EP4747941A1

EP4747941A1 - Docking unit, connector unit, and dc power supply assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4747941A1
Application number: EP24743923.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Paul OTTO; Willem Nicolaas LEENDERTSE
Original assignee: Smarter Living BV
Current assignee: Smarter Living BV
Priority date: 2023-07-17
Filing date: 2024-07-11
Publication date: 2026-05-27
Also published as: WO2025018879A1; CN121532910A; NL2035404B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a docking unit (1) for a DC power supply allowing continuous power supply to an electrical device or charging of an electrical device if the docking unit is associated with the DC power supply. The docking unit comprises a first housing (2) provided with a docking space (4) for receiving a magnetic plug part (28) of a connector unit (26) if the docking unit is in use. The docking unit comprises a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) for establishing a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit. The invention also relates to a connector unit (26) that is compatible with the docking unit according to the invention, and to a DC power supply assembly (47) comprising the docking unit (1) and the connector unit (26) according to the invention.

Description

DOCKING UNIT, CONNECTOR UNIT, AND DC POWER SUPPLY ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a docking unit for a DC power supply allowing continuous power supply to an electrical device or charging of an electrical device if the docking unit is associated with the DC power supply. The present invention also relates to a connector unit that is compatible with the docking unit according to the invention, and to a DC power supply assembly comprising the docking unit and the connector unit according to the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, USB-based power supply whether it involves continuous power supply or charging has become a commodity for a wide variety of electrical devices ranging from for example smart phones, tablets, computers, picture frames, reading lights, digital smart clocks, displays, thermostats, cameras, toothbrushes to smart home automation products and Internet of Things (loT) products in general. Typically, every different electrical device requires a dedicated USB-based power supply for continuous power supply or charging purposes, and a wired or wireless connection solution for electrically interconnecting the USB-based power supply and the electrical device. As electrical devices can comprise anyone of the many different connector types, e.g. USB-A, USB-B, USB 3.0, USB mini, USB micro, USB micro B, or USB-C, wired connection solutions often require adapters to allow connecting an electrical device and a USB-based power supply that have incompatible receptacles. USB-C has many advantageous properties, e.g. USB-C is more compact than its predecessors, has a rotationally symmetrical design allowing the connector to be inserted into a receptacle in either orientation, and is compatible with a number of connector types such as USB-A and HDMI. As USB-C has become a standard, the application of the other connector types has decreased and therefore also the need for adapters allowing the connection of different connector types.

Despite the advantages provided by USB-C, known USB-based power supplies suffer from a poor user experience due to for example poor positioning capabilities and performance of an electrical device while being powered or charged. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a docking unit for a DC power supply, e.g. a USB-based power supply, allowing continuous power supply to an electrical device or charging of an electrical device if the docking unit is associated with the DC power supply that enables an improved user experience compared to DC power supplies, e.g. USB-based power supplies, known in the art in terms of for example stability of positioning of an electrical device while being powered or charged, versatility of positioning of the electrical device, and reliability of the connection between the electrical device and the DC power supply.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector unit that is compatible with the docking unit according to the invention.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a DC power supply assembly comprising the docking unit and the connector unit according to the invention for allowing continuous power supply to an electrical device or charging of an electrical device that is connected with the connector unit.

Aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features from the independent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims. Furthermore, all features may be replaced with other technically equivalent features.

At least one of the abovementioned objects is achieved by a docking unit for a DC power supply, the docking unit being configured to allow continuous power supply to an electrical device or charging of an electrical device if the docking unit is associated with a DC power supply, the docking unit comprising a first housing that is provided with a docking space for receiving a magnetic plug part of a connector unit if the docking unit is in use, the first housing comprising a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism that is configured and arranged to allow establishment of a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit. In this way, the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism of the docking unit according to the invention enables secure magnetic and mechanical mounting of an electrical device that needs to be continuously powered or charged. Electrical devices, even those having a higher mass, can securely be mounted and positioned in a desirable orientation, e.g. portrait or landscape, while being continuously powered or charged. Moreover, the secure mounting of the electrical device enables using the device while it is being powered or charged. It is noted that the docking unit according to the invention can be directly connected with a DC power supply for example if the DC power supply is arranged in a wall outlet. In other applications the DC power supply can be arranged further away from the docking unit according to the invention, for example if the docking unit is arranged in a motorcycle mount, a bike mount, in a mount on a boat, in a mount in a truck or in a mount in a train. Also in those situations the docking unit can ensure a stable and/or fixed connection of the electrical device that survives motion and shocks, while continuously supplying power to the electrical device.

Based on the above, it is noted that the docking unit according to the present invention enables an improved user experience in terms of for example stability of positioning of an electrical device while being powered or charged, versatility of positioning of the electrical device, and reliability of the connection between the electrical device and the DC power supply for DC power supplies that are associated with the docking unit according to the invention compared to DC power supplies known in the art.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the magnetomechanical locking mechanism is configured and arranged to allow magnetically- induced alignment of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit relative to each other. In this way, a smooth insertion of the magnetic plug part into the docking space can be achieved. In addition, the magnetically-induced alignment can provide the user with tactile feedback indicating that the magnetic plug part and the docking space of the docking unit are positioned in such a way relative to each other that smooth insertion should be possible. This is especially convenient if a user’s view on the magnetic plug part and the docking unit is at least partially blocked by the electrical device. This can for example be the case for electrical devices having a large housing for example a large display. It will be clear that the magnetically-induced alignment provided by the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism of the docking unit further improves the user experience.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the magnetomechanical locking mechanism comprises a first set of locking components, the first set of locking components comprising a first mechanical locking element and a first magnet, the first mechanical locking element and the first magnet being arranged relative to the docking space and relative to each other to allow the first mechanical locking element and the first magnet to be in a first magnetic retaining connection, wherein as a result of the first magnetic retaining connection, the first mechanical locking element is arranged to partially extend into the docking space at a first location for allowing establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit, wherein the first magnet allows magnetically- induced alignment of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit. In this way, the docking unit is provided with the smallest possible number of components with which the advantages of the docking unit according to the present invention can still be achieved.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the first housing comprises a first wall part that is configured and arranged to provide a back plate for the docking space, and a first side wall part that is arranged in contact with the first wall part, the first side wall part being configured to provide a circular side wall surrounding the docking space, the first side wall part being provided with a first opening that is configured and arranged to allow a first part of the first mechanical locking element to extend into the docking space at the first location, and to retain a second part of the first mechanical locking element behind the first side wall part, and wherein the first housing is provided with a first guideway that is configured and arranged to contain the first mechanical locking element, and to allow movement of the first mechanical locking element between a first position in which the first part of the first mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space via the first opening in the first side wall part, and a second position in which the first part of the first mechanical locking element is arranged outside the docking space.

If the first mechanical locking element is in the second position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit is broken, thereby allowing removal of the magnetic plug part from the docking space. Upon removal of the magnetic plug part from the docking space, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the first magnet of the docking unit is broken.

If the first mechanical locking element is in the first position, insertion of the magnetic plug part into the docking space of the first housing on the one hand enables establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit as a result of interaction between the magnetic plug part and the first mechanical locking element of the docking unit, and on the other hand enables establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit as a result of the interaction between the magnetic plug part and the first magnet of the docking unit. As a result of the first magnetic retaining connection between the first magnet and the first mechanical locking element, the first position in which the first part of the first mechanical locking element extends into the docking space is the default position of the first mechanical locking element.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the magnetomechanical locking mechanism comprises a second set of locking components, the second set of locking components comprising a second mechanical locking element and a second magnet, the second mechanical locking element and the second magnet being arranged relative to the docking space and relative to each other to allow the second mechanical locking element and the second magnet to be in a second magnetic retaining connection, wherein as a result of the second magnetic retaining connection, the second mechanical locking element is arranged to partially extend into the docking space at a second location, the second location of the second mechanical locking element being different than the first location of the first mechanical locking element, the first mechanical locking element and the second mechanical locking element allow establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit, wherein the first magnet of the first set of locking components and the second magnet allow magnetically-induced self-alignment of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit.

In this way, the reliability and mechanical load capacity of the mechanical locking connection and the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit can be improved. The first location of the first set of locking connections and the second location of the second set of locking connections can be arranged in any suitable way along the circular first side wall part, for example at a rotation angle of 180° relative to each other.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the first side wall part is provided with a second opening that is configured and arranged to allow a third part of the second mechanical locking element to extend into the docking space at the second location, and to retain a fourth part of the second mechanical locking element behind the first side wall part, and wherein the first housing is provided with a second guideway that is configured and arranged to contain the second mechanical locking element, and to allow movement of the second mechanical locking element between a third position in which the third part of the second mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space via the second opening in the first side wall part, and a fourth position in which the third part of the second mechanical locking element is arranged outside the docking space.

