Butt joint unit, connector unit and direct current power supply assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a docking unit (1) for a direct-current power supply, which, when associated with the direct-current power supply, allows for continuous power supply or charging of an electrical device, comprising a first housing (2) provided with a docking space (4), which, when in use, allows for continuous power supply of the electrical device or charging of the electrical device, comprises a second housing (3) which, when associated with the direct-current power supply, allows for continuous power supply of the electrical device or charging of the electrical device. The invention relates to a docking unit (1) for a connector, comprising a docking space (4) for receiving a magnetic plug portion (28) of a connector unit (26), the docking unit comprising a magnetic-mechanical locking mechanism (5) for establishing a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. The invention also relates to a connector unit (26) compatible with the docking unit according to the invention and to a DC power supply assembly (47) comprising the docking unit (1) according to the invention and the connector unit (26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a docking unit for a DC power supply, which, when associated with a DC power supply, allows for continuous power supply or charging of electrical equipment. The invention also relates to a connector unit compatible with the docking unit according to the invention, and a DC power supply assembly comprising the docking unit and connector unit according to the invention. Background Technology

[0002] Today, USB-based power supplies, whether for continuous power supply or charging, are commercially available for a wide variety of electrical devices, ranging from smartphones, tablets, computers, picture frames, reading lights, digital smart clocks, monitors, thermostats, cameras, toothbrushes to smart home automation products and broadly, Internet of Things (IoT) products. Typically, each different electrical device requires a dedicated USB-based power supply and a wired or wireless connectivity solution. The USB-based power supply is used for continuous power supply or charging, and the wired or wireless connectivity solution is used for the electrical interconnection between the USB-based power supply and the electrical device. Because electrical devices may include any of several different connector types (such as USB-A, USB-B, USB 3.0, USB mini, USB micro, USB micro B, or USB-C), wired connectivity solutions often require adapters to allow connection to electrical devices with incompatible receptacles with the USB-based power supply. USB-C offers several advantageous features, such as being more compact than its predecessors, having a rotationally symmetrical design that allows the connector to be inserted into the receptacle in either direction, and being compatible with multiple connector types (such as USB-A and HDMI). With USB-C becoming the standard, the use of other connector types has decreased, thus reducing the need for adapters that allow connection to different connector types.

[0003] Despite the advantages offered by USB-C, USB-based power supplies are known to have issues with poor user experience due to, for example, poor positioning and performance of electrical devices during power supply or charging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a docking unit for a DC power supply (e.g., a USB-based power supply), which, when associated with a DC power supply, allows for continuous power supply or charging of an electrical device. Compared to existing DC power supplies (e.g., USB-based power supplies), this provides an improved user experience in terms of, for example, positioning stability during power supply or charging of the electrical device, positioning flexibility of the electrical device, and reliability of the connection between the electrical device and the DC power supply.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector unit that is compatible with the docking unit described in the present invention.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a DC power supply assembly comprising a docking unit and a connector unit according to the present invention, which allows for continuous power supply or charging of electrical devices connected to the connector unit.

[0007] Aspects of the invention are described in the appended independent and dependent embodiments. Features from the dependent embodiments may be combined with features from the independent embodiments where appropriate, and not only as explicitly stated in the embodiments. Furthermore, all features may be replaced with other technically equivalent features.

[0008] At least one of the above objectives is achieved by a docking unit for a DC power supply, the docking unit being configured to allow continuous power supply or charging of an electrical device when associated with a DC power supply. The docking unit includes a first housing with a docking space for receiving a magnetic plug portion of a connector unit when the docking unit is in use. The first housing includes a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism configured and arranged to allow both a magnetic and mechanical locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. In this way, the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism of the docking unit according to the invention ensures the magnetic and mechanical mounting of electrical devices requiring continuous power supply or charging. Electrical devices (even those with significant mass) can be securely mounted and positioned in the desired orientation (e.g., longitudinal or lateral) while continuously powered or charged. Furthermore, the secure mounting of the electrical device enables its use while powered or charged.

[0009] It should be noted that, for example, when the DC power supply is located at a wall socket, the docking unit according to the invention can be directly connected to the DC power supply. In other applications, such as when the docking unit is located on a motorcycle mount, bicycle mount, boat mount, truck mount, or train mount, the DC power supply can be positioned further away from the docking unit according to the invention. In these cases, the docking unit still ensures a stable and / or fixed connection of the electrical equipment subjected to vibration and shock, while providing continuous power to the electrical equipment.

[0010] Based on the above, it should be noted that compared with the DC power supply of the prior art, the docking unit according to the present invention can achieve an improved user experience in terms of, for example, the positioning stability when the electrical equipment is powered or charged, the positioning flexibility of the electrical equipment, and the reliability of the connection between the electrical equipment and the DC power supply (which is for the DC power supply associated with the docking unit according to the present invention).

[0011] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the magnetomechanical locking mechanism is configured and arranged to allow the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit to be magnetically-induced aligned relative to each other. In this way, smooth insertion of the magnetic plug portion into the docking space is achieved. Furthermore, the magnetomechanical alignment provides tactile feedback to the user, indicating that the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit are positioned relative to each other in such a way that smooth insertion should be possible. This is particularly convenient when the user's view of the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit is at least partially obstructed by electrical equipment. This can be used, for example, for electrical equipment with a large housing (e.g., a large display). Clearly, the magnetomechanical alignment provided by the docking unit's magnetomechanical locking mechanism further enhances the user experience.

[0012] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the magnetomechanical locking mechanism includes a first set of locking components, the first set of locking components including a first mechanical locking element and a first magnet. The first mechanical locking element and the first magnet are arranged relative to the docking space and relative to each other to allow the first mechanical locking element and the first magnet to be in a first magnetic holding connection. Due to the first magnetic holding connection, the first mechanical locking element is arranged to extend partially into the docking space at a first location to allow a mechanical locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. The first magnet allows the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit to be magneto-aligned relative to each other and allows a magnetic locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. In this way, the docking unit is provided with a minimum possible number of components, using which the advantages of the docking unit according to the invention can still be achieved.

[0013] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, a first housing includes a first wall and a first sidewall. The first wall is configured and arranged to provide a backplate for the docking space. The first sidewall is arranged in contact with the first wall and configured to provide a circular sidewall surrounding the docking space. The first sidewall has a first opening configured to allow a first portion of a first mechanical locking element to extend into the docking space at a first location and to hold a second portion of the first mechanical locking element behind the first sidewall. The first housing also includes a first guide rail configured to receive the first mechanical locking element and allow the first mechanical locking element to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first portion of the first mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space via the first opening in the first sidewall; in the second position, the first portion of the first mechanical locking element is arranged outside the docking space.

[0014] If the first mechanical locking element is in the second position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit is broken, thereby allowing the magnetic plug portion to be removed from the docking space. When the magnetic plug portion is removed from the docking space, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the first magnet of the docking unit is broken.

[0015] If the first mechanical locking element is in the first position, the magnetic plug portion is inserted into the docking space of the first housing. On one hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion and the first mechanical locking element of the docking unit, a mechanical locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit; on the other hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion and the first magnet of the docking unit, a magnetic locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. Because of the first magnetic holding connection between the first magnet and the first mechanical locking element, the first position is the default position of the first mechanical locking element. In the first position, the first portion of the first mechanical locking element extends into the docking space.

[0016] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the magnetomechanical locking mechanism includes a second set of locking components, the second set of locking components including a second mechanical locking element and a second magnet. The second mechanical locking element and the second magnet are arranged relative to the docking space and relative to each other to allow the second mechanical locking element and the second magnet to be in a second magnetically retaining connection. Due to the second magnetically retaining connection, the second mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space at a second location, which differs from the first location of the first mechanical locking element. The first and second mechanical locking elements allow a mechanically locked connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. The first magnet and the second magnet of the first set of locking components allow for magnetically induced self-alignment of the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit relative to each other, and allow for a magnetically locked connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit.

[0017] In this way, the reliability and mechanical load-bearing capacity of the mechanical locking connection and magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit can be improved. The first point of the first set of locking connections and the second point of the second set of locking connections can be arranged in any suitable manner along the circular first sidewall portion, for example, at a rotation angle of 180° relative to each other.

[0018] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, a first sidewall is provided with a second opening, the second opening being configured and arranged to allow a third portion of the second mechanical locking element to extend into the docking space at a second location, and to hold a fourth portion of the second mechanical locking element behind the first sidewall. The first housing is further provided with a second guide rail, the second guide rail being configured and arranged to receive the second mechanical locking element and to allow movement of the second mechanical locking element between a third position and a fourth position. In the third position, the third portion of the second mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space via the second opening in the first sidewall; in the fourth position, the third portion of the second mechanical locking element is arranged outside the docking space.

[0019] If the first mechanical locking element is in the second position and the second mechanical locking element is in the fourth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit is broken, thereby allowing the magnetic plug portion to be removed from the docking space. When the magnetic plug portion is removed from the docking space, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the first and second magnets of the docking unit is broken.

[0020] If the first mechanical locking element is in the first position and the second mechanical locking element is in the third position, the magnetic plug portion is inserted into the docking space. On one hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion and the first and second mechanical locking elements of the docking unit, a mechanical locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit; on the other hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion and the first and second magnets of the docking unit, a magnetic locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. Because of the second magnetic connection between the second magnet and the second mechanical locking element, the third position is the default position of the second mechanical locking element. In the third position, the third portion of the second mechanical locking element extends into the docking space.

[0021] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the magnetomechanical locking mechanism includes a third set of locking components, which includes a third mechanical locking element and a third magnet. The third mechanical locking element and the third magnet are arranged relative to the docking space and relative to each other to allow the third mechanical locking element and the third magnet to be in a third magnetic holding connection. Due to the third magnetic holding connection, the third mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space at a third location, which differs from the first location of the first mechanical locking element of the first set of locking components and the second location of the second mechanical locking element of the second set of locking components. The first, second, and third mechanical locking elements allow for the establishment of a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. The first magnet of the first set of locking components, the second magnet of the second set of locking components, and the third magnet allow for magnetostrictive self-alignment of the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit relative to each other, and allow for the establishment of a magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit.

