A switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device

By designing a switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device, using a Type-C male connector and a magnetic female connector and a layered circuit board, the problem of frequent plugging and unplugging of the USB interface conversion module is solved, multiple interface conversions and signal stability are achieved, and the user experience is improved.

CN116207552BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-16SUZHOU AEROSPACE INFORMATION RES INST
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310399371.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-04-14
Publication Date
2025-09-16
Estimated Expiration
2043-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the USB interface conversion module needs to be frequently plugged and unplugged when usage requirements change, causing damage to the smart terminal interface, and the traditional magnetic connector fails to realize the USB interface conversion function.

Method used

A switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device is designed. It adopts a Type-C male connector and a magnetic female connector. Signal conversion is achieved through polarized magnetic parts and contact design. Combined with a layered interface conversion circuit board, it supports multiple interface conversion functions and avoids accidental short circuits through a spring structure.

Benefits of technology

It eliminates the need for frequent plugging and unplugging, reduces damage to smart terminal interfaces, supports multiple interface conversions, improves user experience, and ensures signal connectivity and dust-proof and durability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device, comprising a USB plug and a replaceable interface conversion component, wherein the USB plug comprises a Type-C male connector and a magnetic female connector, wherein the magnetic female connector comprises a plug connection plate, a first contact, and a first polarity magnetic component; the replaceable interface conversion component comprises a housing, a sealing plate, a magnetic male connector disposed on the outside of the housing, and an interface conversion circuit board disposed inside the housing, wherein the magnetic male connector comprises a connecting cavity, a second contact, and a second polarity magnetic component; the first polarity magnetic component and the second polarity magnetic component have opposite polarities, and the magnetic female connector of the USB plug is magnetically fitted with the magnetic male connector of the replaceable interface conversion component, and after the first contact and the second contact come into contact, the Type-C signal is connected to the conversion circuit board to complete signal conversion. The present invention realizes rapid access to different types of interface devices by switching the interface conversion component, reduces the number of times the smart terminal interface is plugged in and out, and improves user experience.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a USB interface conversion and a magnetic connector, and in particular to a switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device. Background Art

[0002] The Universal Serial Bus (USB) features fast transmission speed, ease of use, hot-swappable support, flexible connection, and independent power supply. Since its launch, it has been widely used in smart terminals such as computers and mobile phones. In particular, Type-C is widely used in various interfaces for data transmission, fast charging, and audio and video transmission.

[0003] As smart terminals become increasingly smaller and lighter, the number of interfaces they offer is decreasing. To meet the need for access to functional expansion devices with varying interface types, a growing number of interface conversion modules are emerging. The most commonly used are USB to other interfaces, such as USB to Ethernet, USB to serial, and USB to HDMI. However, these modules come in many shapes and sizes, and their functions vary. These modules require frequent plugging and unplugging as usage demands change, damaging the limited number of interfaces on smart terminals. While magnetic connector technology is mature and already in use, USB connectors are still limited to powering devices or changing interface orientation, without introducing USB interface conversion capabilities.

[0004] In short, in order to facilitate use and avoid frequent plugging and unplugging, a switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device is designed in combination with magnetic connection technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device.

[0006] The technical solution to achieve the purpose of the present invention is: a switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device, including a USB plug and a replaceable interface conversion component, wherein:

[0007] The USB plug includes a Type-C male connector and a magnetic female connector, wherein the magnetic female connector includes a plug connection plate, a first contact, and a first polarity magnetic component, wherein the first contact is provided on the plug connection plate, and the first polarity magnetic component is provided on the outer ring of the plug connection plate;

[0008] The interchangeable interface conversion component includes a shell, a sealing plate, a magnetic male interface arranged on the outside of the shell, and an interface conversion circuit board arranged inside the shell, wherein the magnetic male interface includes a connecting cavity, a second contact and a second polarity magnetic attraction member, the connecting cavity is arranged on the outside of the shell, the second contact is arranged on the inside of the connecting cavity, and the second polarity magnetic attraction member is arranged on the outer ring of the connecting cavity;

[0009] The first polarity magnetic component and the second polarity magnetic component have opposite polarities. The magnetic female socket of the USB plug is fit with the magnetic male connector of the interchangeable interface conversion component through magnetism. After the first contact and the second contact come into contact, the Type-C signal is connected to the conversion circuit board to complete the signal conversion.

