EP3469661A1 - User interface service transfer system - Google Patents

User interface service transfer system

Info

Publication number
EP3469661A1
EP3469661A1 EP17713265.1A EP17713265A EP3469661A1 EP 3469661 A1 EP3469661 A1 EP 3469661A1 EP 17713265 A EP17713265 A EP 17713265A EP 3469661 A1 EP3469661 A1 EP 3469661A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
buttons
magnets
counter surface
elements
user interface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP17713265.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Gwydion AP DAFYDD
Daniel BÜTTNER
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Meta Platforms Inc
Original Assignee
Lofelt GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lofelt GmbH filed Critical Lofelt GmbH
Publication of EP3469661A1 publication Critical patent/EP3469661A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/6205—Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
    • H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
    • H01R11/30—End pieces held in contact by a magnet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H01R13/703—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part
    • H01R13/7036—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling
    • H01R13/7037—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling making use of a magnetically operated switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0042—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a user interface service transfer system, wherein the service transfer can include electrical charging, data transfer etc.
  • the system is useful for a variety of applications and, in particular, for small devices such as a wearable sound reproduction device, a miniature vibrotactile device for high-definition haptic feedback to create immersive experiences for video, gaming, music and other immersive experiences etc.
  • a wide variety of systems for charging, data and other service transfer between two separate devices such as computers, mobile phones, power sources etc. is known in the art. Some of these systems operate wirelessly, others use a direct physical connection between the two devices.
  • DE 10 2012 008 140 Al discloses an electronic apparatus and a detachable connector, wherein the electronic apparatus has a first magnetic element and a set of first terminals both of which are located in an accommodating cavity and wherein the detachable connector has a body portion and an inserting portion provided with a second magnetic element and a set of second terminals and adapted to be inserted into the accommodating cavity of the electronic apparatus.
  • the detachable connector has one functionality only, namely an electrical service feed, when the detachable connector and the electronic apparatus are connected.
  • EP 2 736 127 Al discloses a cable connector for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a connector port, one or more magnet coupling parts each being disposed around the connector port, a cable connector device removably coupled to the connector port, and one or more magnet coupling bodies each being installed in the cable connector device and having the same polarity as each of the one or more magnet coupling parts.
  • Each of the one or more magnet coupling parts and each of the one or more magnet coupling bodies are disposed in positions where they are pushed by repulsive force when the cable connector device is mounted in a reverse direction.
  • the connector port only has one functionality.
  • US 2014/ 0065847 Al discloses a device with an attachment area and a contact array at a coupling face, wherein the contact array comprises one or more magnets and a plurality of terminals disposed on the coupling face. A periphery of the one or more magnets and the plurality of terminals defines a coupling area, wherein the attachment area is larger than and independent of the coupling area.
  • a coupling area and an attachment array are disclosed, their only function being to couple with each other. There is no additional function when the areas are disengaged, for example, like the possibility of receiving user input.
  • US 2006/0145663 Al discloses a number of device interfaces that may use magnetic forces to secure different devices together, wherein magnetic forces may be exerted on and from the electrical contact elements to cause mutually cooperating elements from the devices to be substantially attracted and drawn towards each other. Additionally, the distal ends of the contact elements may have mutually cooperating male and female engagement surface configurations. However, like in the cases above, only one functionality of the contact elements is disclosed.
  • US 2014/ 0362510 Al discloses an information processing apparatus including a first device including a display unit, a second device configured to perform at least one of input and output of information and to perform transfer of the information to /from the first device by communication, wherein a wrong orientation detection part is configured to detect whether the first and second devices overlap with each other in a correct orientation.
