charging base and is offset relative to it along the axis of rotation.

[0042] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the charging base shown in Fig. 1 and the docking station shown in Fig. 1, wherein the docking station is connected to the charging base and aligned with it along the axis of rotation.

[0043] Fig. 13 illustrates an electronic device that may be configured to perform operations in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] It should be noted that in all the accompanying drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present technology will be described with reference to the assembled device 50, which is shown in Fig. 1. The assembled device 50 includes a charging base 52, a docking station 54 and an electronic device 56. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the assembled device 50 may include only the charging base 52 and the electronic device 56 (i.e., the docking station 54 may be excluded). In other embodiments, the assembled device 50 may include a charging base 52, two or more docking stations 54 and an electronic device 56, without departing from the scope of the present technology. The docking station 54 is selectively connected to the charging base 52, and the electronic device 56, in turn, is selectively connected to the docking station 54. In embodiments where the docking station 54 is absent, the electronic device 56 will be selectively connected directly to the charging base 52.

[0046] In Fig. 1, the electronic device 56 is a "smart" speaker 56 and will be referred to as such hereinafter. It is assumed that the speaker 56 may be another electronic device, such as, for example, a smart watch or a smartphone. The speaker 56 typically has a cylindrical shape and has a display 58 on its side surface. The display 58 can display information such as the time, song title, and / or the battery level of the speaker 56. On its lower surface, the speaker 56 has a speaker connection interface 60, which may sometimes be referred to as a lower connection interface and by means of which the speaker 56 can be connected to the docking station 54.As will be described in more detail below, the speaker connection interface device 60 is configured to engage with the upper dock connection interface device 70 for the docking station 54 or with the charging base connection interface device 100 (sometimes referred to as the charging base contact pad) for the charging base 52.

[0047] The docking station 54 also typically has a cylindrical shape. On its upper surface, the docking station 54 has an upper docking connection interface 70, which is configured to connect to the speaker connection interface 60. As shown in Fig. 11, the upper docking connection interface 70 is similar to the charging base connection interface 100, which will be described in more detail below.

[0048] On its lower surface, the docking station 54 has a lower connection interface 72, which is configured to connect to the connection interface 100 of the charging base. The lower connection interface 72 is similar to the speaker connection 60, but it is assumed that the connection devices 60, 72 may differ from each other depending on the embodiment. The lower connection interface 72, shown schematically in Fig. 4, defines a recess 74. The recess 74 is usually located in the center of the lower surface of the docking station 54. The recess 74 has a circular shape. It is assumed that in other embodiments, instead of one central circular recess 74, the lower connection interface 72 may include two or more recesses 74 located at a distance from each other. The protrusion 76 partially enters the central recess 74.In some embodiments, there may be two or more projections spaced apart from each other.

[0049] The docking station 54 further includes three magnets 88 and one magnet 89, which makes a total of four magnets 88, 89. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the total number of magnets 88, 89 may be two, three, or five or more. The magnets 88, 89 are arranged in such a way that they define the corners of a square. It can be said that the four magnets 88, 89 are arranged in a square configuration. It is contemplated that the magnets 88, 89 can be arranged in different ways. The magnet 89 differs from the magnets 88 in its orientation. More specifically, in the non-limiting illustrated example, the magnets 88 are oriented so that their negative poles face the lower connection mating device 72, while the magnet 89 is oriented so that its positive pole faces the lower connection mating device 72. It is contemplated that in other embodiments the orientation of magnets 88, 89 may be reversed.It is further contemplated that in other embodiments there may be two magnets 88 and two magnets 89. In such embodiments, the negative poles of the two magnets 88 may be oriented so that they face the lower connection interface device 72, and the positive poles of the two magnets 89 may be oriented so that they face the lower connection interface device 72.