[0010] The Type-C male connector uses a 24-pin full-function Type-C male connector, and both the magnetic female connector and the magnetic male connector use 24 contacts.

[0011] The contacts of the magnetic female interface and the magnetic male interface are distributed in a 6*4 matrix, and the pin functions of the magnetic female interface and the magnetic male interface are symmetrical up and down, so that the interchangeable interface conversion component can achieve pin docking whether it is inserted forward or reverse.

[0012] The first contact is a circular columnar bump.

[0013] The second contact is composed of a columnar contact, a fixing seat, a guide post, a spring and a vent hole, wherein the columnar contact is connected to the guide post, the spring is sleeved on the outside of the guide post, one end is connected to the columnar contact, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the fixing seat, the fixing seat is sleeved on the outside of the columnar contact, and a vent hole is provided at the bottom;

[0014] The columnar contact is connected to the guide post as a signal channel, and signal contacts are set on the bottom surface of the guide post and the fixed seat. When the interchangeable interface conversion component is connected to the USB plug, the first polarity magnetic part and the second polarity magnetic part are attracted to each other, so that the first contact squeezes the spring by pressing the columnar contact of the second contact, and releases air through the air vent to make the guide post contact with the bottom of the fixed seat, connecting the signal channel; when the interchangeable interface conversion component is pulled out by external force, the force of the spring separates the guide post of all the second contacts of the magnetic male head from the bottom of the fixed seat, thereby realizing rapid signal disconnection, thereby avoiding accidental contact of the interchangeable interface conversion component when not in use, causing a short circuit in the internal interface adapter circuit board.

[0015] An installation groove is set in the shell of the interchangeable interface conversion component, and a circuit board fixing platform is distributed at the bottom of the installation groove for placing the interface conversion circuit board. Isolation columns are set at the four corners of the interface conversion circuit board. One end of the isolation column is a threaded male head and the other end is a threaded female mouth. The threaded male head of the isolation column passes through the mounting hole of the interface conversion circuit board and is fixed to the circuit board fixing platform, and the threaded female mouth at the other end of the isolation column is fixed to the screw passing through the mounting hole of the sealing plate.

[0016] The interface conversion circuit board is an interface conversion PCB module, including a USB to Ethernet function board, a USB to serial port function board, a USB to HDMI function board and a USB to HUB function board, which are layered and installed in the shell through isolation columns.

[0017] The PCB module consists of a conversion chip, peripheral circuits, a first socket and a second socket. The first socket and the second socket are connected to the USB plug and the replaceable interface conversion component through a flexible cable. The first socket transmits the USB Type-C signal of the USB plug to the interface conversion circuit board. The converted signal is connected to the external interface module by the second socket, thereby completing the USB interface conversion.

[0018] The outer side of the shell of the interchangeable interface conversion component is provided with an anti-slip protrusion 306, which is a vertical strip-shaped boss distributed on two side surfaces parallel to the installation direction of the interface conversion component, and is used to increase friction and facilitate the insertion and removal of the interchangeable interface conversion component with one hand.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages: 1) It adopts a full-function USB plug and fully supports the USB Type-C protocol, with technical advantages such as powerful functions and good expansion performance; 2) The magnetic interface adopts a 6*4 matrix contact arrangement to ensure that the positive and negative plug pins of the interchangeable interface conversion component can be perfectly docked; 3) The second contact of the interchangeable interface conversion component is tightly fitted with the aperture of the fixed seat through the columnar contact to ensure that the component is dust-proof and durable. When the module is in use, the signal connection is ensured by magnetic attraction. When the module is stationary, the guide column is separated from the fixed seat by the force of the spring to avoid accidental touch causing a short circuit in the subsequent transfer circuit; 4) The interchangeable interface conversion component provides a layered installation method, and the interface conversion circuit module can be disassembled, assembled, and converted to ensure the uniform shape of the interface conversion component, so that when the smart terminal needs to use different interfaces, the USB plug module can remain unchanged, and different types of interface devices can be quickly accessed by switching the interface conversion component, reducing the number of times the smart terminal interface is plugged in and out, and improving user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the USB plug of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the interchangeable interface conversion component of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pin definition of the magnetic jack interface of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pin definition of the magnetic male connector interface of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the magnetic USB interface conversion device of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the second contact fixing seat and the contact of the present invention.

