Docking station

Abstract

The utility model provides a docking station. The docking station comprises a main control module, a power supply module, an input interface and an expansion interface module, the power supply module is connected with the master control module, the input interface and the expansion interface module. The input interface is used for connecting an external host; the expansion interface module is used for connecting external expansion equipment; a detection unit and a switch unit are arranged in a main control module, and the detection unit is used for sending a conduction signal to the switch unit when detecting that an expansion interface module is connected with authenticated external expansion equipment; and the switch unit is used for conducting the connection between the expansion interface module and the input interface when the switch-on signal is received, and disconnecting the connection between the expansion interface module and the input interface when the switch-on signal is not received. According to the docking station, authorization detection can be effectively carried out on the external extension device connected in the extension interface module, a layer of protection mechanism is added for the docking station using process of a user, the data safety of the user can be protected, and the use experience of the user is optimized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of docking station, in particular to a docking station. BACKGROUND

[0002] Docking station, also known as port replicator, is a kind of external device specially designed for notebook computer. By copying or even expanding the ports of notebook computer, notebook computer can be connected with multiple accessories or external devices (such as power adapter, network cable, mouse, external keyboard, printer and external display) in one station.

[0003] With the increasing demand of mobile office, the application scenarios of docking station are more and more extensive. Users often access various external devices to the host through docking station. In the traditional external device access process, when multiple external devices access the host, there may be a case that some unverified external devices are connected to the host through docking station, which will threaten the data security of the user. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0004] The present application provides a docking station to solve at least one of the above technical problems.

[0005] A docking station comprises a master control module, a power module, an input interface and an expansion interface module.

[0006] The power module is connected to the master control module, the input interface and the expansion interface module respectively; the input interface is used to connect an external host, and the expansion interface module is used to connect an external expansion device. The master control module comprises a detection unit and a switch unit connected to each other; the detection unit is connected to the expansion interface module, and the switch unit is connected between the expansion interface module and the input interface; the detection unit is used to send a conduction signal to the switch unit when it detects that the expansion interface module is connected to an authenticated external expansion device;

[0007] The switch unit is used to conduct the connection between the expansion interface module and the input interface when it receives the conduction signal, and disconnect the connection between the expansion interface module and the input interface when it does not receive the conduction signal.

[0008] By arranging the detection unit and the switch unit connected to each other in the master control module, it can be detected whether the external expansion device connected to the expansion interface module is authenticated, so that only the authenticated external expansion device can be connected to the external host connected to the input interface through the docking station and mounted on the external host. For the user, it can further protect the data security of the host device and the external expansion device connected to the docking station.

[0009] In some embodiments, a key module is further included, the key module is connected to the switch unit, and the key module is configured to send a conduction signal to the switch unit when triggered. In actual applications, if an external expansion device connected to the expansion interface module is not authorized, and the user still needs to mount the external expansion device to the host computer, the key module can be pressed to send a conduction signal to the switch unit to achieve special authentication of the current external expansion device and mount the external expansion device to the host computer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the expansion interface module includes a first expansion interface, a second expansion interface, and a hub module; the first expansion interface is connected to the input interface; and the hub module is connected to the master control module, the second expansion interface, and the input interface, respectively.

[0011] In some embodiments, an indication module is further included, the indication module is connected to the key module, and the indication module is configured to indicate the operation of the key module. In actual applications, the indication module includes an indication light module, which can be an LED indication light. After the key module is pressed, the key module sends a conduction signal to the switch unit, the switch unit turns on the connection between the expansion interface module and the input interface, and the LED indication light can emit green light to allow the user to confirm that the connection between the expansion interface module and the input interface is completed. When the key module is not pressed, the LED indication light can emit red light to indicate that the connection between the expansion interface module and the input interface is not established.

[0012] In some embodiments, a housing is further included, the master control module, the power supply module, and the input interface are located in the housing; and the input interface, the expansion interface module, and the key module are partially located in the housing and partially exposed outside the housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the power supply module includes a power supply chip, a power supply switching circuit, and a power supply interface; the power supply switching module is connected to the input interface, the power supply chip, and the power supply interface, respectively; the power supply interface is connected to the hub module; and the power supply chip is connected to the first expansion interface, the second expansion interface, the hub module, and the master control module, respectively. In actual applications, the power supply interface is configured to connect to an external power supply, the power supply switching circuit can be a dual-MOS power supply switching circuit, and the docking station can be powered by the external host computer connected to the input interface or by the external power supply connected to the power supply interface. For example, in a specific use process, when the power supply interface is connected to a PD 100W power adapter, the power supply switching circuit controls the 100W external power supply to supply power to the docking station, and further supplies power to the external host computer connected to the docking station.

