Data cable

Abstract

The present application relates to a data cable having a dock, wherein the dock comprises a plurality of expansion interfaces, and the plurality of expansion interfaces comprise a plurality of data transmission interfaces. In this way, connectors on sub-cables of the data cable are made accessible, allowing the connectors of the data cable to be fully utilized, and establishing effective connection between devices having different types of interfaces. In addition, the data cable can also comprise relatively few sub-cables, is easy to organize and carry.

Description

Data line TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic products, in particular to a data line. BACKGROUND

[0002] Nowadays, electronic device products such as ultra-thin notebooks, mobile phones or tablet computers have powerful functions and are provided with multiple interfaces for connecting external devices, such as HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), VGA (Video Graphics Array), DP (Display Port), LAN (Local Area Network), USB A, etc. However, these interfaces are too thick and do not conform to the design concept of portability, lightness, thinness and beauty.

[0003] If only a single, more powerful Type-c small interface is used as a data, audio and video, and power supply interface, the market still retains the original interface type for USB devices and audio and video devices (external devices) related to reading and writing and communication, such as U disks, USB mice and keyboards, and the interfaces between devices cannot be compatible, and effective connection cannot be established.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, according to various embodiments of the present application, a data line with a docking station is provided, wherein the docking station is provided with multiple expansion interfaces, and the multiple expansion interfaces include multiple data transmission interfaces.

[0006] In one embodiment, at least one of the expansion interfaces is configured to connect a power adapter to supply power to an external device connected to the data line through the power adapter.

[0007] In one embodiment, multiple sub-lines are included to perform power or data transmission between the multiple sub-lines and an external device connected to the data line.

[0008] In one embodiment, the multiple sub-lines include multiple power supply lines, and the power supply lines only support power supply to the external device.

[0009] In one embodiment, the multiple sub-lines include multiple functional lines.

[0010] The multiple functional lines are configured to perform data transmission and power transmission with the external device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the multiple sub-lines include multiple functional lines.

[0012] The multifunctional line is configured to transmit data and transmit power with the external device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the N power supply lines are connected with M power supply line connectors, M being a positive integer less than N.

[0014] In one embodiment, the N power supply lines are connected with M power supply line connectors, M being a positive integer equal to N.

[0015] In one embodiment, the docking station is located between the multifunctional line and the plurality of power supply lines.

[0016] In one embodiment, the docking station comprises a power management circuit, the power management circuit comprising a power controller, a protocol controller and a power supply controller, the power controller connecting the protocol controller and the power supply controller.

[0017] The protocol controller is configured to obtain protocol data of an external device, the external device being connected to the data line.

[0018] The power controller is configured to control the power supply controller according to the protocol data.

[0019] The power supply controller is configured to control the power management circuit to supply power to the external device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the power supply controller is connectable to a power adapter through the docking interface, so as to supply power to the external device connected to the data line through the power adapter.

[0021] In one embodiment, the docking station comprises a power management circuit, the power management circuit comprising a power controller, a protocol controller and a power supply controller, the power controller connecting the protocol controller and the power supply controller.

[0022] The protocol controller is configured to obtain protocol data of an external device, the external device being connected to the data line.

[0023] The power controller is configured to control the power supply controller according to the protocol data.

[0024] The power supply controller is configured to receive power supply of the external device connected to the data line.

[0025] In one of the embodiments, the data line includes a plurality of sub-lines, the plurality of sub-lines include a sub-data line supporting data transmission; a data processing circuit is connected to the data line and the expansion interface supporting data transmission; the data processing circuit is configured to support processing data transmitted by the expansion interface and the sub-data line.

[0026] In one of the embodiments, the data processing circuit is connected to a data line controller, and the data line controller is further connected to the power management circuit.

[0027] In one of the embodiments, the data processing circuit includes a network management circuit, the network management circuit is connected to the data line controller; the network management circuit supports processing data transmitted by the expansion interface and the sub-data line to perform wireless network connection.

[0028] In one of the embodiments, the data processing circuit includes an audio and video processing circuit; the audio and video processing circuit is connected to the data line controller; the audio and video processing circuit supports processing data transmitted by the expansion interface and the sub-data line to perform screen projection.

[0029] In one of the embodiments, the data transmission interface includes one or more of a USB interface, a type-c interface, an HDMI interface, a DVI interface, a DP interface, a VGA interface, and an RJ45 interface.

[0030] In one of the embodiments, the expansion interface and the data transmission interface are one-to-one corresponding.

[0031] In one of the embodiments, one of the data transmission interfaces corresponding to the plurality of expansion interfaces supports the same protocol.