[0027] Icon Description:

[0028] 1-Switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device; 2-USB plug; 3-Interchangeable interface conversion part; 4-Type-C male connector; 5-Magnetic female connector; 6-Magnetic male connector; 201-Plug connecting plate; 202-First polarity magnetic part; 203-First contact; 300-Connection cavity; 301-Second contact; 302-Second polarity magnetic part; 303-Shell; 304-Sealing plate; 305-Screw; 306-Anti-slip protrusion; 307-Interface conversion circuit board; 308-Conversion chip; 309-Flexible cable; 310-Isolation column; 311-Mounting slot; 312-First socket; 313-Second socket; 314-Circuit board fixing platform; 320-External interface module; 11-Contact; 12-Fixed seat; 13-Guide column; 14-Spring; 15-Vent hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions of the present invention in conjunction with the embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the terms "front", "back", "side", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used to facilitate the description of the present invention and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the invention patent. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" and the like are only used to distinguish descriptions and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. The structure of the switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device of the present invention is described in detail below.

[0031] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device 1 is composed of a USB plug 2 and a replaceable interface conversion component 3.

[0032] The USB plug 2 includes a Type-C male connector 4 and a magnetic female connector 5. The magnetic female connector 5 is composed of a plug connecting plate 201, a first polarity magnetic member 202 and a first contact 203.

[0033] The interchangeable interface conversion component 3 includes a magnetic male connector 6, a housing 303, and a sealing plate 304. The magnetic male connector 6 consists of a connection cavity 300, a second contact 301, and a second-polarity magnetic element 302. The connection cavity 300 is located outside the housing 303, the second contact 301 is distributed inside the connection cavity 300, and the second-polarity magnetic element 302 is arranged on the outer ring.

[0034] The first polarity magnetic attraction component 202 and the second polarity magnetic attraction component 302 have opposite magnetic properties and are both ring-shaped structures. The former is embedded in the latter to ensure that the USB plug 2 and the interchangeable interface conversion component 3 are tightly fitted.

[0035] Optionally, an anti-slip protrusion 306 is provided on the outer side of the interchangeable interface conversion component 3. The anti-slip protrusion is a vertical strip-shaped boss distributed on two side surfaces parallel to the installation direction of the interface conversion component, thereby increasing friction and facilitating the insertion and removal of the interchangeable interface conversion component with one hand.

[0036] As a specific example, USB plug 2 uses a 24-pin full-function Type-C male plug, which can support USB3.0, USB2.0 protocols, audio and video transmission, fast charging protocol, etc., provide all alternative signals for interface conversion, and cooperate with the conversion circuit to realize multiple USB interface conversions such as USB to Ethernet, USB to serial port, USB to HDMI, etc.

[0037] like Figure 4 、 5 As shown, the corresponding female magnetic connector 5 and male magnetic connector 6 include 24 first contacts 203 and 24 second contacts 301, respectively, arranged in a 6x4 matrix. The pinouts for the female magnetic connector 5 and male magnetic connector 6 are defined based on the commonly used double-sided Type-C male and female connector wiring diagrams. This ensures that the pinouts for the interchangeable connector conversion component 3 are functionally symmetrical, ensuring that the pins can be seamlessly connected regardless of whether the connector is inserted forward or backward.

[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, a mounting slot 311 is provided within the housing 303 of the interchangeable interface conversion component 3. A circuit board fixing platform 314 is located at the bottom of the mounting slot 311 for placing the interface conversion circuit board 307. Isolation posts 310 are provided at the four corners of the interface conversion circuit board 307. The isolation posts 310 are single-ended copper posts. The threaded male ends of the isolation posts 310 pass through the mounting holes of the interface conversion circuit board 307 and are fixed to the circuit board fixing platforms 314. Screws 305 pass through the mounting holes of the sealing plate 304 and are fixed to the threaded female ends of the isolation posts 310, thereby securing the interface conversion circuit board 307 and sealing the interchangeable interface conversion component 3. As a specific example, the interface conversion circuit board 307 is composed of a single PCB. Of course, in other embodiments, the interface conversion circuit board 307 can be two or three PCBs. The isolation posts will enable layered installation of the PCBs. The present invention does not limit the number of interface conversion PCB layers.