If the first mechanical locking element is in the second position and the second mechanical locking element is in the fourth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit is broken, thereby allowing removal of the magnetic plug part from the docking space. Upon removal of the magnetic plug part from the docking space, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the first magnet and the second magnet of the docking unit is broken.

If the first mechanical locking element is in the first position and the second mechanical locking element is in the third position, insertion of the magnetic plug part into the docking space on the one hand enables establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit as a result of interaction between the magnetic plug part and the first mechanical locking element and the second mechanical locking element of the docking unit, and on the other hand enables establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit as a result of the interaction between the magnetic plug part and the first magnet and the second magnet of the docking unit. As a result of the second magnetic retaining connection between the second magnet and the second mechanical locking element, the third position in which the third part of the second mechanical locking element extends into the docking space is the default position of the second mechanical locking element.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the magnetomechanical locking mechanism comprises a third set of locking components, the third set of locking components comprising a third mechanical locking element and a third magnet, the third mechanical locking element and the third magnet being arranged relative to the docking space and relative to each other to allow the third mechanical locking element and the third magnet to be in a third magnetic retaining connection, wherein as a result of the third magnetic retaining connection, the third mechanical locking element is arranged to partially extend into the docking space at a third location, the third location being different than the first location of the first mechanical locking element of the first set of locking components and the second location of the second mechanical locking element of the second set of locking components, the first mechanical locking element, the second mechanical locking element, and the third mechanical locking element allow establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit, wherein the first magnet of the first set of locking components, the second magnet of the second set of locking components, and the third magnet allow magnetically-induced self-alignment of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit.

In this way, the reliability and mechanical load capacity of the mechanical locking connection and the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit can further be improved. The first location of the first set of locking components, the second location of the second set of locking connections, and the third location of the third set of locking components can be arranged in any suitable way along the circular first side wall part, for example at a rotation angle of 120° relative to neighboring locations along the circular first side wall part.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the first side wall part is provided with a third opening that is configured and arranged to allow a fifth part of the third mechanical locking element to extend into the docking space at the third location, and to retain a sixth part of the third mechanical locking element behind the first side wall part, and wherein the first housing is provided with a third guideway that is configured and arranged to contain the third mechanical locking element, and to allow movement of the third mechanical locking element between a fifth position in which the fifth part of the third mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space via the third opening in the first side wall part, and a sixth position in which the fifth part of the third mechanical locking element is arranged outside the docking space.

If the first mechanical locking element is in the second position, the second mechanical locking element is in the fourth position, and the third mechanical locking element is in the sixth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit is broken, thereby allowing removal of the magnetic plug part from the docking space. Upon removal of the magnetic plug part from the docking space, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the first magnet, the second magnet and the third magnet of the docking unit is broken.

If the first mechanical locking element is in the first position, the second mechanical locking element is in the third position, and the third mechanical locking element is in the fifth position, insertion of the magnetic plug part into the docking space of the docking unit on the one hand enables establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit as a result of interaction between the magnetic plug part and the first mechanical locking element, the second mechanical locking element, and the third mechanical locking element of the docking unit, and on the other hand enables establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit as a result of the interaction between the magnetic plug part and the first magnet, the second magnet and the third magnet of the docking unit. As a result of the third magnetic retaining connection between the third magnet and the third mechanical locking element, the fifth position in which the fifth part of the third mechanical locking element extends into the docking space is the default position of the third mechanical locking element.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the magnetomechanical locking mechanism comprises a fourth set of locking components, the fourth set of locking components comprising a fourth mechanical locking element and a fourth magnet, the fourth mechanical locking element and the fourth magnet being arranged relative to the docking space and relative to each other to allow the fourth mechanical locking element and the fourth magnet to be in a fourth magnetic retaining connection, wherein as a result of the fourth magnetic retaining connection, the fourth mechanical locking element is arranged to partially extend into the docking space at a fourth location, the fourth location being different than the first location of the first mechanical locking element of the first set of locking components, the second location of the second mechanical locking element of the second set of locking components, and the third location of the third mechanical locking element of the third set of locking components, the first mechanical locking element, the second mechanical locking element, the third mechanical locking element, and the fourth mechanical locking element allowing establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit, wherein the first magnet of the first set of locking components, the second magnet of the second set of locking components, the third magnet of the third set of locking components, and the fourth magnet allow magnetically-induced self-alignment of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit.

In this way, the reliability and load capacity of the mechanical locking connection and the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit can be improved even further. The first location of the first set of locking components, the second location of the second set of locking connections, the third location of the third set of locking components, and the fourth location of the fourth set of locking components can be arranged in any suitable way along the circular first side wall part, for example at a rotation angle of 90° relative to neighboring locations along the circular first side wall part.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the first side wall part is provided with a fourth opening that is configured and arranged to allow a seventh part of the fourth mechanical locking element to extend into the docking space at the fourth location, and to retain an eighth part of the fourth mechanical locking element behind the first side wall part, and wherein the first housing is provided with a fourth guideway that is configured and arranged to contain the fourth mechanical locking element, and to allow movement of the fourth mechanical locking element between a seventh position in which the seventh part of the fourth mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into the docking space via the fourth opening in the first side wall part, and an eighth position in which the seventh part of the fourth mechanical locking element is arranged outside the docking space.

If the first mechanical locking element is in the second position, the second mechanical locking element is in the fourth position, the third mechanical locking element is in the sixth position, and the fourth mechanical locking element is in the eighth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit is broken, thereby allowing removal of the magnetic plug part from the docking space. Upon removal of the magnetic plug part from the docking space, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet and the fourth magnet of the docking unit is broken.

If the first mechanical locking element is in the first position, the second mechanical locking element is in the third position, the third mechanical locking element is in the fifth position, and the fourth mechanical locking element is in the seventh position, insertion of the magnetic plug part into the docking space of the docking unit on the one hand enables establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit as a result of interaction between the magnetic plug part and the first mechanical locking element, the second mechanical locking element, the third mechanical locking element, and the fourth mechanical locking element of the docking unit, and on the other hand enables establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit as a result of the interaction between the magnetic plug part and the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and the fourth magnet of the docking unit. As a result of the fourth magnetic retaining connection between the fourth magnet and the fourth mechanical locking element, the seventh position in which the seventh part of the fourth mechanical locking element extends into the docking space is the default position of the fourth mechanical locking element.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the first wall part is provided with a first set of electrical contacts that are arranged to project from the first wall part into the docking space. The electrical contacts can be arranged as spring-loaded electrical pins that are also known as pogo pins.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the first wall part is provided with a first protrusion that is arranged to project from the first wall part into the docking space. Upon installation of the magnetic plug part of the connector unit in the docking space of the docking unit, the first protrusion is in contact with the magnetic plug part to prevent too easy rotation of the magnetic plug part relative to the docking unit. This is especially advantageous in the event that an electrical device with a higher mass is connected with the connector unit. In this way, a stable position of said electrical device relative to the docking unit can better be maintained. This improves the user experience of the docking unit.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the first side wall part of the first housing is configured to have a first shape that allows a snug fit of the magnetic plug part of the connector unit in the docking space, and rotation of the connector unit and the docking unit relative to each other. In this way, the magnetic plug part can be arranged securely in the docking space while being allowed to be rotated relative to the docking unit by a user to position an electrical device that is connected with the connector unit in a desired orientation, e.g. portrait or landscape.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the first shape of the first side wall part of the first housing is a circle. In this way, rotation of the magnetic plug part relative to the docking unit can be guaranteed.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the first side wall part of the first housing is configured to have a second shape that allows a snug fit of the magnetic plug part of the connector unit in the docking space, and prevents rotation of the connector unit and the docking unit relative to each other. In this way, upon securely arranging the magnetic plug part in the docking space it is not possible to change an orientation of an electrical device that is connected with the connector unit from for example portrait to landscape or vice versa by rotation of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit relative to each other. This is advantageous in situations in which a user should not be able to change the desired orientation of an electrical device that is associated with the docking unit via the connector unit.