[0032] In one of the embodiments, the plurality of data transmission interfaces support different protocols. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor based on the disclosed drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a data line integrated expansion interface and a plurality of sub-lines according to an embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a data line integrated expansion interface and a plurality of sub-lines according to an embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a controller included in a data line according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a module structure of a data line according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a module structure of a controller integrated with a data line according to an embodiment.

[0039] 100 - docking station; 110 - docking interface; 120 - sub-line; 121 - multi-functional line; 122 - power supply line; 130 - USB HUB controller; 131 - power management circuit; 1311 - protocol controller; 1312 - power controller; 1313 - power supply controller; 132 - main controller; 133 - network management circuit; 134 - audio and video processing circuit; 200 - docking interface connected device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in the description of the application herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0042] It can be understood that, in the following embodiments, “connection” between circuits, modules, units, etc. connected to each other means “electrical connection”, “communication connection” and the like if there is transmission of electrical signals or data between the circuits, modules, units, etc.

[0043] It can be understood that “at least one” means one or more, and “multiple” means two or more. “At least part of an element” means part or all of the element.

[0044] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and / or “including”, or “has” and / or “having”, as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0045] Now the electronic devices such as ultra-thin notebook, mobile phone or tablet computer, etc. adopt small interface as external interface due to the design concept of pursuing portability, thinness and beauty. The previous HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), VGA (Video Graphics Array), DP (Display Port), LAN (Local Area Network), USB A and other interfaces are too thick, which is not consistent with the design concept of portability, thinness and beauty. The newly produced ultra-thin notebook, mobile phone or tablet computer and other devices do not have external HDMI, VGA, DP (Display Port), LAN, USB A and other interfaces, but only use the more powerful Type-c interface as data, audio and video, power supply interface. In this case, the existing data line does not have the function of expanding interface, and the existing docking station can expand the Type-c interface of notebook, mobile phone or tablet computer. In this case, the existing data line does not have the function of expanding interface, and once the only Type-c interface on the notebook / mobile phone / tablet is occupied by one end of the data line, it is difficult to expand other functions, so the data line connector needs to be pulled out and replaced with the corresponding function device, which is cumbersome to operate and easy to damage the Type-c interface.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a data line of an embodiment is provided with a docking station 100, and the docking station 100 is provided with a plurality of expansion interfaces 110, wherein the plurality of expansion interfaces 110 includes a plurality of data transmission interfaces.

[0047] The docking station 100 includes expansion interfaces 110 for connecting to terminals, and can be connected to external devices through the expansion interfaces 110 to provide additional interfaces and functions to enhance the flexibility of the device.

[0048] The data transmission interface is an interface in the expansion interface 110 that can perform data transmission. Since the number of expansion interfaces 110 is relatively large, the external device with different interface types can perform data transmission based on the expansion interface 110 through the data transmission interface. Alternatively, the expansion interface 110 and the data transmission interface can be one-to-one correspondence, and one data transmission interface supporting the same protocol can also correspond to multiple expansion interfaces 110.

[0049] Optionally, the data transmission interface includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a Type-C USB supporting plug-in from both sides, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Digital Visual Interface (DVI), a DisplayPort (DP), a Video Graphics Array (VGA), and a Registered Jack 45 (RJ45) for Ethernet. That is, the data transmission interface includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a USB interface, a type-c interface, an HDMI interface, a DVI interface, a DP interface, a VGA interface, and an RJ45.

[0050] The plurality of data transmission interfaces include multiple types. Optionally, each type of data transmission interface can correspond to one data transmission protocol, or each type of data transmission interface can correspond to multiple protocols, or multiple types of data transmission interfaces can correspond to the same protocol.

[0051] Optionally, the expansion interface 110 is controlled by the HUB controller 130 of the docking station 100 for power supply and data transmission to external devices. Optionally, the expansion interface connection device 200 is a device connected to the docking station 100 through the expansion interface 110, including but not limited to a U disk, a mouse, a keyboard, an HDMI display device, a U disk, or other USB devices.

[0052] Optionally, the data transmission interface can support connection of a power adapter to supply power to the power supply controller 1313 through the expansion interface 110. For example, a type-c interface supports connection of a power adapter and data transmission of different protocols.

[0053] In this embodiment, the data line has a docking station 100, so that the electronic device such as a super-thin notebook, a mobile phone or a tablet computer can increase different types of interfaces through the docking station 100 on the data line while retaining a single small interface type (for example, a Type-c interface), so that the external devices of different interface types can establish effective connection with the electronic device through the interfaces of the docking station 100 on the data line. The function of the docking station 100 is integrated into the data line, and there is no need to additionally configure a special docking station 100 for the electronic device. Only one data line can meet the multi-functional requirements, which is convenient to carry and avoids damage to the interface of the electronic device caused by repeated plugging and unplugging. Since the number of the expansion interfaces 110 is multiple, more external devices can be connected through the expansion interfaces 110. Moreover, in the case where the expansion interfaces 110 include multiple data transmission interfaces, the connection of the data line on the sub-line 120 is released, so that the unoccupied connection of the sub-line 120 can add multiple functions and realize data interaction between the electronic device and multiple external devices. Thus, the connection of the data line is released on the sub-line 120, so that the connection of the data line is more sufficient and can establish effective connection between devices of different types of interfaces. In addition, the sub-line 120 of the data line can be relatively less, which is easy to arrange and carry.