[0014] By adopting the power switching circuit, the docking station can adapt to different power input conditions. When there are power connections at the input interface and the power interface, one of them can be used as a backup power source. In the event of a problem or disconnection of one of the power sources, the power can be quickly switched to the other power input.

[0015] In some embodiments, the hub module includes a hub chip and an interface control chip, the interface control chip is connected to the input interface and the hub chip respectively, and the hub chip is connected to the input interface, the detection unit of the master control module and the second expansion interface respectively.

[0016] In some embodiments, a display interface conversion chip is further included, and the first expansion interface is connected to the input interface through the display interface conversion chip; the first expansion interface includes a Displayport 2.0 interface, and / or a VGA interface, and / or a DVI interface, and / or an HDMI interface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the user can convert the DP signal input in the first expansion interface into a 4K60Hz HDMI high-definition video signal through the display interface conversion chip. For example, the first expansion interface is a video interface, the input interface can access a dual-channel DisplayPort signal, and the display interface conversion chip can be a VL600 chip, which can convert the DP signal into an HDMI signal output.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second expansion interface module includes a USB interface, a TYPE-C interface, and / or a Lightning interface, and / or an SD card slot, and / or a TF card slot.

[0019] In some embodiments, the input interface includes a TYPE-C interface, and / or a USB interface, and / or a Lightning interface.

[0020] In one embodiment, the power chip can be connected to each of the first expansion interface, the second expansion interface, the master control module, the hub chip, the interface control chip and the display interface conversion chip to provide power support for each module.

[0021] Beneficial effects: the application provides an expansion dock, a detection unit and a switch unit are arranged in a master control module of the expansion dock, the detection unit can send a conduction signal to the switch unit when it is detected that the expansion interface module is connected with an authenticated external expansion device; the switch unit can turn on the connection between the expansion interface module and the input interface when the conduction signal is received, and turn off the connection between the expansion interface module and the input interface when the conduction signal is not received. The external expansion device connected from the expansion interface module can be effectively authorized and detected, the external host connected with the expansion dock can be protected during the use of the expansion dock, data leakage is prevented, and the use experience of the user is optimized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the application, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some of the embodiments of the application, and therefore should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can also be obtained without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 The module connection structure of the application is shown in the figure;

[0024] Figure 2 The specific module diagram in the application is shown in the figure;

[0025] Figure 3 The power supply connection diagram of the power supply chip in the application is shown in the figure;

[0026] Figure 4 Another module connection relationship diagram of the application is shown in the figure;

[0027] Figure 5 Another module connection relationship diagram of the application is shown in the figure.

[0028] The reference signs are as follows: 1-master control module; 11-detection unit; 12-switch unit; 2-power module; 21-power supply chip; 22-power supply switching circuit; 23-power interface; 3-input interface; 4-expansion interface module; 41-first expansion interface; 411-display interface conversion chip; 42-second expansion interface; 43-hub module; 431-hub chip; 432-interface control chip; 5-key module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The concept, specific structure and technical effects of the application will be described clearly and completely in the following embodiments and drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features and effects of the application.

[0030] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present application will be described more fully. The present application can have various embodiments, and adjustments and changes can be made therein. However, it is understood that there is no intention to limit various embodiments of the present application to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but the present application should be construed to encompass all adjustments, equivalents and / or alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of various embodiments of the present application.

[0031] Hereinafter, the term "include" or "may include" used in various embodiments of the present application indicates the presence of the disclosed functions, operations or elements, and does not limit the addition of one or more functions, operations or elements. In addition, as used in various embodiments of the present application, the terms "include", "have" and their cognates merely mean to indicate the presence of specific features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations of the foregoing, and should not be understood as first excluding the presence or possibility of addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations of the foregoing.

[0032] In various embodiments of the present application, the expression "or" or "at least one of A or / and B" includes any combination of the listed terms or all combinations thereof. For example, the expression "A or B" or "at least one of A or / and B" can include A, can include B, or can include both A and B.