[0050] Next, the charging base 52 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 1-7. The charging base 52 has a body 53, which is generally cylindrical in shape. On its side surface, the charging base 52 has a power input port 90, which is configured to be electrically connected to a power cord. In the present embodiment, the power input port 90 is a Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C) port. In some embodiments, the USB-C port can support power supply at various voltage and current levels (e.g., 5 V / 3 A, 9 V / 2 A, 20 V / 5 A). Other types of power input ports are also envisaged, such as a micro-USB (micro-USB) port or a cylindrical connector. In this way, power is supplied to the charging base 52 via a power cord, which can also be connected to a power outlet and / or other power sources.

[0051] Also on the side surface, opposite the power input port 90 (i.e., 180 degrees from the power input port 90), the charging base 52 has light-emitting diode (LED) indicators 92 and a button 94. There are four LED indicators 92, which are configured to indicate the charge level of the battery of the electronic device 56 charged using the charging base 52. It is assumed that the LED indicators 92 can be configured to display information other than the charge level of the battery (for example, they can indicate that the speaker 56 is being charged). The button 94 is located vertically below the LED indicators 92 and will be described in more detail below.

[0052] The charging base 52 further has a connecting surface 96. In the present embodiment, the connecting surface 96 corresponds to the upper surface of the charging base 52. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the connecting surface 96 may correspond to the lower surface of the charging base 52. In such a case, the charging base 52 may be suspended from a surface, such as a ceiling, so that the device will be connected to the lower surface of the charging base. The connecting surface 96 is concave, which may facilitate the attachment of the docking station 54 or the electronic device 56 to it. It is contemplated that the shape and configuration of the charging base 52 may vary from one embodiment to another.

[0053] On the connection surface 96, the charging base 52 has a guide member 97. The guide member 97 is configured to engage with an additional member of the docking station 54. The guide member 97 can help the user orient the charging base 52 relative to the docking station 54.

[0054] On the connection surface 96, the charging base 52 has a charging base connection interface 100, which is sometimes simply referred to as the connection interface 100. The charging base 52 is electrically connected to the docking station 54 via the connection interface 72 and the connection interface 100. In some cases, the charging base 52 can be connected to the speaker 56 via the connection interface 100 and the speaker connection interface 60.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 1, 11 and 12, the charging base 52 further has three magnets 98 and one magnet 99 located inside the housing 53, which in total makes four magnets 98, 99. It is assumed that the total number of magnets 98, 99 may be two, three or five or more in other embodiments. The magnets 98, 99 are arranged in such a way as to define the corners of a square. It can be said that the four magnets 98, 99 are arranged in a square configuration. It is assumed that the magnets 98, 99 can be arranged in different ways. Magnet 99 differs from magnets 98 in its orientation. More specifically, in the non-limiting illustrated example, magnets 98 are oriented so that their positive poles face the connection surface 96, while magnet 99 is oriented so that its negative pole faces the connection surface 96. It is contemplated that in other embodiments the orientation of magnets 98, 99 may be reversed.It is further contemplated that in other embodiments there may be two magnets 99 and two magnets 98. In such embodiments, the positive poles of the two magnets 98 may face the connection surface 96, and the negative poles of the two magnets 99 may face the connection surface 96. As will be described below, the magnets 98 are configured to magnetically attract the magnets 88, and the magnet 99 is configured to magnetically attract the magnet 89. The magnetic attraction between the magnets 88, 89, 98, 99 may help ensure the correct positional alignment of the docking station 54 relative to the charging base 52 along the axis 95 (Fig. 11).

[0056] With reference to Fig. 4-6, 11 and 12, the connection pairing device 100 will be described in more detail. The connection coupling device 100 includes a centralizer 101, a connector 102, first and second latches 104, biasing elements 106, an actuator 108 and a controller communicatively connected to the connector 102. The first and second latches 104 are movable between respective extended positions (shown in Fig. 2-5) and retracted positions (shown in dashed lines in Fig. 7) and are biased into the respective extended positions by means of the biasing elements 106. The actuator 108, which is operatively connected to the first and second latches 104, can move between an inactive position (shown in dashed lines in Fig. 7) and an activated position (shown in dashed lines in Fig. 7).As will be described below, when the actuator 108 is in the non-activated position, the latches 104 are in their extended positions, and when the actuator 108 is in the activated position, the latches 104 are in their retracted positions.

