CN115917103A - Magnetic locking-releasing mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a magnetic lock-and-release mechanism. The magnetic lock-release mechanism may include: a first magnet unit member installed in the first device and including a set of fixed magnet units; and a second magnet unit member installed in the second device and including at least one set of movable magnet units movable to the first position and the second position. In a case where the set of movable magnet units is located at the first position, there is an attractive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units. A repulsive force exists between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units with the set of movable magnet units in the second position.

Description

Magnetic locking-releasing mechanism

Background

Device connections between various devices, such as electronic devices, mechanical devices, or any other structural device or module, are common and frequent requirements for, for example, device usage, device function expansion, information exchange, power supply, device assembly, and the like. A lock mechanism is generally applied to device connection for, for example, ensuring stable connection, improving convenience of device connection operation, and the like.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Embodiments of the present disclosure propose a magnetic lock-and-release mechanism. The magnetic lock-release mechanism may include: a first magnet unit member installed in the first device and including a set of fixed magnet units; and a second magnet unit member installed in the second device and including at least one set of movable magnet units movable to the first position and the second position. In a case where the set of movable magnet units is located at the first position, there is an attractive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units. A repulsive force exists between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units with the set of movable magnet units in the second position.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a magnetic lock-release mechanism, including: a first magnet unit member installed in the first device and including a set of magnet units; and a second magnet unit member installed in the second device and including a group of electromagnets. In the case where the set of electromagnets is energized in a first current direction, there is an attractive force between the set of magnet units and the set of electromagnets. In the case where the group of electromagnets is energized in the second current direction, there is a repulsive force between the group of magnet units and the group of electromagnets.

It should be noted that one or more of the above aspects include features specifically pointed out in the following detailed description and claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed and the present disclosure is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

Drawings

The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, which are provided to illustrate, but not to limit, the disclosed aspects.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary prior art magnetic locking mechanism.

Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to embodiments.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 11 illustrates an example magnetic lock-release mechanism with a return member and an example operation thereof, according to embodiments.

Fig. 12 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism with a return member and an exemplary operation thereof, according to embodiments.

Fig. 13 illustrates an example magnetic lock-release mechanism with two return members, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 14 illustrates an example magnetic lock-release mechanism with a return member, under an embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that the discussion of the embodiments is merely intended to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and thereby practice the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure.

One example of an existing locking mechanism is a magnetic locking mechanism that employs a magnet unit to facilitate device connection, and is generally applied to device connection of electronic devices, for example. In this magnetic locking mechanism, two sets of magnet units are mounted in two devices, respectively, and when the two devices are aligned and placed close enough to each other, the attractive force between the two sets of magnet units may assist or cause the connection between the two devices to be established. This attractive force also helps to maintain the connection between the two devices after they are connected.

However, in practical application scenarios, not only device connection but also device disconnection (disconnect) is frequently required. For example, a user may need to frequently dock (dock) and undock (undock) a target device to and from a base device. While the existing magnetic locking mechanism facilitates device connection, it hinders or inconveniences the user's operation of separating the two devices because the user must pull the device with a force higher than the attractive force existing between the two sets of magnet units in the two devices. Furthermore, frequently using excessive force to separate or disengage the device may increase the risk of damage to the locking mechanism, the device, the connections in the device, etc. In addition, the size or shape of some devices may make the devices difficult to grip, which increases the difficulty of applying sufficient force to separate the two devices.

Embodiments of the present disclosure propose a magnetic lock-release mechanism that is essentially a magnetic lock-release mechanism that is reversible in polarity. By switching the polarity arrangement between the two devices, the magnetic lock-release mechanism can be brought into two operating states, a locked state and a released state. In one polarity configuration, there is an attractive force between the two devices that causes the magnetic lock-release mechanism to enter a locked state, thereby enabling device connection. The locked state may also be referred to as an attracted state. In another polarity configuration, there is a repulsive force between the two devices that brings the magnetic lock-release mechanism into a released state, thereby effecting device separation. The released state may also be referred to as the repulsive state. The magnetic lock-release mechanism can generate an attractive force and a repulsive force between the two devices, respectively, to switch between a locked state and a released state.

Herein, the term "device connection" may refer broadly to, for example, a connection between two devices, a connection between a device and a module of another device, a connection between a module of one device and a module of another device, and the like. Furthermore, the terms "device," "module," and the like are interchangeable in this disclosure. Device connection may refer to, for example, establishing a contact or non-contact connection between the connecting members of two devices, or simply structurally assembling the two devices. The term "device separation" may broadly refer to, for example, a disconnection of a connection between two devices or modules. Device separation may refer to, for example, removing a contact or non-contact connection between the connecting members of two devices, or simply structurally separating two devices.

In one aspect, different polarity configurations may be achieved by movement of the magnet unit position. At least one movable magnet unit may be provided in the magnetic lock-release mechanism, and different positions of the at least one movable magnet unit may result in different polarity configurations. For example, when the movable magnet unit is located at different positions, there may be different types of forces, e.g. attractive and repulsive forces, between the movable magnet unit and the different aligned magnet units, respectively.

In one aspect, different polarity configurations may be achieved by changing the direction of current flow to the electromagnet. For example, different current directions supplied to the electromagnets may result in a change of polarity direction of the electromagnets, so that different types of forces, such as attractive and repulsive forces, may exist between the electromagnets and the aligned magnet units, respectively.

In one aspect, where the different polarity configuration is achieved by a positional movement of the magnet unit, the magnetic lock-release mechanism may comprise at least one return member for automatically returning the at least one movable magnet unit to its original position.

In one aspect, where the different polarity configurations are achieved by positional movement of the magnet units, the magnetic lock-release mechanism may move the at least one movable magnet unit in a variety of ways, e.g., by sliding, rotating, etc.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the magnetic lock-and-release mechanism may provide a more user-friendly experience of device connection and device disconnection, in particular a better user experience of disconnecting or disengaging the device. For example, when it is desired to release a device, the repulsive force generated between the two devices by the magnetic lock-and-release mechanism will help to facilitate and effectively separate or disengage one device from the other, thereby increasing the ease of the device separation operation. Even if there is a strong attractive force between the two devices to maintain the locked state, or some devices are so sized or shaped that they are not easily grasped, the magnetic lock-and-release mechanism can be conveniently switched from the locked state to the released state and utilize a repulsive force to separate the devices. Furthermore, the repulsion force may also serve as a safeguard for avoiding accidental actuation contact of the connectors of the two devices. Furthermore, the repelling force may also be used to avoid applying excessive force, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the magnetic lock-release mechanism, the device, the connections in the device, etc. during detachment or disconnection of the device. Since the magnetic lock-release mechanism can generate not only an attractive force when the device is attached but also a repulsive force when the device is detached, both the device attaching operation and the device detaching operation become easy, convenient, and efficient.