  • the first device includes a plurality of first magnets and the second device includes a plurality of second magnets, wherein the first and second devices are locked to each other by the attraction force of the first and second magnets when the first and second devices overlap with each other.
  • there is no additional function when the devices are disengaged for example, like the possibility of receiving user input.
  • Fig. 1A shows a top view of the user interface service transfer system with both devices apart
  • Fig. IB shows the system of Fig. 1 A with both devices brought together;
  • Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of the user interface service transfer system of with both devices apart;
  • Fig. 2B shows the system of Fig. 2A with both devices brought together;
  • Fig. 3A shows a top view of the user interface service transfer system in a cross section with both devices apart;
  • Fig. 3B shows the system of Fig. 3A with both devices brought together;
  • Fig. 4 shows a schematic top view of the user interface service transfer system with both devices apart.
  • the present invention provides a user interface service transfer system, comprising a first device with a user interface having at least two buttons protruding outwardly from the interface and for receiving user input, characterized by a second device comprising a counter surface having at least two elements and alignment means, wherein the at least two buttons comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a first service circuitry in the first device and the at least two elements comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a second service circuitry in the second device, and wherein the at least two buttons and the at least two elements are arranged in such a way that each of the at least two buttons faces one of the at least two elements and electrically interconnects therewith when the user interface and the counter surface are brought together and aligned by the alignment means such that an electrical service feed can be performed between the first and the second circuitry via the at least two buttons and the at least two elements.
  • a system for charging, data or other service transfer between two separate devices uses a direct physical connection instead of a wireless connection of the devices it must comprise dedicated interfaces such as plugs and sockets etc. on each device for enabling the service transfer between the two devices.
  • Such a system has to be used, for example, for electrical charging of the battery of a device.
  • the present invention starts from this fact that dedicated physical interfaces have to be used, for example, for charging one device via another, but takes this approach one step further by the inventive idea to reduce the number of total interfaces on a device by using a user interface on the device also for additional service transfer (such as charging).
  • a user interface on the device also for additional service transfer (such as charging).
  • the reduction of the number of interfaces can be of crucial importance. Any measure enabling the reduction of the dimensions of the device is most valuable.
  • Figs. 1A, 2A, 3A and 4 show the inventive user interface charging system in a view where the two devices involved are separated.
  • the system comprises a first device 1 with a user interface 2 having two buttons 3, 4 for receiving user input and protruding outwardly from the interface.
  • the buttons 3, 4 can be tactile switches moving inside when pressed or capacitive switches and can serve to control, for example, the volume in case the first device 1 is a sound reproduction device or a wrist device for high-definition haptic feedback to create immersive experiences for video, gaming, music and other immersive experiences using a vibratory actuator as disclosed in applicant's DE 10 2015 111 527.1 and DE 10 2016 108 690.8.
  • the system further comprises a second device 5 with a counter surface 6, wherein the second device 5 can be a sender wirelessly sending sound signals to the wrist device 1 for high-definition haptic feedback to create immersive experiences for video, gaming, music and other immersive experiences using a vibratory actuator.
  • the second device 5 can be a sender wirelessly sending sound signals to the wrist device 1 for high-definition haptic feedback to create immersive experiences for video, gaming, music and other immersive experiences using a vibratory actuator.
  • the devices 1 and 2 are brought together the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are facing each other, wherein alignment means are used to enable the correct contact between the user interface 2 and counter surface 6, i.e., prevent a wrong orientation between the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6.
  • the alignment means can take many different forms.