[0054] In one embodiment, the expansion interface 110 includes an interface adapted to one or more charging protocols, so that the power output by the power adapter can be transmitted to the charging line through the expansion interface 110.

[0055] The expansion interface 110 includes an interface adapted to one or more charging protocols, so that the power output by the power adapter can be transmitted to the charging line through the expansion interface 110.

[0056] Optionally, the power supply controller 1313 can be directly connected with the expansion interface 110, or indirectly connected with the expansion interface 110 through other controllers.

[0057] Thus, in the case where the power adapter is connected through the expansion interface 110, the power does not need to be transmitted through the connection of the sub-line 120, so that not only the connection of the data line on the sub-line 120 is not occupied, but also more external devices can be connected through the unoccupied connection of the sub-line 120. Thus, the connection of the data line on the sub-line 120 is released, so that the connection for charging is more sufficient and can establish effective connection between devices of different types of interfaces. In addition, the sub-line 120 of the data line can be relatively less, which is easy to arrange and carry.

[0058] In one embodiment, the data line includes multiple sub-lines 120, so as to transmit power or data between the external devices connected to the data line through the multiple sub-lines 120.

[0059] The sub-lines 120 are branch lines carrying at least one connector. Each of the sub-lines 120 can support only power transmission, can support only data transmission, and can support both power transmission and data transmission.

[0060] Optionally, the plurality of sub-lines 120 can be arranged on the docking station 100, or can be arranged at other positions of the data line.

[0061] Optionally, the protocol controller 1311 is connected to the plurality of sub-lines 120, so that the plurality of sub-lines 120 can perform data transmission to the external device.

[0062] Optionally, the power supply controller 1313 is connected to the plurality of sub-lines 120, so that the plurality of sub-lines 120 can perform power transmission to the external device.

[0063] Optionally, the protocol controller 1311 is connected to the plurality of sub-lines 120, so that the plurality of sub-lines 120 can perform data transmission to the external device, and the plurality of sub-lines 120 can perform power transmission to the external device.

[0064] The data transmission includes, but is not limited to, the case that the sub-line 120 transmits data to the external device, the case that the external device transmits data to the sub-line 120, and the case that the sub-line 120 and the external device interact with each other. The power transmission includes, but is not limited to, the case that the sub-line 120 supplies power to the external device, and the case that the external device supplies power to the sub-line 120.

[0065] In the embodiment, the data line includes the plurality of sub-lines 120, and each of the sub-lines 120 can have one or more of the power transmission and the data transmission. In the case that the plurality of sub-lines 120 have the power transmission, the plurality of sub-lines 120 of one data line can perform power transmission to the plurality of external devices. In the case that the plurality of sub-lines 120 have the data transmission, the plurality of sub-lines 120 of one data line can perform data transmission to the plurality of external devices. In the case that the plurality of sub-lines 120 have both the power transmission and the data transmission, the plurality of sub-lines 120 of one data line can supply power to the plurality of external devices and perform data transmission to the plurality of external devices.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the plurality of sub-lines 120 include the power supply line 122, and the power supply line 122 supports only power supply to the external device.

[0067] Optionally, the plurality of sub-lines 120 can be arranged on the docking station 100, or can be arranged at other positions of the data line.

[0068] The power supply line 122 is a data line only having the function of supplying power to the external device. Alternatively, the power supply line 122 can be multiple to supply power to multiple external devices. Alternatively, the multiple sub-lines 120 can simultaneously include the power supply line 122 and a sub-data line supporting at least data transmission, to perform data transmission through the sub-data line and power transmission through the power supply line 122. Alternatively, the multiple sub-lines 120 can include the multifunctional line 121 and the power supply line 122, to perform data transmission through the multifunctional line 121 and power transmission through the power supply line 122. Alternatively, the sub-data line having the function of data transmission is the multifunctional line 121 supporting data transmission and power transmission.