In an embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, the second shape of the first side wall part of the first housing is a closed shape having any number of sides. The closed shape having any number of sides can be a polygon, e.g. a triangle, a square, or an octagon, or any other closed shape having any number of non-straight sides.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector unit is provided that is compatible with a docking unit according to the invention, the connector unit comprising a second housing that is provided with: a magnetic plug part that, if the connector unit is in use, is inserted into a docking space of a docking unit, the magnetic plug part comprising:

• a second wall part that is provided with a recessed area to provide the second wall part with a rim part, the recessed area has a first surface that is arranged to face away from the second housing and a second surface that is arranged to face towards the second housing, the rim part being configured to surround the first surface of the recessed area;

• a second side wall part that is connected to the rim part of the second wall part, the second side wall part having a first portion that is in contact with a first mechanical locking element of the docking unit upon establishment of a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit;

• a fifth magnet that is arranged at a ninth position at the second surface of the recessed area of the second wall part, the fifth magnet being configured to allow magnetically-induced alignment with a first magnet of the docking unit, and, upon insertion of the magnetic plug part into the docking space of the docking unit, establishment of a magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit;

• a set of concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts that are arranged on the first surface of the recessed area of the second wall part, wherein upon insertion of the magnetic plug part into the docking space of the docking unit, the concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts are electrically connected with electrical contacts that are arranged to project from a first wall part of a first housing of the docking unit into the docking space of the docking unit; and a device mounting part that is arranged at a different side of the second housing than the magnetic plug part, the device mounting part being configured to receive a part of an electrical device or an adapter for connecting an electrical device to the connector unit.

In this way, the connector unit is provided with the smallest possible number of components with which the advantages of the present invention can still be achieved.

In an embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention, the magnetic plug part comprises a sixth magnet that is arranged at a tenth position at the second surface of the recessed area of the second wall part, the tenth position being different than the ninth position of the fifth magnet, wherein the fifth magnet and the sixth magnet are configured to allow magnetically-induced self-alignment with the first magnet and a second magnet of the docking unit, and, upon insertion of the magnetic plug part into the docking space of the docking unit, establishment of the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit.

As a result of adding the sixth magnet, the reliability and mechanical load capacity of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit can be improved. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet and the tenth position of the sixth magnet relative to each other must be such to allow magnetically-induced selfalignment of the fifth magnet and the sixth magnet of the magnetic plug part with the first magnet and the second magnet of the docking unit, respectively. If the dimensions of the fifth magnet and the sixth magnet are the same as the dimensions of the first magnet and the second magnet, the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet and the tenth position of the sixth magnet relative to each other is the same as the arrangement of the first magnet and the second magnet of the docking unit relative to each other.

In an embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention, the magnetic plug part comprises a seventh magnet that is arranged at an eleventh position at the second surface of the recessed area of the second wall part, the eleventh position being different than the ninth position of the fifth magnet and the tenth position of the sixth magnet, wherein the fifth magnet, the sixth magnet and the seventh magnet are configured to allow magnetically-induced self-alignment with the first magnet, the second magnet, and a third magnet of the docking unit, and, upon insertion of the magnetic plug part into the docking space of the docking unit, establishment of the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit.

As a result of adding the seventh magnet, the reliability and mechanical load capacity of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit can be improved further. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet, the tenth position of the sixth magnet, and the eleventh position of the seventh magnet relative to each other must be such to allow magnetically-induced self-alignment of the fifth magnet, the sixth magnet, and the seventh magnet of the magnetic plug part with the first magnet, the second magnet, and the third magnet of the docking unit, respectively. If the dimensions of the fifth magnet, the sixth magnet, and the seventh magnet are the same as the dimensions of the first magnet, the second magnet, and the third magnet, the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet, the tenth position of the sixth magnet, and the eleventh position of the seventh magnet relative to each other is the same as the arrangement of the first magnet, the second magnet, and the third magnet of the docking unit relative to each other.

In an embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention, the magnetic plug part comprises an eighth magnet that is arranged at a twelfth position at the second surface of the recessed area of the second wall part, the twelfth position being different than the ninth position of the fifth magnet, the tenth position of the sixth magnet, and the eleventh position of the seventh magnet, wherein the fifth magnet, the sixth magnet, the seventh magnet, and the eighth magnet are configured to allow magnetically-induced self-alignment with the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and a fourth magnet of the docking unit, and, upon insertion of the magnetic plug part into the docking space of the docking unit, establishment of the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit.

As a result of adding the eighth magnet, the reliability and mechanical load capacity of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit can be improved even further. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet, the tenth position of the sixth magnet, the eleventh position of the seventh magnet, and the twelfth position of the eighth magnet relative to each other must be such to allow magnetically-induced self-alignment of the fifth magnet, the sixth magnet, the seventh magnet, and the eighth magnet of the magnetic plug part with the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and the fourth magnet of the docking unit, respectively. If the dimensions of the fifth magnet, the sixth magnet, the seventh magnet, and the eighth magnet are the same as the dimensions of the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and the fourth magnet, the arrangement of the ninth position of the fifth magnet, the tenth position of the sixth magnet, the eleventh position of the seventh magnet, and the twelfth position of the eighth magnet relative to each other is the same as the arrangement of the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and the fourth magnet of the docking unit relative to each other.

In an embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention, the rim part of the second wall part of the magnetic plug part is provided with a first recess that is configured to allow reception of a first protrusion that is arranged to project from the first wall part of the first housing of the docking unit into the docking space of the docking unit upon establishment of the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit.

Upon installation of the magnetic plug part of the connector unit in the docking space of the docking unit, the first protrusion is arranged in the first recess provided in the rim part of the second wall in of the magnetic plug part to prevent too easy rotation of the magnetic plug part relative to the docking unit. This is especially advantageous in the event that an electrical device with a higher mass is connected with the connector unit. In this way, a stable position of said electrical device relative to the docking unit can better be maintained.

In an embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention, the second side wall part of the magnetic plug part has a closed shape with any number of sides. The closed shape can be a polygon, e.g. a triangle, a square, or an octagon, or any other closed shape having any number of non-straight sides.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a DC power supply assembly for continuous provision of DC power to an electrical device or charging with DC power of an electrical device, if the DC power supply assembly is in use, is provided, the DC power supply assembly comprising a docking unit according to the invention. The DC power supply assembly can be configured to allow wired continuous provision of DC power to an electrical device or wired charging with DC power of the electrical device. The wired solution can involve USB-based wiring. The DC power supply assembly can also be configured to allow magnetic wireless continuous provision of DC power to an electrical device or magnetic wireless charging with DC power of the electrical device.

In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the invention, the DC power supply assembly comprises a connector unit according to the invention. The connector unit allows secure and stable mounting of electrical devices, even those having a higher mass. Upon insertion of the connector unit into the docking space of the docking unit, the electrical device is securely connected with the docking unit via the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism of the docking unit. The electrical device can be oriented in any desired way, e.g. portrait or landscape, depending on the specific configuration of the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism. The electrical device can be used while being continuously supplied with DC power or while being charged. It will be clear that the DC power supply assembly according to the present invention enables an improved user experience.

In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the invention, a first side wall part of a first housing of a docking unit has a third shape and a second side wall part of a magnetic plug part of the connector unit has a fourth shape, the third shape and the fourth shape being adapted to each other to enable, upon rotation of the connector unit and the docking unit relative to each other, a movement of a first mechanical locking element of the docking unit from a first position in which a first part of the first mechanical locking element is arranged to extend into a docking space of the docking unit to a second position in which the first part of the first mechanical locking element is arranged outside the docking space for cancelling of a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part of the connector unit and the docking unit.

In this way, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit can be broken if a user rotates the connector unit and the docking unit relative to each other. Once the mechanical locking connection is broken, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit can be broken by removing the magnetic plug part from the docking space. An advantage of this embodiment of the DC charging assembly is that no additional tools need to be used to remove the connector unit from the docking unit. The third shape of the first side wall part of the docking unit and the fourth shape of the second side wall part of the magnetic plug part are sufficient to enable the removal of the connector unit from the docking part upon rotation of the connector unit and the docking unit relative to each other. In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the invention, the third shape of the first side wall part of the first housing of the docking unit is a circle, and the fourth shape of the second side wall part of the magnetic plug part of the connector unit is a closed shape having any number of sides. The closed shape can be a polygon, e.g. a triangle, a square, or an octagon, or any other closed shape having any number of non-straight sides.

In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the invention, a first side wall part of the first housing of the docking unit has a fifth shape and a second side wall part of a magnetic plug part of the connector unit has a sixth shape, the fifth shape and the sixth shape being adapted to each other to prevent rotation of the connector unit and the docking unit relative to each other, and to prevent cancelling of a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part of the connector unit and the docking unit.

In this way, the magnetic plug part of the connector unit is configured to fit in the docking space of the first housing of the docking unit in a form-closed way. As a result, it is not possible to change an orientation of an electrical device that is connected with the connector unit from for example portrait to landscape or vice versa by rotation of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit relative to each other. This is advantageous in situations in which a user should not be able to change the desired orientation of an electrical device that is associated with the docking unit via the connector unit.

In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the invention, the fifth shape of the first side wall part of the first housing of the docking unit and the sixth shape of the second side wall part of the magnetic plug part of the connector unit are closed shapes having a same number of sides. The closed shapes can be polygons, e.g. triangles, squares, octagons, or any other closed shapes having a same number of non-straight sides.