[0022] In this way, the reliability and mechanical load-bearing capacity of the mechanical locking connection and magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug and the docking unit can be further improved. The first point of the first set of locking components, the second point of the second set of locking components, and the third point of the third set of locking components can be arranged in any suitable manner along the first circular sidewall, for example, at a rotation angle of 120° relative to the adjacent points along the first circular sidewall.

[0023] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, a first sidewall is provided with a third opening, the third opening being configured and arranged to allow a fifth portion of a third mechanical locking element to extend into the docking space at a third location, and to hold a sixth portion of the third mechanical locking element behind the first sidewall. The first housing is provided with a third guide rail, the third guide rail being configured and arranged to receive the third mechanical locking element and to allow movement of the third mechanical locking element between a fifth position and a sixth position. In the fifth position, the fifth portion of the third mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space via the third opening in the first sidewall; in the sixth position, the fifth portion of the third mechanical locking element is arranged outside the docking space.

[0024] If the first mechanical locking element is in the second position, the second mechanical locking element is in the fourth position, and the third mechanical locking element is in the sixth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit is broken, thereby allowing the magnetic plug portion to be removed from the docking space. When the magnetic plug portion is removed from the docking space, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the first magnet, second magnet, and third magnet of the docking unit is broken.

[0025] If the first mechanical locking element is in the first position, the second mechanical locking element is in the third position, and the third mechanical locking element is in the fifth position, then the magnetic plug portion is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit. On one hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion and the first, second, and third mechanical locking elements of the docking unit, a mechanical locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit; on the other hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion and the first, second, and third magnets of the docking unit, a magnetic locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. Because of the third magnetic connection between the third magnet and the third mechanical locking element, the fifth position is the default position of the third mechanical locking element, in which the fifth portion of the third mechanical locking element extends into the docking space.

[0026] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the magnetomechanical locking mechanism includes a fourth set of locking components, the fourth set of locking components including a fourth mechanical locking element and a fourth magnet. The fourth mechanical locking element and the fourth magnet are arranged relative to the docking space and relative to each other to allow the fourth mechanical locking element and the fourth magnet to be in a fourth magnetic holding connection. Due to the fourth magnetic holding connection, the fourth mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space at a fourth portion, which is different from the first portion of the first mechanical locking element of the first set of locking components, the second portion of the second mechanical locking element of the second set of locking components, and the third portion of the third mechanical locking element of the third set of locking components. The first, second, third, and fourth mechanical locking elements allow a mechanical locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. The first magnet of the first set of locking components, the second magnet of the second set of locking components, the third magnet of the third set of locking components, and the fourth magnet allow for magnetostrictive self-alignment of the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit relative to each other, and allow for a magnetic locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit.

[0027] In this way, the reliability and load-bearing capacity of the mechanical and magnetic locking connections between the magnetic plug and the docking unit can be further improved. The first location of the first locking assembly, the second location of the second locking assembly, the third location of the third locking assembly, and the fourth location of the fourth locking assembly can be arranged in any suitable manner along the first circular sidewall, for example, at a 90° rotation angle relative to the adjacent location along the first circular sidewall.

[0028] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, a first sidewall is provided with a fourth opening, the fourth opening being configured and arranged to allow a seventh portion of a fourth mechanical locking element to extend into the docking space at the fourth opening, and to hold an eighth portion of the fourth mechanical locking element behind the first sidewall. The first housing is provided with a fourth guide rail, the fourth guide rail being configured and arranged to receive the fourth mechanical locking element and to allow movement of the fourth mechanical locking element between a seventh position and an eighth position. In the seventh position, the seventh portion of the fourth mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space via the fourth opening in the first sidewall; in the eighth position, the seventh portion of the fourth mechanical locking element is arranged outside the docking space.

[0029] If the first mechanical locking element is in the second position, the second mechanical locking element is in the fourth position, the third mechanical locking element is in the sixth position, and the fourth mechanical locking element is in the eighth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit is broken, thereby allowing the magnetic plug portion to be removed from the docking space. When the magnetic plug portion is removed from the docking space, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the first magnet, second magnet, third magnet, and fourth magnet of the docking unit is broken.

[0030] If the first mechanical locking element is in the first position, the second mechanical locking element is in the third position, the third mechanical locking element is in the fifth position, and the fourth mechanical locking element is in the seventh position, then the magnetic plug portion is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit. On one hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion and the first, second, third, and fourth mechanical locking elements of the docking unit, a mechanical locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit; on the other hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion and the first, second, third, and fourth magnets of the docking unit, a magnetic locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. Because of the fourth magnetic connection between the fourth magnet and the fourth mechanical locking element, the seventh position is the default position of the fourth mechanical locking element. In the seventh position, the seventh portion of the fourth mechanical locking element extends into the docking space.

[0031] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the present invention, a first wall portion is provided with a first set of electrical contacts, the first set of electrical contacts being arranged to extend from the first wall portion into the docking space. The electrical contacts can be arranged as elastically loaded electrical pins (also referred to as spring pins).

[0032] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, a first wall portion is provided with a first protrusion, the first protrusion being arranged to extend from the first wall portion into the docking space. When the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit is installed in the docking space of the docking unit, the first protrusion contacts the magnetic plug portion to prevent the magnetic plug portion from rotating too easily relative to the docking unit. This is particularly advantageous when the electrical equipment connected to the connector unit has a large mass, in which way the stable position of the electrical equipment relative to the docking unit can be better maintained, thus improving the user experience of the docking unit.

[0033] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, a first sidewall portion of the first housing is configured to have a first shape that allows the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit to fit tightly in the docking space and allows the connector unit and the docking unit to rotate relative to each other. In this way, the magnetic plug portion can be securely disposed in the docking space, while allowing the user to rotate it relative to the docking unit to position the electrical equipment connected to the connector unit in a desired orientation (e.g., longitudinal or lateral).

[0034] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the first shape of the first sidewall portion of the first housing is circular, in such a way that the rotation of the magnetic plug portion relative to the docking unit can be ensured.

[0035] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the first sidewall portion of the first housing is configured to have a second shape, which allows the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit to fit tightly in the docking space and prevents the connector unit and the docking unit from rotating relative to each other. In this way, when the magnetic plug portion is securely arranged in the docking space, the orientation of the electrical equipment connected to the connector unit (from, for example, longitudinal to lateral or vice versa) cannot be changed by rotating the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit relative to each other. This is advantageous in situations where the user should not be able to change the desired orientation of the electrical equipment associated with the connector unit and the docking unit.

[0036] In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the second shape of the first sidewall portion of the first housing is a closed shape, which has any number of sides. The closed shape can be a polygon (e.g., a triangle, a square, or an octagon) or any other closed shape with any number of non-straight sides.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector unit is provided that is compatible with a mating unit according to the present invention, the connector unit comprising a second housing, the second housing being provided with: - A magnetic plug portion, which, when the connector unit is in use, is inserted into the mating space of the mating unit, the magnetic plug portion comprising: • A second wall portion having a recessed region to form an edge portion; the recessed region having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being arranged away from the second housing, the second surface being arranged towards the second housing, and the edge portion being configured to surround the first surface of the recessed region; • Second sidewall portion, the second sidewall portion is connected to the edge portion of the second wall portion, the second sidewall portion has a first portion, when a mechanical locking connection is established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit, the first portion contacts the first mechanical locking element of the docking unit; • A fifth magnet is arranged at a ninth position on the second surface of the recessed area of ​​the second wall portion. The fifth magnet is configured to allow magnetostrictive alignment with the first magnet of the docking unit, and to establish a magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit when the magnetic plug portion is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit. A set of concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts, said set of concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts being disposed on the first surface of the recessed area of ​​the second wall portion, wherein when the magnetic plug portion is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit, the concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts are electrically connected to electrical contacts arranged to extend from the first wall portion of the first housing of the docking unit to the docking space of the docking unit; and - Equipment mounting portion, which is arranged on different sides of the second housing and the magnetic plug portion, the equipment mounting portion being configured to receive electrical equipment or to receive an adapter for connecting electrical equipment to the connector unit.

[0038] In this way, the connector unit is configured with the minimum possible number of components, and the advantages of the present invention can still be achieved.

[0039] In an embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention, the magnetic plug portion includes a sixth magnet disposed at a tenth position on the second surface of a recessed region of the second wall portion, the tenth position being different from the ninth position of the fifth magnet. The fifth and sixth magnets are configured to allow magnetostrictive self-alignment with the first and second magnets of the docking unit, and when the magnetic plug portion is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit, a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection are established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit.

[0040] The addition of the sixth magnet improves the reliability and mechanical load-bearing capacity of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. Those skilled in the art will understand that the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet and the tenth position of the sixth magnet relative to each other must be such that the fifth and sixth magnets of the magnetic plug portion are magnetostrictively self-aligned with the first and second magnets of the docking unit, respectively. If the dimensions of the fifth and sixth magnets are the same as those of the first and second magnets, then the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet and the tenth position of the sixth magnet relative to each other is the same as the arrangement of the first and second magnets of the docking unit.

[0041] In an embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention, the magnetic plug portion includes a seventh magnet disposed at an eleventh position on the second surface of a recessed region of the second wall portion, the eleventh position being different from the ninth position of the fifth magnet and the tenth position of the sixth magnet. The fifth, sixth, and seventh magnets are configured to allow magnetostrictive self-alignment with the first, second, and third magnets of the docking unit, and when the magnetic plug portion is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit, a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection are established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit.

[0042] The addition of the seventh magnet further enhances the reliability and mechanical load-bearing capacity of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. Those skilled in the art will understand that the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet, the tenth position of the sixth magnet, and the eleventh position of the seventh magnet relative to each other must be such that the fifth, sixth, and seventh magnets of the magnetic plug portion are magnetostrictively self-aligned with the first, second, and third magnets of the docking unit, respectively. If the dimensions of the fifth, sixth, and seventh magnets are the same as those of the first, second, and third magnets, then the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet, the tenth position of the sixth magnet, and the eleventh position of the seventh magnet relative to each other is the same as the arrangement of the first, second, and third magnets of the docking unit relative to each other.