The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to various scenes requiring the connection and disconnection of devices or modules. The devices or modules may be of various types, such as electronic devices or modules, mechanical devices or modules, and so forth. The scenario may encompass any known or potential scenario, such as docking and undocking between a detachable keyboard and a tablet, connecting and undocking between a laptop and a docking station, assembling and disassembling between a battery cover and a battery compartment of an electronic device, docking and undocking between a handheld device and a charging dock, docking and undocking between a cordless phone and a base, connecting and undocking between a plug and a socket, and so forth. It should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular type of device, any particular application scenario, etc.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary prior art magnetic locking mechanism. View 100 in fig. 1 shows the device connection between device 110 and device 120 using an existing magnetic locking mechanism.

The device 110 includes a set of connectors 112. The device 120 includes a set of connectors 122 that mate with the connectors 112. Connectors 112 and 122 may represent any type of connection terminals, such as Pogo pins or the like. Assume that the user wants to connect device 110 and device 120 so that connector 112 and connector 122 can contact each other.

A magnetic locking mechanism is used to guide or facilitate the connection between the device 110 and the device 120. The magnetic locking mechanism includes two magnet units 114 and 116 mounted in the device 110 and two other magnet units 124 and 126 mounted in the device 120. Magnet unit 114 may be aligned with magnet unit 124 and magnet unit 116 may be aligned with magnet unit 126.

The magnetic locking mechanism applies a predetermined polarity configuration to the magnet units 114, 116, 124, and 126, for example, setting a predetermined polarity direction for the magnet units 114, 116, 124, and 126, respectively. According to this predetermined polarity configuration, the polarity directions of the magnet units 114 and 124 are set to: such that the end of the magnet unit 114 facing the magnet unit 124 and the end of the magnet unit 124 facing the magnet unit 114 have different polarities, for example, the end of the magnet unit 114 facing the magnet unit 124 has an "N" polarity and the end of the magnet unit 124 facing the magnet unit 114 has an "S" polarity, and thus, when the magnet unit 114 and the magnet unit 124 are sufficiently close to each other, an attractive force may be generated therebetween. Similarly, the polarity directions of the magnet units 116 and 126 are also set to: such that an attractive force may be generated between the magnet unit 116 and the magnet unit 126 when they are sufficiently close to each other.

When the device 110 and the device 120 are aligned and placed close enough to each other, the attractive force between the magnet unit 114 and the magnet unit 124 and the attractive force between the magnet unit 116 and the magnet unit 126 will guide or promote the connection between the device 110 and the device 120 and further the contact between the connection 112 and the connection 122. The attractive forces between magnet unit 114 and magnet unit 124 and between magnet unit 116 and magnet unit 126 will also help to maintain the device connection after the device 110 and device 120 are connected.

If the user wants to separate the device 110 and the device 120, the user may have to pull each or both of the device 110 and the device 120 to separate them from each other. For example, the user needs to apply a force greater than the attractive force between magnet unit 114 and magnet unit 124 and the attractive force between magnet unit 116 and magnet unit 126 in order to separate device 110 from device 120. This device is inconvenient to separate and may cause damage.

As described above, the magnetic lock-release mechanism according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may guide or facilitate not only device connection between two devices by an attractive force but also device separation between two devices by a repulsive force.

In one implementation, the magnetic lock-release mechanism may be based on, for example, a permanent magnet, and may generate an attractive force and a repulsive force, respectively, by movement of the position of the magnet unit. The magnet unit in the magnetic lock-release mechanism may be a permanent magnet.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may comprise two magnet unit members mounted on the two devices, respectively. In this context, a magnet unit member may refer to a set of one or more magnet units mounted on a device.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may comprise a first magnet unit member mounted in the first device and comprising a set of stationary magnet units. The set of fixed magnet units may comprise one or more fixed magnet units. In this context, a fixed magnet unit may refer to a magnet unit whose position is fixed in a device in which the magnet unit is installed. The magnetic lock-release mechanism may further comprise a second magnet unit member mounted in the second device and comprising at least one set of movable magnet units. The set of movable magnet units may include one or more movable magnet units. In this context, a movable magnet unit may refer to a magnet unit whose position is movable in a device in which the magnet unit is installed. For example, the set of movable magnet units may be moved to a first position and a second position.

The different polarity configuration in the magnetic lock-release mechanism may be obtained by a movement of the position of the set of movable magnet units. It is assumed that the magnetic lock-release mechanism may generate an attractive force in a first polarity configuration corresponding to the first position of the set of movable magnet units. For example, in the case where the set of movable magnet units is located at the first position, there is an attractive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units. The attractive force will bring the first and second magnet unit members into a locked state. It is assumed that the magnetic lock-release mechanism may generate a repulsive force in a second polarity configuration corresponding to the second position of the set of movable magnet units. For example, in the case where the set of movable magnet units is located at the second position, a repulsive force exists between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units. The repulsive force will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit member into the released state.

To move the position of the set of movable magnet units, the magnetic lock-release mechanism may comprise a movable member mounted in the second device and carrying the set of movable magnet units. For example, the set of movable magnet units may be mounted in the movable member. The movable member may be moved to a first position and a second position, which causes the set of movable magnet units to move to the first position and the second position, respectively. The movable member may adopt a variety of movement means, such as sliding, rotating, etc. Accordingly, the movable member may be implemented as a slide bar, a turntable, a drum, or the like. Further, for the user to operate the movable member, the movable member may further include, for example, a slide button, a click button, a rotation button, or the like.

Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism, according to an embodiment.

View 200A in fig. 2 shows the device connection between device 210 and device 220 using the attractive force generated by the magnetic lock-release mechanism.

The device 210 includes a set of connectors 212. The device 220 includes a set of connectors 222 that mate with the connectors 212. The connectors 212 and 222 may represent any type of connection terminals. Assume that the user wants to connect device 210 and device 220 so that connector 212 and connector 222 can contact each other. It should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular type of device and connection. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the purpose of bringing the connector 212 into contact with the connector 222 by means of a device connection between the device 210 and the device 220, but may also be directed to the simple purpose of assembling the device 210 and the device 220, even if no connector is included in the device.

A magnetic lock-and-release mechanism may be employed to guide or facilitate the connection between the devices 210 and 220. The magnetic lock-release mechanism may include a first magnet unit member mounted in the device 210 and a second magnet unit member mounted in the device 220. The first magnet unit member may include one set of fixed magnet units, e.g., fixed magnet units 214 and 216, and the second magnet unit member may include at least one set of movable magnet units, e.g., movable magnet units 234, 235, 236, and 237. It should be understood that all of the magnet units in fig. 2 are exemplary, and that the first and second magnet unit members may include more or fewer magnet units.