  • Mechanical alignment means can comprise, for example, protrusions on one of the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 and matching recesses on the other one of the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6, they can comprise similar geometries of the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 such that one mirrors the shape or contour of the other etc.
  • the alignment means can also be non-mechanical comprising, for example, two magnets with opposite polarities on each of the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 which are arranged in such a way that each of two interface magnets 13, 13' faces one of two counter surface magnets 14, 14' when the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are brought together, wherein - as a result of the different polarities - the interface magnets 13, 13' and the counter surface magnets 14, 14' only attract each other when the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are brought together in a certain orientation, thereby only admitting a specific orientation of the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 relative to each other. Combinations of different alignment means are also possible.
  • the magnets 13, 13" and 14, 14" are also used to hold the two devices 1 and 5 together. Accordingly, an embodiment wherein mechanical alignment means such as, for example, protrusions and recesses on the user interface 2 and on the counter surface 6, resp., are combined with one magnet per user interface 2 and counter surface 6 is possible.
  • the user interface 2 has a first magnet 13 with a first polarity and the counter surface 6 has a second magnet 14 with a second opposite polarity.
  • the first magnet 13 and the second magnet 14 are arranged in such a way that they face and attract each other when the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are brought together and aligned by the alignment means, thereby holding the first 1 and second 5 devices together. When no magnets are used, a snap-fit connection between the two devices can be used, for example.
  • the counter surface 6 of the second device 5 furthermore comprises two elements 7, 8 which are arranged in such a way that each of them faces one of the two buttons 3, 4 on the user interface 2 of the first device 1 when the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are brought together and aligned by the alignment means.
  • the two buttons 3, 4 on the user interface 2 of the first device 1 comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a first service circuitry 9 in the first device and the two elements 7, 8 on the counter surface 6 of the second device 5 comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a second service circuitry 10 in the second device 5.
  • buttons 3, 4 and the elements 7, 8 are electrically interconnected with each other such that an electrical service feed can be performed between the first 9 circuitry of the first device 1 and the second circuitry 10 of the second device via the at least two buttons 3, 4 and the at least two elements 7, 8.
  • the electrical service feed between their respective circuitries 9 and 10 can be a charging operation from sender 2 to wrist device 1 when the first circuit 9 in the wrist device 1 is, for example, a battery and the second circuitry 10 in the sender 2 is connected to a power source 15.
  • the sender 2 can be charged itself as well as used for charging the wrist device 1.
  • the wrist device 1 does not need to have an additional interface dedicated to charging - instead, its already existing user interface with the volume buttons 3, 4 is also used for charging the wrist device 1.
  • one of the first 9 and second 10 service circuitries can be a power and/ or data supplying unit and the other of the first 9 and second 10 service circuitry can be a power and/ or data receiving unit.
  • the first circuitry 9 in the first device 1 can be the power and / or data receiving unit and the second circuitry 10 can be the power and/ or data supplying unit such that power and/ or data are transferred from the second device 2 to the first device 1 or vice versa.
  • the two elements 7, 8 on the counter surface 6 of the second device 5 can further comprise cavities 11, 12 for receiving the two buttons 3, 4 on the user interface 2 of the first device 1 such that there is no gap between the first device 1 and the second device 5 when the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are brought together and aligned by the alignment means.
  • two magnets 13, 13' and 14, 14' are provided on the user interface 2 and on the counter surface 6, resp., they can be placed behind the two buttons 3, 4 and the two elements 6, 7, resp.; in particular, the magnets 13, 13' can be placed inside the button cups of the buttons 3, 4.
  • buttons 3, 4 and elements 7, 8 permits the magnetic field of the magnets 13, 13' and 14, 14' to pass therethrough.
  • a suitable material is stainless steel such as, for example, SUS316. It should also be noted that the number of buttons, elements and magnets is not limited to two.

