A hardware specification connection interface compatible with Type-C universal serial bus and its application.

Abstract

This case relates to a connection interface compatible with the Type-C Universal Serial Bus hardware specification and its application. The connection interface compatible with the Type-C Universal Serial Bus hardware specification includes: a hardware structure of the connection interface, compatible with the hardware specification of a Type-C Universal Serial Bus; wherein the connection interface includes either a male connection interface or a female connection interface compatible with the Type-C Universal Serial Bus; and 24 metal mating structures, which are symmetrically distributed in the connection interface in two groups of 12 metal mating structures each; wherein these metal mating structures can support the signal transmission operation of two Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specifications at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This case relates to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection interface and its application, and more particularly to a connection interface and its application that is compatible with the hardware specifications of Type C Universal Serial Bus (USB-C). Background Technology

[0002] For modern people, smart electronic products such as computers and mobile phones have become indispensable in their lives. To support these smart electronic products, many electronic peripherals have emerged, such as portable hard drives for backing up data, wired or wireless chargers for providing power, and card readers for reading data storage cards of various storage formats (e.g., SD or CF). However, since these electronic peripherals are usually independent of each other and cannot transmit or communicate with each other, even when transmitting or communicating with different electronic peripherals through a host (e.g., a computer), it often requires various signal transmission cables of different specifications to complete successfully. In other words, in order to meet different usage needs, modern people are surrounded by too many and too complicated electronic peripherals and signal transmission cables, causing considerable inconvenience in use and daily life.

[0003] In order to meet the diverse application needs of the numerous users and reduce the complexity of using different electronic peripheral devices, it is necessary to propose a connection interface that provides flexibility and simplifies the connection between different devices. This is the technical issue that this case aims to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this case is to provide a connection interface that is compatible with the hardware specifications of the Type C universal serial bus.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide an application example of applying a hardware specification-compatible connection interface to a Type C universal serial bus in a modular peripheral device consisting of a host and at least one expansion unit, so as to enable modular connection between the host and the at least one expansion unit.

[0006] A preferred embodiment of this invention relates to a connection interface compatible with the hardware specifications of a Type-C Universal Serial Bus, comprising: a hardware structure of a connection interface compatible with the hardware specifications of a Type-C Universal Serial Bus; wherein the connection interface includes either a male connector or a female connector compatible with the Type-C Universal Serial Bus; and 24 metal mating structures symmetrically distributed in the connection interface in two groups of 12 metal mating structures each; wherein these metal mating structures can simultaneously support the signal transmission operation of two Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specifications.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the four metal connectors used to support either of the two USB 2.0 specifications can be combined with five other metal connectors to form a nine-metal connector structure that can support the signal transmission operation of a single USB 3.0 specification.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the metal-to-metal mating structures is capable of supporting an integrated bus circuit (I). 2 C) Two metal-connected structures for signal transmission operation of the specification, or at least four metal-connected structures that support a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) specification signal transmission operation, or at least two metal-connected structures that provide a fixed 3.3-volt power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal-connected structures that provide a fixed 19-volt or a power fast charging (PD) specification power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal-connected structures that provide a grounding function.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the power signal transmission operation of the fast charging (PD) specification means that it can be a power signal transmission operation of at least one of 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts, 19 volts, 24 volts, 40 volts or 48 volts.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the connection interface can be combined with a limiting docking structure to restrict any two connection interfaces to only unidirectional docking and not bidirectional docking.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting docking structure includes at least one of a protruding docking structure or a groove docking structure.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting docking structure includes at least one limiting groove or one limiting post.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the connection interface is provided in a modular peripheral device comprising a host and at least one expansion unit to provide modular connection between the host and the at least one expansion unit.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the modular peripheral device includes at least one of the following: a Wi-Fi module, at least one memory storage unit and at least one wireless charging circuit, a first USB interface device, a second USB interface device, and a power circuit.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the first USB interface device is electrically connected to four metal connectors supporting either of the two USB 2.0 specifications to support signal transmission operation of the USB 2.0 specification, and / or the four metal connectors of either USB 2.0 specification can be combined with five other metal connectors to support signal transmission operation of a single USB 3.0 specification.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the first USB interface device has a shared USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 connection port, or has both a USB 2.0 connection port and a USB 3.0 connection port.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the second USB interface device is electrically connected to the four metal connectors of another set of Universal Serial Buses in the two sets of USB 2.0 specifications to support the signal transmission operation of the USB 2.0 specification.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the second USB interface device has a USB 2.0 connection port.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the power supply circuit is electrically connected to two metal connection structures that provide a fixed 3.3-volt power signal transmission operation, and / or electrically connected to four metal connection structures that provide a fixed 19-volt or a power fast charging (PD) specification power signal transmission operation.