[0033] The expressions such as "first", "second", etc. used in various embodiments of the present application can modify various constituent elements in various embodiments, but can not limit the corresponding constituent elements. For example, the above expressions do not limit the order and / or importance of the elements. The above expressions are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one element from other elements. For example, the first user device and the second user device indicate different user devices, although both are user devices. For example, a first element can be called a second element, and likewise, a second element can be called a first element without departing from the scope of various embodiments of the present application.

[0034] It should be noted that in the present application, unless explicitly specified and defined otherwise, the terms "mount", "connect", "fix", etc. should be understood broadly, for example, can be fixed connection, can be detachable connection, or integral connection; can be mechanical connection, or electrical connection; can be direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; can be the communication inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] In the present application, those of ordinary skill in the art need to understand that the terms indicating the orientation or positional relationship herein are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements indicated must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0036] The terms used in the various embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the various embodiments of the present application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the various embodiments of the present application belong. The terms (such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary) will be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field and will not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless clearly defined in the various embodiments of the present application.

[0037] Embodiment

[0038] The present embodiment provides a docking station, and the specific scheme is as follows:

[0039] A docking station comprises a master control module 1, a power module 2, an input interface 3, and an expansion interface module 4. The power module 2 is connected to the master control module 1, the input interface 3, and the expansion interface module 4, respectively. The input interface 3 is used to connect an external host, and the expansion interface module 4 is used to connect an external expansion device.

[0040] The master control module 1 comprises a detection unit 11 and a switching unit 12 connected to each other. The detection unit 11 is connected to the expansion interface module 4, and the switching unit 12 is connected between the expansion interface module 4 and the input interface 3. The detection unit 11 is used to send a conduction signal to the switching unit 12 when it detects that the expansion interface module 4 is connected to an authenticated external expansion device. The switching unit 12 is used to turn on the connection between the expansion interface module 4 and the input interface 3 when the conduction signal is received, and to turn off the connection between the expansion interface module 4 and the input interface 3 when the conduction signal is not received.

[0041] As Figure 1As shown, by setting the detection unit 11 and the switch unit 12 connected with each other in the master control module 1, it can be detected whether the external expansion device connected with the expansion interface module 4 is authenticated, so that only the authenticated external expansion device can be connected with the external host connected with the input interface 3 through the docking station and mounted on the external host. For the user, this setting can further protect the data security of the host device of the user and the data security of the external expansion device accessed to the docking station. In a specific embodiment, the master control module 1 includes an MCU (Microcontroller Unit, also known as single-chip microcomputer or single-chip microcomputer), and the external host can include a notebook computer device.

[0042] In actual application, the detection unit 11 is provided with a storage module for storing the data of the authenticated external expansion device. When the external expansion device is connected to the expansion interface module 4, the detection unit 11 can obtain the related device data of the external expansion device through the expansion interface and detect whether the authorization information is included therein. If the authorization information exists therein, the detection unit 11 sends the conduction signal to the switch unit 12 and further establishes the connection between the expansion interface module 4 and the input interface 3 through the conduction of the switch unit 12, so that the expansion interface module 4 can further issue the port state control request to the external host. If the authorization information does not exist therein, the detection unit 11 does not send the conduction signal to the switch unit 12. In this case, the connection between the expansion interface module 4 and the input interface 3 is not established, so that the unauthorized external expansion device cannot be accessed to the external host, effectively protecting the data security of the host and providing a protection for the connection of the external expansion device.

[0043] In some specific embodiments, a key module 5 is further included, the key module 5 is connected with the switch unit 12, and the key module 5 is used for sending the conduction signal to the switch unit 12 when being triggered. In actual application, if the external expansion device accessed to the expansion interface module 4 is not authorized, but the user still needs to mount this external expansion device to the host, the conduction signal can be sent to the switch unit 12 by pressing the key module 5 to directly control the switch unit 12, so as to realize the special authentication of the current external expansion device and mount it to the external host. In actual application, the key module 5 can include a key that can be pressed or a touch screen that can be triggered by touch, etc.

[0044] In some specific embodiments, the expansion interface module 4 includes a first expansion interface 41, a second expansion interface 42 and a hub module 43; the first expansion interface 41 is connected with the input interface 3; and the hub module 43 is connected with the master control module 1, the second expansion interface 42 and the input interface 3, respectively.