The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism may include a movable member 230 mounted in the device 220. The movable member 230 may carry the set of movable magnet units, for example, the movable magnet units 234, 235, 236, and 237. The movable member 230 may move within a recess 240 formed in the device 220, e.g., between a first position and a second position within the recess 240. The movable member 230 has a hole 232 formed therein, and the connector 222 is exposed through the hole 232 so as to be contactable with the connector 212. The aperture 232 is large enough so that movement of the movable member 230 does not affect the exposure of the connector 222 and thus does not affect the contact between the connector 212 and the connector 222. The movable member 230 includes an exemplary slide button 238 that protrudes from the movable member 230 to the surface of the device 220. The slide button 238 may have various shapes and configurations to facilitate movement thereof by a user.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may have two polarity configurations corresponding to two positions of the movable magnet unit, respectively. In view 200A, the movable member 230 is in the first position, and accordingly, the set of movable magnet units is also in the first position, wherein the first position is the home position. In this case, the fixed magnet unit 214 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 234, and the fixed magnet unit 216 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 236. In a first polarity configuration corresponding to the first position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 214 and the movable magnet unit 234 are set to: so that the end of the fixed magnet unit 214 facing the movable magnet unit 234 and the end of the movable magnet unit 234 facing the fixed magnet unit 214 have different polarities, for example, the end of the fixed magnet unit 214 facing the movable magnet unit 234 has an "N" polarity, and the end of the movable magnet unit 234 facing the fixed magnet unit 214 has an "S" polarity, and thus, when the fixed magnet unit 214 and the movable magnet unit 234 are sufficiently close to each other, an attractive force may be generated therebetween. Similarly, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 216 and the movable magnet unit 236 are also set to: such that an attractive force may be generated between the fixed magnet unit 216 and the movable magnet unit 236 when they are sufficiently close to each other.

When the device 210 and the device 220 are aligned and placed close enough to each other, the attractive force between the fixed magnet unit 214 and the movable magnet unit 234 and the attractive force between the fixed magnet unit 216 and the movable magnet unit 236 will guide or promote the connection between the device 210 and the device 220 and further the contact between the connector 212 and the connector 222. The attractive force between the set of stationary magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a locked state, thereby achieving a device connection between the device 210 and the device 220. In the locked state, the attractive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will further contribute to the retention device connection.

View 200B in fig. 2 illustrates device separation between device 210 and device 220 using the repulsive force generated by the magnetic lock-release mechanism.

Assume that the user slides the slide button 238 to move the movable member 230 from the first position shown in view 200A to the second position shown in view 200B. Accordingly, the set of movable magnet units also moves to the second position. In this case, the fixed magnet unit 214 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 235, and the fixed magnet unit 216 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 237. In a second polarity configuration corresponding to the second position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 214 and the movable magnet unit 235 are set to: so that the end of the movable magnet unit 235 facing the fixed magnet unit 214 has the same polarity as the end of the fixed magnet unit 214 facing the movable magnet unit 235, for example, the end of the movable magnet unit 235 facing the fixed magnet unit 214 has the same "N" polarity as the end of the fixed magnet unit 214 facing the movable magnet unit 235, and thus, when the fixed magnet unit 214 and the movable magnet unit 235 are sufficiently close to each other, a repulsive force can be generated therebetween. Similarly, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 216 and the movable magnet unit 237 are also set to: so that a repulsive force can be generated between the fixed magnet unit 216 and the movable magnet unit 237 when they are sufficiently close to each other.

The repulsive force between the fixed magnet unit 214 and the movable magnet unit 235 and the repulsive force between the fixed magnet unit 216 and the movable magnet unit 237 will guide or promote the separation between the device 210 and the device 220 and further the breaking of the contact between the connector 212 and the connector 222. The repulsive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a released state, thereby enabling device separation between the device 210 and the device 220. In the released state, the repulsive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will further contribute to e.g. avoid accidental contact between the connection 212 and the connection 222.

This repelling force will help automatically eject device 210 from device 220 without requiring the user to pull the devices apart from each other, according to view 200B.

As shown in fig. 2, the set of movable magnet units has alternating polarity directions, e.g., movable magnet units 234 and 235 have different polarity directions and movable magnet units 236 and 237 have different polarity directions. Accordingly, movement of the set of movable magnet units may cause the magnetic lock-release mechanism to switch between the first polarity configuration and the second polarity configuration, and thereby generate an attractive force and a repulsive force, respectively.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to embodiments. The view in fig. 3 is used to further illustrate the magnetic lock-release mechanism in fig. 2, and the structure of the magnetic lock-release mechanism in fig. 3 is a simplified version of the magnetic lock-release mechanism in fig. 2. Possible connections in the device are omitted in fig. 3 and subsequent figures.

The view in fig. 3 shows the device connection and device disconnection between the device 310 and the device 320 using the attractive and repulsive forces generated by the magnetic lock-release mechanism, respectively.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may include a first magnet unit member mounted in the device 310 and a second magnet unit member mounted in the device 320. The first magnet unit member may include one set of fixed magnet units, e.g., fixed magnet units 312 and 314, and the second magnet unit member may include at least one set of movable magnet units, e.g., movable magnet units 332, 333, 334, and 335. The magnetic lock-release mechanism may also include a movable member 330 mounted in the apparatus 320 and carrying the set of movable magnet units, e.g., movable magnet units 332, 333, 334, and 335. The movable member 330 is movable between a first position and a second position. The movable member 330 may also include a slide button 336.

In view 300A, the movable member 330 is in the first position and, correspondingly, the set of movable magnet units is also in the first position. In this case, the fixed magnet units 312 and 314 may be aligned with the movable magnet units 332 and 334, respectively. In a first polarity configuration corresponding to the first position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 312 and the movable magnet unit 332 are set such that an attractive force can be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 314 and the movable magnet unit 334 are set such that an attractive force can be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other. As an example, the fixed magnet units 312 and 314 may have the same polarity direction, and the movable magnet units 332 and 334 may have the same polarity direction.

When the device 310 and the device 320 are aligned and placed close enough to each other, the attractive force between the fixed magnet unit 312 and the movable magnet unit 332 and the attractive force between the fixed magnet unit 314 and the movable magnet unit 334 will guide or facilitate the connection between the device 310 and the device 320. The attractive force between the set of stationary magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a locked state, thereby achieving a device connection between the device 310 and the device 320. As shown in view 300B, the device connection is achieved between the device 310 and the device 320, and the first and second magnet unit members are in a locked state. In the locked state, the attractive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will further contribute to the retention device connection.

In view 300C, slide button 336 is slid to move movable member 330 from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, the set of movable magnet units also moves to the second position. In this case, the fixed magnet units 312 and 314 may be aligned with the movable magnet units 333 and 335, respectively. In the second polarity configuration corresponding to the second position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 312 and the movable magnet unit 333 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 314 and the movable magnet unit 335 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween.

The repulsive force between the fixed magnet unit 312 and the movable magnet unit 333 and the repulsive force between the fixed magnet unit 314 and the movable magnet unit 335 will guide or facilitate the separation between the devices 310 and 320. The repulsive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a released state, thereby enabling device separation between the device 310 and the device 320. As shown in view 300D, device separation is achieved between device 310 and device 320, and the first and second magnet unit members are in a released state. In the released state, the repulsive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will further contribute to e.g. avoiding an accidental connection between the device 310 and the device 320.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to an embodiment. The view in fig. 4 shows device connection and device disconnection between device 410 and device 420 using the attractive and repulsive forces generated by the magnetic lock-release mechanism, respectively.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may include a first magnet unit member mounted in the device 410 and a second magnet unit member mounted in the device 420. The first magnet unit member may include one set of fixed magnet units, e.g., fixed magnet units 412, 413, 414, and 415, and the second magnet unit member may include at least one set of movable magnet units, e.g., movable magnet units 432 and 434. The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism may also include a movable member 430 mounted in the device 420 and carrying the set of movable magnet units, e.g., movable magnet units 432 and 434. The movable member 430 is movable between a first position and a second position. Movable member 430 may also include slide button 436.