Abstract

A user interface service transfer system is disclosed, comprising a first device (1) with a user interface (2) having at least two buttons (3, 4) protruding outwardly from the interface and for receiving user input, characterized by a second device (5) comprising a counter surface (6) having at least two elements (7, 8) and alignment means, wherein the at least two buttons (3, 4) comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a first service circuitry (9) in the first device and the at least two elements (7, 8) comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a second service circuitry (10) in the second device (5), and wherein the at least two buttons (3, 4) and the at least two elements (7, 8) are arranged in such a way that each of the at least two buttons (3, 4) faces one of the at least two elements (7, 8) and electrically interconnects therewith when the user interface (2) and the counter surface (6) are brought together and aligned by the alignment means such that an electrical service feed can be performed between the first (9) and the second (10) circuitry via the at least two buttons (3, 4) and the at least two elements (7, 8).

Description

User interface service transfer system
Field of the invention
The present invention is directed to a user interface service transfer system, wherein the service transfer can include electrical charging, data transfer etc. The system is useful for a variety of applications and, in particular, for small devices such as a wearable sound reproduction device, a miniature vibrotactile device for high-definition haptic feedback to create immersive experiences for video, gaming, music and other immersive experiences etc.
Background and prior art
A wide variety of systems for charging, data and other service transfer between two separate devices such as computers, mobile phones, power sources etc. is known in the art. Some of these systems operate wirelessly, others use a direct physical connection between the two devices. The latter systems - which have to be used, for example, for electrical charging of the battery of a device - comprise dedicated interfaces such as plugs and sockets etc. for enabling the service transfer between the two devices.
DE 10 2012 008 140 Al discloses an electronic apparatus and a detachable connector, wherein the electronic apparatus has a first magnetic element and a set of first terminals both of which are located in an accommodating cavity and wherein the detachable connector has a body portion and an inserting portion provided with a second magnetic element and a set of second terminals and adapted to be inserted into the accommodating cavity of the electronic apparatus. However, the detachable connector has one functionality only, namely an electrical service feed, when the detachable connector and the electronic apparatus are connected. DE 20 2013 101 Oil Ul discloses a magnetic plug-in connection comprising a first connector and a second connector which are coupled to one another for producing a data and /or power connection, wherein both connectors form a magnetic device attracting the connectors to each other and wherein the first connector has a first supported contact spring which is supported by a contact pin, the contact spring having a first connection line and touching the first contact pin. However, only a possible data and / or power connection is disclosed but not the possibility of receiving user input when the first and second connectors are disengaged.
EP 2 736 127 Al discloses a cable connector for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a connector port, one or more magnet coupling parts each being disposed around the connector port, a cable connector device removably coupled to the connector port, and one or more magnet coupling bodies each being installed in the cable connector device and having the same polarity as each of the one or more magnet coupling parts. Each of the one or more magnet coupling parts and each of the one or more magnet coupling bodies are disposed in positions where they are pushed by repulsive force when the cable connector device is mounted in a reverse direction. However, the connector port only has one functionality.
US 2014/ 0065847 Al discloses a device with an attachment area and a contact array at a coupling face, wherein the contact array comprises one or more magnets and a plurality of terminals disposed on the coupling face. A periphery of the one or more magnets and the plurality of terminals defines a coupling area, wherein the attachment area is larger than and independent of the coupling area. However, only a coupling area and an attachment array are disclosed, their only function being to couple with each other. There is no additional function when the areas are disengaged, for example, like the possibility of receiving user input. US 2006/0145663 Al discloses a number of device interfaces that may use magnetic forces to secure different devices together, wherein magnetic forces may be exerted on and from the electrical contact elements to cause mutually cooperating elements from the devices to be substantially attracted and drawn towards each other. Additionally, the distal ends of the contact elements may have mutually cooperating male and female engagement surface configurations. However, like in the cases above, only one functionality of the contact elements is disclosed.
US 2014/ 0362510 Al discloses an information processing apparatus including a first device including a display unit, a second device configured to perform at least one of input and output of information and to perform transfer of the information to /from the first device by communication, wherein a wrong orientation detection part is configured to detect whether the first and second devices overlap with each other in a correct orientation. The first device includes a plurality of first magnets and the second device includes a plurality of second magnets, wherein the first and second devices are locked to each other by the attraction force of the first and second magnets when the first and second devices overlap with each other. However, there is no additional function when the devices are disengaged, for example, like the possibility of receiving user input.