In an embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the invention, the DC power supply assembly comprises a magnetic unlocking tool that is arranged relative to a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism of the docking unit to allow cancelling of a first magnetic retaining connection between a first mechanical locking element and a first magnet of the docking unit, and thereby cancelling of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part of the connector unit and the docking unit. If the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part of the connector unit and the docking unit cannot be broken by rotating the connector unit and the docking unit relative to each other, the magnetic unlocking tool is required for enabling removal of the magnetic plug part of the connector unit from the docking space of the first housing of the docking unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of a docking unit, a connector unit, and a DC power supply assembly according to the present invention.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the described embodiments of the docking unit, the connector unit, and the DC power supply assembly are exemplary in nature only and not to be construed as limiting the scope of protection in any way. The person skilled in the art will realize that alternatives and equivalent embodiments of the docking unit, the connector unit, and the DC power supply assembly can be conceived and reduced to practice without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Reference will be made to the figures on the accompanying drawing sheets. The figures are schematic in nature and therefore not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, equal reference numerals denote equal or similar parts.

On the attached drawing sheets, figure 1A shows a schematic perspective view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a DC power supply assembly comprising a first exemplary, nonlimiting embodiment of a docking unit according to the invention; figure 1B shows a schematic exploded view of the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly shown in figure 1 A; figure 2A shows a schematic front view of an arrangement of a first set of locking components in accordance with a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, wherein the arrangement of a first mechanical locking element and a first magnet is schematically indicated; figure 2B shows a schematic front view of an arrangement of the first set of locking components and a second set of locking components in accordance with a third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, wherein the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element, the first magnet, a second mechanical locking element and a second magnet is schematically indicated; figure 2C shows a schematic front view of an arrangement of the first set of locking components, the second set of locking components, and a third set of locking components in accordance with a fourth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, wherein the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element, the first magnet, the second mechanical locking element, the second magnet, a third mechanical locking element and a third magnet is schematically indicated; figure 2D shows a schematic front view of an arrangement of the first set of locking components, the second set of locking components, the third set of locking components, and a fourth set of locking components in accordance with the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit shown in figures 1A and 1 B, wherein the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element, the first magnet, the second mechanical locking element, the second magnet, the third mechanical locking element, the third magnet, a fourth mechanical locking element and a fourth magnet is schematically indicated; figure 2E shows a schematic front view of an arrangement of the first set of locking components, the second set of locking components, the third set of locking components, the fourth set of locking components, and a fifth set of locking components in accordance with a fifth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention, wherein the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element, the first magnet, the second mechanical locking element, the second magnet, the third mechanical locking element, the third magnet, the fourth mechanical locking element, the fourth magnet, a fifth mechanical locking element and a fifth magnet is schematically indicated; figure 3A shows a schematic front view of the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit shown in figures 1 A and 1 B; figure 3B shows a schematic front view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit according to the invention; figure 3C shows a schematic perspective view of a back cover of the docking units shown in figures 3A and 3B; figure 3D shows a schematic exploded view of the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit shown in figure 3A; figure 4A shows a schematic perspective view of a magnetic plug part in accordance with a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a connector unit according to the invention; figure 4B shows a schematic back view of the magnetic plug part shown in figure 4A; figure 4C shows a schematic front view of the magnetic plug part shown in figure 4A; figure 4D shows a schematic perspective view of the magnetic plug part shown in figure 4A; figure 4E shows a schematic exploded view of the magnetic plug part shown in figure 4A; figure 5A shows a schematic perspective view of the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention that comprises the magnetic plug part shown in figures 4A-4E; figure 5B shows a schematic front view of the connector unit shown in figure 5A; figure 5C shows a schematic exploded view of the connector unit shown in figures 5A and 5B; figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention; figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly according to the invention; figure 8A shows a schematic front view of the arrangement of the magnetic plug part relative to the docking unit of the DC power supply assembly shown in figure 7, wherein the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit is in place; figure 8B shows a schematic front view of the arrangement of the magnetic plug part relative to the docking unit of the DC power supply assembly shown in figure 7, wherein the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit has been broken; figure 8C shows a schematic perspective view of the arrangement of the magnetic plug part relative to the docking unit upon removal of the magnetic plug part from the docking space; figure 8D shows a schematic front view of the arrangement of the magnetic plug part relative to the docking unit, wherein the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit has not yet been re-established; figure 9A shows a schematic front view of the docking unit shown in figure 3B, and a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a magnetic unlocking tool that is not arranged in contact with the docking unit; figure 9B shows a schematic front view of the docking unit and the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the magnetic unlocking tool shown in figure 9A that is arranged in contact with the docking unit; figure 9C shows a perspective view of the arrangement of the magnetic plug part relative to the docking unit and the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the magnetic unlocking tool shown in figure 9B upon removal of the magnetic plug part from the docking space; figure 10A shows a schematic front view of a docking part and a magnetic plug part in accordance with a third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly, wherein the arrangement of the locking elements relative to the docking space is schematically shown in the event that unlocking magnets are not arranged in contact with the docking unit; figure 10B shows a detailed schematic front view of a part of the DC power supply assembly and one of the unlocking magnets in accordance with the encircled region shown in figure 10A; figure 10C shows a schematic front view of the docking unit and the magnetic plug part shown in figure 10A, wherein the arrangement of the locking elements relative to the docking space is schematically shown in the event that the unlocking magnets are arranged in contact with the docking unit; and figure 10D shows a detailed schematic front view of a part of the DC power supply assembly and one of the unlocking magnets in accordance with the encircled region shown in figure 10C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1A shows a schematic perspective view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a DC power supply assembly 47 comprising a first exemplary, nonlimiting embodiment of a docking unit 1 according to the invention. The first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly 47 comprises a DC power supply 3 that can be integrated in a wall outlet. The docking unit 1 has a first housing 2 that is connected directly with the DC power supply 3.

It is noted that in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the DC power supply assembly, the DC power supply can be arranged further away from the docking unit. This can be the case if the first housing of the docking unit is arranged in for example a motorcycle mount, a bike mount, in a mount on a boat, in a mount in a truck or in a mount in a train. The first housing 2 is provided with a docking space 4 for receiving a magnetic plug part 28 of a connector unit 26 (see for example figures 4A-4E, and figure 7) if the docking unit 1 is in use.

The docking unit 1 comprises a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism 5 that is configured and arranged to allow establishment of a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1. In addition, the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism 5 is configured and arranged to allow magnetically-induced alignment of the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 relative to each other as described above. Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism 5 will be discussed in further detail with reference to figures 2A- 2E.

In accordance with the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 1 A, the first housing 2 comprises a first wall part 8 that is configured and arranged to provide a back plate for the docking space 4. The first wall part 8 is provided with a first set of electrical contacts 24 that are arranged to project from the first wall part 8 into the docking space 4. In accordance with the first exemplary, nonlimiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 1 A, the first set of electrical contacts 24 comprises five contacts that are configured as spring-loaded electrical pins, also known as pogo pins. The five electrical contacts 24 are arranged in a straight line at the first wall part 8. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that any other number of electrical contacts, e.g. 1 , 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 15, 20 etc., any other arrangement of the electrical contacts than a straight line, and any other configuration of the electrical contacts can be conceived and reduced to practice in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the docking unit without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

In accordance with the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 1A, the first housing 2 comprises a first side wall part 9 that is arranged in contact with the first wall part 8. The first side wall part 9 is configured to provide a circular side wall that surrounds the docking space 4.

Figure 1B shows a schematic exploded view of the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly 47 shown in figure 1A. From figure 1B it can be seen that the DC power supply 3 is provided with electronic circuits that can achieve at least one of AC/DC conversion and DC/DC conversion. It is noted that the DC power supply in the context of the present application can also be based on Power over Ethernet (PoE). Figure 2A shows a schematic front view of an arrangement of a first set of locking components in accordance with a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 according to the invention. In this case, the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism 5 comprises a first set of locking components including a first mechanical locking element 6 and a first magnet 7. Although not shown in figure 2A, the first magnet 7 is covered by the first wall part 8. As can be seen from figure 3C, the first magnet 7 is arranged in a first pocket 63 of a back cover 62 of the docking unit 1. The first pocket 63 is covered by the first wall part 8 to contain the first magnet 7 in the first pocket 63. The first mechanical locking element 6 is arranged in a first guideway 11 that is arranged in the back cover 62 of the docking unit 1 to contain the first mechanical locking element 6. The first guideway 11 is configured to allow movement of the first mechanical locking element 6 between a first position in which a first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 is arranged to extend into the docking space 4 at a first location via a first opening 10 (see figure 8B) in the first side wall part 9, and a second position in which the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 is arranged outside the docking space 4. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element 6 and the first magnet 7 is represented in a schematic way only.