[0069] In the embodiment, the power supply line 122 separates the functions of data transmission and power supply to the external device, to reduce electrical interference, avoid potential damage to sensitive electronic components caused by current fluctuations, and reduce the safety risk in the data transmission process, such as avoiding data errors or damage. Moreover, the power supply line 122 can support faster charging protocols and higher currents without considering the limitations of data transmission, thereby achieving faster charging speed and better power management. In addition, the internal design of the power supply line 122 is simple, making maintenance and upgrading more convenient. If a problem occurs in the function of one of the power supply lines 122, the corresponding line can be replaced or repaired without affecting other sub-lines 120.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment, the multiple sub-lines 120 include the multifunctional line 121; wherein the multifunctional line 121 is configured to perform data transmission and power transmission with the external device.

[0071] The multifunctional line 121 is a data line capable of data transmission and power transmission to the external device, so that the multifunctional data line has multiple functions. Among them, the data transmission includes but is not limited to the case of transmitting data from the multifunctional line 121 to the external device, the case of transmitting data from the external device to the multifunctional line 121, and the case of data interaction between the multifunctional line 121 and the external device.

[0072] The power transmission includes but is not limited to the case of being powered by the external device, and the case of being powered by the multifunctional line 121. Alternatively, in the case of power transmission between the multifunctional line 121 and the external device, the multifunctional line 121 can supply power according to the charging power supported by the external device, so that the charging and discharging efficiency of the external device is relatively high.

[0073] Therefore, the multifunctional line 121 has the functions of data transmission and power transmission, which can make the application scenarios of the data line more extensive.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, N power supply lines 122 are connected with M power supply line connectors, M being a positive integer less than N.

[0075] The power line joint is a joint through which the power line 122 outputs power. Since the N power lines 122 are connected with M power line joints, different external devices can be powered based on the power line 122 through the power line joint. Optionally, the power line joint includes, but is not limited to, a universal serial bus (USB) and a type-C universal serial bus (USB) that supports forward and reverse plugging. That is, the power line joint includes, but is not limited to, a USB joint and a type-c joint.

[0076] Optionally, the power line joint can support connection of a power adapter to supply power to the power supply controller 1313 through the power line joint. For example, the power line joint is a type-c joint, which supports connection of a power adapter and data transmission of different protocols.

[0077] In this embodiment, in the case where the N power lines 122 are connected with M power line joints, the power line 122 is focused on power supply, so that devices supporting different charging protocols can be charged through the power line 122 adapted by themselves.

[0078] In an optional embodiment, the N power lines 122 are connected with M power line joints, and M is a positive integer equal to N. In this embodiment, in the case where each power line 122 is connected with the same power line joint, the power line 122 is focused on power supply, so that devices supporting different charging protocols can be charged through each power line 122 adapted by themselves.

[0079] In an optional embodiment, the docking station 100 is located between the multifunctional line 121 and the plurality of power lines 122.

[0080] Optionally, the expansion joint 110 between the multifunctional line 121 and the plurality of power lines 122 can support connection of a power adapter, and can be provided with a plurality of data transmission joints supporting different protocols.

[0081] Optionally, there are a plurality of expansion joints 110 between the multifunctional line 121 and the plurality of power lines 122, at least one expansion joint 110 supports connection of a power adapter, and at least one expansion joint 110 is provided with a plurality of data transmission joints supporting different protocols.

[0082] In this embodiment, the docking station 100 is located between the multifunctional line 121 and the plurality of power lines 122, so that the docking station 100, the multifunctional line 121 and the plurality of power lines 122, which are three functionally related parts, do not affect each other.

[0083] In one specific embodiment, the plurality of sub-wires 120 in FIG. 2 includes a multi-functional wire 121, a first external device connected by the multi-functional wire 121, and a second external device connected by a power supply wire 122; the multi-functional wire 121 supports data transmission and power supply to the first external device;

[0084] In one specific embodiment, the plurality of sub-wires 120 in FIG. 2 includes a multi-functional wire 121, a first external device connected by the multi-functional wire 121, and a second external device connected by a power supply wire 122; the multi-functional wire 121 supports data transmission and power supply to the first external device;

[0085] The multi-functional wire 121 is a data line capable of data transmission and power transmission to the first external device, so that the multi-functional data line has different functions. In the case of power transmission of the multi-functional wire 121 to the first external device, the power supply through the multi-functional wire 121 according to the charging power supported by the first external device can make the charging and discharging efficiency of the first external device relatively high.

[0086] Alternatively, the first external device can be the above-mentioned electronic device connected by the multi-functional wire 121, so that the electronic device increases different types of interfaces through the docking station 100 on the data line while retaining a single small interface type (such as Type-c interface), so that the second external device of different interface types can establish effective connection with the electronic device through the interface of the docking station 100 on the data line.

[0087] The charging power supported by the first external device is the power of the multi-functional wire 121 adapted to the protocol of the first external device for power transmission to the first external device. Alternatively, the charging power supported by the first external device can include the power supplied by the first external device and the power supplied to the first external device, and the two powers can be the same or different and can be dynamically adjusted according to the charging protocol.