[0020] Another preferred embodiment of this invention relates to a connection interface compatible with the hardware specifications of a Type-C Universal Serial Bus, comprising: a hardware structure of a connection interface compatible with the hardware specifications of a Type-C Universal Serial Bus; wherein the connection interface includes either a male connector or a female connector compatible with the Type-C Universal Serial Bus; and 24 metal connectors distributed in the connection interface, wherein the metal connectors are only capable of unidirectional connection and do not provide bidirectional connection; wherein, among the metal connectors, at least four metal connectors are capable of supporting the signal transmission operation of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, another four metal connectors are capable of supporting the signal transmission operation of another USB 2.0 specification, and the four metal connectors can be combined with the other five metal connectors to form nine metal connectors capable of supporting the signal transmission operation of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 3.0 specification.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the metal-to-metal mating structures is capable of supporting an integrated bus circuit (I). 2 C) Two metal-connected structures for signal transmission operation of the specification, or at least four metal-connected structures that support a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) specification signal transmission operation, or at least two metal-connected structures that provide a fixed 3.3-volt power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal-connected structures that provide a fixed 19-volt or a power fast charging (PD) specification power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal-connected structures that provide a grounding function.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the power signal transmission operation of the fast charging (PD) specification means that it can be a power signal transmission operation of at least one of 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts, 19 volts, 24 volts, 40 volts or 48 volts.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the metal connection structures include four metal connection structures that provide a grounding function.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the connection interface can be combined with a limiting docking structure to restrict any two connection interfaces to only unidirectional docking and not bidirectional docking.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting docking structure includes at least one of a protruding docking structure or a groove docking structure.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting docking structure includes at least one limiting groove or one limiting post.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the connection interface is provided in a modular peripheral device comprising a host and at least one expansion unit to provide modular connection between the host and the at least one expansion unit.

[0028] Another preferred embodiment of this invention relates to a connection interface compatible with the Type-C Universal Serial Bus hardware specification, applied in a system having at least a first device and a second device. The connection interface includes at least: a hardware structure of a first connection interface with 24 metal connectors disposed in the first device; and a hardware structure of a second connection interface with another 24 metal connectors disposed in the second device, wherein the hardware structure of the second connection interface is used for unidirectional docking with the hardware structure of the first connection interface; wherein both the hardware structure of the first connection interface and the hardware structure of the second connection interface are compatible with the Type-C Universal Serial Bus hardware specification, and either the 24 metal connectors or the other 24 metal connectors can simultaneously support signal transmission operations of two Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specifications.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the hardware structure of either the first connection interface or the second connection interface includes either a male connector or a female connector that is compatible with the Type-C universal serial bus.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, each of the 24 metal connector structures and the other 24 metal connector structures shall have at least 4 metal connector structures that support signal transmission operation of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, another 4 metal connector structures that support signal transmission operation of another USB 2.0 specification, and the 4 metal connector structures may be combined with the other 5 metal connector structures to form a 9-metal connector structure that supports signal transmission operation of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 3.0 specification.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the 24 metal-connected structures and any one of the other 24 metal-connected structures has an integrated bus circuit (I) that can support an integrated bus circuit. 2 C) Two metal-connected structures for signal transmission operation of the specification, or at least four metal-connected structures that support a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) specification signal transmission operation, or at least two metal-connected structures that provide a fixed 3.3-volt power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal-connected structures that provide a fixed 19-volt or a power fast charging (PD) specification power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal-connected structures that provide a grounding function.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the power signal transmission operation of the fast charging (PD) specification means that it can be a power signal transmission operation of at least one of 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts, 19 volts, 24 volts, 40 volts or 48 volts.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, either the first connection interface or the second connection interface can be combined with a limiting docking structure to limit the first connection interface and the second connection interface to only be able to dock in one direction and not in two directions.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting docking structure includes at least one of a protruding docking structure or a groove docking structure.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting docking structure includes at least one limiting groove or one limiting post.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the first device may be a host, the second device may be at least one expansion unit, and the system may be a modular peripheral device consisting of the host and the at least one expansion unit connected in a modular fashion.