[0039] Furthermore, the interface conversion circuit board 307 is an interface conversion PCB module, which is composed of a mature conversion chip 308, peripheral circuits and signal sockets. Different chips are used for different conversion functions. For example, USB to Ethernet uses the SR9900A chip and its peripheral circuits, USB to HDMI uses the MS9132 chip and its peripheral circuits, and USB to serial port uses chips such as SP232EEN, MAX490, MAX485 and their peripheral circuits. This can be achieved by consulting the relevant chip manual. The signal sockets are a first socket 312 and a second socket 313, both of which use 24-pin terminal blocks. The first socket 312 is used to receive the 24-pin USB Type-C signal led out of the USB plug 2, and the second socket 313 is used to lead out the interface signal after the interface conversion. When the interface conversion circuit board 307 is composed of multiple PCBs, it is divided into a core PCB board and a functional PCB board. The first socket 312 and the second socket 313 are set on the core PCB board, and the same model signal sockets are set on the functional PCB board according to specific communication requirements to communicate with the core PCB board.

[0040] Furthermore, an interface module 320 is disposed outside the housing 303. The first socket 312 transmits the signal from the first contact of the USB plug 2 to the interface conversion circuit board 307 via a flexible flat cable 309. The converted signal is then connected to the external interface module 320 via the second socket 313 and the flexible flat cable 309, thereby completing the USB interface conversion. The external interface module 320 can be an RJ45, HDMI, DB9 for RS232 / RS422 / RS485 protocols, or multiple USB Type-A connectors. The present invention does not limit the type or quantity of external interface modules 320.

[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, the second contact 301 is composed of a columnar contact 11, a fixing seat 12, a guide post 13, a spring 14 and an air vent 15, wherein the columnar contact 11 and the fixing seat 12 have the same aperture to ensure that the second contact is dustproof. The columnar contact 11 and the guide post 13 are connected to form a signal channel, and signal contacts are set on the bottom surface of the guide post 13 and the fixing seat 12. When the interchangeable interface conversion component 3 is connected to the USB plug 2, the first polarity magnetic attraction part 202 and the second polarity magnetic attraction part 302 are attracted to each other, so that the first contact 203 squeezes the columnar contact 11 of the second contact 301 and squeezes the spring 14. The air vent 15 releases air to make the guide post 13 contact the bottom of the fixing seat 12, connecting the signal channel. When the replaceable interface conversion component 3 is pulled out by external force, the force of the spring 14 separates the guide pillars 13 of all the second contacts of the magnetic male connector 6 from the bottom of the fixing seat 12, thereby preventing the replaceable interface conversion component 3 from accidentally touching and causing a short circuit in the internal interface adapter circuit board 307 when not in use.

[0042] In actual use, the USB plug 2 is inserted into a smart terminal, such as a computer or mobile phone, and does not need to be unplugged unless necessary. When another interface is needed, the corresponding interchangeable interface conversion component 3 is selected. The magnetic attraction ensures that the first contact 203 and the second contact 301 are in close contact, achieving signal conduction. When the interface requirement changes, the interchangeable interface conversion component 3 is unplugged to quickly switch to another conversion component.

[0043] In summary, the present invention fully supports the USB Type-C protocol through a full-function USB plug, provides all alternative signals for interface conversion, and realizes multiple USB interface conversions; by setting a magnetic female interface and a magnetic male interface, a 6*4 matrix contact arrangement is adopted to ensure that the positive and negative plug pins of the interchangeable interface conversion component can be perfectly docked; through the internal structure setting of the second contact, the component is guaranteed to be dust-proof and durable while avoiding accidental touch causing a short circuit in the switching circuit of the interchangeable interface conversion component; through a layered installation design, the interface conversion circuit module is guaranteed to be disassembled and converted while the interface conversion component shape is unified, so that the smart terminal keeps the USB plug module inserted unchanged; through the switching of the interface conversion component, different types of interface devices can be quickly accessed, the number of times the smart terminal interface is plugged in and out is reduced, and the user experience is improved.