[0057] The centralizer 101 projects upward from the connection surface 96. The centralizer 101 is a raised section, which is typically shaped like a truncated cone and is mating with the recess 74. The centralizer 101 is typically centered on the connection surface 96. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the centralizer 101 may be offset from the center or have a different shape. It is also contemplated that the centralizer 101 may be another element configured to mutually engage with a complementary element located on the docking station 54 or the speaker 56. For example, the centralizer 101 may be designed as a recess with a protrusion. On both its lateral sides, the centralizer 101 defines lateral recesses 107. Each lateral recess 107 continues within the housing 53 and, as will be described in more detail below, receives through itself a part of the corresponding latch 104.It is contemplated that in some embodiments the centralizer 101 may be omitted.

[0058] Referring to Fig. 4-6, the connector 102 is located on the centralizer 101. The connector 102 includes eight contacts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208. The contacts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208 are spring-loaded contacts, but in other embodiments, they may be other types of connecting elements. This can help reduce the impact of vibrations when connecting the docking station 54 to the charging base 52.

[0059] Contacts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208 are arranged in two rows of four contacts each. In the illustrated embodiment, contacts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208 are oriented such that the two rows are longitudinally spaced from each other, and the four contacts in each row are transversely spaced from each other. However, it is contemplated that the contacts may be arranged differently. A pair of adjacent contacts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208 within a given row and a pair of adjacent contacts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208 within a given column are located at the same distance. Thus, contacts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208 are located at the same distance from each other. That is, each adjacent contact 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208 is at the same distance from another adjacent contact.

[0060] Contacts 201, 202 are power transmission contacts designed to transmit electric current from the charging base 52 to the docking station 54. Thus, contacts 201, 202 are electrically connected to the power input port 90 for charging the docking station 54. Contacts 203, 207, 208 are ground contacts connected to the reference potential. Contacts 203, 207, 208 provide a common reference voltage and provide a return path for the electric current. Contact 204 is a detection contact and is configured to detect the presence of the docking station 54. Contacts 205, 206 are data contacts that are configured to transmit data from the charging base 52 to the docking station 54 and / or vice versa. It is envisaged that contacts 205, 206 may be configured to operate in a bidirectional mode for data transmission.In other embodiments, one or both contacts 205, 206 may be configured to operate in a unidirectional mode for data transfer. Contacts 205, 206 are further configured to be compatible with standardized communication protocols, such as the USB data format.

[0061] Connector 102 is configured to connect to connector 102' of the lower connection interface device 72. Connector 102' is mating with connector 102. Connector 102' differs significantly from connector 102 in that contact 204' is a ground contact, not a detection contact.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 2-10, the first and second latches 104 are slidably connected to the body 53 of the charging base 52, and, as will be described below, a part of the latches 104 is located inside the body 53, and a part of the latches 104 protrudes through the side recesses 107. The latches 104 are located opposite each other (i.e., 180 degrees relative to each other), but it is assumed that they can be located differently.

[0063] Since the latches 104 are similar (mirror images of each other), only one latch 104 will be described in detail here. The latch 104 has a latch portion 110, a guide portion 112 and an engaging portion 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch portion 110 is located vertically above the guide portion 112 and the engaging portion 114, and the guide portion 112 is located vertically above the engaging portion 114. However, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the engaging portion 114 may be generally vertically aligned with the guide portion 112. The latch portion 110 is vertically above the guide portion 112 and the engaging portion 114 because it is configured to engage with the projection 76, so that between the latch portion 110 and the connection surface 96 there should be there must be some clearance to receive the projection 76.

[0064] The latch portion 110 typically has a "hook" shape and is shaped to extend in a first direction, which typically corresponds to the lateral direction. As best seen in Fig. 9, the latch portion 110 has an inclined upper surface 120 that defines an angle 121 relative to the horizontal plane, and an inclined lower surface 122 that defines an angle 123 relative to the horizontal plane.