[0037] To provide a better understanding of the above and other aspects of this case, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0038] [ Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of the male plug connection interface of the existing Type C universal serial bus hardware specification.

[0039] [ Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a male plug connection interface that is compatible with the hardware specifications of the Type C universal serial bus.

[0040] [ Figure 3 [A schematic diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of applying the Type C universal serial bus compatible hardware specification connection interface proposed in this case to a modular peripheral device.]

[0041] [ Figure 4A and Figure 4B This case Figure 3 The modular peripheral device utilizes multiple connection interfaces to achieve modular docking, and includes a schematic diagram of the specific assembly and bottom implementation structure using a limiting docking structure.

[0042] [ Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of applying the connection interface, which is compatible with the Type C universal serial bus hardware specification proposed in this case, to another modular peripheral device.

[0043] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0044] TC0: Existing male connector for Type-C universal serial bus

[0045] TC: The male connector for the Type-C universal serial bus in this case.

[0046] 24 metal joint structures

[0047] 11: Host

[0048] 111: Main Control and Interface Processing Unit

[0049] 112: Power Module

[0050] 114: Convex joint structure

[0051] 1141: Limiting groove

[0052] 12: Expansion Unit

[0053] 121: First USB interface device

[0054] 122: Second USB interface device

[0055] 123: Control and GPIO processing unit

[0056] 124: Power Supply Circuit

[0057] 125: Wireless charging circuit

[0058] 126: Memory storage unit

[0059] 127: Groove butt joint structure

[0060] 1271: Limiting Post

[0061] 128: Wi-Fi module

[0062] 21: Host

[0063] 211: Main Control and Interface Processing Unit

[0064] 212: Power Module

[0065] 213: First memory storage unit

[0066] 22: First expansion unit

[0067] 221: First USB interface device

[0068] 222: Second USB interface device

[0069] 223: Control and GPIO processing unit

[0070] 224: Power Supply Circuit

[0071] 225: Wi-Fi module

[0072] 23: Second expansion unit

[0073] 231: Control and GPIO processing unit

[0074] 232: Second memory storage unit

[0075] 233: Wireless charging circuit

[0076] P: Downward assembly action

[0077] USB2-1 and USB2-2: Data signal transmission lines in the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification.

[0078] PD: 19V power supply or fast charging signal

[0079] SCL: I 2 Serial clock signal of C integrated bus circuit specification

[0080] SDA: I 2 Serial data signals of the C integrated bus circuit specification

[0081] Detailed Implementation

[0082] The following embodiments are provided for detailed description. These embodiments are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of protection intended for this application. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments omit unnecessary elements or elements that can be accomplished with ordinary techniques in order to clearly illustrate the technical features of this application.

[0083] To address the design objective of providing a flexible and simplified connection interface that solves existing technical problems, this project utilizes the existing Type-C Universal Serial Bus (USB-C) interface hardware specifications as the interface structure between different electronic devices. Simultaneously, some of the transmitted signal content is redefined to not only fully leverage existing cable hardware specifications and significantly reduce hardware development costs for the connection interface, but also to meet the modular assembly requirements and application flexibility for signal transmission between different electronic peripheral devices.

[0084] In other words, the following will first list the hardware specifications of the existing Type C universal serial bus male plug connection interface and the corresponding signal planning, so as to facilitate the implementation examples and application examples of changing the connection interface of this case.