Figure 2A schematically shows that the first mechanical locking element 6 and the first magnet 7 are arranged relative to the docking space 4 and relative to each other to allow the first mechanical locking element 6 and the first magnet 7 to be in a first magnetic retaining connection. As a result of the first magnetic retaining connection, the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 extends into the docking space 4 via the first opening 10 (see figure 8B) in the first side wall part 9 for allowing establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 of the connector unit 26 (see for example figures 4A-4E and figure 7) and the docking unit 1 if the docking unit 1 is in use. The first opening 10 is configured and arranged to allow the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 to extend into the docking space 4 at the first location, and to retain a second part 6b of the first mechanical locking element 6 behind the first side wall part 9.

The first magnet 7 allows magnetically-induced alignment of the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1. The docking unit 1 shown in figure 2A comprises the smallest possible number of components with which the advantages provided by the docking unit 1 can still be achieved.

If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the first position, insertion of the magnetic plug part 28 into the docking space 4 of the first housing 2 on the one hand enables establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 as a result of interaction between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first mechanical locking element 6 of the docking unit 1. On the other hand insertion of the magnetic plug part 28 into the docking space 4 enables establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 as a result of the interaction between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first magnet 7 of the docking unit 1. As a result of the first magnetic retaining connection between the first magnet 7 and the first mechanical locking element 6, the first position in which the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 extends into the docking space 4 is the default position of the first mechanical locking element 6.

If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the second position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 is broken, thereby allowing removal of the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4. Upon removal of the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first magnet 7 of the docking unit 1 is broken.

Figure 2B shows a schematic front view of an arrangement of the first set of locking components comprising the first mechanical locking element 6 and the first magnet 7, and a second set of locking components comprising a second mechanical locking element 12 and a second magnet 13 in accordance with a third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 according to the invention. Although not shown in figure 2B, the first magnet 7 and the second magnet 13 are covered by the first wall part 8. As can be seen from figure 3C, the second magnet 13 is arranged in a second pocket 64 of the back cover 62 of the docking unit 1. The second pocket 64 is covered by the first wall part 8 to contain the second magnet 13 in the second pocket 64. The second mechanical locking element 12 is arranged in a second guideway 15 that is arranged in the back cover 62 of the docking unit 1 to contain the second mechanical locking element 12. The second guideway 15 is configured to allow movement of the second mechanical locking element 12 between a third position in which a third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 is arranged to extend into the docking space 4 at a second location via a second opening in the first side wall part 9, and a fourth position in which the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 is arranged outside the docking space 4. The second location at which the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 extends into the docking space 4 is different than the first location at which the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 extends into the docking space 4. The first location and the second location can be arranged in any suitable way along the circular first side wall part 9. In accordance with the third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 2B, the first location and the second location are arranged at a rotation angle of 180° relative to each other. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element 6, the first magnet 7, the second mechanical locking element 12, and the second magnet 13 is represented in a schematic way only.

Figure 2B schematically shows that the second mechanical locking element 12 and the second magnet 13 are arranged relative to the docking space 4 and relative to each other to allow the second mechanical locking element 12 and the second magnet 13 to be in a second magnetic retaining connection. As a result of the second magnetic retaining connection, the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 extends into the docking space 4 at the second location via the second opening in the first side wall part 9. The first mechanical locking element 6 and the second mechanical locking element 12 allow establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 of the connector unit 26 (see for example figures 4A-4E and figure 7) and the docking unit 1 if the docking unit 1 is in use. The second opening is configured and arranged to allow the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 to extend into the docking space 4 at the second location, and to retain a fourth part 12b of the second mechanical locking element 12 behind the first side wall part 9.

The first magnet 7 and the second magnet 13 allow magnetically-induced alignment of the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1. In this way, the reliability and mechanical load capacity of the mechanical locking connection and the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 can be improved relative to the arrangement of the first set of locking components in accordance with the second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 2A. If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the second position and the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the fourth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 is broken, thereby allowing removal of the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4. Upon removal of the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first magnet 7 and the second magnet 13 of the docking unit 1 is broken.

If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the first position and the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the third position, insertion of the magnetic plug part 28 into the docking space 4 on the one hand enables establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 as a result of interaction between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first mechanical locking element 6 and the second mechanical locking element 12 of the docking unit 1 , and on the other hand enables establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 as a result of the interaction between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first magnet 7 and the second magnet 13 of the docking unit 1. As a result of the second magnetic retaining connection between the second magnet 13 and the second mechanical locking element 12, the third position in which the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 extends into the docking space 4 is the default position of the second mechanical locking element 12.

Figure 2C shows a schematic front view of an arrangement of the first set of locking components comprising the first mechanical locking element 6 and the first magnet 7, the second set of locking components comprising the second mechanical locking element 12 and the second magnet 13, and a third set of locking components comprising a third mechanical locking element 16 and a third magnet 17, in accordance with a fourth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 according to the invention. Although not shown in figure 2C, the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, and the third magnet 17 are covered by the first wall part 8. As can be seen from figure 3C, the third magnet 17 is arranged in a third pocket 65 of the back cover 62 of the docking unit 1. The third pocket 65 is covered by the first wall part 8 to contain the third magnet 17 in the third pocket 65. The third mechanical locking element 16 is arranged in a third guideway 19 that is arranged in the back cover 62 of the docking unit 1 to contain the third mechanical locking element 16. The third guideway 19 is configured to allow movement of the third mechanical locking element 16 between a fifth position in which a fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 is arranged to extend into the docking space 4 at a third location via a third opening in the first side wall part 9, and a sixth position in which the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 is arranged outside the docking space 4. The third location at which the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 extends into the docking space 4 is different than the first location at which the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 extends into the docking space 4, and the second location at which the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 extends into the docking space 4. The first location, the second location and the third location can be arranged in any suitable way along the circular first side wall part 9. In accordance with the fourth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 2C, the first location, the second location and the third location are arranged at a rotation angle of 120° relative to each other. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element 6, the first magnet 7, the second mechanical locking element 12, the second magnet 13, the third mechanical locking element 16, and the third magnet 17 is represented in a schematic way only.

Figure 2C schematically shows that the third mechanical locking element 16 and the third magnet 17 are arranged relative to the docking space 4 and relative to each other to allow the third mechanical locking element 16 and the third magnet 17 to be in a third magnetic retaining connection. As a result of the third magnetic retaining connection, the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 extends into the docking space 4 at the third location via the third opening in the first side wall part 9. The first mechanical locking element 6, the second mechanical locking element 12, and the third mechanical locking element 16 allow establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 of the connector unit 26 (see for example figures 4A-4E and figure 7) and the docking unit 1 if the docking unit 1 is in use. The third opening is configured and arranged to allow the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 to extend into the docking space 4 at the third location, and to retain a sixth part 16b of the third mechanical locking element 16 behind the first side wall part 9.

The first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, and the third magnet 17 allow magnetically-induced alignment of the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1. In this way, the reliability and mechanical load capacity of the mechanical locking connection and the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 can be improved further relative to the arrangement of the first set of locking components, and the second set of locking components in accordance with the third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 2B.

If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the second position, the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the fourth position, and the third mechanical locking element 16 is in the sixth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 is broken, thereby allowing removal of the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4. Upon removal of the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, and the third magnet 17 of the docking unit 1 is broken.

If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the first position, the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the third position, and the third mechanical locking element 16 is in the fifth position, insertion of the magnetic plug part 28 into the docking space 4 on the one hand enables establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 as a result of interaction between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first mechanical locking element 6, the second mechanical locking element 12 and the third mechanical locking element 16 of the docking unit 1 , and on the other hand enables establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 as a result of the interaction between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, and the third magnet 17 of the docking unit 1. As a result of the third magnetic retaining connection between the third magnet 17 and the third mechanical locking element 16, the fifth position in which the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 extends into the docking space 4 is the default position of the third mechanical locking element 16.