[0043] In an embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention, the magnetic plug portion includes an eighth magnet disposed at a twelfth position on the second surface of the recessed region of the second wall portion, the twelfth position being different from the ninth position of the fifth magnet, the tenth position of the sixth magnet, and the eleventh position of the seventh magnet. The fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth magnets are configured to allow magnetostrictive self-alignment with the first, second, third, and fourth magnets of the docking unit, and when the magnetic plug portion is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit, a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection are established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit.

[0044] The addition of the eighth magnet further enhances the reliability and mechanical load-bearing capacity of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit. Those skilled in the art will understand that the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet, the tenth position of the sixth magnet, the eleventh position of the seventh magnet, and the twelfth position of the eighth magnet relative to each other must be such that the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth magnets of the magnetic plug portion are magnetostrictively self-aligned with the first, second, third, and fourth magnets of the docking unit, respectively. If the dimensions of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth magnets are the same as those of the first, second, third, and fourth magnets, then the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet, the tenth position of the sixth magnet, the eleventh position of the seventh magnet, and the twelfth position of the eighth magnet relative to each other is the same as the arrangement of the first, second, third, and fourth magnets of the docking unit relative to each other.

[0045] In an embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention, the edge portion of the second wall of the magnetic plug portion is provided with a first recess, the first recess being configured to allow reception of a first protrusion when a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection are established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit, the first protrusion being arranged to extend from the first wall of the first housing of the docking unit to the docking space of the docking unit.

[0046] When the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit is installed in the mating space of the mating unit, a first protrusion is arranged in a first recess to prevent the magnetic plug portion from rotating too easily relative to the mating unit. The first recess is located at the edge of the second wall portion of the magnetic plug portion. This is particularly advantageous when the electrical equipment connected to the connector unit has a large mass, thus better maintaining the stable position of the electrical equipment relative to the mating unit.

[0047] In an embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention, the second sidewall portion of the magnetic plug portion has a closed shape having any number of sides. The closed shape can be a polygon (e.g., a triangle, a square, or an octagon) or any other closed shape having any number of non-straight sides.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present invention, a DC power supply assembly is provided, which, when in use, is used to continuously provide DC power to an electrical device or to charge the electrical device using DC power. The DC power supply assembly includes a docking unit according to the present invention. The DC power supply assembly can be configured to allow wired continuous supply of DC power to an electrical device, or wired charging of the electrical device using DC power, the wired configuration potentially including USB-based cabling. The DC power supply assembly can also be configured to allow magnetically wireless continuous supply of DC power to an electrical device or magnetically wireless charging of the electrical device using DC power.

[0049] In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the invention, the DC power supply assembly includes a connector unit according to the invention. The connector unit allows for the secure and stable installation of electrical devices (even those with significant mass). When the connector unit is inserted into the mating space of the mating unit, the electrical device is securely connected to the mating unit via a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism. Depending on the specific configuration of the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism, the electrical device can be positioned in any desired orientation (e.g., longitudinal or lateral), and the electrical device can be used while continuously supplied with DC power or charging. Clearly, the DC power supply assembly according to the invention enables an improved user experience.

[0050] In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the invention, the first sidewall of the first housing of the docking unit has a third shape, and the second sidewall of the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit has a fourth shape. The third and fourth shapes are adapted to each other so that when the connector unit and the docking unit rotate relative to each other, the first mechanical locking element of the docking unit can move from a first position to a second position. In the first position, a first portion of the first mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space of the docking unit; in the second position, the first portion of the first mechanical locking element is arranged outside the docking space. This cancels the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit and the docking unit.

[0051] In this manner, if the user rotates the connector unit and the mating unit relative to each other, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the mating unit is broken. Once the mechanical locking connection is broken, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the mating unit can be disconnected by removing the magnetic plug portion from the mating space. An advantage of this embodiment of the DC charging assembly is that no additional tools are required to remove the connector unit from the mating unit. The third shape of the first sidewall of the mating unit and the fourth shape of the second sidewall of the magnetic plug portion are sufficient to allow the connector unit to be removed from the mating unit when the connector unit and the mating unit are rotated relative to each other.

[0052] In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the invention, the third shape of the first sidewall portion of the first housing of the docking unit is circular, and the fourth shape of the second sidewall portion of the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit is a closed shape having any number of sides. The closed shape can be a polygon (e.g., a triangle, a square, or an octagon) or any other closed shape having any number of non-straight sides.

[0053] In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the invention, the first sidewall portion of the first housing of the docking unit has a fifth shape, and the second sidewall portion of the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit has a sixth shape, the fifth shape and the sixth shape being adapted to each other to prevent the connector unit and the docking unit from rotating relative to each other and to prevent the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit and the docking unit from being cancelled.

[0054] In this way, the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit is configured to fit into the mating space of the first housing of the mating unit in a closed manner. Therefore, the orientation of the electrical equipment connected to the connector unit (from, for example, longitudinal to lateral or vice versa) cannot be changed by rotating the magnetic plug portion relative to the mating unit. This is advantageous in situations where the user should not be able to change the desired orientation of the electrical equipment associated with the mating unit via the connector unit.

[0055] In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the present invention, the fifth shape of the first sidewall portion of the first housing of the docking unit and the sixth shape of the second sidewall portion of the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit are closed shapes with the same number of sides. The closed shape can be a polygon (e.g., a triangle, a square, an octagon, etc.) or any other closed shape with the same number of non-straight sides.

[0056] In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the present invention, the DC power supply assembly includes a magnetic unlocking tool arranged relative to the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism of the docking unit to allow cancellation of the first magnetic holding connection between the first mechanical locking element of the docking unit and the first magnet, thereby canceling the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit and the docking unit.

[0057] If rotating the connector unit relative to the mating unit does not cancel the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit and the mating unit, a magnetic unlocking tool is required to remove the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit from the mating space of the first housing of the mating unit. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the docking unit, connector unit, and DC power supply assembly according to the invention.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that the described embodiments of the docking unit, connector unit, and DC power supply assembly are arranged as exemplary only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection in any way. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternatives and equivalent embodiments of the docking unit, connector unit, and DC power supply assembly can be conceived and implemented without departing from the scope of protection of this invention.

[0060] Please refer to the figures in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic in nature and therefore not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts.

[0061] In the attached figures: Figure 1A A schematic perspective view of a first exemplary non-limiting embodiment of a DC power supply assembly is shown, the DC power supply assembly including a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a docking unit according to the present invention; Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A schematic exploded view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly shown. Figure 2A A schematic front view is shown of a first set of locking components arranged according to a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, wherein the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element and the first magnet is schematically shown; Figure 2B A schematic front view of the arrangement of a first set of locking components and a second set of locking components according to a third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit according to the present invention is shown, wherein the arrangement of a first mechanical locking element, a first magnet, a second mechanical locking element and a second magnet is schematically shown. Figure 2C A schematic front view of the arrangement of a first set of locking components, a second set of locking components, and a third set of locking components according to a fourth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit according to the present invention is shown, wherein the arrangement of a first mechanical locking element, a first magnet, a second mechanical locking element, a second magnet, a third mechanical locking element, and a third magnet is schematically shown. Figure 2D It shows according to Figure 1A and Figure 1BA schematic front view of the arrangement of the first set of locking components, the second set of locking components, the third set of locking components and the fourth set of locking components in a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit shown, wherein the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element, the first magnet, the second mechanical locking element, the second magnet, the third mechanical locking element, the third magnet, the fourth mechanical locking element and the fourth magnet is schematically shown. Figure 2E A schematic front view of the arrangement of a first set of locking components, a second set of locking components, a third set of locking components, a fourth set of locking components, and a fifth set of locking components according to a fifth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit according to the present invention is shown, wherein the arrangement of a first mechanical locking element, a first magnet, a second mechanical locking element, a second magnet, a third mechanical locking element, a third magnet, a fourth mechanical locking element, a fourth magnet, a fifth mechanical locking element, and a fifth magnet is schematically shown. Figure 3A It shows Figure 1A and Figure 1B A schematic front view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit shown; Figure 3B A schematic front view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit according to the present invention is shown; Figure 3C It shows Figure 3A and Figure 3B A schematic perspective view of the rear cover of the docking unit shown; Figure 3D It shows Figure 3A A schematic exploded view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit shown; Figure 4A A schematic perspective view of a magnetic plug portion according to a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a connector unit according to the present invention is shown; Figure 4B It shows Figure 4A A schematic rear view of the magnetic plug portion shown; Figure 4C It shows Figure 4A A schematic front view of the magnetic plug portion shown; Figure 4D It shows Figure 4A A schematic perspective view of the magnetic plug portion shown; Figure 4E It shows Figure 4A A schematic exploded view of the magnetic plug portion shown; Figure 5A A schematic perspective view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a connector unit according to the present invention is shown, the connector unit comprising... Figures 4A-4EThe magnetic plug portion shown; Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A schematic front view of the connector unit shown; Figure 5C It shows Figure 5A and Figure 5B A schematic exploded view of the connector unit shown; Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the connector unit according to the present invention is shown; Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a DC power supply assembly according to the present invention is shown; Figure 8A The magnetic plug portion is shown relative to Figure 7 A schematic front view of the arrangement of the docking units of the DC power supply assembly, wherein the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit is ready; Figure 8B The magnetic plug portion is shown relative to Figure 7 A schematic front view of the arrangement of the docking units of the DC power supply assembly, wherein the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit has been released; Figure 8C A schematic perspective view shows the arrangement of the magnetic plug portion relative to the docking unit when the magnetic plug portion is removed from the docking space. Figure 8D A schematic front view of the arrangement of the magnetic plug portion relative to the docking unit is shown, wherein the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit has not yet been re-established; Figure 9A It shows Figure 3B The diagram shows a schematic front view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit and the magnetic unlocking tool, wherein the magnetic unlocking tool is not arranged to contact the docking unit; Figure 9B It shows Figure 9A A schematic front view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit and the magnetic unlocking tool, the magnetic unlocking tool being arranged to contact the docking unit; Figure 9C This illustrates the magnetic plug portion relative to the docking unit and... when it is removed from the docking space. Figure 9B A perspective view of the arrangement of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the magnetic unlocking tool shown; Figure 10AA schematic front view of the docking unit and magnetic plug portion according to a third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly is shown, wherein the arrangement of the locking element relative to the docking space is schematically shown with the unlocking magnet not arranged to contact the docking unit. Figure 10B It shows according to Figure 10A A detailed schematic front view of a portion of the DC power supply assembly and the unlocking magnet within the defined area shown; Figure 10C It shows Figure 10A A schematic front view of the docking unit and magnetic plug portion is shown, wherein the arrangement of the locking element relative to the docking space is schematically shown with the unlocking magnet arranged to contact the docking unit. Figure 10D It shows according to Figure 10C A detailed schematic front view of a portion of the DC power supply assembly and an unlocking magnet within the defined area. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Figure 1A A schematic perspective view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a DC power supply assembly 47 is shown, which includes a docking unit 1 according to the invention. This first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly 47 includes a DC power supply 3 capable of being integrated into a wall socket. The docking unit 1 has a first housing 2 directly connected to the DC power supply 3.