[0085] Please refer to this first. Figure 1The diagram shows the hardware specifications and signal planning for the existing Type-C universal serial bus male plug interface TC0. Please refer to the following table for relevant explanations of the connection signals:

[0086]

[0087]

[0088]

[0089] For reference Figure 1 It will then become clear that the hardware specifications of the existing Type-C Universal Serial Bus (USB-C) male plug interface TC0 have a 24-pin metal connector structure. Furthermore, they are symmetrically distributed in the connection interface in two groups of 12 metal docking structures each.

[0090] Furthermore, due to the planned connection interface TC (such as...) in this case... Figure 2 As shown), it does not require bidirectional docking functionality and only provides unidirectional docking functionality. Therefore, for Figure 1 Some existing USB-C docking signal designs with metal docking structures are idle because they no longer require bidirectional docking functionality. This project can utilize and modify these idle metal docking structures to redefine and redesign them to support another USB 2.0, Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus. 2 C) Specifications include 3.3V power supply, 19V power supply or multiple power fast charging (Power Delivery, PD) and general-purpose input / output (GPIO), so that the newly designed connection interface can simultaneously provide one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, and I / O ports. 2 C. Connection and transmission of functions such as 3.3V power supply, 19V power supply or multiple PD and GPIO.

[0091] That is, please refer to Figure 2 The following table illustrates a preferred embodiment of the male plug interface TC, which is compatible with the Type-C universal serial bus hardware specification, and provides related table descriptions of the mating signals therein. The redefined and redesigned metal mating structure is underlined in the table for easier reference and understanding:

[0092]

[0093]

[0094]

[0095]

[0096] Of course, the signal planning for the hardware specifications of the existing Type-C universal serial bus receptacle connection interface can also be referenced to this case. Figure 2 The same or similar change planning methods shown in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0097] Furthermore, from the aforementioned table and Figure 2 As can be seen from this, among these metal-to-metal mating structures It has at least four metal connectors (A1, A4, A6, A7) that can support the signal transmission operation of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification; wherein, these metal connectors (A6, A7) constitute the data signal transmission line USB2-1 in the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification.

[0098] Meanwhile, in these metal docking structures It also includes four other metal connectors (B6, B7, B9, B12) to support the signal transmission operation of another USB 2.0 specification; among them, these metal connectors (B6, B7) form another data signal transmission line USB2-2 in this other Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification.

[0099] In this way, through the newly designed connection interface TC, the four metal connectors (A1, A4, A6, A7) used to support the signal transmission operation of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, and another four metal connectors (B6, B7, B9, B12) used to support the signal transmission operation of another USB 2.0 specification, can provide two sets of Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification signals for transmission operation at the same time when necessary.

[0100] Furthermore, the aforementioned four metal connectors (A1, A4, A6, A7) can be combined with five other metal connectors (A2, A3, B10, B11, B1) to form a nine-metal connector structure that can support the signal transmission operation of a single Universal Serial Bus (USB) 3.0 specification.

[0101] In addition, regarding these metal-to-metal connection structures In the middle, it has the ability to support an integrated bus circuit (I 2C) Two metal-connected structures (A10, A11) for signal transmission operation of the standard, and four metal-connected structures (B2, B3, B5, A5) for signal transmission operation that can support a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) standard.

[0102] Furthermore, regarding these metal-to-metal connection structures The invention includes at least two metal-connected structures (A8, B8) that can provide a fixed 3.3-volt power signal transmission operation, and four metal-connected structures (A4, A9, B4, B9) that can provide a fixed 19-volt or a power fast charging (PD) specification power signal transmission operation. Regarding the power fast charging (PD) specification power signal transmission operation, the four metal-connected structures (A4, A9, B9, B4) can provide a wider range of voltage options depending on the actual application. For example, they can provide power signal transmission operations of at least 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts, 19 volts, 24 volts, 40 volts, or 48 volts.

[0103] Of course, among these metal-button structures It has four metal connection structures (A1, A12, B1, B12) that can provide a grounding function.