[0088] For example, in the case that the multi-functional wire 121 supports standard charging (such as 5 volts / 2 amperes) and fast charging protocol charging (such as 20 volts / 5 amperes), if the first external device supports fast charging protocol charging (such as 20 volts / 5 amperes), the charging power supported by the first external device is the power based on the fast charging protocol charging; if the first external device supports standard charging (such as 5 volts / 2 amperes), the charging power supported by the first external device is the power of the standard charging.

[0089] Since the multi-functional line 121 is at least one sub-line 120 of the data line, and the multi-functional line 121 can perform power transmission with the first external device based on the charging power supported by the first external device, and as the power of the first external device changes, the charging power supported by the first external device can change reversely.

[0090] The residual power is the power difference between the charging power supported by the data line and the charging power supported by the first external device. The power difference can be a difference value.

[0091] Taking the multi-functional line 121 performing power transmission with the first external device as an example, the data line can carry a power of 120 watts, the input power of the data line is 100 watts, and the data line includes one multi-functional line 121 and two power supply lines 122; in the case that the multi-functional line 121 supports a charging power of 10 watts, the multi-functional line 121 performs standard charging (such as 5 volts / 2 amperes), and supplies power to the second external device through the remaining 90 watts of power; in the case that the multi-functional line 121 supports a charging power of 100 watts, the multi-functional line 121 charges according to the corresponding fast charging protocol (such as 20 volts / 5 amperes), the residual power is 0 watt, and the second external device is not supplied with power.

[0092] In the embodiment, the configurations of the multi-functional line 121 and the power supply line 122 in the power transmission are different, so as to preferentially use the multi-functional line 121 for charging. Thus, without equally dividing the entire charging power of the data line input, the charging speed of the data line can be improved.

[0093] In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the docking station 100 includes a power management circuit 131, which includes a power controller 1312, a protocol controller 1311, and a power supply controller 1313, the power controller 1312 is connected to the protocol controller 1311 and the power supply controller 1313; wherein the protocol controller 1311 is configured to obtain protocol data of an external device; the external device is connected to the data line; the power controller 1312 is configured to control the power supply controller 1313 according to the protocol data; and the power supply controller 1313 is configured to control the power management circuit 131 to supply power to the external device.

[0094] The power controller 1312 is a main control unit for power management in the data line.

[0095] The protocol controller 1311 is a control unit in the data line and can interact with data according to multiple protocols. The protocol controller 1311 can determine the protocol adapted by the external device, and communicate with the external device according to the protocol adapted by the external device to realize protocol handshake with the external device, so as to be compatible with multiple protocols such as fast charging and flash charging. Since the protocol controller 1311 is arranged in the data line, the data line can realize identification and data interaction of the external device without the external device as a relay device, so that the electronic device can still reserve a small interface, and the interface of the electronic device can be increased by the docking station 100.

[0096] The power supply controller 1313 is a control unit capable of power supply regulation. Optionally, the power supply controller 1313 can transmit power to the external device according to the protocol data to realize power transmission according to the charging protocol adapted by the external device.

[0097] The protocol data is data for interacting with the controller of the data line. Since the protocols adapted by the external devices may be different, the protocol controller 1311 can be adapted and converted. Optionally, the protocol data can be data transmitted to the power supply controller 1312 and then transmitted to the protocol controller 1311 by the power supply controller 1312, or data transmitted to the protocol controller 1311 without the power supply controller 1312.

[0098] The power supply controller 1312, the protocol controller 1311 and the power supply controller 1313 are integrated into a power supply control circuit; the power supply control circuit is controlled by the data line controller, and the power supply control circuit transmits charging control data to the power supply controller 1312 through the data line controller to realize control of power transmission between the data line and the external device.

[0099] In the embodiment, the data line has the docking station 100 including the power management circuit 131, and the power management circuit 131 includes the power supply controller 1312, the protocol controller 1311 and the power supply controller 1313. The power supply controller 1312 cooperatively controls the protocol controller 1311 and the power supply controller 1313, so that the protocol controller 1311 and the power supply controller 1313 can be compatible with each other and avoid instruction conflict of different controllers. Thus, the protocol controller 1311 can handshake with the protocol of the external device to be compatible with multiple protocols, so that the power supply controller 1313 can adaptively adjust the power supply parameters according to the protocol data, thereby meeting the power supply requirements of different types of joint devices.

[0100] In an example embodiment, the power supply controller 1313 is capable of connecting with the power adapter through the expansion interface 110, so as to supply power to the external device connected to the data line through the power adapter. Thus, on the basis of the power supply management of the external device by the power supply controller 1313, the power transmitted by the power adapter is received through the expansion interface 110, so as to input the power to the data line, and the power input is managed by the power supply controller 1313, thereby supplying power to the external device connected to the data line.