In view 400A, the movable member 430 is in the first position and, correspondingly, the set of movable magnet units is also in the first position. In this case, the fixed magnet units 412 and 414 may be aligned with the movable magnet units 432 and 434, respectively. In the first polarity configuration corresponding to the first position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 412 and the movable magnet unit 432 are set such that an attractive force can be generated therebetween when they are sufficiently close to each other, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 414 and the movable magnet unit 434 are set such that an attractive force can be generated therebetween when they are sufficiently close to each other. As an example, the fixed magnet units 412 and 414 may have the same polarity direction, and the movable magnet units 432 and 434 may have the same polarity direction.

When the device 410 and the device 420 are aligned and placed close enough to each other, the attractive forces between the fixed magnet unit 412 and the movable magnet unit 432, and between the fixed magnet unit 414 and the movable magnet unit 434, will guide or facilitate the connection between the device 410 and the device 420. The attractive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a locked state, thereby achieving a device connection between the device 410 and the device 420. As shown in view 400B, a device connection is made between device 410 and device 420 with the first and second magnet unit members in a locked state. In the locked state, the attractive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will further contribute to the retention device connection.

In view 400C, slide button 436 is slid to move movable member 430 from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, the set of movable magnet units also moves to the second position. In this case, the fixed magnet units 413 and 415 may be aligned with the movable magnet units 432 and 434, respectively. In the second polarity configuration corresponding to the second position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 413 and the movable magnet unit 432 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 415 and the movable magnet unit 434 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween.

The repulsive forces between the fixed magnet unit 413 and the movable magnet unit 432 and between the fixed magnet unit 415 and the movable magnet unit 434 will guide or facilitate the separation between the device 410 and the device 420. The repulsion force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a released state, thereby enabling device separation between the device 410 and the device 420. As shown in view 400D, device separation is achieved between device 410 and device 420 with the first and second magnet unit members in a released state. In the released state, the repulsive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will further help to avoid an accidental connection between the device 410 and the device 420, for example.

As shown in fig. 4, the set of fixed magnet units has alternating polarity directions, e.g., fixed magnet units 412 and 413 have different polarity directions, and fixed magnet units 414 and 415 have different polarity directions. Accordingly, movement of the set of movable magnet units may cause the magnetic lock-release mechanism to switch between the first polarity configuration and the second polarity configuration, and thereby generate an attractive force and a repulsive force, respectively.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism, according to an embodiment.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may include a first magnet unit member mounted in the device 510 and a second magnet unit member mounted in the device 520. The first magnet unit member may include one set of fixed magnet units, e.g., fixed magnet units 512 and 514, and the second magnet unit member may include at least one set of movable magnet units, e.g., movable magnet units 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, and 536. The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism may also include a movable member 530 mounted in the device 520 and carrying the set of movable magnet units, e.g., movable magnet units 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, and 536. The movable member 530 may be moved to a first position, a second position, and a third position. The movable member 530 may also include a slide button 538.

When the movable member 530 is located at the first position, the set of movable magnet units is also located at the first position. In this case, the fixed magnet units 512 and 514 may be aligned with the movable magnet units 532 and 534, respectively. In a first polarity configuration corresponding to the first position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 512 and the movable magnet unit 532 are set such that an attractive force can be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 514 and the movable magnet unit 534 are set such that an attractive force can be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other. As an example, the fixed magnet units 512 and 514 may have the same polarity direction, and the movable magnet units 532 and 534 may have the same polarity direction. The attractive forces between the fixed magnet unit 512 and the movable magnet unit 532 and between the fixed magnet unit 514 and the movable magnet unit 534 will guide or facilitate the connection between the device 510 and the device 520. The attractive force between the set of stationary magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a locked state, thereby enabling a device connection between the device 510 and the device 520.

When the movable member 530 is currently located at the first position and the slide button 538 is slid leftward, the movable member 530 moves from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, the set of movable magnet units also moves to the second position. In this case, the fixed magnet units 512 and 514 may be aligned with the movable magnet units 533 and 536, respectively. In the second polarity configuration corresponding to the second position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 512 and the movable magnet unit 533 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 514 and the movable magnet unit 536 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween. The repulsive forces between fixed magnet unit 512 and movable magnet unit 533, and between fixed magnet unit 514 and movable magnet unit 536, will guide or facilitate separation between device 510 and device 520. The repulsion force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a released state, thereby enabling device separation between the device 510 and the device 520.

When the movable member 530 is currently located at the first position and the slide button 538 is slid to the right, the movable member 530 moves from the first position to the third position. Accordingly, the set of movable magnet units also moves to the third position. In this case, the fixed magnet units 512 and 514 may be aligned with the movable magnet units 531 and 535, respectively. In the third polarity configuration corresponding to the third position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 512 and the movable magnet unit 531 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 514 and the movable magnet unit 535 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween. The repulsive force between the fixed magnet unit 512 and the movable magnet unit 531 and the repulsive force between the fixed magnet unit 514 and the movable magnet unit 535 will guide or promote the separation between the device 510 and the device 520. The repulsion force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a released state, thereby enabling device separation between the device 510 and the device 520.

According to the magnetic lock-release mechanism of fig. 5, when the movable member and the set of movable magnet units are in the original first position, any sliding direction of the slide button 538 (e.g., to the left or right) may cause the magnetic lock-release mechanism to generate a repulsive force, thereby separating the device 510 and the device 520.

Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism, according to an embodiment. The magnetic lock-release mechanism in fig. 6 is a modification of the magnetic lock-release mechanism in fig. 3, in which the magnet units in one magnet unit member may have different polarity directions.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may include a first magnet unit member mounted in the device 610 and a second magnet unit member mounted in the device 620. The first magnet unit member may include one set of fixed magnet units, e.g., fixed magnet units 612 and 614, and the second magnet unit member may include at least one set of movable magnet units, e.g., movable magnet units 632, 633, 634 and 635. The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism may also include a movable member 630 mounted in the device 620 and carrying the set of movable magnet units. The movable member 630 is movable between a first position and a second position. The movable member 630 may also include a slide button 636.

With the movable member 636 and the set of movable magnet units in the first position, the fixed magnet units 612 and 614 may be aligned with the movable magnet units 632 and 634, respectively. In a first polarity configuration corresponding to a first position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 612 and the movable magnet unit 632 are set such that an attractive force can be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 614 and the movable magnet unit 634 are set such that an attractive force can be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other. The fixed magnet units 612 and 614 may have different polarity directions, and the movable magnet units 632 and 634 may have different polarity directions.

With the movable member 636 and the set of movable magnet units in the second position, the fixed magnet units 612 and 614 may be aligned with the movable magnet units 633 and 635, respectively. In the second polarity configuration corresponding to the second position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 612 and the movable magnet unit 633 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 614 and the movable magnet unit 635 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween. The movable magnet units 633 and 635 may have different polarity directions.