Accordingly, all prior art systems use dedicated interfaces to enable the service transfer which results in additional costs and, in particular, additional space required for the interfaces involved. The latter aspect can pose a severe problem when at least one of the devices involved in the service transfer is small and does not offer much space for providing the interfaces. An example for such a small device is a wrist device for high-definition haptic feedback to create immersive experiences for video, gaming, music and other immersive experiences using a vibratory actuator as disclosed in applicant's DE 10 2015 111 527.1 and DE 10 2016 108 690.8. Furthermore, interfaces are generally prone to collecting dirt, dust, liquids etc. and often are not aesthetically pleasing due to the technical elements they comprise (pins etc.) such that interfaces are sometimes covered by additional means when not in use.
Accordingly, it is generally desirable to reduce the number of interfaces on devices. In particular, there is a need for a service transfer system which reduces the number of interfaces and, thus, does not only save costs but, in particular, space which is an issue in the case of small devices. Furthermore, the reduction of interfaces reduces the risk of gathering dirt etc. therein.
Brief description of the drawings
Fig. 1A shows a top view of the user interface service transfer system with both devices apart;
Fig. IB shows the system of Fig. 1 A with both devices brought together; Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of the user interface service transfer system of with both devices apart;
Fig. 2B shows the system of Fig. 2A with both devices brought together; Fig. 3A shows a top view of the user interface service transfer system in a cross section with both devices apart;
Fig. 3B shows the system of Fig. 3A with both devices brought together; Fig. 4 shows a schematic top view of the user interface service transfer system with both devices apart.
Summary of the invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a service transfer system which reduces the number of interfaces and, thus, does not only save costs but also space such that the system is useful particularly for small devices where space is an issue. Furthermore, the risk of collecting dirt in the interfaces is reduced. The present invention provides a user interface service transfer system, comprising a first device with a user interface having at least two buttons protruding outwardly from the interface and for receiving user input, characterized by a second device comprising a counter surface having at least two elements and alignment means, wherein the at least two buttons comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a first service circuitry in the first device and the at least two elements comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a second service circuitry in the second device, and wherein the at least two buttons and the at least two elements are arranged in such a way that each of the at least two buttons faces one of the at least two elements and electrically interconnects therewith when the user interface and the counter surface are brought together and aligned by the alignment means such that an electrical service feed can be performed between the first and the second circuitry via the at least two buttons and the at least two elements.
Further advantageous features can be obtained from the specification and the claims.
Detailed description of the preferred embodiments
If a system for charging, data or other service transfer between two separate devices (such as computers, mobile phones, power sources etc.) uses a direct physical connection instead of a wireless connection of the devices it must comprise dedicated interfaces such as plugs and sockets etc. on each device for enabling the service transfer between the two devices. Such a system has to be used, for example, for electrical charging of the battery of a device.
The present invention starts from this fact that dedicated physical interfaces have to be used, for example, for charging one device via another, but takes this approach one step further by the inventive idea to reduce the number of total interfaces on a device by using a user interface on the device also for additional service transfer (such as charging). When space is an issue - which is the case for small devices such as, for example, small music reproduction devices or applicant's wrist device for high-definition haptic feedback to create immersive experiences for video, gaming, music and other immersive experiences using a vibratory actuator - the reduction of the number of interfaces can be of crucial importance. Any measure enabling the reduction of the dimensions of the device is most valuable.
Figs. 1A, 2A, 3A and 4 show the inventive user interface charging system in a view where the two devices involved are separated. The system comprises a first device 1 with a user interface 2 having two buttons 3, 4 for receiving user input and protruding outwardly from the interface. The buttons 3, 4 can be tactile switches moving inside when pressed or capacitive switches and can serve to control, for example, the volume in case the first device 1 is a sound reproduction device or a wrist device for high-definition haptic feedback to create immersive experiences for video, gaming, music and other immersive experiences using a vibratory actuator as disclosed in applicant's DE 10 2015 111 527.1 and DE 10 2016 108 690.8.