[0104] One preferred application example of the novel connection interface TC proposed in this case, which provides flexibility and simplifies the connection between different devices, can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of applying the Type C universal serial bus compatible hardware specification connection interface TC proposed in this case to a modular peripheral device.

[0105] At Figure 3 In this invention, the new connection interface TC is used in a modular peripheral device consisting of a host 11 and an expansion unit 12 to provide modular connection between the host 11 and the expansion unit 12. In addition to using USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 for signal transmission, the host 11 and the expansion unit 12 can also utilize a master / slave integrated bus circuit (I) for some functions of the expansion unit 12. 2 C) Specifications for signal transmission operation.

[0106] The host 11 includes at least a main control and interface processing unit 111 and a power module 112; while the expansion unit 12 includes at least a first USB interface device 121, a second USB interface device 122, a control and GPIO processing unit 123, a power circuit 124, a wireless charging circuit 125, a memory storage unit 126 and a Wi-Fi module 128.

[0107] Each of the host unit 11 and the expansion unit 12 is provided with a connection interface TC. For example, one of them is a male Type-C connector and the other is a female Type-C connector, or both are female Type-C connectors. They are connected using a transmission cable with male Type-C connectors at both ends. This invention does not impose any limitations on this. Of course, each connection interface TC is provided with 24 metal connectors.

[0108] The first USB interface device 121 is electrically connected to four metal connectors (A1, A4, A6, A7) of one of the two USB 2.0 specifications to support the signal transmission operation of the USB 2.0 specification. The four metal connectors (A1, A4, A6, A7) of the USB 2.0 specification can be combined with five other metal connectors (A2, A3, B10, B11, B1) to support the signal transmission operation of a single USB 3.0 specification.

[0109] Preferably, the first USB interface device 121 has a USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 shared connection port (not shown), or has both a USB 2.0 connection port (not shown) and a USB 3.0 connection port (not shown) for interfacing with electronic peripheral devices (not shown) having USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 specifications.

[0110] In addition, the second USB interface device 122 is electrically connected to four metal connectors (B6, B7, B9, B12) of another set of Universal Serial Bus in the two sets of USB 2.0 specifications to support the signal transmission operation of the USB 2.0 specification, so as to interface with another electronic peripheral device (not shown) that also has the USB 2.0 specification.

[0111] The second USB interface device 122 has a USB 2.0 connection port (not shown in the figure).

[0112] As can be seen from the above description, in addition to providing some peripheral application functions (for example, the wireless charging circuit 125 can provide a wireless charging function, or the memory storage unit 126 can provide a data storage function) and facilitating modular assembly with the host 11, the expansion unit 12 can also be extended to connect with other electronic peripheral devices (not shown) through, for example, the first USB interface device 121 or the second USB interface device 122. Of course, the expansion unit 12 also provides signal control that can be performed by the user, either entirely or partially, through the Wi-Fi module 128.

[0113] Furthermore, the power circuit 124 included in the expansion unit 12 is electrically connected to two metal connectors (A8, B8) that provide a fixed 3.3-volt power signal transmission operation, and / or electrically connected to four metal connectors (A4, A9, B4, B9) that provide a fixed 19-volt or a power fast charging (PD) specification power signal transmission operation.

[0114] In this case, for the power signal transmission operation of the fast charging (PD) specification, depending on the actual application of the expansion unit 12 or other electronic peripheral devices (not shown), the four metal docking structures (A4, A9, B9, B4) can provide a wider range of different voltage operation options. For example, it can provide power signal transmission operation for at least 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts, 19 volts, 24 volts, 40 volts or 48 volts.

[0115] Furthermore, between the main control and interface processing unit 111 in the host 11 and the control and GPIO processing unit 123 in the expansion unit 12, an integrated bus circuit capable of supporting an integrated bus circuit (I) can be arranged. 2 C) Two metal-connected structures (A10, A11) for signal transmission operation of the standard, and four metal-connected structures (B2, B3, B5, A5) for signal transmission operation supporting a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) standard; wherein, this invention plans multiple metal-connected structures (B2, B3, B5, A5) to support the signal transmission operation of the general-purpose input / output (GPIO) standard. One of the purposes is that when the newly designed connection interface TC of this invention is applied to the modular peripheral device, these GPIO signals can be used as the basis for determining whether any expansion unit to be assembled into the modular peripheral device belongs to the same series of products.