[0045] In some embodiments, an indication module is further included, which is connected to the key module 5 and used to indicate the operation of the key module 5. In actual application, the indication module includes an indication light module, which can be a LED indication light. After the key module 5 is pressed, the key module 5 sends a conduction signal to the switch unit 12, the switch unit 12 turns on the connection between the expansion interface module 4 and the input interface 3, and the LED indication light can emit green light to make the user confirm that the connection between the expansion interface module 4 and the input interface 3 is completed. When the key module 5 is not pressed, the LED indication light can emit red light to indicate that the connection between the expansion interface module 4 and the input interface 3 is not made. The detailed connection relationship of the specific modules is shown in Figure 2 .

[0046] In some embodiments, a housing is further included, in which the main control module 1, the power module 2 and the input interface 3 are located. The input interface 3, the expansion interface module 4 and the key module 5 are partially located in the housing and partially exposed outside the housing. In actual application, the connection end of the input interface 3, the first expansion interface 41 and the second expansion interface 42 in the expansion interface module 4 are partially exposed outside the housing, so as to be connected with the external host and the external expansion device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the power module 2 includes a power chip 21, a power switching circuit 22 and a power interface 23. The power switching module is connected to the input interface 3, the power chip 21 and the power interface 23 respectively. The power interface 23 is connected to the hub module 43. The power chip 21 is connected to the first expansion interface 41, the second expansion interface 42, the hub module 43 and the main control module 1 respectively.

[0048] In one embodiment, the power chip 21 is directly connected to the plurality of modules inside the docking station, so as to provide stable power supply for these modules. As shown in the power supply schematic diagram of the power chip 21, Figure 3 the power chip 21 can be electrically connected to the first expansion interface 41, the display interface conversion chip 411, the input interface 3, the interface control chip 432, the hub chip 431, the second expansion interface 42 and the main control module 1.

[0049] In practical applications, the power interface 23 is used to connect an external power supply, and the power switching circuit 22 can be a double-MOS power switching circuit 22. During use, the docking station can be powered by the external host connected through the input interface 3, or by the external power supply connected through the power interface 23. For example, in a specific use process, when the power interface 23 is connected to a PD 100W power adapter, the power switching circuit 22 controls the external 100W power supply to supply power to the docking station, and further supplies power to the external host connected to the docking station. By using a double-MOS power switching circuit 22, damage to internal modules of the docking station caused by abnormal power supply can be prevented. When the double-MOS power switching circuit 22 detects overvoltage in the input power supply or circuit, it can limit the entry of excessive voltage into the docking station by adjusting its on-resistance or shutting down the corresponding power supply path.

[0050] By using the power switching circuit 22, the docking station can adapt to different power input conditions. When both the input interface 3 and the power interface 23 have power connections, one of them can be used as a backup power supply, so that when one of the power supplies has a problem or is disconnected, the power supply can be quickly switched to the other power input.

[0051] In some specific embodiments, the hub module 43 includes a hub chip 431 and an interface control chip 432. The interface control chip 432 is connected to the input interface 3 and the hub chip 431, respectively, and the hub chip 431 is connected to the input interface 3, the detection unit 11 of the master control module 1, and the second expansion interface 42.

[0052] In practical applications, the interface control chip 432 includes a VL103 chip, and the hub chip 431 includes a HUB chip. The interface control chip 432 is connected to the hub chip 431 and can send a reset signal to the hub chip 431 to reset or reset the hub chip 431 when needed. The working state of the hub chip 431 before each work is stable at the initial state, so that it can correctly identify and manage newly connected devices. The hub chip 431 can better identify the USB device connected through the second expansion interface 42, and allocate corresponding power resources according to the power requirements of different USB devices.

[0053] In some specific embodiments, a display interface conversion chip 411 is further included, and the first expansion interface 41 is connected to the input interface 3 through the display interface conversion chip 411. The first expansion interface 41 includes a Displayport2.0 interface, and / or a VGA interface, and / or a DVI interface, and / or an HDMI interface, as shown in Figure 5 .

[0054] In one embodiment, the user can convert the DP signal input in the first expansion interface 41 into a 4K60Hz HDMI high-definition video signal through the display interface conversion chip 411. For example, the first expansion interface 41 is a video interface, the DisplayPort signal input in the input interface 3 is a dual-channel display channel, the display interface conversion chip is a VL600 chip, and the DP signal can be converted into an HDMI signal output.