[0063] It should be noted that, according to another exemplary embodiment of the DC power supply assembly, the DC power supply can be arranged further away from the docking unit, which may be the case if the first housing of the docking unit is arranged, for example, on a motorcycle mount, bicycle mount, boat mount, truck mount, or train mount.

[0064] The first housing 2 is provided with a mating space 4, which is used to receive the magnetic plug portion 28 of the connector unit 26 when the mating unit 1 is in use (see example). Figures 4A-4E and Figure 7 ).

[0065] The docking unit 1 includes a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism 5, which is configured and arranged to allow a magnetic and mechanical locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. Furthermore, as described above, the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism 5 is also configured and arranged to allow the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 to be magneto-aligned relative to each other. Reference will be made below. Figures 2A-2E Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism 5 are discussed in further detail.

[0066] according to Figure 1A In a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown, the first housing 2 includes a first wall 8 configured and arranged to provide a backplate for the docking space 4. The first wall 8 is provided with a first set of electrical contacts 24 arranged to extend from the first wall 8 into the docking space 4. According to... Figure 1A In a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown, the first set of electrical contacts 24 includes five contacts configured as resiliently loaded electrical pins (also referred to as spring pins), which are arranged in a straight line along the first wall portion 8. Those skilled in the art will understand that, without departing from the scope of the invention, any other number of electrical contacts (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 15, 20, etc.), any other arrangement of non-linear electrical contacts, and any other configuration of electrical contacts can be conceived and practiced according to another exemplary embodiment of the docking unit.

[0067] according to Figure 1A In a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown, the first housing 2 includes a first sidewall portion 9 arranged in contact with the first wall portion 8, the first sidewall portion 9 being configured to provide a circular sidewall surrounding the docking space 4.

[0068] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A schematic exploded view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly 47 shown. From Figure 1B As can be seen, the DC power supply 3 is equipped with electronic circuitry capable of at least one of AC / DC conversion and DC / DC conversion. It should be noted that the DC power supply in this application may also be based on Ethernet (PoE, Powerover Ethernet).

[0069] Figure 2A A schematic front view of the arrangement of a first set of locking components according to a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 according to the invention is shown. In this case, the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism 5 includes a first set of locking components, which includes a first mechanical locking element 6 and a first magnet 7. Although Figure 2A Not shown, but the first magnet 7 is covered by the first wall portion 8. From Figure 3CAs can be seen, the first magnet 7 is arranged in the first groove 63 of the rear cover 62 of the docking unit 1, which is covered by the first wall portion 8 to accommodate the first magnet 7. A first mechanical locking element 6 is arranged on a first guide rail 11, which is also arranged on the rear cover 62 of the docking unit 1 to accommodate the first mechanical locking element 6. The first guide rail 11 is configured to allow movement of the first mechanical locking element 6 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 is arranged via a first opening 10 in the first sidewall portion 9 (see...). Figure 8B The first mechanical locking element 6 extends into the docking space 4 at the first location; at the second location, the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 is arranged outside the docking space 4. Those skilled in the art should understand that the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element 6 and the first magnet 7 is shown schematically only.

[0070] Figure 2A The diagram schematically illustrates a first mechanical locking element 6 and a first magnet 7 arranged relative to and relative to each other within a mating space 4 to allow the first mechanical locking element 6 and the first magnet 7 to be in a first magnetic holding connection. Due to the first magnetic holding connection, the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 is connected via a first opening 10 in the first sidewall portion 9 (see...). Figure 8B The connector 26 extends to the mating space 4 to allow the magnetic plug portion 28 (see, for example, see...) to be in use when the mating unit 1 is in use. Figures 4A-4E and Figure 7 A mechanical locking connection is established between the first opening 10 and the docking unit 1. The first opening 10 is configured and arranged to allow the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 to extend into the docking space 4 at the first location, and to keep the second portion 6b of the first mechanical locking element 6 behind the first sidewall portion 9.

[0071] The first magnet 7 allows the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 to be magnetically aligned relative to each other, and allows a magnetic locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. Figure 2A The docking unit 1 shown includes the minimum possible number of components, which still enable the advantages provided by docking unit 1 to be realized.

[0072] If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the first position, the magnetic plug portion 28 is inserted into the docking space 4 of the first housing 2. On one hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first mechanical locking element 6 of the docking unit 1, a mechanical locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. On the other hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first magnet 7 of the docking unit 1, a magnetic locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. Because of the first magnetic holding connection between the first magnet 7 and the first mechanical locking element 6, the first position is the default position of the first mechanical locking element 6. In the first position, the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 extends into the docking space 4.

[0073] If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the second position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 is broken, thereby allowing the magnetic plug portion 28 to be removed from the docking space 4. When the magnetic plug portion 28 is removed from the docking space 4, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first magnet 7 of the docking unit 1 is also broken.

[0074] Figure 2B A schematic front view of the arrangement of a first set of locking components and a second set of locking components according to a third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 according to the present invention is shown. The first set of locking components includes a first mechanical locking element 6 and a first magnet 7, and the second set of locking components includes a second mechanical locking element 12 and a second magnet 13. Although Figure 2B Not shown, but the first magnet 7 and the second magnet 13 are covered by the first wall portion 8. From Figure 3C As can be seen, the second magnet 13 is arranged in the second groove 64 of the rear cover 62 of the docking unit 1, which is covered by the first wall portion 8 to accommodate the second magnet 13. The second mechanical locking element 12 is arranged on the second guide rail 15, which is also arranged on the rear cover 62 of the docking unit 1 to accommodate the second mechanical locking element 12. The second guide rail 15 is configured to allow movement of the second mechanical locking element 12 between a third position and a fourth position. In the third position, the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 is arranged to extend into the docking space 4 at a second location via a second opening in the first sidewall portion 9; in the fourth position, the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 is arranged outside the docking space 4. The second location differs from the first location in that the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 extends into the docking space 4, whereas in the first location, the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 extends into the docking space 4. The first and second locations can be arranged in any suitable manner along the circular first sidewall portion 9. Figure 2BThe third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown has the first and second locations arranged at a rotational angle of 180° relative to each other. Those skilled in the art will understand that the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element 6, the first magnet 7, the second mechanical locking element 12, and the second magnet 13 is shown only schematically.

[0075] Figure 2B The second mechanical locking element 12 and the second magnet 13 are schematically arranged relative to the mating space 4 and relative to each other to allow the second mechanical locking element 12 and the second magnet 13 to be in a second magnetic holding connection. Due to the second magnetic holding connection, the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 extends into the mating space 4 at a second location via a second opening in the first sidewall portion 9. When the mating unit 1 is in use, the first mechanical locking element 6 and the second mechanical locking element 12 allow the magnetic plug portion 28 of the connector unit 26 (see, for example) to be engaged. Figures 4A-4E and Figure 7 A mechanical locking connection is established between the second opening and the docking unit 1. The second opening is configured and arranged to allow the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 to extend into the docking space 4 at the second location, and to keep the fourth portion 12b of the second mechanical locking element 12 behind the first sidewall portion 9.

[0076] The first magnet 7 and the second magnet 13 allow the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 to be magnetically aligned relative to each other, and allow a magnetic locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. In this way, relative to... Figure 2A The arrangement of the first set of locking components in the second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown can improve the reliability and mechanical load-bearing capacity of the mechanical locking connection and magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1.

[0077] If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the second position and the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the fourth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 is broken, thereby allowing the magnetic plug portion 28 to be removed from the docking space 4. When the magnetic plug portion 28 is removed from the docking space 4, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first magnet 7 and the second magnet 13 of the docking unit 1 is broken.

[0078] If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the first position and the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the third position, the magnetic plug portion 28 is inserted into the docking space 4. On one hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first and second mechanical locking elements 6 and 12 of the docking unit 1, a mechanical locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1; and on the other hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first magnet 7 and second magnet 13 of the docking unit 1, a magnetic locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. Because of the second magnetic holding connection between the second magnet 13 and the second mechanical locking element 12, the third position is the default position of the second mechanical locking element 12. In the third position, the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 extends into the docking space 4.

[0079] Figure 2C A schematic front view of the arrangement of a first set of locking components, a second set of locking components, and a third set of locking components according to a fourth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 according to the present invention is shown. The first set of locking components includes a first mechanical locking element 6 and a first magnet 7; the second set of locking components includes a second mechanical locking element 12 and a second magnet 13; and the third set of locking components includes a third mechanical locking element 16 and a third magnet 17. Although Figure 2C Not shown, but the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, and the third magnet 17 are covered by the first wall portion 8. From Figure 3C As can be seen, the third magnet 17 is arranged in the third groove 65 of the rear cover 62 of the docking unit 1, which is covered by the first wall portion 8 to accommodate the third magnet 17. A third mechanical locking element 16 is arranged on a third guide rail 19, which is also arranged on the rear cover 62 of the docking unit 1 to accommodate the third mechanical locking element 16. The third guide rail 19 is configured to allow movement of the third mechanical locking element 16 between a fifth position and a sixth position. In the fifth position, the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 is arranged to extend into the docking space 4 at a third location via a third opening in the first side wall portion 9; in the sixth position, the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 is arranged outside the docking space 4. The third location differs from the first and second locations in that, at the third location, the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 extends into the docking space 4; at the first location, the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 extends into the docking space 4; and at the second location, the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 extends into the docking space 4. The first, second, and third locations can be arranged in any suitable manner along the first sidewall portion 9 of the circle. According to... Figure 2CThe fourth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown has the first, second, and third locations arranged at a 120° rotation angle relative to each other. Those skilled in the art will understand that the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element 6, the first magnet 7, the second mechanical locking element 12, the second magnet 13, the third mechanical locking element 16, and the third magnet 17 is shown only schematically.