Figure 2D shows a schematic front view of an arrangement of the first set of locking components comprising the first mechanical locking element 6 and the first magnet 7, the second set of locking components comprising the second mechanical locking element 12 and the second magnet 13, the third set of locking components comprising the third mechanical locking element 16 and the third magnet 17, and a fourth set of locking components comprising a fourth mechanical locking element 20 and a fourth magnet 21 in accordance with the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figures 1A and 1 B. Although not shown in figure 2D, the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, the third magnet 17, and the fourth magnet 21 are covered by the first wall part 8. As can be seen from figure 3C, the fourth magnet 21 is arranged in a fourth pocket 66 of the back cover 62 of the docking unit 1. The fourth pocket 66 is covered by the first wall part 8 to contain the fourth magnet 21 in the fourth pocket 66. The fourth mechanical locking element 20 is arranged in a fourth guideway 23 that is arranged in the back cover 62 of the docking unit 1 to contain the fourth mechanical locking element 20. The fourth guideway 23 is configured to allow movement of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 between a seventh position in which a seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 is arranged to extend into the docking space 4 at a fourth location via a fourth opening in the first side wall part 9, and an eighth position in which the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 is arranged outside the docking space 4. The fourth location at which the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extends into the docking space 4 is different than the first location at which the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 extends into the docking space 4, the second location at which the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 extends into the docking space 4, and the third location at which the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 extends into the docking space 4. The first location, the second location, the third location, and the fourth location can be arranged in any suitable way along the circular first side wall part 9. In accordance with the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 2D, the first location, the second location, the third location, and the fourth location are arranged at a rotation angle of 90° relative to each other. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element 6, the first magnet 7, the second mechanical locking element 12, the second magnet 13, the third mechanical locking element 16, the third magnet 17, the fourth mechanical locking element 20 and the fourth magnet 21 is represented in a schematic way only.

Figure 2D schematically shows that the fourth mechanical locking element 20 and the fourth magnet 21 are arranged relative to the docking space 4 and relative to each other to allow the fourth mechanical locking element 20 and the fourth magnet 21 to be in a fourth magnetic retaining connection. As a result of the fourth magnetic retaining connection, the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extends into the docking space 4 at the fourth location via the fourth opening in the first side wall part 9. The first mechanical locking element 6, the second mechanical locking element 12, the third mechanical locking element 16, and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 allow establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 of the connector unit 26 (see for example figures 4A-4E and figure 7) and the docking unit 1 if the docking unit 1 is in use. The fourth opening is configured and arranged to allow the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 to extend into the docking space 4 at the fourth location, and to retain an eighth part 20b of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 behind the first side wall part 9.

The first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, the third magnet 17, and the fourth magnet 21 allow magnetically-induced alignment of the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1. In this way, the reliability and mechanical load capacity of the mechanical locking connection and the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 can be improved even further relative to the arrangement of the first set of locking components, the second set of locking components, and the third set of locking components in accordance with the fourth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 2C.

If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the second position, the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the fourth position, the third mechanical locking element 16 is in the sixth position, and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 is in the eighth position, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 is broken, thereby allowing removal of the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4. This will be discussed in further detail in relation to figures 8B and 9B, respectively. Upon removal of the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, the third magnet 17, and the fourth magnet 21 of the docking unit 1 is broken.

If the first mechanical locking element 6 is in the first position, the second mechanical locking element 12 is in the third position, the third mechanical locking element 16 is in the fifth position, and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 is in the seventh position, insertion of the magnetic plug part 28 into the docking space 4 on the one hand enables establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 as a result of interaction between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first mechanical locking element 6, the second mechanical locking element 12, the third mechanical locking element 16, and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 of the docking unit 1 , and on the other hand enables establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 as a result of the interaction between the magnetic plug part 28 and the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, the third magnet 17, and the fourth magnet 21 of the docking unit 1. As a result of the fourth magnetic retaining connection between the fourth magnet 21 and the fourth mechanical locking element 20, the seventh position in which the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extends into the docking space 4 is the default position of the fourth mechanical locking element 20.

Figure 2E shows a schematic front view of an arrangement of the first set of locking components, the second set of locking components, the third set of locking components, the fourth set of locking components, and a fifth set of locking components in accordance with a fifth exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 according to the invention, wherein the arrangement of the first mechanical locking element 6, the first magnet 7, the second mechanical locking element 12, the second magnet 13, the third mechanical locking element 16, the third magnet 17, the fourth mechanical locking element 20, the fourth magnet 21 , a fifth mechanical locking element and a fifth magnet is schematically indicated. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of sets of locking components can be any suitable number depending on for example the required reliability and mechanical load capacity of the mechanical locking connection and the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 , and on the dimensions of the docking unit 1.

Figure 3A shows a schematic front view of the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figures 1A and 1B. The first side wall part 9 of the first housing 2 has a first shape that is a circle. In this way, rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1 can be guaranteed. To prevent too easy rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1 , the first wall part 8 is provided with two protrusions 25 that are arranged to project from the first wall part 8 into the docking space 4. Upon installation of the magnetic plug part 28 of the connector unit 26 in the docking space 4 of the first housing 2, the two protrusions 25 are in contact with the magnetic plug part 28 to prevent too easy rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that one protrusion 25 will already prevent too easy rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 relative to each other. Application of one or two protrusions 25 is especially advantageous in the event that an electrical device 49 with a higher mass is connected with the connector unit 26. In this way, a stable position of said electrical device 49 relative to the docking unit 1 can better be maintained. As a result, the user experience of the docking unit 1 can be improved.

Figure 3B shows a schematic front view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 according to the invention. The first side wall part 9 of the first housing 2 has a second shape that allows a snug fit of the magnetic plug part 28 of the connector unit 26 in the docking space 4 of the first housing 2, and prevents rotation of the connector unit 26 and the docking unit 1 relative to each other. In this way, upon securely arranging the magnetic plug part 28 in the docking space 4, it is not possible to change an orientation of an electrical device 49 that is connected with the connector unit 26 from for example portrait to landscape or vice versa by rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 relative to each other. This is advantageous in situations in which a user should not be able to change the desired orientation of an electrical device 49 that is associated with the docking unit 1 via the connector unit 26. As a result of the shape of the first side wall part 9 that prevents rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1 , the first wall part 8 of the first housing 2 does not need to be provided with one or more protrusions 25.

The docking unit 1 in accordance with the second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 3B has an octagonal shape as a non-limiting example of a closed shape having any number of sides that enable preventing rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 relative to each other. The sides of the closed shape can be straight or non-straight. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the second shape can be any suitable closed shape, such as a triangle, a hexagon etc., that enables preventing rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 and the docketing unit 1 relative to each other.

Figure 3C shows a schematic perspective view of a back cover 62 of the docking units 1 as shown in figures 3A and 3B. The back cover 62 is provided with the four pockets 62-66 for containing the four magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the docking unit 1 as described in relation to figures 2A-2E above. The back cover can be provided with the one or more protrusions 25 that can protrude into the docking space 4 via slits in the first wall part 8 of the first housing 2. Figure 3C also shows that the electrical contacts that are arranged at the first wall part 8 extend through the first wall part 8 to connect with electrical contacts that are arranged at the DC power supply 3 (see figure 1B).

Figure 3D shows a schematic exploded view of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 3A. The magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 have differently shaped end parts to enable easy assembly of the docking unit 1 with respect to installing the magnets in a correct way, i.e. with unequal poles (N-S or S-N) facing towards each other. In this way, the docking unit 1 is less prone to malfunctioning as a result of neighboring magnets being installed in an incorrect way, i.e. with equal poles (N-N or S-S) facing towards each other. It is noted that the magnets have an elongated shape that can be any suitable form, e.g. straight, curved, partially straight and partially curved.

The first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6, the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12, the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16, and the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 are provided with a slanted edge that is arranged facing towards the docking space 4. In this way, a smoother insertion of the magnetic plug part 28 into the docking unit 1 can be achieved.

Figures 4A-4E shows different schematic views of a magnetic plug part 28 in accordance with a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a connector unit 26 according to the invention. The connector unit 26 comprises a second housing 27 (see figures 5A-5C and figure 6) that comprises a magnetic plug part 28 that, if the connector unit 26 is in use, is inserted into the docking space 4 of the first housing 2 of the docking unit 1 according to the present invention. As schematically shown in figures 4C, 4D and 4E, the magnetic plug part 28 comprises a second wall part 29 that is provided with a recessed area 30 to provide the second wall part 29 with a rim part 31. The recessed area 30 has a first surface 32 that is arranged to face away from the second housing 27 and a second surface 33 that is arranged to face towards the second housing 27. The rim part 31 is configured to surround the first surface 32 of the recessed area 30.

The rim part 31 is provided with four recesses 46 that are configured to allow reception of the two protrusion 25 (see for example figure 3A) upon establishment of the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1. As mentioned above, the interaction between the four recesses 46 and the two protrusions 25 prevents too easy rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1. Figure 4D schematically shows that the magnetic plug part 28 comprises a second side wall part 34 that is connected to the rim part 31 of the second wall part 29. The second side wall part 34 has a first portion 35 that is in contact with a first mechanical locking element 6 of the docking unit 1 upon establishment of a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1.