[0116] Of course, in addition to controlling the signal of the expansion unit 12 itself, the host 11 can also be connected to a computer (not shown) so that the computer can control the signal of the whole or part.

[0117] To further explain Figure 3 The modular assembly of the host 11 and the expansion unit 12 in this case, and since the connection interface TC in this case does not provide bidirectional docking functionality, it is necessary to consider some design considerations for docking error prevention mechanisms. One preferred approach can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The one shown is the subject of this case. Figure 3 The modular peripheral device utilizes the two connection interfaces TC of this case to achieve modular docking, and combines a limiting docking structure with a specific assembly and bottom implementation structure diagram.

[0118] At Figure 4A and Figure 4B In this configuration, the main unit 11 and the expansion unit 12 are modularly assembled in a top / bottom stacking manner. That is, the bottom of the expansion unit 12 is positioned on top of the main unit 11 with a downward assembly action P.

[0119] The host 11 has a limiting docking structure (e.g., a protruding docking structure 114) around the connection interface TC, which is combined with another limiting docking structure (e.g., a groove docking structure 127) around the connection interface TC in the expansion unit 12, thereby limiting any two connection interfaces TC to only be docked in one direction and not in two directions, so as to achieve the design purpose of preventing docking mistakes.

[0120] In addition, to avoid instability when the connection interface TC in the host 11 and the connection interface TC in the expansion unit 12 are docked, this invention can further improve the stability of the docking between the host 11 and the expansion unit 12 by adding a limiting groove 1141 at the protruding docking structure 114 and a corresponding limiting post 1271 at the groove docking structure 127. The limiting docking of the limiting groove 1141 and the limiting post 1271 can effectively improve the stability of the docking between the host 11 and the expansion unit 12.

[0121] Please see again Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of applying the Type C Universal Serial Bus-compatible connection interface TC proposed in this case to another modular peripheral device.

[0122] Figure 5 The basic operating principle is with Figure 3 similar, Figure 5 The main changes are to increase the number of expansion units and to change the specific settings of some peripheral device functions. This demonstrates that the new connection interface can be used to modularly interface with various peripheral devices, thereby showcasing the flexibility and convenience of the new connection interface.

[0123] That is, at Figure 5 In this invention, the new connection interface TC is used to be respectively installed in another modular peripheral device composed of a host 21, a first expansion unit 22, and a second expansion unit 23, to provide modular connection between the host 21 and the first expansion unit 22 and the second expansion unit 23. In addition to using USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 specifications for signal transmission between the host 21 and the first expansion unit 22 and the second expansion unit 23, a master / slave integrated bus circuit (I) can also be used for some functions in the expansion unit 12. 2 C) Specifications for signal transmission operation.

[0124] The host 21 includes at least a main control and interface processing unit 211, a power module 212, and a first memory storage unit 213; the first expansion unit 22 includes at least a first USB interface device 221, a second USB interface device 222, a control and GPIO processing unit 223, a power circuit 224, and a Wi-Fi module 225; the second expansion unit 23 includes at least a control and GPIO processing unit 231, a second memory storage unit 232, and a wireless charging circuit 233.

[0125] Of course, the host 21 and any of the connection interfaces TC of the first expansion unit 22 and the second expansion unit 23 are equipped with 24 metal mating structures.

[0126] In summary, this project utilizes the existing hardware specifications of the Type-C Universal Serial Bus (USB-C) interface as the interface structure between different electronic devices. It also redefines some of the transmitted signal content, thereby not only fully leveraging existing cable hardware specifications to significantly reduce hardware development costs for the interface, but also meeting the modular assembly requirements and application flexibility for signal transmission between different electronic peripheral devices. Therefore, this project is truly a work of great industrial value.