[0080] Figure 2C The third mechanical locking element 16 and the third magnet 17 are schematically arranged relative to the mating space 4 and relative to each other to allow the third mechanical locking element 16 and the third magnet 17 to be in a third magnetic holding connection. Due to the third magnetic holding connection, the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 extends into the mating space 4 at a third location via a third opening in the first sidewall portion 9. When the mating unit 1 is in use, the first mechanical locking element 6, the second mechanical locking element 12, and the third mechanical locking element 16 allow the magnetic plug portion 28 of the connector unit 26 (see, for example) to be in a third magnetic holding connection. Figures 4A-4E and Figure 7 A mechanical locking connection is established between the third mechanical locking element 16 and the docking unit 1. The third opening is configured and arranged to allow the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 to extend into the docking space 4 at the third location, and to keep the sixth part 16b of the third mechanical locking element 16 behind the first sidewall portion 9.

[0081] The first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, and the third magnet 17 allow the magnetic plug portion 28 to be magnetically aligned with the docking unit 1 relative to each other, and allow a magnetic locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. In this way, relative to... Figure 2B The arrangement of the first and second sets of locking components in the third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown can further improve the reliability and mechanical load-bearing capacity of the mechanical locking connection and magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1.

[0082] If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the second position, the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the fourth position, and the third mechanical locking element 16 is in the sixth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 is broken, thereby allowing the magnetic plug portion 28 to be removed from the docking space 4. When the magnetic plug portion 28 is removed from the docking space 4, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, and the third magnet 17 of the docking unit 1 is also broken.

[0083] If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the first position, the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the third position, and the third mechanical locking element 16 is in the fifth position, then the magnetic plug portion 28 is inserted into the docking space 4. On the one hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first mechanical locking element 6, the second mechanical locking element 12, and the third mechanical locking element 16 of the docking unit 1, a mechanical locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. On the other hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, and the third magnet 17 of the docking unit 1, a magnetic locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. Since the third magnet 17 and the third mechanical locking element 16 maintain a third magnetic connection, the fifth position is the default position of the third mechanical locking element 16. In the fifth position, the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 extends into the docking space 4.

[0084] Figure 2D It shows according to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The schematic front view of the arrangement of the first set of locking components, the second set of locking components, the third set of locking components, and the fourth set of locking components in a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown. The first set of locking components includes a first mechanical locking element 6 and a first magnet 7; the second set of locking components includes a second mechanical locking element 12 and a second magnet 13; the third set of locking components includes a third mechanical locking element 16 and a third magnet 17; and the fourth set of locking components includes a fourth mechanical locking element 20 and a fourth magnet 21. Although Figure 2D Not shown, but the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, the third magnet 17, and the fourth magnet 21 are covered by the first wall portion 8. (See from...) Figure 3CAs can be seen, the fourth magnet 21 is arranged in the fourth groove 66 of the rear cover 62 of the docking unit 1, which is covered by the first wall portion 8 to accommodate the fourth magnet 21. A fourth mechanical locking element 20 is arranged on a fourth guide rail 23, which is also arranged on the rear cover 62 of the docking unit 1 to accommodate the fourth mechanical locking element 20. The fourth guide rail 23 is configured to allow movement of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 between a seventh position and an eighth position. In the seventh position, the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 is arranged to extend into the docking space 4 via a fourth opening in the first sidewall portion 9; in the eighth position, the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 is arranged outside the docking space 4. The fourth location differs from the first, second, and third locations in that the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extends into the mating space 4. In the first location, the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 extends into the mating space 4; in the second location, the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 extends into the mating space 4; and in the third location, the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 extends into the mating space 4. The first, second, third, and fourth locations can be arranged in any suitable manner along the circular first sidewall portion 9. Figure 2D The first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown has the first, second, third, and fourth locations arranged at a 90° rotation angle relative to each other. Those skilled in the art will understand that the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element 6, the first magnet 7, the second mechanical locking element 12, the second magnet 13, the third mechanical locking element 16, the third magnet 17, the fourth mechanical locking element 20, and the fourth magnet 21 is shown only schematically.

[0085] Figure 2D The fourth mechanical locking element 20 and the fourth magnet 21 are schematically arranged relative to the mating space 4 and relative to each other to allow the fourth mechanical locking element 20 and the fourth magnet 21 to be in a fourth magnetic holding connection. Due to the fourth magnetic holding connection, the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extends into the mating space 4 at the fourth location via a fourth opening in the first sidewall portion 9. When the mating unit 1 is in use, the first mechanical locking element 6, the second mechanical locking element 12, the third mechanical locking element 16, and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 allow the magnetic plug portion 28 of the connector unit 26 (see, for example, [reference needed]) to be engaged. Figures 4A-4E and Figure 7 A mechanical locking connection is established between the fourth mechanical locking element 20 and the docking unit 1. The fourth opening is configured and arranged to allow the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 to extend into the docking space 4 at the fourth opening, and to keep the eighth part 20b of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 behind the first sidewall portion 9.

[0086] The first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, the third magnet 17, and the fourth magnet 21 allow the magnetic plug portion 28 to be magnetically aligned with the docking unit 1 relative to each other, and allow a magnetic locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. In this way, relative to... Figure 2C The arrangement of the first, second, and third sets of locking components in the fourth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown can further improve the reliability and mechanical load-bearing capacity of the mechanical locking connection and magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1.

[0087] If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the second position, the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the fourth position, the third mechanical locking element 16 is in the sixth position, and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 is in the eighth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 is broken, thereby allowing the magnetic plug portion 28 to be removed from the docking space 4. The following will discuss... Figure 8B and Figure 9B This will be discussed in further detail. When the magnetic plug portion 28 is removed from the docking space 4, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, the third magnet 17 and the fourth magnet 21 of the docking unit 1 is broken.

[0088] If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the first position, the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the third position, the third mechanical locking element 16 is in the fifth position, and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 is in the seventh position, then the magnetic plug portion 28 is inserted into the docking space 4. On the one hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, and 20 of the docking unit 1, a mechanical locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. On the other hand, due to the interaction between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the first magnet 7, 13, 17, and 21 of the docking unit 1, a magnetic locking connection can be established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. Since the fourth magnetic connection is maintained between the fourth magnet 21 and the fourth mechanical locking element 20, the seventh position is the default position of the fourth mechanical locking element 20. In the seventh position, the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extends into the docking space 4.

[0089] Figure 2EA schematic front view is shown illustrating the arrangement of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sets of locking components according to a fifth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 according to the invention. The arrangement of the first mechanical locking element 6, the first magnet 7, the second mechanical locking element 12, the second magnet 13, the third mechanical locking element 16, the third magnet 17, the fourth mechanical locking element 20, the fourth magnet 21, the fifth mechanical locking element, and the fifth magnet is schematically shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of sets of locking components can be any suitable number, depending on the required reliability and mechanical load-bearing capacity of the mechanical and magnetic locking connection between, for example, the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1, and depending on the size of the docking unit 1.

[0090] Figure 3A It shows Figure 1A and Figure 1B The diagram shows a schematic front view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1. The first sidewall 9 of the first housing 2 has a circular first shape, which ensures rotation of the magnetic plug portion 28 relative to the docking unit 1. To prevent the magnetic plug portion 28 from rotating too easily relative to the docking unit 1, the first wall 8 is provided with two protrusions 25 arranged to extend from the first wall 8 into the docking space 4. When the magnetic plug portion 28 of the connector unit 26 is installed in the docking space 4 of the first housing 2, the two protrusions 25 contact the magnetic plug portion 28 to prevent it from rotating too easily relative to the docking unit 1. Those skilled in the art will understand that one protrusion 25 is sufficient to prevent the magnetic plug portion 28 from rotating too easily relative to the docking unit 1. The application of one or two protrusions 25 is particularly advantageous when the electrical device 49 connected to the connector unit 26 has a large mass, thus better maintaining the stable position of the electrical device 49 relative to the docking unit 1, thereby improving the user experience of the docking unit 1.

[0091] Figure 3BA schematic front view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 according to the invention is shown. The first sidewall portion 9 of the first housing 2 has a second shape that allows the magnetic plug portion 28 of the connector unit 26 to fit snugly into the docking space 4 of the first housing 2 and prevents the connector unit 26 from rotating relative to the docking unit 1. In this way, after the magnetic plug portion 28 is securely positioned in the docking space 4, the orientation of the electrical device 49 connected to the connector unit 26 (from, for example, longitudinal to lateral or vice versa) cannot be changed by rotating the magnetic plug portion 28 relative to the docking unit 1. This is advantageous in situations where the user should not be able to change the desired orientation of the electrical device 49 associated with the docking unit 1 via the connector unit 26. Due to the shape of the first sidewall portion 9 that prevents the magnetic plug portion 28 from rotating relative to the docking unit 1, the first wall portion 8 of the first housing 2 does not need to have one or more protrusions 25.

[0092] according to Figure 3B The docking unit of the second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown has an octagonal shape, which is a non-limiting example of a closed shape with any number of sides capable of preventing the magnetic plug portion 28 from rotating relative to the docking unit 1. The sides of the closed shape can be straight or non-straight. Those skilled in the art will understand that the second shape can be any suitable closed shape (e.g., triangle, hexagon, etc.) capable of preventing the magnetic plug portion 28 from rotating relative to the docking unit 1.

[0093] Figure 3C It shows Figure 3A and Figure 3B A schematic perspective view of the rear cover 62 of the docking unit 1 shown. (As above regarding...) Figures 2A-2E The rear cover 62 is provided with four grooves 63-66, which are used to accommodate the four magnets 7, 13, 17, and 21 of the docking unit 1. The rear cover may be provided with one or more protrusions 25, which may extend through the seam of the first wall portion 8 of the first housing 2 to the docking space 4.

[0094] Figure 3C It is also shown that the electrical contacts arranged in the first wall portion 8 extend through the first wall portion 8 to interact with the electrical contacts arranged in the DC power supply 3 (see...). Figure 1B )connect.