Figures 4A and 4B schematically show a fifth magnet 36 that is arranged at a ninth position at the second surface 33 of the recessed area 30 of the second wall part 29, a sixth magnet 43 that is arranged at a tenth position at the second surface 33, a seventh magnet 44 that is arranged at an eleventh position at the second surface 33, an eighth magnet 45 that is arranged at a twelfth position at the second surface 33. The fifth magnet 36, the sixth magnet 43, the seventh magnet 44, and the eighth magnet 45 are arranged to allow magnetically-induced self-alignment with respectively the first magnet 7, the second magnet 13, the third magnet 17, and the fourth magnet 21 of the docking unit 1 upon insertion of the magnetic plug part 28 into the docking space 4 of the first housing 2 of the docking unit 1 thereby establishing the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1.

Figures 4C and 4D schematically show that the magnetic plug part 28 comprises a set of five concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts 37 that are arranged on the first surface 32 of the recessed area 30 of the second wall part 29. The five concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contracts 37 are configured to allow compliance with USB-based wiring, e.g. LISB-A or LISB-C, and power supply protocols, e.g. PD or PPS protocols. Upon insertion of the magnetic plug part 28 into the docking space 4 of the first housing 2 of the docking unit 1 , the concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts 37 are electrically connected with electrical contacts 24 that are arranged to project from the first wall part 8 of the first housing 2 of the docking unit 1 into the docking space 4.

Figure 5A shows a schematic perspective view of the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the connector unit 26 according to the invention that comprises the magnetic plug part 28 shown in figures 4A-4E. The connector unit 26 comprises a device mounting part 38 that is arranged at a different side of the second housing 27 than the magnetic plug part 28. The device mounting part 38 is configured to receive a part of an electrical device or an adapter for connecting an electrical device to the connector unit 26. Figure 5B shows a schematic front view of the connector unit 26 shown in figure 5A. The magnetic plug part 28 comprises a set of five concentrically arranged closed- loop electrical contacts.

Figure 5C shows a schematic exploded view of the connector unit 26 shown in figures 5A and 5B. The set of five concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts is arranged on the first surface 32 of the second wall part 29. The fifth magnet 36, the sixth magnet 43, the seventh magnet 44, and the eighth magnet 45 are shown in front of their respective pockets in the magnetic plug part 28.

Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the connector unit 26 according to the invention. An exemplary electrical device 49 is connected with the device mounting part 38.

Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a DC power supply assembly 47 according to the invention. The DC power supply assembly 47 comprises a docking unit 1 and a connector unit 26 that is snugly fit into the docking space 4 of the second housing 2 of the docking unit 1. The second side wall part 34 of the magnetic plug part 28 has an octagonal shape and the first side wall part 9 of the first housing 2 of the docking unit 1 has a circular shape thereby allowing rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1 upon application of a rotational force to the magnetic plug part 28 by a user. Rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1 and the effect on the mechanical locking connection and the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 will be discussed in more detail having regard to figures 8A-8D.

Figure 8A shows a schematic front view of the arrangement of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1 of the DC power supply assembly 47 shown in figure 7. The arrangement of the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 relative to the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 is schematically shown. The four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 are in their default positions in which the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6, the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12, the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16, and the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extend into the docking space 4 and are in locking contact with respectively the four portions 35, 54, 55, 56 (see for example figures 4C, 5B, 9B) of the second side wall part 34 of the magnetic plug part 28. In this way, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 is in place. Figure 8B shows a schematic front view of the arrangement of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1 of the DC power supply assembly 47 shown in figure 7, wherein the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 has been broken as a result of a counter-clockwise rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 over 22.5° relative to the docking unit 1 . It is noted that a clockwise rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1 is also possible. As a result of the counter-clockwise rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1 , the first mechanical locking element 6 has been moved by the second side wall part 34 of the magnetic plug part 28 from the above- mentioned default position to a second position in which the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 is arranged outside the docking space 4. The same applies to the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12, the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16, and the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20. As a result, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 has been broken.

Once the mechanical locking connection has been broken, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 can be broken by removing the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4. This is schematically shown in figure 8C. Upon removing the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4, the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 return to their default positions, i.e. the respective first part 6a, third part 12a, fifth part 16a, and seventh part 20a extend into the docking space 4 as a result of the first magnetic retaining connection between the first mechanical locking element 6 and the first magnet 7, the second magnetic retaining connection between the second mechanical locking element 12 and the second magnet 13, the third magnetic retaining connection between the third mechanical locking element 16 and the third magnet 17, and the fourth magnetic retaining connection between the fourth mechanical locking element 20 and the fourth magnet 21 , respectively.

Figure 8D shows a schematic front view of the arrangement of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1 , wherein the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 has not yet been reestablished. Compared to the arrangement shown in figure 8B, an additional counterclockwise rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 over 22.5° relative to the docking unit 1 has allowed the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 to return to their default positions as a result of the respective magnetic retaining connections mentioned above. However, the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 are not in locking contact with respectively the four portions 35, 54, 55, 56 (see for example figures 4C, 5B, 9B) of the second side wall part 34 of the magnetic plug part 28. In this case, the magnetic plug part 28 could still be removed from the docking space 4. In order to re-establish the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 an additional counter-clockwise rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 over 45° relative to the docking unit 1 is required. This additional counter-clockwise rotation does not necessarily need to be performed by the user but can be caused by the magnetically-induced self-alignment capability of the DC power supply assembly 47 as a result of the arrangement of the four magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the docking unit 1 relative to the four magnets 36, 43, 44, 45 of the magnetic plug part 28. In accordance with the second exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly 47 shown in figures 7 and 8A-8D, any mis-alignment of the four magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the docking unit 1 relative to the four magnets 36, 43, 44, 45 of the magnetic plug part 28 will result in a rotation of the magnetic plug part 28 relative to the docking unit 1 that re-establishes the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1.

Figure 9A shows a schematic front view of the docking unit 1 shown in figure 3B, and a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a magnetic unlocking tool 48, wherein the arrangement of the locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 and magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the four sets of locking components is schematically shown relative to each other and relative to the docking space 4.

The first side wall part 9 of the first housing 2 of the docking unit 1 has an octagonal shape and the second side wall part 34 of the magnetic plug part 28 has an octagonal shape that is adapted to the octagonal shape of the first side wall part 9 to enable a snug fit of the magnetic plug part 28 in the docking space 4. As a result of the form-closed way in which the magnetic plug part 28 is arranged in the docking space 4, the magnetic plug part 28 cannot be rotated relative to the docking unit 1.

As the magnetic unlocking tool 48 is not arranged in contact with the docking unit 1 , the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 are in their default positions in which the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6, the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12, the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16, and the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extend into the docking space 4 and are in locking contact with respectively the four portions 35, 54, 55, 56 of the second side wall part 34. In this way, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 is in place.

The magnetic locking connection is established by the four magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the docking unit 1 and the four magnets 36, 43, 44, 45 of the magnetic plug part 28 that are arranged in alignment which each other. Magnetically-induced self-alignment between the four magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the docking unit 1 and the four magnets 36, 43, 44, 45 of the magnetic plug part 28 enables a correct orientation of the four portions 35, 54, 55, 56 of the second side wall part 34 relative to the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 before insertion of the magnetic plug part 28 into the docking space 4.

Figure 9B shows a schematic front view of the docking unit 1 and the first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the magnetic unlocking tool 48 shown in figure 9A that is arranged in contact with the docking unit 1. The magnetic unlocking tool 48 comprises a first unlocking magnet 50, a second unlocking magnet 51, a third unlocking magnet 52, and a fourth magnet 53. Upon arranging the magnetic unlocking tool 48 in contact with the docking unit 1, the first unlocking magnet 50 is arranged relative to the second part 6b of the first mechanical locking element 6 to move the first mechanical locking element 6 through the first guideway 11 to the second position in which the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6 is outside the docking space 4, the second unlocking magnet 51 is arranged relative to the fourth part 12b of the second mechanical locking element 12 to move the second mechanical locking element 12 through the second guideway 15 to the fourth position in which the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12 is outside the docking space 4, the third unlocking magnet 52 is arranged relative to the sixth part 16b of the third mechanical locking element 16 to move the third mechanical locking element 16 through the third guideway 19 to the sixth position in which the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16 is outside the docking space 4, and the fourth unlocking magnet 53 is arranged relative to the eighth part 20b of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 to move the fourth mechanical locking element 20 through the fourth guideway 23 to the eighth position in which the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 is outside the docking space 4. As a result, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 has been broken. Once the mechanical locking connection has been broken, the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 can be broken by removing the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4. This is schematically shown in figure 9C. Upon removing the magnetic plug part 28 from the docking space 4, the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 do not return to their default positions, i.e. the respective first part 6a, third part 12a, fifth part 16a, and seventh part 20a remain outside the docking space 4 as a result of the magnetic unlocking tool 48 that remains in contact with the docking unit 1.