By arranging the magnet units in one magnet unit member in different polarity directions as shown in fig. 6, a wrong connection between the device 610 and the device 620 can be avoided in case a correct connection between the device 610 and the device 620 has a predetermined connection direction. For example, assume that a proper connection between the device 610 and the device 620 requires that the fixed magnet unit 612 be aligned with the movable magnet unit 632 and the fixed magnet unit 614 be aligned with the movable magnet unit 634. When the device 610 is placed near the device 620 with the wrong connection direction, for example, when aligning the fixed magnet unit 612 with the movable magnet unit 634 and aligning the fixed magnet unit 614 with the movable magnet unit 632, the repulsive force between the fixed magnet unit 612 and the movable magnet unit 634 and the repulsive force between the fixed magnet unit 614 and the movable magnet unit 632 will prevent the device 610 and the device 620 from being connected erroneously.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to embodiments.

The view in fig. 7 shows the device connection and device disconnection between device 710 and device 720 using the attractive and repulsive forces generated by the magnetic lock-release mechanism, respectively.

The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism may include a first magnet unit member mounted in the device 710 and a second magnet unit member mounted in the device 720. The first magnet unit member may comprise a set of fixed magnet units, e.g. only one fixed magnet unit 712, while the second magnet unit member may comprise at least one set of movable magnet units, e.g. movable magnet units 732 and 733. The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism may also include a movable member 730 mounted in the device 720 and carrying the set of movable magnet units. The movable member 730 may be movable between a first position and a second position. The movable member 730 may further include a slide button 736.

In view 700A, the movable member 730 is in the first position and, correspondingly, the set of movable magnet units is also in the first position. In this case, the fixed magnet unit 712 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 732. In a first polarity configuration corresponding to the first position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 712 and the movable magnet unit 732 are set such that an attractive force may be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other. This attractive force will guide or facilitate the connection between the device 710 and the device 720. This attraction force will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a locked state, thereby achieving a device connection between the device 710 and the device 720.

In view 700B, the movable member 730 is in the second position, and accordingly, the set of movable magnet units is also in the second position. In this case, the fixed magnet unit 712 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 733. In the second polarity configuration corresponding to the second position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 712 and the movable magnet unit 733 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween. This repelling force will guide or promote the separation between the devices 710 and 720. This repelling force will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a released state, thereby achieving device separation between the device 710 and the device 720.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to embodiments.

The view in fig. 8 shows the device connection and device disconnection between the device 810 and the device 820 using the attractive and repulsive forces generated by the magnetic lock-release mechanism, respectively.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may include a first magnet unit member mounted in the device 810 and a second magnet unit member mounted in the device 820. The first magnet unit member may include a set of fixed magnet units, for example, fixed magnet units 812 and 814. The second magnet unit member may include a set of movable magnet units, for example, movable magnet units 832 and 833, and a fixed magnet unit 834. The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism may also include a movable member 830 mounted in the device 820 and carrying the set of movable magnet units, e.g., movable magnet units 832 and 833. The movable member 830 is movable between a first position and a second position. The movable member 830 may also include a slide button 836.

In view 800A, the movable member 830 is in the first position and, correspondingly, the set of movable magnet units is also in the first position. In this case, the fixed magnet units 812 and 814 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 832 and the fixed magnet unit 834, respectively. In a first polarity configuration corresponding to the first position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 812 and the movable magnet unit 832 are set such that an attractive force may be generated therebetween when they are sufficiently close to each other, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 814 and the fixed magnet unit 834 are set such that an attractive force may be generated therebetween when they are sufficiently close to each other.

When the devices 810 and 820 are aligned and placed close enough to each other, the attractive force between the fixed magnet unit 812 and the movable magnet unit 832, and the attractive force between the fixed magnet unit 814 and the fixed magnet unit 834, will guide or facilitate the connection between the devices 810 and 820. These attractive forces will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a locked state, thereby achieving a device connection between the device 810 and the device 820. As shown in view 800B, a device connection is made between device 810 and device 820 with the first and second magnet unit members in a locked state. In the locked state, these attractive forces will further contribute to keeping the device connected.

In view 800C, slide button 836 is slid to move moveable member 830 from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, the set of movable magnet units also moves to the second position. In this case, the fixed magnet units 812 and 814 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 833 and the fixed magnet unit 834, respectively. In the second polarity configuration corresponding to the second position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 812 and the movable magnet unit 833 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween.

The repulsive force between the fixed magnet unit 812 and the movable magnet unit 833 will cause or facilitate separation between the devices 810 and 820. This repelling force will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a released state, thereby achieving device separation between the devices 810 and 820. As shown in view 800D, device separation is achieved between device 810 and device 820 with the first and second magnet unit members in a released state. In the released state, the repulsive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units will further help to avoid accidental connection between the device 810 and the device 820, for example.

It should be appreciated that although there is an attractive force between the fixed magnet unit 814 and the fixed magnet unit 834 in views 800C and 800D, the repulsive force generated between the fixed magnet unit 812 and the movable magnet unit 833 still helps to achieve device separation, as at least the portion of the device 810 near the fixed magnet unit 812 may be ejected under the repulsive force.

While the magnetic lock-and-release mechanism discussed above in connection with fig. 2-8 employs a sliding rod to implement and move the movable member by sliding, embodiments of the present disclosure may implement the movable member in any other manner, such as employing a dial or drum to implement and move the movable member by rotating.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism, according to an embodiment. The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism uses a dial to implement the movable member.

The view in fig. 9 shows device connection and device disconnection between device 910 and device 920 using the attractive and repulsive forces generated by the magnetic lock-release mechanism, respectively.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may include a first magnet unit member mounted in the device 910 and a second magnet unit member mounted in the device 920. The first magnet unit member may comprise a set of fixed magnet units, e.g. only one fixed magnet unit 912, while the second magnet unit member may comprise at least one set of movable magnet units, e.g. movable magnet units 932 and 933. The magnetic lock-release mechanism may also include a movable member 930 mounted in the device 920 and carrying the set of movable magnet units. The movable member 930 is a dial and is rotatable between a first position and a second position. The movable member 930 may also include a rotation knob 934 that protrudes from the movable member 930 to a surface of the device 920 and is rotatable by a user. The rotation knob 934 may have various shapes or structures that facilitate a user to rotate the rotation knob and correspondingly rotate the movable member 930. The knob 934 occupies less area in the device 920 than the slide knob discussed above, and is more convenient for a user to operate.

In view 900A, the movable member 930 is in the first position and, correspondingly, the set of movable magnet units is also in the first position. In this case, the fixed magnet unit 912 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 932. In a first polarity configuration corresponding to the first position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 912 and the movable magnet unit 932 are set such that an attractive force can be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other. This attractive force will guide or facilitate the connection between the device 910 and the device 920. This attractive force will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a locked state, thereby enabling a device connection between the device 910 and the device 920.