[0095] Figure 3D It shows Figure 3AThe diagram shows an exploded schematic view of docking unit 1. Magnets 7, 13, 17, and 21 have ends of different shapes to facilitate the assembly of docking unit 1, provided that the magnets are mounted in the correct manner (i.e., with different magnetic poles (NS or SN) facing each other). In this way, docking unit 1 is less prone to failure, which results from adjacent magnets being mounted incorrectly (i.e., with the same magnetic poles (NN or SS) facing each other). It should be noted that the magnets have elongated shapes, which can be of any suitable form (e.g., straight, curved, partially straight, and partially curved).

[0096] The first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6, the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12, the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16, and the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 are provided with inclined edges, which are arranged toward the docking space 4. In this way, the magnetic plug portion 28 can be inserted more smoothly into the docking unit 1.

[0097] Figures 4A-4E A different schematic diagram of the magnetic plug portion 28 according to a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the connector unit 26 according to the present invention is shown. The connector unit 26 includes a second housing 27 (see...). Figures 5A-5C and Figure 6 The second housing 27 includes a magnetic plug portion 28, which, when the connector unit 26 is in use, is inserted into the mating space 4 of the first housing 2 of the mating unit 1 according to the invention. Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figure 4E As schematically shown, the magnetic plug portion 28 includes a second wall portion 29 having a recessed region 30 to form an edge portion 31. The recessed region 30 has a first surface 32 and a second surface 33, the first surface 32 being arranged away from the second housing 27 and the second surface 33 being arranged towards the second housing 27, and the edge portion 31 being configured to surround the first surface 32 of the recessed region 30.

[0098] The edge portion 31 is provided with four recesses 46, which are configured to allow the reception of two protrusions 25 (see example) when a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection are established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. Figure 3A As described above, the interaction between the four recesses 46 and the two protrusions 25 prevents the magnetic plug portion 28 from rotating too easily relative to the docking unit 1.

[0099] Figure 4DThe magnetic plug portion 28 is schematically shown to include a second sidewall portion 34 connected to the edge portion 31 of the second wall portion 29. The second sidewall portion 34 has a first portion 35 that contacts the first mechanical locking element 6 of the docking unit 1 when a mechanical locking connection is established between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1.

[0100] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The diagram schematically illustrates a fifth magnet 36, a sixth magnet 43, a seventh magnet 44, and an eighth magnet 45. The fifth magnet 36 is positioned at the ninth position on the second surface 33 of the recessed region 30 of the second wall portion 29; the sixth magnet 43 is positioned at the tenth position on the second surface 33; the seventh magnet 44 is positioned at the eleventh position on the second surface 33; and the eighth magnet 45 is positioned at the twelfth position on the second surface 33. When the magnetic plug portion 28 is inserted into the docking space 4 of the first housing 2 of the docking unit 1, the fifth magnet 36, the sixth magnet 43, the seventh magnet 44, and the eighth magnet 45 are respectively arranged to allow magnetostrictive self-alignment with the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, the third magnet 17, and the fourth magnet 21 of the docking unit 1, thereby establishing a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1.

[0101] Figure 4C and Figure 4D Schematic illustration shows that the magnetic plug portion 28 includes a set of five concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts 37 disposed on the first surface 32 of the recessed region 30 of the second wall portion 29. The five concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts 37 are configured to allow compliance with USB-based wiring (e.g., USB-A or USB-C) and power protocols (e.g., PD or PPS protocols). When the magnetic plug portion 28 is inserted into the docking space 4 of the first housing 2 of the docking unit 1, the concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts 37 are electrically connected to electrical contacts 24, which are arranged to extend from the first wall portion 8 of the first housing 2 of the docking unit 1 into the docking space 4.

[0102] Figure 5A A schematic perspective view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a connector unit 26 according to the present invention is shown, the connector unit 26 comprising... Figures 4A-4E The magnetic plug portion 28 is shown. The connector unit 26 includes a device mounting portion 38 disposed on a different side of the second housing 27 from the magnetic plug portion 28. The device mounting portion 38 is configured to receive electrical equipment or to receive an adapter for connecting electrical equipment to the connector unit 26.

[0103] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5AA schematic front view of connector unit 26 is shown. Magnetic plug portion 28 includes a set of five concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts.

[0104] Figure 5C It shows Figure 5A and Figure 5B The diagram shows an exploded schematic view of connector unit 26. The group of five concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts is positioned on the first surface 32 of the second wall portion 29. The fifth magnet 36, sixth magnet 43, seventh magnet 44, and eighth magnet 45 are shown in front of their respective recesses in their magnetic plug portions 28.

[0105] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the connector unit 26 according to the present invention is shown. An exemplary electrical device 49 is connected to the device mounting portion 38.

[0106] Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a DC power supply assembly 47 according to the present invention is shown. The DC power supply assembly 47 includes a docking unit 1 and a connector unit 26, the connector unit 26 being tightly fitted within a docking space 4 of the second housing 2 of the docking unit 1. The second sidewall portion 34 of the magnetic plug portion 28 has an octagonal shape, and the first sidewall portion 9 of the first housing 2 of the docking unit 1 has a circular shape, thus allowing the magnetic plug portion 28 to rotate relative to the docking unit 1 when a user applies a rotational force to it. The following will discuss… Figures 8A-8D The rotation of the magnetic plug portion 28 relative to the docking unit 1 is discussed in detail, and its impact on the mechanical and magnetic locking connections between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1.

[0107] Figure 8A The magnetic plug portion 28 is shown relative to Figure 7 A schematic front view of the arrangement of the docking unit 1 of the DC power supply assembly 47 is shown. The arrangement of the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 relative to the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 is schematically shown. The four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 are in their default positions, in which the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6, the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12, the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16, and the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extend into the docking space 4 and respectively engage with the four portions 35, 54, 55, 56 of the second sidewall portion 34 of the magnetic plug portion 28 (see example...). Figure 4C , Figure 5B , Figure 9B Locking contact. In this way, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 is ready.

[0108] Figure 8B The magnetic plug portion 28 is shown relative to Figure 7 The schematic front view of the arrangement of the docking unit 1 of the DC power supply assembly 47 shows that the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 has been released due to the counterclockwise rotation of the magnetic plug portion 28 relative to the docking unit 1 by 22.5°. It should be noted that clockwise rotation of the magnetic plug portion 28 relative to the docking unit 1 is also possible. Due to the counterclockwise rotation of the magnetic plug portion 28 relative to the docking unit 1, the first mechanical locking element 6 moves from the default position to a second position via the second sidewall portion 34 of the magnetic plug portion 28, in which the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 is arranged outside the docking space 4. The same applies to the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12, the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16, and the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20. Therefore, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 has been released.

[0109] Once the mechanical locking connection has been released, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 can be released by removing the magnetic plug portion 28 from the docking space 4. This is in Figure 8C The diagram illustrates this. When the magnetic plug portion 28 is removed from the docking space 4, due to the first magnetic holding connection between the first mechanical locking element 6 and the first magnet 7, the second magnetic holding connection between the second mechanical locking element 12 and the second magnet 13, the third magnetic holding connection between the third mechanical locking element 16 and the third magnet 17, and the fourth magnetic holding connection between the fourth mechanical locking element 20 and the fourth magnet 21, the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, and 20 respectively return to their default positions, namely, their respective first portions 6a, third portions 12a, fifth portions 16a, and seventh portions 20a extend into the docking space 4.

[0110] Figure 8D A schematic front view of the arrangement of the magnetic plug portion 28 relative to the docking unit 1 is shown, wherein the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 has not yet been re-established. Compared to Figure 8B The arrangement shown, due to the aforementioned magnetic holding connections, allows the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, and 20 to return to their default positions by an additional 22.5° counterclockwise rotation of the magnetic plug portion 28 relative to the docking unit 1. However, the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, and 20 do not engage with the four portions 35, 54, 55, and 56 of the second sidewall portion 34 of the magnetic plug portion 28, respectively (see example...). Figure 4C , Figure 5B , Figure 9BLocking contact. In this case, the magnetic plug portion 28 can still be removed from the docking space 4. To re-establish the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1, an additional counterclockwise rotation of the magnetic plug portion 28 relative to the docking unit 1 of 45° is required. This additional counterclockwise rotation does not need to be performed by the user, but can be caused by the magnetostrictive self-alignment capability of the DC power supply assembly 47 due to the arrangement of the four magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the docking unit 1 relative to the four magnets 36, 43, 44, 45 of the magnetic plug portion 28. Figure 7 and Figures 8A-8D In a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly 47 shown, any misalignment of the four magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the docking unit 1 relative to the four magnets 36, 43, 44, 45 of the magnetic plug portion 28 will cause the magnetic plug portion 28 to rotate relative to the docking unit 1, which re-establishes the magnetic locking connection and mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1.

[0111] Figure 9A It shows Figure 3B The schematic front view of the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 and the magnetic unlocking tool 48 shown illustrates the arrangement of the locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 and magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the four sets of locking components relative to each other and relative to the docking space 4.

[0112] The first side wall portion 9 of the first housing 2 of the docking unit 1 has an octagonal shape, and the second side wall portion 34 of the magnetic plug portion 28 has an octagonal shape that matches the octagonal shape of the first side wall portion 9, so that the magnetic plug portion 28 can fit tightly in the docking space 4. Since the magnetic plug portion 28 is arranged in a form-closed manner in the docking space 4, the magnetic plug portion 28 cannot rotate relative to the docking unit 1.

[0113] Since the magnetic unlocking tool 48 is not positioned to contact the docking unit 1, the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, and 20 are in their default positions. In these default positions, the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6, the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12, the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16, and the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extend into the docking space 4 and respectively lock into contact with the four portions 35, 54, 55, and 56 of the second sidewall portion 34. In this way, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 is ready.

[0114] A magnetic locking connection is established between the four magnets 7, 13, 17, and 21 of the docking unit 1, which are arranged to align with each other, and the four magnets 36, 43, 44, and 45 of the magnetic plug portion 28. Before the magnetic plug portion 28 is inserted into the docking space 4, the magnetostrictive self-alignment between the four magnets 7, 13, 17, and 21 of the docking unit 1 and the four magnets 36, 43, 44, and 45 of the magnetic plug portion 28 enables the four portions 35, 54, 55, and 56 of the second sidewall portion 34 to be correctly positioned relative to the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, and 20.