[0065] With respect to the inclined upper surface 120, the angle 121 is approximately 60 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. In other embodiments, the angle 121 is approximately 70 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle 121 is approximately 50 degrees. As will be described below, the angle 121 is such that when the actuator 108 is not engaged, the docking station 54 can be easily connected to the charging base 52. Thus, the inclined upper surface 120 ensures a quick connection of the docking station 54 to the charging base 52. Such a quick connection eliminates the need to move the latches 104 to their retracted position using the actuator 108.

[0066] With respect to the inclined lower surface 122, the angle 123 is approximately 10 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. In other embodiments, the angle 123 is approximately 15 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle 123 is approximately 5 degrees. As will be described below, the angle 123 is of such a size that, under certain conditions, the docking station 54 can be detached from the charging base 52 without the need to actuate the actuator 108. Thus, the inclined lower surface 122 ensures the safe detachment of the docking station 54 from the charging base 52. This safe detachment eliminates the need to move the latches 104 to their retracted position using the actuator 108.

[0067] -

[0068] The guide portion 112 extends in a direction opposite to the latch portion 110. The guide portion 112 is configured to slide along the housing portion 53 to guide the movement of the latch 104 and / or prevent the movement of the latch 104 toward the connection surface 96. In some embodiments, when the latch 104 moves to the retracted position, its movement is stopped by the guide portion 112, which rests against the housing portion 53.

[0069] The engaging portion 114 extends in the same direction as the latch portion 110. Near the guide portion 112, the engaging portion 114 defines a recess 125 in which one of the biasing members 106 is received. At the end opposite the guide portion 112, the engaging portion 114 has an end 126 inclined relative to the plane P in such a way that it defines an angle 127. The end 126 can be called a beveled end or an inclined end. It is assumed that the orientation of the beveled end 126 can vary from one embodiment to another (i.e., the beveled end 126 can be beveled in the vertical direction). As will be described below, the engaging portion 114 is configured to engage with the actuator 108.

[0070] When assembling the charging base 52, the latches 104 are partially included in the housing 53. More specifically, for each of the latches 104, the guide portion 112 and the engaging portion 114 are disposed inside the housing 53, and the engaging portion 110 protrudes from the side recess 107. In some cases, the lower portion of the engaging portion 114 is engaged with the inner upper surface of the housing 53, along which the latches 104 slide.

[0071] When the latches 104 are in the extended position, as best seen in Fig. 2-6, the latches 104 are farthest apart from each other, with the latching portions 110 projecting laterally beyond the upper edge 109 of the centralizer 101. Thus, as will be described below, when the docking station 54 (or the speaker 56) is connected to the charging base 52 and when the latches 104 are in their extended positions, the latching portions 110 project beyond the projection 76.

[0072] When the latches 104 are in the retracted position, as shown by the dotted lines in Figure 7, the latches 104 are closest to each other, and the latching portions 110, as a whole, are at the same level with the rest of the centralizer 101. Thus, as will be described below, when the docking station 54 (or the speaker 56) is connected to the charging base 52 and when the latches 104 are in their retracted positions, the latching portions 110 do not extend beyond the projection 76.

[0073] The biasing elements 106 are linear springs, but other elastic elements, such as polymer elements, are also contemplated. Each biasing element 106 is inserted into a recess 125 of a corresponding latch 104, with one end resting against the latch 104, and the other end resting against a part of the charging base 52. It is contemplated that in some embodiments there may be one biasing element 106, one end of which is connected to one of the latches 104, and the other end is connected to the other latch 104. The biasing elements 106 are configured, as mentioned above, to bias the latches 104 in the direction of their extended positions.

[0074] Referring to Figure 7, the actuator 108, which is also movably connected to the housing 53, will now be described in more detail. The actuator 108 includes a button 94 and a pusher 150 operatively connected to the button 94. In some embodiments, the button 94 and the pusher 150 may be formed as a single unit.

[0075] Button 94 protrudes from the side surface of housing 53, which may facilitate its engagement. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, button 94 may be a lever or other type of actuator.

[0076] The pusher 150 includes two forks 152 and a connecting portion 154 that extends between the two forks 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 154 is curved, but it is assumed that its shape may vary from one embodiment to another.