In view 900B, the movable member 930 is rotated to the second position, and accordingly, the set of movable magnet units is also located at the second position. In this case, the fixed magnet unit 912 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 933. In the second polarity configuration corresponding to the second position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 912 and the movable magnet unit 933 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween. This repelling force will guide or facilitate the separation between the devices 910 and 920. This repelling force will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a released state, thereby enabling device separation between the device 910 and the device 920.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism, according to an embodiment. The magnetic lock-release mechanism employs a drum to implement the movable member.

The view in fig. 10 shows device connection and device disconnection between device 1010 and device 1020 using the attractive and repulsive forces generated by the magnetic lock-release mechanism, respectively.

The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism may include a first magnet unit member mounted in the device 1010 and a second magnet unit member mounted in the device 1020. The first magnet unit member may comprise one set of fixed magnet units, e.g. only one fixed magnet unit 1012, while the second magnet unit member may comprise at least one set of movable magnet units, e.g. movable magnet units 1032 and 1033. The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism may also include a movable member 1030 mounted in the device 1020 and carrying the set of movable magnet units. The movable member 1030 is a drum and is rotatable between a first position and a second position. The movable member 1030 may also include a rotation knob 1034 that protrudes from the movable member 1030 to the surface of the device 1020 and is rotatable by a user.

In view 1000A, the movable member 1030 is in the first position, and accordingly, the set of movable magnet units is also in the first position. In this case, the fixed magnet unit 1012 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 1032. In a first polarity configuration corresponding to the first position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 1012 and the movable magnet unit 1032 are set such that an attractive force may be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other. This attractive force will guide or facilitate the connection between device 1010 and device 1020. This attractive force will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a locked state, thereby enabling a device connection between the device 1010 and the device 1020.

In view 1000B, the movable member 1030 is rotated to the second position, and accordingly, the set of movable magnet units is also located in the second position. In this case, the fixed magnet unit 1012 may be aligned with the movable magnet unit 1033. In the second polarity configuration corresponding to the second position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 1012 and the movable magnet unit 1033 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween. This repelling force will guide or promote the separation between the devices 1010 and 1020. This repelling force will bring the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit into a released state, thereby effecting device separation between the device 1010 and the device 1020.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic lock-release mechanism may comprise at least one return member for automatically returning the at least one movable magnet unit to its original position. The return member may be mounted in the same device as the movable member and connected to the movable member. Assuming that the first position of the movable member is the original position, the return member may automatically return the movable member to the first position from another position, for example, the second position. For example, the return member may generate a pushing and/or pulling force for returning the movable member to the first position. The return member may be made of any type of resilient material (e.g., spring, etc.).

Fig. 11 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism with a return member and an exemplary operation thereof, according to embodiments. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of fig. 11 is a modification of the magnetic lock-release mechanism of fig. 3, which further includes a return member. Like reference numerals in fig. 11 and 3 denote like devices, members, units, and the like.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism includes a return member 1102 mounted in the device 320 and connected to the movable member 330. Although the return member 1102 is shown as a spring, it may be any other resilient material. One end of the return member 1102 is connected to the device 320 and the other end of the return member 1102 is connected to the movable member 330.

In views 1100A and 1100B, movable member 330 is in a first position. The return member 1102 is in an original state and does not generate any force.

In views 1100C and 1100D, movable member 330 is moved to the second position. The return member 1102 is in a contracted state and generates a pushing force in a direction from the second position to the first position.

As shown in view 1100E, after the device 310 is detached from the device 320, the pushing force generated by the return member 1102 automatically returns the movable member 330 from the second position to the original first position.

By applying a return member in the magnetic lock-release mechanism, the movable member may be automatically returned to the original position after the device detachment is achieved, and accordingly the magnetic lock-release mechanism is ready for the next device connection without the need for manual operation to return the movable member to the original position. This will lead to a better user experience.

Fig. 12 illustrates an example magnetic lock-release mechanism with a return member and an example operation thereof, according to embodiments. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of fig. 12 is a modification of the magnetic lock-release mechanism of fig. 3, which further includes a return member. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of fig. 12 is also a variation of the magnetic lock-release mechanism of fig. 11. Like reference numerals in fig. 12 and 3 denote like devices, members, units, and the like.

The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism includes a return member 1202 mounted in the device 320 and connected to the movable member 330. Although the return member 1202 is shown as a spring, it may be any other resilient material. One end of the return member 1202 is connected to the device 320 and the other end of the return member 1202 is connected to the movable member 330.

In views 1200A and 1200B, movable member 330 is in a first position. The return member 1202 is in the original state and does not generate any force.

In views 1200C and 1200D, the movable member 330 is moved to the second position. The return member 1202 is in tension and generates a pulling force in the direction from the second position to the first position.

As shown in view 1200E, after the device 310 is separated from the device 320, the pulling force generated by the return member 1202 automatically returns the movable member 330 from the second position to the original first position.

Fig. 13 illustrates an example magnetic lock-release mechanism with two return members, according to an embodiment. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of fig. 13 employs a combination of the return members of fig. 11 and 12.

The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism includes a return member 1302 and a return member 1303 mounted in the device 320 and connected to the movable member 330. One end of the return member 1302 is connected to the device 320 and the other end of the return member 1302 is connected to the movable member 330. Similarly, one end of the return member 1304 is connected to the device 320, and the other end of the return member 1304 is connected to the movable member 330.

In view 1300A, the movable member 330 is in a first position. Both the return member 1302 and the return member 1304 are in an original state and do not generate any force.

In view 1300B, the movable member 330 is moved to the second position. The return member 1302 is in a contracted state and generates a pushing force in a direction from the second position to the first position. At the same time, the return member 1304 is in tension and creates a pulling force in the direction from the second position to the first position.

The pushing force generated by the return member 1302 and the pulling force generated by the return member 1304 may return the movable member 330 from the second position to the original first position more quickly than if only one return member were applied in the magnetic lock-release mechanism as shown in fig. 11 and 12.

Fig. 14 illustrates an example magnetic lock-release mechanism with a return member, under an embodiment. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of fig. 14 is a modification of the magnetic lock-release mechanism of fig. 9, which further includes a return member. Like reference numerals in fig. 14 and 9 denote like devices, members, units, and the like.

The magnetic lock-and-release mechanism includes a return member 1402 mounted in the device 920 and connected to a movable member 930. One end of the return member 1402 is connected to the device 420 and the other end of the return member 1402 is connected to the movable member 430.

When the movable member 930 is located at the first position, the return member 1402 is in the original state and does not generate any force. When the movable member 930 is rotated from the first position to the second position, the return member 1402 is in a contracted or expanded state and generates a pushing or pulling force that returns the movable member from the second position to the first position.

It should be understood that the shape, material, mounting location, orientation, connection, number, etc. of the return members in fig. 11-14 are exemplary, and embodiments of the present disclosure may encompass any other manner of applying at least one return member in a magnetic lock-release mechanism. Furthermore, in a similar manner, the at least one return member may also be applied to a magnetic lock-release mechanism in which the movable member is a drum.

Although the movable member implemented by the slide bar in the magnetic lock-release mechanism discussed above in connection with fig. 2-8 employs a slide button to slide the movable member, embodiments of the present invention may also employ a click button to slide the movable member.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to an embodiment. In fig. 15, a click button for sliding the movable member is included in the movable member.