[0115] Figure 9B It shows Figure 9A The diagram shows a schematic front view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 and the magnetic unlocking tool 48, wherein the magnetic unlocking tool 48 is arranged to contact the docking unit 1. The magnetic unlocking tool 48 includes a first unlocking magnet 50, a second unlocking magnet 51, a third unlocking magnet 52, and a fourth unlocking magnet 53. When the magnetic unlocking tool 48 is arranged to contact the docking unit 1, the first unlocking magnet 50 is arranged relative to the second portion 6b of the first mechanical locking element 6 to move the first mechanical locking element 6 to a second position via the first guide rail 11, in which the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 is outside the docking space 4; the second unlocking magnet 51 is arranged relative to the fourth portion 12b of the second mechanical locking element 12 to move the second mechanical locking element 12 to a fourth position via the second guide rail 15, in which the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 is outside the docking space 4. Outside the docking space 4; the third unlocking magnet 52 is arranged relative to the sixth portion 16b of the third mechanical locking element 16 to move the third mechanical locking element 16 to a sixth position via the third guide rail 19, in which the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 is outside the docking space 4; the fourth unlocking magnet 53 is arranged relative to the eighth portion 20b of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 to move the fourth mechanical locking element 20 to an eighth position via the fourth guide rail 23, in which the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 is outside the docking space 4. Therefore, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 has been released.

[0116] Once the mechanical locking connection has been released, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 can be released by removing the magnetic plug portion 28 from the docking space 4. This is in Figure 9C As shown schematically, when the magnetic plug portion 28 is removed from the docking space 4, the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, and 20 do not return to their default positions, i.e., their respective first portions 6a, third portions 12a, fifth portions 16a, and seventh portions 20a remain outside the docking space 4, because the magnetic unlocking tool 48 remains in contact with the docking unit 1.

[0117] Figure 10A A schematic front view of the docking unit 1 and magnetic plug portion 28 according to a third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly 47 is shown, wherein the arrangement of locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 relative to the docking space 4 is schematically shown with the fifth unlocking magnet 57 and the sixth unlocking magnet 58 not arranged to contact the docking unit 1. Since the frame 61 is arranged to contact the docking unit 1, the magnetic plug portion 28, having an octagonal second sidewall portion 34, cannot rotate relative to the docking unit. Because the fifth unlocking magnet 57 and the sixth unlocking magnet 58 are not arranged to contact the docking unit 1, the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 are in their default positions. In these default positions, the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6, the third portion 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12, the fifth portion 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16, and the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extend into the docking space 4 and are locked in contact with the four portions 35, 54, 55, 56 of the second sidewall portion 34, respectively. In this way, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1 is ready. A magnetic locking connection is established between the four magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the docking unit 1, arranged in alignment with each other, and the four magnets 36, 43, 44, 45 of the magnetic plug portion 28. Before inserting the magnetic plug portion 28 into the docking space 4, the magnetostrictive self-alignment between the four magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the docking unit 1 and the four magnets 36, 43, 44, 45 of the magnetic plug portion 28 ensures that the four portions 35, 54, 55, 56 of the second sidewall portion 34 are correctly positioned relative to the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20.

[0118] The first mechanical locking element 6 and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 are connected to each other outside the docking space 4. The same applies to connecting the second mechanical locking element 12 and the third mechanical locking element 16 to each other outside the docking space 4. In this way, the number of components can be reduced.

[0119] Figure 10D schematically shown Figure 10A Detailed views of the enclosed area, how the first mechanical locking element 6 and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 are interconnected outside the docking space 4, and how the first portion 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 and the seventh portion 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 are arranged relative to the magnetic plug portion 28 when the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit is ready.

[0120] Figure 10CThe diagram schematically illustrates that, under the influence of the fifth unlocking magnet 57 arranged to contact the docking unit, the two mechanical locking elements 6, 20 have moved to a first non-working position via the fifth guide rail 59. In the first non-working position, the first portion 6a and the seventh portion 20a are positioned outside the docking space 4. The same applies to the second mechanical locking element 12 and the third mechanical locking element 16, which are connected to each other outside the docking space 4. Under the influence of the sixth unlocking magnet 58 arranged to contact the docking unit, the two mechanical locking elements 12, 16 have moved to a second non-working position via the sixth guide rail 60. In the second non-working position, the third portion 12a and the fifth portion 16a are positioned outside the docking space 4. When the fifth unlocking magnet 57 and the sixth unlocking magnet 58 are arranged to contact the docking unit, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit is released due to the fact that the first portion 6a, the third portion 12a, the fifth portion 16a, and the seventh portion 20a of the corresponding mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, and 20 are positioned outside the docking space 4.

[0121] Figure 10D Schematic illustration Figure 10C Detailed views of the enclosed area, how the first mechanical locking element 6 and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 are interconnected outside the docking space 4, and how the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 and the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 are arranged relative to the magnetic plug part 28 when the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit has been released.

[0122] This invention can be summarized as relating to a docking unit 1 for a DC power supply, which, when associated with a DC power supply, allows for continuous power supply or charging of electrical equipment. The docking unit includes a first housing 2 with a docking space 4, which, when in use, receives a magnetic plug portion 28 of a connector unit 26. The docking unit 1 includes a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism 5 for establishing a magnetic and mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion 28 and the docking unit 1. The invention also relates to a connector unit 26 and a DC power supply assembly 47, the connector unit 26 being compatible with the docking unit 1 according to the invention, and the DC power supply assembly 47 including the docking unit 1 and the connector unit 26 according to the invention.

[0123] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of protection of this invention is not limited to the examples discussed above, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims. Specifically, specific features of various aspects of the invention can be combined. One aspect of the invention can be further advantageously improved by adding features related to another aspect of the invention. Although the invention has been described in detail in the drawings and description, such illustrations and descriptions should be considered illustrative or exemplary only and not restrictive.

[0124] This invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, description, and appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A docking unit (1) for a DC power supply, the docking unit (1) being configured to allow continuous power supply or charging of an electrical device when the docking unit (1) is associated with a DC power supply, the docking unit (1) including a first housing (2) having a docking space (4) for receiving a magnetic plug portion of a connector unit when the docking unit (1) is in use, the first housing (2) including a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) configured and arranged to allow a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1).

2. The docking unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) is configured and arranged to allow the magnetic plug portion to be magneto-aligned with the docking unit (1) relative to each other.

3. The docking unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) includes a first set of locking components, the first set of locking components including a first mechanical locking element (6) and a first magnet (7), the first mechanical locking element (6) and the first magnet (7) being arranged relative to the docking space (4) and relative to each other to allow the first mechanical locking element (6) and the first magnet (7) to be in a first magnetic holding connection, wherein due to the first magnetic holding connection, the first mechanical locking element (6) is arranged to extend partially into the docking space (4) at a first location to allow the establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1), wherein the first magnet (7) allows the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1) to be magneto-aligned relative to each other and allows the establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1).

4. The docking unit (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The first housing (2) includes a first wall portion (8) and a first side wall portion (9), the first wall portion (8) being configured and arranged to provide a backplate for the docking space (4), the first side wall portion (9) being disposed in contact with the first wall portion (8), the first side wall portion (9) being configured to provide a circular sidewall surrounding the docking space (4), the first side wall portion (9) being provided with a first opening (10), the first opening (10) being configured and arranged to allow a first portion (6a) of the first mechanical locking element (6) to extend into the docking space (4) at the first location, and to retain a second portion (6b) of the first mechanical locking element (6). Following the first sidewall portion (9), and wherein the first housing (2) is provided with a first guide rail (11), the first guide rail (11) being configured and arranged to receive the first mechanical locking element (6) and to allow the first mechanical locking element (6) to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the first portion (6a) of the first mechanical locking element (6) is arranged to extend through the first opening (10) in the first sidewall portion (9) to the docking space (4), and in the second position, the first portion (6a) of the first mechanical locking element (6) is arranged outside the docking space (4).

5. The docking unit (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) includes a second set of locking components, the second set of locking components including a second mechanical locking element (12) and a second magnet (13), the second mechanical locking element (12) and the second magnet (13) being arranged relative to the docking space (4) and relative to each other to allow the second mechanical locking element (12) and the second magnet (13) to be in a second magnetic holding connection, wherein due to the second magnetic holding connection, the second mechanical locking element (12) is arranged to extend partially into the docking space (4) at a second location, the second location of the second mechanical locking element (12) being different from the first location of the first mechanical locking element (6), the first mechanical locking element (6) and the second mechanical locking element (12) allowing a mechanical locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1), wherein the first magnet (7) and the second magnet (13) of the first set of locking components allow the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1) to be magneto-self-aligned relative to each other, and allow the magnetic locking connection to be established between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1).

6. The docking unit (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The first sidewall portion (9) is provided with a second opening (14), the second opening (14) being configured and arranged to allow the third portion (12a) of the second mechanical locking element (12) to extend into the docking space (4) at the second location, and to keep the fourth portion (12b) of the second mechanical locking element (12) behind the first sidewall portion (9), and wherein the first housing (2) is provided with a second guide rail (15), the second guide rail (15) being configured and arranged to receive the second mechanical locking element (12) and to allow the second mechanical locking element (12) to move between a third position and a fourth position, in which the third portion (12a) of the second mechanical locking element (12) is arranged to extend into the docking space (4) via the second opening (14) in the first sidewall portion (9), and in which the third portion (12a) of the second mechanical locking element (12) is arranged outside the docking space (4).

7. The docking unit (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) includes a third set of locking components, which includes a third mechanical locking element (16) and a third magnet (17). The third mechanical locking element (16) and the third magnet (17) are arranged relative to the docking space (4) and relative to each other to allow the third mechanical locking element (16) and the third magnet (17) to be in a third magnetic holding connection. Due to the third magnetic holding connection, the third mechanical locking element (16) is arranged to extend into the docking space (4) at a third location, which is different from the first mechanical locking element (6) of the first set of locking components. The first mechanical locking element (6), the second mechanical locking element (12), and the third mechanical locking element (16) of the second set of locking components allow the establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1), wherein the first magnet (7), the second magnet (13), and the third magnet (17) of the first set of locking components allow the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1) to be magnetostrictively self-aligned relative to each other, and allow the establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1).