[0101] In an example embodiment, the docking station 100 comprises a power management circuit 131, which comprises a power controller 1312, a protocol controller 1311 and a power supply controller 1313, the power controller 1312 being connected to the protocol controller 1311 and the power supply controller 1313; wherein the protocol controller 1311 is configured to obtain protocol data of an external device; the external device is connected to the data line; the power controller 1312 is configured to control the power supply controller 1313 according to the protocol data; and the power supply controller 1313 is configured to receive power supply of the external device through the power management circuit 131.

[0102] The power supply controller 1313 is a control unit capable of power supply regulation. Optionally, the power supply controller 1313 is capable of receiving power supply of the external device according to the protocol data, so as to realize power transmission according to the charging protocol adapted to the external device.

[0103] In the embodiment, the data line has the docking station 100 comprising the power management circuit 131, which comprises the power controller 1312, the protocol controller 1311 and the power supply controller 1313. The power controller 1312 is used to cooperatively control the protocol controller 1311 and the power supply controller 1313, so that the protocol controller 1311 and the power supply controller 1313 are compatible with each other, and the instruction conflict of different controllers is avoided. Thus, the protocol controller 1311 is capable of performing protocol handshake with the external device, so as to be compatible with multiple protocols, and the power supply controller 1313 is capable of adaptively adjusting the power supply parameters according to the protocol data, thereby meeting the power supply requirements of different types of joint devices.

[0104] In an example embodiment, the plurality of sub-lines 120 comprises a sub-data line supporting data transmission; the expansion interface 110 and the sub-data line supporting data transmission are both connected to a data processing circuit; and the data processing circuit is configured to support processing of data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub-data line.

[0105] The sub data line is at least a sub line 120 with data transmission function. Optionally, the sub data line with data transmission function is a multifunctional line 121 supporting data transmission and power transmission simultaneously. Optionally, the sub data line can be multiple to enable multiple external devices to transmit data through the sub data line.

[0106] The data transmission supporting expansion interface 110 is provided with a data transmission interface supporting one or more protocols. The data transmission interface is an interface in the expansion interface 110 capable of data transmission. Optionally, the data transmission supporting expansion interface 110 can be provided with multiple data transmission supporting expansion interfaces 110 to enable multiple external devices to transmit data through the expansion interface 110. Optionally, the multiple data transmission interfaces can support different protocols to enable different external devices using different protocols to transmit data through the same data line.

[0107] The data processing circuit is a circuit in the data line capable of processing data transmitted by the external device. Since the data processing circuit is configured to support processing of data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line, the data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line can interact in the data processing circuit.

[0108] Optionally, the data processing circuit is provided with a processor and a memory: the processor is responsible for executing software logic for management functions. They can be general-purpose microprocessors or embedded processors specially designed to be capable of network management. The memory can store configuration information of the device.

[0109] In this embodiment, the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line can both transmit data, and the data transmitted by the two data channels can be processed by the data processing circuit in the data line. Therefore, on the basis of increasing the interface of the electronic device, the data line forms a medium for data interaction of multiple external devices. Thus, the data line has two data transmission channels and can transmit data with more external devices.

[0110] In an optional embodiment, the data processing circuit is connected to the data line controller, and the data line controller is further connected to the power management circuit 131.

[0111] The data line controller is used to control the data processing circuit and the power management circuit 131 respectively. Thus, through the data line controller, the data of the two can be guaranteed not to conflict.

[0112] In a feasible embodiment, the data processing circuit includes a network management circuit 133, the network management circuit 133 is connected to the data line controller, the data line controller is further connected to the power management circuit 131, and the network management circuit 133 supports processing of data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line to perform wireless network connection.

[0113] The network management circuit 133 is a circuit for network processing based on data. Optionally, in the case that the data line is connected to an external device through one or more data channels of the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line, and the external device transmits data to the network management circuit 133, the network management circuit 133 performs network connection to the external device according to the data transmitted by the external device.

[0114] Optionally, the network management circuit 133 can be integrated with a Wi-Fi circuit, a Bluetooth circuit or other radio frequency circuits. In the case of wireless network connection, the Ethernet interface can be saved, so as to ensure that the number of interfaces of the data line is sufficient.

[0115] The data line controller can be used to control the power management circuit 131 and the network management circuit 133 respectively, so as to ensure that the data of the two is not conflicted.