The view in fig. 15 shows the device connection and device disconnection between device 1510 and device 1520 using the attractive and repulsive forces generated by the magnetic lock-release mechanism, respectively.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may include a first magnet unit member mounted in the device 1510 and a second magnet unit member mounted in the device 1520. The first magnet unit member may include a set of fixed magnet units, e.g., fixed magnet units 1512 and 1514, and the second magnet unit member may include at least one set of movable magnet units, e.g., movable magnet units 1532, 1533, 1534, and 1535. The magnetic lock-release mechanism may also include a movable member 1530 mounted in the device 1520 and carrying the set of movable magnet units. The movable member 1530 may be movable between a first position and a second position. The movable member 1530 may also include a click button 1536 that protrudes from the movable member 1530 to the exterior of the device 1520. Further, the magnetic lock-release mechanism includes a return member 1502 mounted in the device 1520 and connected to a movable member 1530. Return member 1502 is connected at one end to device 1520 and return member 1502 is connected at the other end to movable member 1530.

In view 1500A, the movable member 1530 is in the first position, and accordingly, the set of movable magnet units is also in the first position. In this case, the fixed magnet units 1512 and 1514 may be aligned with the movable magnet units 1532 and 1534, respectively. In a first polarity configuration corresponding to the first position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 1512 and the movable magnet unit 1532 are set such that an attractive force can be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 1514 and the movable magnet unit 1534 are set such that an attractive force can be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other. The return member 1502 is in an original state and does not generate any force.

When the device 1510 and the device 1520 are aligned and placed close enough to each other, the attractive force between the fixed magnet unit 1512 and the movable magnet unit 1532, and the attractive force between the fixed magnet unit 1514 and the movable magnet unit 1534, will guide or facilitate the connection between the device 1510 and the device 1520. As shown in view 1500B, a device connection is achieved between device 1510 and device 1520 with the first and second magnet unit members in a locked state. The return member 1502 remains in the original state and does not generate any force.

In view 1500C, the click button 1536 is pushed or clicked to move the movable member 1530 from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, the set of movable magnet units also moves to the second position. In this case, the fixed magnet units 1512 and 1514 may be aligned with the movable magnet units 1533 and 1535, respectively. In the second polarity configuration corresponding to the second position, the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 1512 and the movable magnet unit 1533 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween, and the polarity directions of the fixed magnet unit 1514 and the movable magnet unit 1535 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween. The return member 1502 is in a contracted state and generates a pushing force in a direction from the second position to the first position.

The repulsive force between the fixed magnet unit 1512 and the movable magnet unit 1533, and the repulsive force between the fixed magnet unit 1514 and the movable magnet unit 1535, will guide or facilitate separation between the device 1510 and the device 1520. As shown in view 1500D, device separation is achieved between device 1510 and device 1520 with the first and second magnet unit members in a released state. The return member 1502 remains in the contracted state and generates a pushing force in the direction from the second position to the first position.

After the click button 1536 is released, as shown in view 1500E, the pushing force generated by the return member 1502 automatically returns the movable member 1530 from the second position to the original first position.

It should be understood that all of the elements and details of the magnetic lock-release mechanism of fig. 2-15 may be combined in various ways. Embodiments of the disclosure are intended to cover all such combinations and their equivalents.

As discussed above, in one implementation, the magnetic lock-release mechanism may be based in part on, for example, an electromagnet, and may generate an attractive force and a repulsive force, respectively, by changing the direction of current to the electromagnet.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may comprise two magnet unit members mounted on the two devices, respectively. The magnetic lock-release mechanism may comprise a first magnet unit member mounted in the first device and comprising a set of magnet units. The set of magnet units in the first magnet unit member may be, for example, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or the like. The magnetic lock-release mechanism may further comprise a second magnet unit member mounted in the second device and comprising a set of electromagnets. The different polarity configurations in the magnetic lock-release mechanism are obtainable by changing the current direction of the electromagnet. It is assumed that the magnetic lock-release mechanism can generate an attractive force in a first polarity configuration corresponding to a first current direction. For example, in the case where the group of electromagnets in the second magnet unit member is energized in the first current direction, there is an attractive force between the group of magnets in the first magnet unit member and the group of electromagnets in the second magnet unit member. The attractive force will bring the first and second magnet unit members into a locked state. It is assumed that the magnetic lock-release mechanism can generate a repulsive force in a second polarity configuration corresponding to the second current direction. For example, in a case where the group of electromagnets in the second magnet unit member is energized in the second current direction, there is a repulsive force between the group of magnets in the first magnet unit member and the group of electromagnets in the second magnet unit member. The repulsive force will cause the first and second magnet unit members to enter the released state.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary magnetic lock-release mechanism and an exemplary operation thereof, according to an embodiment. The magnetic lock-release mechanism may be based in part on an electromagnet.

The view in fig. 16 shows device connection and device disconnection between device 1610 and device 1620 utilizing the attractive and repulsive forces generated by the magnetic lock-release mechanism, respectively.

The magnetic lock-release mechanism may comprise a first magnet unit member mounted in the device 1610 and a second magnet unit member mounted in the device 1620. The first magnet unit member may include a set of magnet units, for example, magnet units 1612 and 1614. The second magnet unit member may include a set of electromagnets, for example, electromagnets 1632 and 1634. Each electromagnet is coupled to a coil, by means of which the electromagnet can be supplied with current, and the supplied current can cause a magnetic field in the electromagnet corresponding to the direction of the current. For example, electromagnet 1632 is coupled with coil 1633, and electromagnet 1634 is coupled with coil 1635. Magnet units 1612 and 1614 may be aligned with electromagnets 1632 and 1634, respectively.

In view 1600A, electromagnets 1632 and 1634 are energized in a first current direction. In a first polarity configuration corresponding to a first current direction, the polarity directions of magnet unit 1612 and electromagnet 1632 are arranged such that an attractive force can be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other, and the polarity directions of magnet unit 1614 and electromagnet 1634 are arranged such that an attractive force can be generated between them when they are sufficiently close to each other. As an example, magnet units 1612 and 1614 may have the same polarity direction.

When device 1610 and device 1620 are aligned and placed close enough to each other, the attractive force between magnet unit 1612 and electromagnet unit 1632 and the attractive force between magnet unit 1614 and electromagnet unit 1634 will guide or facilitate the connection between device 1610 and device 1620. These attractive forces will bring the first and second magnet unit members into a locked state, thereby effecting a device connection between device 1610 and device 1620. As shown in view 1600B, a device connection is made between device 1610 and device 1620, with the first and second magnet unit components in a locked state. In the locked state, the attractive force will further contribute to keeping the device connected.

In view 1600C, electromagnets 1632 and 1634 are energized in a second current direction that is different from the first current direction. In the second polarity configuration corresponding to the second current direction, the polarity directions of the magnet unit 1612 and the electromagnet 1632 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween, and the polarity directions of the magnet unit 1614 and the electromagnet 1634 are set so that a repulsive force can be generated therebetween.