[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4 The second expansion interface 42 module 4 includes a USB interface, a TYPE-C interface, and / or a Lightning interface, and / or an SD card slot, and / or a TF card slot.

[0056] In some embodiments, the input interface 3 includes a TYPE-C interface, and / or a USB interface, and / or a Lightning interface. In actual application, the input interface 3 can be a TYPE-C male interface.

[0057] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the specific number and specific type of the first expansion interface 41 and the second expansion interface 42. As long as the corresponding external expansion device can be connected to the external host, and the detection unit 11 can be authorized to detect, and then the switch unit 12 can adjust the on-off between the corresponding hub chip and the input interface 3, the user can determine the specific number, type and distribution of the first expansion interface 41 and the second expansion interface 42 according to actual needs.

[0058] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 The power supply chip 21 can be connected to each of the first expansion interface 41, the second expansion interface 42, the main control module 1, the hub chip 431, the interface control chip 432, and the display interface conversion chip 411 to provide power support for each module.

[0059] In one embodiment, the input interface 3 and the interface control chip 432, and the interface control chip 432 and the power interface 23 can be connected through a CC line (Configuration Channel Line, Configuration Channel Line) to transmit signals between the input interface 3 and the interface control chip 432, and the interface control chip 432 and the power interface 23. The connection state between the modules, the power supply end, the power receiving end, and the power supply capability can be configured and negotiated, so that each module can work cooperatively.

[0060] The embodiment provides an expansion dock, which can effectively detect the authorization of external expansion equipment connected from an expansion interface module by arranging a detection unit and a switch unit in a master module of the expansion dock, can provide one more layer of connection protection for an external host connected to the expansion dock in the use process of the expansion dock, can adapt to various office environments, prevents unauthorized external equipment from obtaining data information of the host of a user, adds one more protection mechanism for the user in the use process of the expansion dock, can effectively enhance the office experience of the user, and maintains data security.

[0061] The above is a specific description of the preferred embodiment of the application, but the application creation is not limited to the described embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or replacements without departing from the spirit of the application. The equivalent modifications or replacements are all included in the range defined by the claims of the application.

Claims

1. A docking station, characterized in that, include: Main control module, power supply module, input interface and expansion interface module; The power module is connected to the main control module, the input interface, and the expansion interface module respectively; the input interface is used to connect to an external host, and the expansion interface module is used to connect to external expansion devices. The main control module includes a detection unit and a switching unit connected to each other; the detection unit is connected to the expansion interface module, and the switching unit is connected between the expansion interface module and the input interface; the detection unit is used to send a conduction signal to the switching unit when it detects that the expansion interface module is connected to an authenticated external expansion device. The switching unit is used to connect the expansion interface module and the input interface when the connection signal is received, and to disconnect the connection between the expansion interface module and the input interface when the connection signal is not received.

2. The expansion dock according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a button module, which is connected to the switch unit and is used to send a conduction signal to the switch unit when triggered.

3. The expansion dock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion interface module includes a first expansion interface, a second expansion interface, and a hub module; The first expansion interface is connected to the input interface; the hub module is connected to the main control module, the second expansion interface, and the input interface respectively.

4. A docking station according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an indicator module, which is connected to the button module and is used to indicate the operating status of the button module.

5. A docking station according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a housing, and the main control module, the power module, the input interface are located inside the housing; the input interface, the expansion interface module and the button module are partially located inside the housing and partially exposed outside the housing.

6. A docking station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power module includes a power chip, a power switching circuit, and a power interface; The power switching circuit is connected to the input interface, the power chip, and the power interface respectively; The power interface is connected to the hub module; the power chip is connected to the first expansion interface, the second expansion interface, the hub module, and the main control module respectively.

7. A docking station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hub module includes a hub chip and an interface control chip. The interface control chip is connected to the input interface and the hub chip respectively. The hub chip is connected to the input interface, the detection unit of the main control module and the second expansion interface respectively.

8. A docking station according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a display interface conversion chip, through which the first expansion interface is connected to the input interface; The first expansion interface includes a DisplayPort 2.0 interface, and / or a VGA interface, and / or a DVI interface, and / or an HDMI interface.

9. A docking station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second expansion interface includes a USB interface, a TYPE-C interface, and / or a Lightning interface, and / or an SD card slot, and / or a TF card slot.

10. A docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input interfaces include a TYPE-C interface, and / or a USB interface, and / or a Lightning interface.

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