[0127] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications and variations without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A connection interface compatible with the Type-C universal serial bus hardware specification, comprising: A hardware structure for a connection interface, compatible with the hardware specifications of a Type-C universal serial bus; wherein the connection interface includes either a male connector or a female connector compatible with the Type-C universal serial bus; and The 24 metal mating structures are symmetrically distributed in the connection interface in two groups of 12 metal mating structures each. The metal docking structure can support the simultaneous operation of two sets of Universal Serial Bus 2.0 standard signal transmission.

2. The connection interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the four metal connectors used to support either of the two Universal Serial Bus 2.0 specifications can be combined with the other five metal connectors to form a nine-metal connector structure capable of supporting the signal transmission operation of a single Universal Serial Bus 3.0 specification.

3. The connection interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal docking structure has at least two metal docking structures capable of supporting signal transmission operation of an integrated bus circuit specification, or at least four metal docking structures capable of supporting signal transmission operation of a general-purpose input / output specification, or at least two metal docking structures capable of providing a fixed 3.3-volt power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal docking structures capable of providing a fixed 19-volt or a fast charging power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal docking structures capable of providing a grounding function.

4. The connection interface as claimed in claim 3, wherein the power signal transmission operation of the fast charging specification means that it is capable of power signal transmission operation of at least one of 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts, 19 volts, 24 volts, 40 volts or 48 volts.

5. The connection interface as described in claim 1, wherein the connection interface can be combined with a limiting docking structure to limit any two connection interfaces to only unidirectional docking and not bidirectional docking.

6. The connection interface as claimed in claim 5, wherein the limiting docking structure includes at least one of a protruding docking structure or a groove docking structure.

7. The connection interface as described in claim 5, wherein the limiting docking structure includes at least one limiting groove or one limiting post.

8. The connection interface of claim 1, wherein the connection interface is configured to be disposed in a modular peripheral device comprising a host and at least one expansion unit to provide modular connection between the host and the at least one expansion unit.

9. The connection interface as claimed in claim 8, wherein the modular peripheral device comprises at least: The device comprises at least one of a Wi-Fi module, at least one memory storage unit and at least one wireless charging circuit, a first universal serial bus interface device, a second universal serial bus interface device and a power supply circuit.

10. The connection interface as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first Universal Serial Bus interface device is electrically connected to four metal connectors supporting either of the two Universal Serial Bus 2.0 specifications to support signal transmission operation of the Universal Serial Bus 2.0 specification, and / or the four metal connectors of either Universal Serial Bus can be combined with five other metal connectors to support signal transmission operation of a single Universal Serial Bus 3.0 specification.

11. The connection interface as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first Universal Serial Bus interface device has a Universal Serial Bus 2.0 / Universal Serial Bus 3.0 shared connection port, or has both a Universal Serial Bus 2.0 connection port and a Universal Serial Bus 3.0 connection port.

12. The connection interface as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second Universal Serial Bus interface device electrically connects to the four metal mating structures of the other Universal Serial Bus 2.0 specification of the two sets of Universal Serial Bus 2.0 specifications to support the signal transmission operation of the Universal Serial Bus 2.0 specification.

13. The connection interface of claim 12, wherein the second universal serial bus interface device has a universal serial bus 2.0 connection port.

14. The connection interface as claimed in claim 9, wherein the power circuit is electrically connected to two metal connectors providing a fixed 3.3-volt power signal transmission operation, and / or electrically connected to four metal connectors providing a fixed 19-volt or a fast-charging power signal transmission operation.

15. A connection interface compatible with the Type-C universal serial bus hardware specification, comprising: A hardware structure for a connection interface, compatible with the hardware specifications of a Type-C universal serial bus; wherein the connection interface includes either a male connector or a female connector compatible with the Type-C universal serial bus; and Twenty-four metal docking structures are distributed in the connection interface, and the metal docking structures can only perform unidirectional docking and do not provide bidirectional docking. The metal docking structure includes at least four metal docking structures that support signal transmission operations of a Universal Serial Bus 2.0 specification, another four metal docking structures that support signal transmission operations of another Universal Serial Bus 2.0 specification, and the four metal docking structures can be combined with five other metal docking structures to form a nine-metal docking structure that supports signal transmission operations of a Universal Serial Bus 3.0 specification.