The repulsive force between magnet unit 1612 and electromagnet 1632 and between magnet unit 1614 and electromagnet 1634 will guide or facilitate separation between device 1610 and device 1620. These repelling forces will cause the first and second magnet unit members to enter a released state, thereby effecting device separation between device 1610 and device 1620. As shown in view 1600D, device separation is achieved between device 1610 and device 1620, with the first and second magnet unit components in a released state. In the released state, the repelling force will further help, for example, to avoid an accidental connection between device 1610 and device 1620.

It is to be understood that the first magnet unit member may comprise more or fewer magnet units and the second magnet unit member may comprise more or fewer electronic units. Further, although magnet units 1612 and 1614 are shown to have the same polarity direction, they may have different polarity directions, and accordingly, electromagnets 1632 and 1634 may be energized in different current directions, respectively.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a magnetic lock-and-release mechanism comprising: a first magnet unit member installed in the first device and including a set of fixed magnet units; and a second magnet unit member installed in the second device and including at least one set of movable magnet units movable to the first position and the second position. In a case where the set of movable magnet units is located at the first position, there is an attractive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units. A repulsive force exists between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units with the set of movable magnet units in the second position.

In one implementation, the attractive force brings the first and second magnet unit members into a locked state with the set of movable magnet units in the first position. The repulsive force brings the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit member into a released state with the group of movable magnet units located at the second position.

In one implementation, the magnetic lock-release mechanism may further include: a movable member mounted in the second device and carrying the set of movable magnet units, wherein the movable member is movable to the first position and the second position.

The movable member may be movable by sliding or rotating. The movable member may be one of a slide bar, a turntable, or a drum. The movable member may include one of a slide button, a click button, and a rotation button.

In one implementation, the magnetic lock-release mechanism may further include: at least one return member mounted in the second device and connected to the movable member, wherein the return member is for automatically returning the movable member from the second position to the first position.

The return member generates a pushing force and/or a pulling force for returning the movable member to the first position with the movable member in the second position.

The return member may be made of an elastic material. The return member may be a spring.

In one implementation, the set of fixed magnet units may include at least a first magnet unit, and the set of movable magnet units may include at least a second magnet unit and a third magnet unit having alternating polarity directions.

In a case where the set of movable magnet units is located at the first position, the second magnet unit is aligned with the first magnet unit, and the attractive force exists between the second magnet unit and the first magnet unit. With the set of movable magnet units in the second position, the third magnet unit is aligned with the first magnet unit and the repulsive force exists between the third magnet unit and the first magnet unit.

In one implementation, the set of fixed magnet units may include at least first and second magnet units having alternating polarity directions, and the set of movable magnet units may include at least a third magnet unit.

In a case where the set of movable magnet units is located at the first position, the third magnet unit is aligned with the first magnet unit, and the attractive force exists between the third magnet unit and the first magnet unit. With the set of movable magnet units in the second position, the third magnet unit is aligned with the second magnet unit and the repulsive force exists between the third magnet unit and the second magnet unit.

In one implementation, the set of movable magnet units may be movable to a third position. A second repulsive force exists between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units with the set of movable magnet units in the third position.

In one implementation, the second magnet unit member may include at least one fixed magnet unit, and a second attractive force exists between the at least one fixed magnet unit in the second magnet unit member and an aligned magnet unit in the first magnet unit member.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a magnetic lock-and-release mechanism comprising: a first magnet unit member installed in the first device and including a set of magnet units; and a second magnet unit member installed in the second device and including a set of electromagnets. In the case where the set of electromagnets is energized in a first current direction, there is an attractive force between the set of magnet units and the set of electromagnets. With the set of electromagnets energized in a second current direction, there is a repulsive force between the set of magnet units and the set of electromagnets.

It is understood that all the technical details mentioned above are merely exemplary and the disclosure is not limited to any of these technical details, but rather it is intended to cover all other equivalent variations under the same or similar concepts.

In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this specification and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one" or "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

The above description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described herein that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the claims.

Claims (17)

1. A magnetic lock-and-release mechanism comprising:

a first magnet unit member installed in the first device and including a set of fixed magnet units; and

a second magnet unit member installed in the second device and including at least one set of movable magnet units movable to a first position and a second position,

wherein, in a case where the set of movable magnet units is located at the first position, there is an attractive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units, and

in the case where the set of movable magnet units is located at the second position, there is a repulsive force between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units.

2. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 1,

the attractive force brings the first and second magnet unit members into a locked state with the set of movable magnet units in the first position, and

the repulsive force brings the first magnet unit member and the second magnet unit member into a released state with the group of movable magnet units located at the second position.

3. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:

a movable member mounted in the second device and carrying the set of movable magnet units, wherein the movable member is movable to the first position and the second position.

4. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 3,

the movable member is movable by sliding or rotating.

5. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 3,

the movable member is one of a slide bar, a turntable, or a drum.

6. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 3,

the movable member includes one of a slide button, a click button, and a rotation button.

7. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 3, further comprising:

at least one return member mounted in the second device and connected to the movable member, wherein the return member is for automatically returning the movable member from the second position to the first position.

8. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 7,

the return member generates a pushing force and/or a pulling force for returning the movable member to the first position with the movable member in the second position.

9. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 7,

the return member is made of an elastic material.

10. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 9,

the return member is a spring.

11. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 1,

the set of fixed magnet units includes at least a first magnet unit, and

the set of movable magnet units comprises at least a second magnet unit and a third magnet unit having alternating polarity directions.

12. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 11,

with the set of movable magnet units in the first position, the second magnet unit is aligned with the first magnet unit and the attractive force exists between the second magnet unit and the first magnet unit, and

with the set of movable magnet units in the second position, the third magnet unit is aligned with the first magnet unit and the repulsive force exists between the third magnet unit and the first magnet unit.

13. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 1,

the set of fixed magnet units comprises at least a first magnet unit and a second magnet unit having alternating polarity directions, and

the set of movable magnet units includes at least a third magnet unit.

14. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 13,

with the set of movable magnet units in the first position, the third magnet unit is aligned with the first magnet unit and the attractive force exists between the third magnet unit and the first magnet unit, and

with the set of movable magnet units in the second position, the third magnet unit is aligned with the second magnet unit and the repulsive force exists between the third magnet unit and the second magnet unit.

15. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 1,

the set of movable magnet units is movable to a third position, an

A second repulsive force exists between the set of fixed magnet units and the set of movable magnet units with the set of movable magnet units in the third position.

16. The magnetic lock-release mechanism of claim 1,

the second magnet unit member includes at least one fixed magnet unit, and

a second attractive force exists between the at least one fixed magnet unit in the second magnet unit member and the aligned magnet unit in the first magnet unit member.

17. A magnetic lock-and-release mechanism comprising:

a first magnet unit member installed in the first device and including a set of magnet units; and

a second magnet unit member installed in the second device and including a set of electromagnets,

wherein, in a case where the group of electromagnets is energized in a first current direction, there is an attractive force between the group of magnet units and the group of electromagnets, and

with the set of electromagnets energized in a second current direction, there is a repulsive force between the set of magnet units and the set of electromagnets.

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