The system further comprises a second device 5 with a counter surface 6, wherein the second device 5 can be a sender wirelessly sending sound signals to the wrist device 1 for high-definition haptic feedback to create immersive experiences for video, gaming, music and other immersive experiences using a vibratory actuator. When the devices 1 and 2 are brought together the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are facing each other, wherein alignment means are used to enable the correct contact between the user interface 2 and counter surface 6, i.e., prevent a wrong orientation between the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6. The alignment means can take many different forms. Mechanical alignment means can comprise, for example, protrusions on one of the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 and matching recesses on the other one of the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6, they can comprise similar geometries of the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 such that one mirrors the shape or contour of the other etc. The alignment means can also be non-mechanical comprising, for example, two magnets with opposite polarities on each of the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 which are arranged in such a way that each of two interface magnets 13, 13' faces one of two counter surface magnets 14, 14' when the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are brought together, wherein - as a result of the different polarities - the interface magnets 13, 13' and the counter surface magnets 14, 14' only attract each other when the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are brought together in a certain orientation, thereby only admitting a specific orientation of the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 relative to each other. Combinations of different alignment means are also possible.
The magnets 13, 13" and 14, 14" are also used to hold the two devices 1 and 5 together. Accordingly, an embodiment wherein mechanical alignment means such as, for example, protrusions and recesses on the user interface 2 and on the counter surface 6, resp., are combined with one magnet per user interface 2 and counter surface 6 is possible. In this case, the user interface 2 has a first magnet 13 with a first polarity and the counter surface 6 has a second magnet 14 with a second opposite polarity. The first magnet 13 and the second magnet 14 are arranged in such a way that they face and attract each other when the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are brought together and aligned by the alignment means, thereby holding the first 1 and second 5 devices together. When no magnets are used, a snap-fit connection between the two devices can be used, for example.
The counter surface 6 of the second device 5 furthermore comprises two elements 7, 8 which are arranged in such a way that each of them faces one of the two buttons 3, 4 on the user interface 2 of the first device 1 when the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are brought together and aligned by the alignment means. The two buttons 3, 4 on the user interface 2 of the first device 1 comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a first service circuitry 9 in the first device and the two elements 7, 8 on the counter surface 6 of the second device 5 comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a second service circuitry 10 in the second device 5. Accordingly, when the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are brought together and aligned by the alignment means, the buttons 3, 4 and the elements 7, 8 are electrically interconnected with each other such that an electrical service feed can be performed between the first 9 circuitry of the first device 1 and the second circuitry 10 of the second device via the at least two buttons 3, 4 and the at least two elements 7, 8.
In case the first 1 and second 5 devices are the wrist device and sender, resp., mentioned above, the electrical service feed between their respective circuitries 9 and 10 can be a charging operation from sender 2 to wrist device 1 when the first circuit 9 in the wrist device 1 is, for example, a battery and the second circuitry 10 in the sender 2 is connected to a power source 15. In this way, the sender 2 can be charged itself as well as used for charging the wrist device 1. As a result, the wrist device 1 does not need to have an additional interface dedicated to charging - instead, its already existing user interface with the volume buttons 3, 4 is also used for charging the wrist device 1.
Other service feeds and transfer directions are also possible, of course.
Generally, one of the first 9 and second 10 service circuitries can be a power and/ or data supplying unit and the other of the first 9 and second 10 service circuitry can be a power and/ or data receiving unit. For example, the first circuitry 9 in the first device 1 can be the power and / or data receiving unit and the second circuitry 10 can be the power and/ or data supplying unit such that power and/ or data are transferred from the second device 2 to the first device 1 or vice versa.
Further aspects can be included in the inventive user interface charging system. For example, the two elements 7, 8 on the counter surface 6 of the second device 5 can further comprise cavities 11, 12 for receiving the two buttons 3, 4 on the user interface 2 of the first device 1 such that there is no gap between the first device 1 and the second device 5 when the user interface 2 and the counter surface 6 are brought together and aligned by the alignment means. Furthermore, in case two magnets 13, 13' and 14, 14' are provided on the user interface 2 and on the counter surface 6, resp., they can be placed behind the two buttons 3, 4 and the two elements 6, 7, resp.; in particular, the magnets 13, 13' can be placed inside the button cups of the buttons 3, 4. In this case, it must be ensured that the conductive material of the buttons 3, 4 and elements 7, 8 permits the magnetic field of the magnets 13, 13' and 14, 14' to pass therethrough. A suitable material is stainless steel such as, for example, SUS316. It should also be noted that the number of buttons, elements and magnets is not limited to two.