[0077] Each fork 152 has a beveled end 156, which is mating with the beveled end 126. In addition, each fork 152 defines a recess 158, which is configured to accommodate a part of the housing 53 in it for guiding the movement of the pusher 150 relative to the charging base 52. In some embodiments, only one of the forks 152 can define a recess 158. In other embodiments, a recess 158 can be excluded, and the movement of the pusher 150 relative to the charging base 52 can be directed differently.

[0078] Each fork 152 is engaged with a corresponding latch 104. More specifically, the beveled end 156 of each fork 152 is engaged with the beveled end 126 of the corresponding latch 104. As will be described below, the beveled ends 126, 156 transmit movement from the actuator 108 to the latches 104, while simultaneously changing the direction of movement substantially perpendicularly.

[0079] With reference to Fig. 4-6, 11 and 12, a description will be given of the docking station 54 connected to the charging base 52. It should be understood that in embodiments where the docking station 54 is absent, the speaker 56 can be connected to the charging base 52 in a similar manner.

[0080] Initially, as shown in Figures 4 and 11, when the docking station 54 is at a distance from the charging base 52, the actuator 108 is in the inactive position, and the latches 104 are in the extended positions. It should be noted that, due to the fact that the biasing elements 106 bias the latches 104 in the direction of the extended positions, and due to the fact that the latches 104 are operatively connected to the actuator 108, the actuator 108 is biased in the direction of the inactive position.

[0081] The docking station 54 can be connected to the charging base 52 by moving the bottom surface of the docking station 54 toward the connection surface 96. When the docking station 54 approaches the charging base 52, the magnets 98 magnetically attract the magnets 88, and the magnet 99 magnetically attracts the magnet 89, so that the docking station 54 is attracted to the charging base 52. In addition, the magnets 88, 89, 98, 99 help position the docking station 54 in the correct position relative to the charging base 52 along the axis 95.

[0082] Eventually, the projection 76 engages with the latches 104. More specifically, the lower surface of the projection 76 begins to slide along the inclined upper surfaces 120 of the latches 104. This sliding engagement causes the latches 104 to move toward the retracted positions. Eventually, the projection 76 reaches a point below the latching portion 110, at which point the latches 104 return to their extended position. Thus, at this point, the projection 76 is positioned vertically between the connection surface 96 and the latching portions 110, which limits the movement of the docking station 54 away from the charging base 52. It should be noted that the projection 76 engages with the latches 104 without the need to actuate the actuator 108. It should also be noted that in practice, the engagement of the latches 104 and the projection 76 ensures quick fastening of the system. Changing the inclination of the inclined upper surface 120 (i.e.Changing the angle 121) can affect how easily and quickly the docking station 54 can be connected to the charging base 52. As the angle 121 decreases, it may become more difficult to easily and quickly connect the docking station 54 to the charging base 52.

[0083] At this moment, depending on the rotational position of the docking station 54 relative to the charging base 52 along the axis 95, the connector 102 can be electrically connected to the connector 102' (i.e., the contacts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 are connected to the contacts 201', 202', 203', 204', 205', 206', 207') or the connector 102 may not be electrically connected to the connector 102' (i.e., one or more contacts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 can be offset relative to the contacts 201', 202', 203', 204', 205', 206', 207').

[0084] Referring to Fig. 5, some of the contacts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 are offset relative to their corresponding contacts 201', 202', 203', 204', 205', 206', 207'. Thanks to the configuration of the latches 104 and the protrusion 76, the rotational position of the docking station 54 relative to the charging base 52 can be adjusted along the axis 95.

[0085] The docking station 54 is thus rotated relative to the charging base 52 until the docking station 54 is in the connected position relative to the charging base 52. Due to the magnetic attraction between the magnets 88, 89, 98, 99, the docking station 54 is attracted to the connected position relative to the charging base 52. In the connected position, the magnets 88 are aligned with the magnets 98, and the magnet 89 is aligned with the magnet 99. Thus, the docking station 54 is rotated until the magnets 98 of the charging base 52 and the magnets of the docking station 54 mechanically ensure a secure connection due to the correct alignment of all magnets 88, 89, 98, 99. In some cases, the docking station 54 can move to the connected position without the assistance of the operator due to the magnetic connection of the magnets 88, 89, 98, 99.