8. The docking unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The first sidewall portion (9) is provided with a third opening (18), the third opening (18) being configured and arranged to allow the fifth portion (16a) of the third mechanical locking element (16) to extend to the docking space (4) at the third location, and to keep the sixth portion (16b) of the third mechanical locking element (16) behind the first sidewall portion (9), and wherein the first housing (2) is provided with a third guide rail (19), the third guide rail (19) being configured and arranged to receive the third mechanical locking element (16) and to allow the third mechanical locking element (16) to move between a fifth position and a sixth position, in which the fifth portion (16a) of the third mechanical locking element (16) is arranged to extend to the docking space (4) via the third opening (18) in the first sidewall portion (9), and in which the fifth portion (16a) of the third mechanical locking element (16) is arranged outside the docking space (4).

9. The docking unit (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) includes a fourth set of locking components, which includes a fourth mechanical locking element (20) and a fourth magnet (21). The fourth mechanical locking element (20) and the fourth magnet (21) are arranged relative to the docking space (4) and relative to each other to allow the fourth mechanical locking element (20) and the fourth magnet (21) to be in a fourth magnetic holding connection. Due to the fourth magnetic holding connection, the fourth mechanical locking element (20) is arranged to extend into the docking space (4) at a fourth location, which is different from the first location of the first mechanical locking element (6) of the first set of locking components, the second location of the second mechanical locking element (12) of the second set of locking components, and the location of the fourth location. At the third location of the third mechanical locking element (16) of the third set of locking components, the first mechanical locking element (6), the second mechanical locking element (12), the third mechanical locking element (16) and the fourth mechanical locking element (20) allow the establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1), wherein the first magnet (7) of the first set of locking components, the second magnet (13) of the second set of locking components, the third magnet (17) and the fourth magnet (21) of the third set of locking components allow the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1) to be magnetostrictively self-aligned relative to each other, and allow the establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion and the docking unit (1).

10. The docking unit (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The first sidewall portion (9) is provided with a fourth opening (22), the fourth opening (22) being configured and arranged to allow the seventh portion (20a) of the fourth mechanical locking element (20) to extend to the docking space (4) at the fourth location, and to keep the eighth portion (20b) of the fourth mechanical locking element (20) behind the first sidewall portion (9), and wherein the first housing (2) is provided with a fourth guide rail (23), the fourth guide rail (23) being configured and arranged to receive the fourth mechanical locking element (20) and to allow the fourth mechanical locking element (20) to move between a seventh position and an eighth position, in which the seventh portion (20a) of the fourth mechanical locking element (20) is arranged to extend to the docking space (4) via the fourth opening (22) in the first sidewall portion (9), and in which the seventh portion (22a) of the fourth mechanical locking element (22) is arranged outside the docking space (4).

11. The docking unit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein, The first wall portion (8) is provided with a first set of electrical contacts (24), which are arranged to extend from the first wall portion (8) to the docking space (4).

12. The docking unit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein, The first wall portion (8) is provided with a first protrusion (25), which is arranged to extend from the first wall portion (8) to the docking space (4).

13. The docking unit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein, The first sidewall portion (9) of the first housing (2) is configured to have a first shape, which allows the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit to fit tightly in the docking space (4) and allows the connector unit and the docking unit (1) to rotate relative to each other.

14. The docking unit (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The first shape of the first sidewall portion (9) of the first housing (2) is circular.

15. The docking unit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein, The first sidewall portion (9) of the first housing (2) is configured to have a second shape, which allows the magnetic plug portion of the connector unit to fit tightly in the mating space (4) and prevents the connector unit and the mating unit (1) from rotating relative to each other.

16. The docking unit (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The second shape of the first sidewall portion (9) of the first housing (2) is a closed shape, the closed shape having any number of sides.

17. A connector unit (26) compatible with a mating unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the connector unit (26) comprising a second housing (27) provided with: - Magnetic plug portion (28), when the connector unit (26) is in use, the magnetic plug portion (28) is inserted into the mating space of the mating unit, the magnetic plug portion (28) includes: • A second wall portion (29) is provided with a recessed region (30) to form an edge portion (31), the recessed region (30) having a first surface (32) and a second surface (33), the first surface (32) being arranged away from the second housing (27), the second surface (33) being arranged towards the second housing (27), and the edge portion (31) being configured to surround the first surface (32) of the recessed region (30); • Second sidewall portion (34), the second sidewall portion (34) is connected to the edge portion (31) of the second wall portion (29), the second sidewall portion (34) has a first portion (35), when a mechanical locking connection is established between the magnetic plug portion (28) and the docking unit, the first portion (35) contacts the first mechanical locking element of the docking unit; • A fifth magnet (36) is arranged at a ninth position on the second surface (33) of the recessed area (30) of the second wall portion (29), the fifth magnet (36) being configured to allow magnetostrictive alignment with the first magnet of the docking unit, and to establish a magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug portion (28) and the docking unit when the magnetic plug portion (28) is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit; • A set of concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts (37) disposed on the first surface (32) of the recessed region (30) of the second wall portion (29), wherein when the magnetic plug portion (28) is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit, the concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts (37) are electrically connected to electrical contacts arranged to extend from the first wall portion of the first housing of the docking unit to the docking space of the docking unit; and - Device mounting portion (38), which is arranged on different sides of the second housing (27) and the magnetic plug portion (28), the device mounting portion (38) is configured to receive electrical equipment or to receive an adapter for connecting electrical equipment to the connector unit (26).

18. The connector unit (26) according to claim 17, wherein, The magnetic plug portion (28) includes a sixth magnet (43) disposed at a tenth position on the second surface (33) of the recessed region (30) of the second wall portion (29), the tenth position being different from the ninth position of the fifth magnet (36), wherein the fifth magnet (36) and the sixth magnet (43) are configured to allow magnetostrictive self-alignment with the first and second magnets of the docking unit, and when the magnetic plug portion (28) is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit, a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection are established between the magnetic plug portion (28) and the docking unit.

19. The connector unit (26) according to claim 18, wherein, The magnetic plug portion (28) includes a seventh magnet (44) disposed at an eleventh position on the second surface (33) of the recessed region (30) of the second wall portion (29), the eleventh position being different from the ninth position of the fifth magnet (36) and the tenth position of the sixth magnet (43), wherein the fifth magnet (36), the sixth magnet (43) and the seventh magnet (44) are configured to allow magnetostrictive self-alignment with the first magnet, the second magnet and the third magnet of the docking unit, and when the magnetic plug portion (28) is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit, a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection are established between the magnetic plug portion (28) and the docking unit.

20. The connector unit (26) according to claim 19, wherein, The magnetic plug portion (28) includes an eighth magnet (45) disposed at a twelfth position on the second surface (33) of the recessed region (30) of the second wall portion (29), the twelfth position being different from the ninth position of the fifth magnet (36), the tenth position of the sixth magnet (43), and the eleventh position of the seventh magnet (44), wherein the fifth magnet (36), the sixth magnet (43), the seventh magnet (44), and the eighth magnet (45) are configured to allow magnetostrictive self-alignment with the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and the fourth magnet of the docking unit, and when the magnetic plug portion (28) is inserted into the docking space of the docking unit, a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection are established between the magnetic plug portion (28) and the docking unit.

21. The connector unit (26) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein, The edge portion (31) of the second wall portion (29) of the magnetic plug portion (28) is provided with a first recess (46), the first recess (46) being configured to allow receiving a first protrusion when the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection are established between the magnetic plug portion (28) and the docking unit, the first protrusion being arranged to extend from the first wall portion of the first housing of the docking unit to the docking space of the docking unit.

22. The connector unit (26) according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein, The second sidewall portion (34) of the magnetic plug portion (28) has a closed shape, the closed shape having any number of sides.

23. A DC power supply assembly (47), when in use, wherein the DC power supply assembly (47) is used to continuously provide DC power to electrical equipment or to charge electrical equipment using DC power, the DC power supply assembly comprising a docking unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

24. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 23, comprising the connector unit (26) according to any one of claims 17 to 22.

25. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 24, wherein, The first sidewall portion (9) of the first housing (2) of the docking unit (1) has a third shape, and the second sidewall portion (34) of the magnetic plug portion (28) of the connector unit (26) has a fourth shape. The third and fourth shapes are adapted to each other so that when the connector unit (26) and the docking unit (1) rotate relative to each other, the first mechanical locking element (6) of the docking unit (1) can move from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the first portion (6a) of the first mechanical locking element (6) is arranged to extend into the docking space (4) of the docking unit (1). In the second position, the first portion (6a) of the first mechanical locking element (6) is arranged outside the docking space (4) to cancel the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion (28) of the connector unit (26) and the docking unit (1).

26. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 25, wherein, The third shape of the first sidewall portion (9) of the first housing (2) of the docking unit (1) is circular, and the fourth shape of the second sidewall portion (34) of the magnetic plug portion (28) of the connector unit (26) is a closed shape having any number of sides.

27. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 24, wherein, The first sidewall portion (9) of the first housing (2) of the docking unit (1) has a fifth shape, and the second sidewall portion (34) of the magnetic plug portion (28) of the connector unit (26) has a sixth shape. The fifth shape and the sixth shape are adapted to each other to prevent the connector unit (26) and the docking unit (1) from rotating relative to each other and to prevent the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion (28) of the connector unit (26) and the docking unit (1) from being canceled.

28. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 27, wherein, The fifth shape of the first sidewall portion (9) of the first housing (2) of the docking unit (1) and the sixth shape of the second sidewall portion (34) of the magnetic plug portion (28) of the connector unit (26) are closed shapes with the same number of sides.

29. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 27 or 28, comprising a magnetic unlocking tool (48) arranged relative to the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) of the docking unit (1) to allow cancellation of the first magnetic holding connection between the first mechanical locking element (6) of the docking unit (1) and the first magnet (7), thereby canceling the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug portion (28) of the connector unit (26) and the docking unit (1).

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