Claims

C L A I M S
1. A system comprising a first device (1) with a user interface (2) having at least two buttons (3, 4) protruding outwardly from the interface and for receiving user input,
characterized by
a second device (5) comprising a counter surface (6) having at least two elements (7, 8) and
alignment means,
wherein the at least two buttons (3, 4) comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a first service circuitry (9) in the first device and the at least two elements (7, 8) comprise an electrically conductive material and are connected to a second service circuitry (10) in the second device (5), and
wherein the at least two buttons (3, 4) and the at least two elements (7, 8) are arranged in such a way that each of the at least two buttons (3, 4) faces one of the at least two elements (7, 8) and electrically interconnects therewith when the user interface (2) and the counter surface (6) are brought together and aligned by the alignment means such that an electrical service feed can be performed between the first (9) and the second (10) circuitry via the at least two buttons (3, 4) and the at least two elements (7, 8).
2. System according to claim 1, wherein the at least two buttons (3, 4) are tactile switches which move inside when pressed or capacitive touch switches.
3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two elements (7, 8) further comprise cavities (11, 12) for receiving the at least two buttons (3, 4) such that there is no gap between the first device (1) and the second device (5) when the user interface (2) and the counter surface (6) are brought together and aligned by the alignment means.
4. System according to one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the interface (2) has a first magnet (13) with a first polarity and the counter surface (6) has a second magnet (14) with a second opposite polarity, and wherein the first magnet (13) and the second magnet (14) are arranged in such a way that they face and attract each other when the user interface (2) and the counter surface (6) are brought together and aligned by the alignment means, thereby holding the first (1) and second (5) devices together.
5. System according to one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the interface (2) has at least two magnets (13, 13') with opposite polarities and the counter surface (6) has at least two magnets (14, 14') with opposite polarities, wherein the at least two interface magnets (13, 13') and the at least two counter surface magnets (14, 14') are arranged in such a way that each of the at least two interface magnets (13, 13') faces one of the at least two counter surface magnets (14, 14') when the user interface (2) and the counter surface (6) are brought together, and wherein the interface magnets (13, 13') and the counter surface magnets (14, 14') only attract each other when the interface (2) and the counter surface (6) are brought together in a certain orientation, thereby aligning and holding the first (1) and second (5) devices together and guiding the electrical orientation of the buttons (3, 4) and the elements (6, 7).
6. System according to claim 5, wherein each of the at least two magnets (13, 13') is placed behind one of the at least two buttons (3, 4) and each of the two magnets (14, 14') is placed behind one of the at least two elements (6, 7).
7. System according to claim 6, wherein the at least two magnets (13, 13') are placed inside the button cups of the at least two buttons (3, 4) and the at least two magnets (14, 14') are placed behind the at least two elements (6, 7), and wherein at least two buttons (3, 4) and the at least two elements (6, 7) are made from a material allowing the magnetic field of the at least two magnets (13, 13') and the at least two magnets (14, 14') to pass therethrough.
8. System according to claim 7, wherein the at least two buttons (3, 4) and the at least two elements (6, 7) are made from stainless steel.
9. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment means comprise protrusions and recesses on the interface (2) and on the counter surface (6), resp.
10. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment means comprise means for allowing only a certain orientation of the interface (2) and the counter surface (6) relative to each other.
11. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first (9) and second (10) service circuitries is a power and /or data supplying unit and the other of the first (9) and second (10) service circuitries is a power and/ or data receiving unit.
12. System according to claim 11, wherein the first circuitry (9) is the power and/ or data receiving unit and the second circuitry (10) is the power and/ or data supplying unit.
13. System according to claim 12, wherein the power receiving unit is a battery and the power supplying unit is connected to an electric power source (15).
14. System according to claim 13, wherein the first device (1) is a wrist device comprising a vibratory actuator, wherein the buttons (3, 4) are volume buttons, and wherein the second device (5) is a sender wirelessly sending sound signals to the wrist device, such that the wrist device is electrically charged by the sender when the user interface (2) and the counter surface (6) are brought together and aligned by the alignment means.
EP17713265.1A 2016-06-10 2017-03-23 User interface service transfer system Pending EP3469661A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016110699.2A DE102016110699A1 (en) 2016-06-10 2016-06-10 User Interface Services Transfer System
PCT/EP2017/056970 WO2017211475A1 (en) 2016-06-10 2017-03-23 User interface service transfer system

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EP3469661A1 true EP3469661A1 (en) 2019-04-17

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EP (1) EP3469661A1 (en)
DE (1) DE102016110699A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2017211475A1 (en)

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WO2017211475A1 (en) 2017-12-14

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