16. The connection interface of claim 15, wherein the metal docking structure has at least two metal docking structures capable of supporting signal transmission operation of an integrated bus circuit specification, or at least four metal docking structures capable of supporting signal transmission operation of a general-purpose input / output specification, or at least two metal docking structures capable of providing a fixed 3.3-volt power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal docking structures capable of providing a fixed 19-volt or a fast charging power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal docking structures capable of providing a grounding function.

17. The connection interface of claim 16, wherein the power signal transmission operation of the fast charging specification means that it is capable of power signal transmission operation of at least one of 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts, 19 volts, 24 volts, 40 volts or 48 volts.

18. The connection interface as claimed in claim 15, wherein the connection interface can be combined with a limiting docking structure to limit any two connection interfaces to unidirectional docking only and not bidirectional docking.

19. The connection interface as claimed in claim 18, wherein the limiting docking structure includes at least one of a protruding docking structure or a groove docking structure.

20. The connection interface as claimed in claim 18, wherein the limiting docking structure includes at least one limiting groove or one limiting post.

21. The connection interface of claim 15, wherein the connection interface is configured to be disposed in a modular peripheral device comprising a host and at least one expansion unit to provide modular connection between the host and the at least one expansion unit.

22. A hardware specification-compatible connection interface for a Type-C universal serial bus, applied in a system having at least a first device and a second device, the connection interface comprising at least: A hardware structure with a first connection interface having 24 metal docking structures is disposed in the first device; as well as A hardware structure of a second connection interface with another 24 metal docking structures is disposed in the second device, and the hardware structure of the second connection interface is used to perform unidirectional docking with the hardware structure of the first connection interface. The hardware structure of the first connection interface or the hardware structure of the second connection interface are both compatible with the hardware specifications of a Type C universal serial bus, and both of the 24 metal docking structures and the other 24 metal docking structures can support the signal transmission operation of two sets of universal serial bus 2.0 specifications at the same time.

23. The connection interface as claimed in claim 22, wherein the hardware structure of the first connection interface or the hardware structure of the second connection interface both include either a male connection interface or a female connection interface compatible with the Type-C universal serial bus.

24. The connection interface as claimed in claim 22, wherein in any of the 24 metal docking structures and the other 24 metal docking structures, at least 4 metal docking structures are capable of supporting signal transmission operations of a Universal Serial Bus 2.0 specification, another 4 metal docking structures are capable of supporting signal transmission operations of another Universal Serial Bus 2.0 specification, and the 4 metal docking structures can be combined with the other 5 metal docking structures to form a 9-metal docking structure capable of supporting signal transmission operations of a Universal Serial Bus 3.0 specification.

25. The connection interface of claim 22, wherein in any of the 24 metal connection structures and the other 24 metal connection structures, at least two metal connection structures are capable of supporting signal transmission operations of an integrated bus circuit specification, or at least four metal connection structures are capable of supporting signal transmission operations of a general-purpose input / output specification, or at least two metal connection structures are capable of providing a fixed 3.3-volt power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal connection structures are capable of providing a fixed 19-volt or a fast charging power signal transmission operation, or at least four metal connection structures are capable of providing a grounding function.

26. The connection interface of claim 25, wherein the power signal transmission operation of the fast charging specification means that it is capable of power signal transmission operation of at least one of 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts, 19 volts, 24 volts, 40 volts or 48 volts.

27. The connection interface as claimed in claim 22, wherein either the first connection interface or the second connection interface can be combined with a limiting docking structure to limit the first connection interface and the second connection interface to only be able to dock in one direction and not in two directions.

28. The connection interface as claimed in claim 27, wherein the limiting docking structure includes at least one of a protruding docking structure or a groove docking structure.

29. The connection interface as claimed in claim 27, wherein the limiting docking structure includes at least one limiting groove or one limiting post.

30. The connection interface of claim 22, wherein the first device can be a host, the second device can be at least one expansion unit, and the system can be a modular peripheral device consisting of a modular connection between the host and the at least one expansion unit.

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