[0116] In the embodiment, since the data processing circuit provided in the data line has the network management circuit 133, the external device can be connected to the wireless network through the data line, so that the external device can have more data, and the function of the wireless network connection of the external device is expanded. By controlling the power management circuit 131 and the network management circuit 133 respectively through the data line controller, it can be ensured that the data of the two is not conflicted.

[0117] In a feasible embodiment, the data processing circuit includes an audio and video processing circuit 134, the audio and video processing circuit 134 is connected to the data line controller, and the data line controller is also connected to the power management circuit 131; the audio and video processing circuit 134 supports processing of data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line to perform screen projection.

[0118] The audio and video processing circuit 134 is capable of performing audio and video processing, so that the data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line can be converted into data required for screen projection.

[0119] Optionally, the audio and video processing circuit 134 is provided with an audio and video processor, which is capable of converting the data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line into data of a projector adaptation protocol to perform projection; or the audio and video processor is capable of converting the data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line into data of a preset type to perform projection. For example, the data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line can be processed in a protocol adapted to a high-definition multimedia interface, a video graphics array or a universal serial bus, or can be converted into data of a high-definition multimedia interface adaptation protocol.

[0120] Optionally, in the case that the data line is connected to the external device through one or more of the data channels of the expansion interface 110 and the sub data lines, and the external device transmits data to the audio and video processing circuit 134, the audio and video processing circuit 134 group converts the data transmitted by the external device to perform projection.

[0121] The data line controller can be used to control the power management circuit 131 and the audio and video processing circuit 134 respectively, so as to ensure that the data of the two does not conflict.

[0122] In this embodiment, the data processing circuit provided in the data line has the audio and video processing circuit 134, so that in the case that the external device needs to be projected, the data line can assist the external device to perform projection, so as to assist the external device to perform projection, and the function of the external device is expanded. Moreover, the data line controller is used to control the power management circuit 131 and the audio and video processing circuit 134 respectively, so as to ensure that the data of the two does not conflict.

[0123] In one possible embodiment, the data processing circuit includes a network management circuit 133 and an audio and video processing circuit 134; the network management circuit 133 and the audio and video processing circuit 134 are connected to the data line controller, and the data line controller is also connected to the power management circuit 131; the network management circuit 133 supports processing of data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line to perform wireless network connection; and the audio and video processing circuit 134 supports processing of data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line to perform projection.

[0124] The data line controller is used to control the network management circuit 133, the audio and video processing circuit 134 and the power management circuit 131 respectively, so as to ensure that the data of the three does not conflict.

[0125] In this embodiment, the data processing circuit provided in the data line can have the audio and video processing circuit 134 and the network management circuit 133 at the same time. At this time, on the one hand, the external device that needs to be connected to the network can be connected to the wireless network through the data line, so that the external device can have more data; on the other hand, the external device that needs to be projected can be projected, so that the function of the external device is expanded. Based on the two aspects, the appropriate data processing circuit can be selected for the external device with different needs, and the external device can be connected to the wireless network at the same time. Moreover, the data line controller is used to control the network management circuit 133, the audio and video processing circuit 134 and the power management circuit 131 respectively, so as to ensure that the data of the three does not conflict.

[0126] In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the data line docking station 100 is provided with a multifunctional line 121 on one side, which can transmit data and supply power to electronic devices such as computers (PC), mobile phones and tablets (PAD), etc.; and a plurality of power supply lines 122 on the other side, which can transmit power to external devices connected to the power supply lines 122. The power supply lines 122 are only used for power output and have no data communication function. The middle position of the controller is integrated with a expansion interface 110 (HUB), which includes an interface for connecting a power adapter, and a data transmission interface, which includes one or more of USB, type-c, HDMI, DVI, DP, VGA, etc. The interface can be applied to devices with different types of connectors. Among them, the electronic device connected to the multifunctional line 121 is preferentially charged, and when there is remaining charging power, the power supply line 122 on the right side is used for power distribution to supply power to the devices connected to the power supply line 122. In addition, it can also include a HUB controller 130 to control communication transmission and charging.

[0127] In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the data line controller of the docking station 100 is a HUB controller 130, which includes a main controller 132, a network management circuit 133, an audio and video processing circuit 134 and a power management circuit 131 controlled by the main controller 132; and the expansion interface 110 of the docking station 100 includes one or more of USB, Type-C, HDMI, DVI, DP, VGA, RJ45, etc. Among them, the main controller 132 communicates data with the audio and video management circuit and the network management circuit 133 through various interfaces; the network management circuit 133 supports processing data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line to connect to the wireless network; the audio and video processing circuit 134 supports processing data transmitted by the expansion interface 110 and the sub data line to perform screen projection. The power management circuit 131 includes a power controller 1312, a protocol controller 1311 and a power supply controller 1313, and the power controller 1312 is connected to the protocol controller 1311 and the power supply controller 1313; among them, the protocol controller 1311 is configured to obtain protocol data of external devices; the power controller 1312 is configured to control the power supply controller 1313 according to the protocol data; and the power supply controller 1313 is configured to control the power management circuit 131 to supply power to external devices or receive power supply from external devices.