[0086] When the docking station 54 is not in the connected position, some magnets 88, 89, 98, 99 are not aligned, which can help the user understand that the docking station 54 is not in the connected position.

[0087] At this point, as shown in Figure 6, the connector 102 is connected to the connector 102'. More specifically, the contacts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 are operatively connected to the contacts 201', 202', 203', 204', 205', 206', 207'. In this way, power is transmitted from the charging base 52 to the docking station 54 through the contacts 201, 202, 201', 202'. In addition, data is transmitted between the charging base 52 and the docking station 54 through the contacts 205, 206, 205', 206'. The presence of the docking station 54 is determined by contact 204. Thus, it can be said that the connectors 102, 102' are communicatively and electrically connected for data transfer and charging.

[0088] When connecting the docking station 54 to the charging base 52, the presence of the latches 104 and the magnets 98 can enhance the reliability of the connection between the connectors 102, 102'.

[0089] Similarly, the loudspeaker 56 can be connected to the docking station 54. In such cases, the assembled device 50 is configured in such a way that power is always provided by one device, the lowest one in the assembled device 50, that is, the charging base 52.

[0090] To detach the docking station 54 from the charging base 52, the button 94 is pressed, moving the actuator 108 to the activated position. Pressing the button 94 pushes the plunger 105, which, in turn, causes the latches 104 to move to their retracted positions. It should be understood that pressing the button 94 moves the actuator 108 in the first direction (longitudinal according to the present embodiment), and the engagement between the beveled ends 126, 156 causes the latches 104 to move in the second direction (transverse according to the present embodiment). However, it is contemplated that the actuator 108 can be configured to move in the vertical direction, which will result in the latches 104 moving in the longitudinal or transverse directions.

[0091] When the latches 104 are in their retracted positions, the latching portions 110 are offset relative to the projection 76, so that the docking station 54 can be removed from the charging base 52.

[0092] In some cases, the docking station 54 can be detached from the charging base 52 by pulling the docking station 54 away from the charging base 52 with sufficient force. For example, if the charging base 52 and the docking station 54 are connected to each other and they fall, the docking station 54 can detach from the charging base 52 without damaging the latches 104. In such cases, the upper surface of the protrusion 76 slides along the inclined lower surfaces 122, which causes the latches 104 to move to the retracted positions. It should be noted that, due to the relatively small angle defined by the inclined lower surfaces 122 relative to the horizontal plane, slightly pulling the docking station 54 will not lead to the detachment of the docking station 54 from the charging base 52.

[0093] In this sense, it can be said that the latches 104 and the projection 76 are configured to provide a safe detachment system, since when the docking station 54 is pulled away from the charging base 52 without actuating the actuator 108, the docking station 54 can be detached from the charging base 52 to avoid breakage of any part, such as the latches 104.

[0094] Although the latches 104 and the actuator 108 are described in relation to the charging base 52, it should be understood that the docking station 54 may also be provided with similar elements.

[0095] Referring to Figure 13, the charging base 52 includes a processor 310, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or specialized processors, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) or other similar processing unit, memory 320, a high-capacity non-temporary memory device 330, an input / output interface 340, a network interface 350 and a transceiver 360, all of which are communicatively connected via a bidirectional bus 370. According to some embodiments, any or all of the depicted elements, or only a subset of the elements, may be used. In addition, the electronic device 56 may contain multiple instances of some elements, such as multiple processors, memories or transceivers. In addition, the elements of the hardware device may be directly connected to other elements without a bidirectional bus.In addition to or as an alternative to the processor and memory, other processing electronics may be used to perform the required logical operations, such as specialized integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, digital circuits, analog circuits, and the like, or a combination thereof. Each integrated circuit may include one or more semiconductor chips and semiconductor modular circuits.