[0044] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0045] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A switchable magnetic USB interface conversion device, characterized in that: It comprises a USB plug (2) and a replaceable interface conversion component (3), wherein: The USB plug (2) comprises a Type-C male connector (4) and a magnetic female connector (5), wherein the magnetic female connector (5) comprises a plug connection plate (201), a first contact (203) and a first polarity magnetic component (202), wherein the first contact (203) is arranged on the plug connection plate (201), and the first polarity magnetic component (202) is arranged on the outer ring of the plug connection plate (201); The interchangeable interface conversion component (3) comprises a shell (303), a sealing plate (304), a magnetic male interface (6) arranged outside the shell (303), and an interface conversion circuit board (307) arranged inside the shell, wherein the magnetic male interface (6) comprises a connecting cavity (300), a second contact (301) and a second polarity magnetic attraction component (302), the connecting cavity (300) is arranged outside the shell (303), the second contact (301) is arranged inside the connecting cavity (300), and the second polarity magnetic attraction component (302) is arranged on the outer ring of the connecting cavity (300); The first polarity magnetic attraction member (202) and the second polarity magnetic attraction member (302) have opposite polarities, and the magnetic female connector (5) of the USB plug (2) is brought into contact with the magnetic male connector (6) of the interchangeable connector conversion component (3) through magnetism. After the first contact (203) and the second contact (301) come into contact, the Type-C signal is connected to the conversion circuit board (307) to complete the signal conversion. The second contact (301) is composed of a columnar contact (11), a fixing seat (12), a guide post (13), a spring (14) and a vent hole (15), wherein the columnar contact (11) is connected to the guide post (13), the spring (14) is sleeved on the outside of the guide post (13), one end of the spring is connected to the columnar contact (11), and the other end is connected to the bottom of the fixing seat (12), the fixing seat (12) is sleeved on the outside of the columnar contact (11), and the vent hole (15) is provided at the bottom; The columnar contact (11) and the guide post (13) are connected to form a signal channel, and a signal contact is set on the bottom surface of the guide post (13) and the fixed seat (12). When the interchangeable interface conversion component (3) is connected to the USB plug (2), the first polarity magnetic attraction component (202) and the second polarity magnetic attraction component (302) are attracted to each other, so that the first contact (203) presses the spring (14) by pressing the columnar contact (11) of the second contact (301), and releases air through the air vent (15) to make the guide post (13) contact with the bottom of the fixed seat (12), thereby connecting the signal channel; when the interchangeable interface conversion component (3) is pulled out by external force, the force of the spring (14) separates the guide post (13) of all the second contacts of the magnetic male interface (6) from the bottom of the fixed seat (12), thereby realizing rapid signal disconnection, thereby preventing the interchangeable interface conversion component (3) from accidentally touching the internal interface adapter circuit board (307) when not in use; A mounting groove (311) is provided in the housing (303) of the interchangeable interface conversion component (3), a circuit board fixing platform (314) is distributed at the bottom of the mounting groove (311) for placing the interface conversion circuit board (307), and isolation columns are provided at the four corners of the interface conversion circuit board (307), one end of the isolation column (310) is a male threaded head, and the other end is a female threaded mouth, the male threaded head of the isolation column (310) passes through the mounting hole of the interface conversion circuit board (307) and is fixed to the circuit board fixing platform (314), and the female threaded mouth at the other end of the isolation column (310) is fixed to the screw (305) passing through the mounting hole of the sealing plate (304).

2. The magnetic USB interface conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Type-C male connector (4) uses a 24-pin full-function Type-C male connector, and the magnetic female connector (5) and the magnetic male connector (6) both use 24 contacts.

3. The magnetic USB interface conversion device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The contacts of the magnetic female interface (5) and the magnetic male interface (6) are arranged in a 6*4 matrix, and the pin functions of the magnetic female interface (5) and the magnetic male interface (6) are symmetrical up and down, so that the interchangeable interface conversion component (3) can achieve pin docking whether it is inserted forward or backward.

4. The magnetic USB interface conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first contact point (203) is a circular columnar convex point.

5. The magnetic USB interface conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interface conversion circuit board (307) is an interface conversion PCB module, comprising a USB to Ethernet function board, a USB to serial port function board, a USB to HDMI function board and a USB to HUB function board, and is layeredly installed in the housing (303) via isolation columns (310).

6. The magnetic USB interface conversion device according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The isolation column (310) is a single-head copper column.

7. The magnetic USB interface conversion device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The PCB module is composed of a conversion chip (308), a peripheral circuit, a first socket (312) and a second socket (313). The first socket (312) transmits the USB Type-C signal of the USB plug (2) to the interface conversion circuit board (307). The converted signal is connected to the external interface module (320) by the second socket (313), thereby completing the USB interface conversion.

8. The magnetic USB interface conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the housing (303) of the interchangeable interface conversion component (3) is provided with an anti-slip protrusion (306), which is a vertical strip-shaped boss distributed on two side surfaces parallel to the installation direction of the interface conversion component, and is used to increase friction, making it easier to plug and unplug the interchangeable interface conversion component with one hand.

Citation Information

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