[0128] Based on this, the data line is integrated with the expansion interface 110, the functions of the HUB or other expansion docks 100 are realized, the terminal equipment such as the notebook computer is facilitated to be miniaturized, only one interface (such as type-c) needs to be reserved, and the interface of the electronic equipment is prevented from being damaged due to repeated plugging and unplugging, meanwhile, a special expansion dock 100 does not need to be additionally configured, only one data line can meet the multi-functional demand, the data line is convenient to carry, one data line can drag N, and the power supply demand of different types of charging connector equipment (type-c, lightning, micro-B, etc.) can be met. The power adapter is directly connected from the data line, the original data line connector is not occupied, the power supply demand of one data line dragging N devices can be met, and more devices can be connected.

[0129] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner. To make the description concise, all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are not described, but as long as the combinations of the technical features do not exist contradictory, they should be considered as the scope of the present disclosure.

[0130] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation manners of the present application, the description is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be understood as a limitation on the patent scope of the present application. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of the present application should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A data line with a docking station, the docking station being provided with a plurality of docking interfaces, the plurality of docking interfaces including a plurality of data transmission interfaces. 2.The data line of claim 1, at least one of the docking interfaces being configured to connect a power adapter to supply power to an external device connected to the data line via the power adapter. 3.The data line of claim 1, comprising a plurality of sub-lines to transmit power or data between the data line and an external device connected to the data line. 4.The data line of claim 3, the plurality of sub-lines including a plurality of power supply lines, the power supply lines only supporting power supply to the external device. 5.The data line of claim 3, the plurality of sub-lines including a plurality of multifunctional lines, the multifunctional lines being configured to transmit data and power between the data line and the external device. wherein 6.The data line of claim 4, the plurality of sub-lines including a plurality of multifunctional lines, the multifunctional lines being configured to transmit data and power between the data line and the external device. 7.The data line of claim 4, N power supply lines being connected with M power supply line connectors, M being a positive integer less than N. wherein 8.The data line of claim 4, N power supply lines being connected with M power supply line connectors, M being a positive integer equal to N. 9.The data line of claim 4, the docking station being located between the multifunctional lines and the plurality of power supply lines. 10.The data line of claim 1, the docking station comprising a power management circuit, the power management circuit comprising a power controller, a protocol controller and a power supply controller, the power controller connecting the protocol controller and the power supply controller, the protocol controller being configured to obtain protocol data of an external device connected to the data line, the power controller being configured to control the power supply controller according to the protocol data, and the power supply controller being configured to control the power management circuit to supply power to the external device. 11.The data line of claim 10, the power supply controller being connectable with a power adapter via the docking interface to supply power to the external device connected to the data line via the power adapter. 12.The data line of claim 1, the docking station comprising a power management circuit, the power management circuit comprising a power controller, a protocol controller and a power supply controller, the power controller connecting the protocol controller and the power supply controller, the protocol controller being configured to obtain protocol data of an external device connected to the data line, the power controller being configured to control the power supply controller according to the protocol data, and the power supply controller being configured to receive power supply for the external device connected to the data line. wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ wherein ​ ​ ​ 13. The data line of claim 1, comprising a plurality of sub-lines, the plurality of sub-lines comprising sub-data lines supporting data transmission; the expansion interface supporting data transmission and the sub-data lines are connected to a data processing circuit; the data processing circuit is configured to support processing data transmitted by the expansion interface and the sub-data lines.

14. The data line of claim 13, the data processing circuit is connected to a data line controller, the data line controller is further connected to the power management circuit.

15. The data line of claim 14, the data processing circuit comprises a network management circuit, the network management circuit is connected to the data line controller; the network management circuit supports processing data transmitted by the expansion interface and the sub-data lines for wireless network connection.

16. The data line of claim 14, the data processing circuit comprises an audio and video processing circuit; the audio and video processing circuit is connected to the data line controller; the audio and video processing circuit supports processing data transmitted by the expansion interface and the sub-data lines for screen projection.

17. The data line of claim 1, the data transmission interface comprises one or more of a USB interface, a type-c interface, an HDMI interface, a DVI interface, a DP interface, a VGA interface, and an RJ45.

18. The data line of claim 1, the expansion interface and the data transmission interface are one-to-one corresponding.

19. The data line of claim 1, one of the data transmission interfaces supporting the same protocol corresponds to the plurality of expansion interfaces.

20. The data line of claim 1, a plurality of the data transmission interfaces support different protocols.

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