[0096] Memory 320 may include any type of non-temporary memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), any combination thereof, or the like. Non-temporary high-capacity memory device 330 may include any type of non-temporary memory device, such as a solid-state drive, a hard disk, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a USB drive, or any computer program product configured to store data and program code executable on a computer. According to some embodiments, memory 320 or non-temporary high-capacity memory device 330 may have operators and instructions recorded thereon that are executable by processor 310 to perform any of the aforementioned operations of the method described above.

[0097] It should be understood that, although specific embodiments of the technology are described in this document for illustrative purposes, various changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the said technology. Accordingly, the description and drawings should be considered merely as an illustration of the utility model, as defined in the attached claims of the utility model, and it is intended that they cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present utility model. In particular, the scope of the said technology includes the provision of a computer software product or a software element, or a program storage or memory device, such as a magnetic or optical cable, tape or disk, etc., for storing machine-readable signals, for controlling the operation of a computer in accordance with the method of the said technology and / or for structuring some or all of its components in accordance with the system of the said technology.

[0098] The actions described herein may be implemented as encoded instructions in a computer program product. In other words, the computer program product is a computer-readable medium on which program code for executing the method is recorded when the computer program product is loaded into the memory and executed on the microprocessor of the wireless communication device.

[0099] Furthermore, each operation of the method can be performed on any computing device, such as a personal computer, server, PDA, etc., and in accordance with one or more or a part of one or more software elements, modules or objects implemented using any programming language, such as C++, Java, etc. In addition, each operation, or file, or object, or the like, implementing each mentioned operation, can be performed by special equipment or a circuit module developed for this purpose.

[00100] Thanks to the descriptions of the previous embodiments, the present technology can be implemented using only hardware or using software and the necessary universal hardware platform. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present utility model can be embodied in the form of a software product.The software product may be stored on a non-volatile or non-temporary storage medium, which may be a compact disc with read-only memory (CD-ROM), a USB flash drive, or a removable hard drive. The software product includes a series of instructions that enable a computing device (a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of the present utility model. For example, such execution may correspond to the modeling of the logical operations described herein. The software product may additionally or alternatively include a series of instructions that enable the computing device to perform operations to configure or program a digital logic device in accordance with the embodiments of the present utility model.

[00101] Although the present technology has been described with reference to its specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made therein without departing from the technology. Accordingly, the description and drawings should be considered merely as illustrative of the present technology and should cover any modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present technology.

Claims

1. A charging base configured to be connected to an electronic device, wherein said charging base comprises: a housing having a connecting surface; a connection interface device located on the connection surface, wherein said connection interface device comprises a connector configured to transmit power and data to the electronic device, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of contacts, wherein: the first contact and the second contact of the plurality of contacts are configured to transmit data from the electronic device; the third contact and the fourth contact of the plurality of contacts are configured to transmit electrical energy to the electronic device; and the fifth contact, the sixth contact and the seventh contact of the plurality of contacts are configured to establish a connection to the ground, and the eighth contact of the plurality of contacts is configured to detect a connection between the charging base and the electronic device.

2. The charging base according to claim 1, wherein the eighth contact is additionally configured to establish a connection to ground.

3. The charging base according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of contacts define a rectangular shape.

4. The charging base according to claim 1, in which the plurality of contacts are arranged in two rows.

5. The charging base of claim 4, wherein the first row of two rows has four contacts from the plurality of contacts, and the second row of two rows has another four contacts from the plurality of contacts.

6. The charging base of claim 5, wherein for each of the two rows, each contact of the four contacts is located at an equal distance from the adjacent contact of the four contacts.

7. The charging base of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth contacts are spring-loaded contacts that are biased toward the extended position.

8. The charging base of claim 1, wherein the charging base further includes at least one magnet, and wherein the plurality of contacts are aligned with a corresponding plurality of contacts located on the electronic device, at least one magnet being configured to magnetically connect to and attract another magnet of the electronic device.

9. The charging base according to claim 1, in which the connection interface device is located in the central part of the housing.

10. The charging base according to paragraph 1, wherein the charging base is designed with the possibility of electrical connection to a power source.

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