Figure 10A shows a schematic front view of a docking unit 1 and a magnetic plug part 28 in accordance with a third exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DC power supply assembly 47, wherein the arrangement of the locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 relative to the docking space 4 is schematically shown in the event that a fifth unlocking magnet 57 and a sixth unlocking magnet 58 are not arranged in contact with the docking unit 1. As a result of the frame 61 that is arranged in contact with the docking unit 1 , the magnetic plug part 28 that has an octagonal second side wall part 34 cannot rotate relative to the docking unit. As the fifth unlocking magnet 57 and the sixth unlocking magnet 58 are not arranged in contact with the docking unit 1 , the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 are in their default positions in which the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element 6, the third part 12a of the second mechanical locking element 12, the fifth part 16a of the third mechanical locking element 16, and the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 extend into the docking space 4 and are in locking contact with respectively the four portions 35, 54, 55, 56 of the second side wall part 34. In this way, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1 is in place. The magnetic locking connection is established by the four magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the docking unit 1 and the four magnets 36, 43, 44, 45 of the magnetic plug part 28 that are arranged in alignment which each other. Magnetically-induced selfalignment between the four magnets 7, 13, 17, 21 of the docking unit 1 and the four magnets 36, 43, 44, 45 of the magnetic plug part 28 enables a correct orientation of the four portions 35, 54, 55, 56 of the second side wall part 34 relative to the four mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 before insertion of the magnetic plug part 28 into the docking space 4.

The first mechanical locking element 6 and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 are connected with each other outside the docking space 4. The same applies to the second mechanical locking element 12 and the third mechanical locking element 16 that are connected with each other outside the docking space 4. In this way the component count can be reduced.

Figure 10D schematically shows a detailed view of the encircled region in figure 10A regarding how the first mechanical locking element 6 and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 are interconnected outside the docking space 4, and the arrangement of the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element and the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 with respect to the magnetic plug part 28 when the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit is in place.

Figure 10C schematically shows that the two mechanical locking elements 6, 20 have been moved to a first inactive position through the fifth guideway 59 under the influence of the fifth unlocking magnet 57 that is arranged in contact with the docking unit. In the first inactive position, the first part 6a and the seventh part 20a are arranged outside the docking space 4. The same applies to the second mechanical locking element 12 and the third mechanical locking element 16 that are connected with each other outside the docking space 4. The two mechanical locking elements 12, 16 have been moved to a second inactive position through the sixth guideway 60 under the influence of the sixth unlocking magnet 58 that is arranged in contact with the docking unit. In the second inactive position, the third part 12a and the fifth part 16a are arranged outside the docking space 4. As a result of the fact that the first part 6a, the third part 12a, the fifth part 16a, and the seventh part 20a of the respective mechanical locking elements 6, 12, 16, 20 are arranged outside the docking space 4 when the fifth unlocking magnet 57 and the sixth unlocking magnet 58 are arranged in contact with the docking unit, the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit has been broken.

Figure 10D schematically shows a detailed view of the encircled region in figure 10C regarding how the first mechanical locking element 6 and the fourth mechanical locking element 20 are interconnected outside the docking space 4, and the arrangement of the first part 6a of the first mechanical locking element and the seventh part 20a of the fourth mechanical locking element 20 with respect to the magnetic plug part 28 when the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit has been broken.

The present invention can be summarized as relating to a docking unit 1 for a DC power supply allowing continuous power supply to an electrical device or charging of an electrical device if the docking unit is associated with the DC power supply. The docking unit comprises a first housing 2 provided with a docking space 4 for receiving a magnetic plug part 28 of a connector unit 26 if the docking unit 1 is in use. The docking unit 1 comprises a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism 5 for establishing a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part 28 and the docking unit 1. The invention also relates to a connector unit 26 that is compatible with the docking unit 1 according to the invention, and to a DC power supply assembly 47 comprising the docking unit 1 and the connector unit 26 according to the invention.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing but that several amendments and modifications thereof are possible without deviating from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims. In particular, combinations of specific features of various aspects of the invention may be made. An aspect of the invention may be further advantageously enhanced by adding a feature that was described in relation to another aspect of the invention. While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive.

The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by a person skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the description and the attached claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A docking unit (1) for a DC power supply, the docking unit (1) being configured to allow continuous power supply to an electrical device or charging of an electrical device if the docking unit (1) is associated with a DC power supply, the docking unit (1) comprising a first housing (2) that is provided with a docking space (4) for receiving a magnetic plug part of a connector unit if the docking unit (1) is in use, the first housing (2) comprising a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) that is configured and arranged to allow establishment of a magnetic locking connection and a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1).

2. The docking unit (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) is configured and arranged to allow magnetically-induced alignment of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1) relative to each other.

3. The docking unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) comprises a first set of locking components, the first set of locking components comprising a first mechanical locking element (6) and a first magnet (7), the first mechanical locking element (6) and the first magnet (7) being arranged relative to the docking space (4) and relative to each other to allow the first mechanical locking element (6) and the first magnet (7) to be in a first magnetic retaining connection, wherein as a result of the first magnetic retaining connection, the first mechanical locking element (6) is arranged to partially extend into the docking space (4) at a first location for allowing establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1), wherein the first magnet (7) allows magnetically-induced alignment of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1) relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1).

4. The docking unit (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first housing (2) comprises a first wall part (8) that is configured and arranged to provide a back plate for the docking space (4), and a first side wall part (9) that is arranged in contact with the first wall part (8), the first side wall part (9) being configured to provide a circular side wall surrounding the docking space (4), the first side wall part (9) being provided with a first opening (10) that is configured and arranged to allow a first part (6a) of the first mechanical locking element (6) to extend into the docking space (4) at the first location, and to retain a second part (6b) of the first mechanical locking element (6) behind the first side wall part (9), and wherein the first housing (2) is provided with a first guideway (11) that is configured and arranged to contain the first mechanical locking element (6), and to allow movement of the first mechanical locking element (6) between a first position in which the first part (6a) of the first mechanical locking element (6) is arranged to extend into the docking space (4) via the first opening (10) in the first side wall part (9), and a second position in which the first part (6a) of the first mechanical locking element (6) is arranged outside the docking space (4).

5. The docking unit (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) comprises a second set of locking components, the second set of locking components comprising a second mechanical locking element (12) and a second magnet (13), the second mechanical locking element (12) and the second magnet (13) being arranged relative to the docking space (4) and relative to each other to allow the second mechanical locking element (12) and the second magnet (13) to be in a second magnetic retaining connection, wherein as a result of the second magnetic retaining connection, the second mechanical locking element (12) is arranged to partially extend into the docking space (4) at a second location, the second location of the second mechanical locking element (12) being different than the first location of the first mechanical locking element (6), the first mechanical locking element (6) and the second mechanical locking element (12) allow establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1), wherein the first magnet (7) of the first set of locking components and the second magnet (13) allow magnetically-induced self-alignment of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1) relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1).

6. The docking unit (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first side wall part (9) is provided with a second opening (14) that is configured and arranged to allow a third part (12a) of the second mechanical locking element (12) to extend into the docking space (4) at the second location, and to retain a fourth part (12b) of the second mechanical locking element (12) behind the first side wall part (9), and wherein the first housing (2) is provided with a second guideway (15) that is configured and arranged to contain the second mechanical locking element (12), and to allow movement of the second mechanical locking element (12) between a third position in which the third part (12a) of the second mechanical locking element (12) is arranged to extend into the docking space (4) via the second opening (14) in the first side wall part (9), and a fourth position in which the third part (12a) of the second mechanical locking element (12) is arranged outside the docking space (4).

7. The docking unit (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) comprises a third set of locking components, the third set of locking components comprising a third mechanical locking element (16) and a third magnet (17), the third mechanical locking element (16) and the third magnet (17) being arranged relative to the docking space (4) and relative to each other to allow the third mechanical locking element (16) and the third magnet (17) to be in a third magnetic retaining connection, wherein as a result of the third magnetic retaining connection, the third mechanical locking element (16) is arranged to partially extend into the docking space (4) at a third location, the third location being different than the first location of the first mechanical locking element (6) of the first set of locking components and the second location of the second mechanical locking element (12) of the second set of locking components, the first mechanical locking element (6), the second mechanical locking element (12), and the third mechanical locking element (16) allow establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1), wherein the first magnet (7) of the first set of locking components, the second magnet (13) of the second set of locking components, and the third magnet (17) allow magnetically-induced self-alignment of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1) relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1).

8. The docking unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first side wall part (9) is provided with a third opening (18) that is configured and arranged to allow a fifth part (16a) of the third mechanical locking element (16) to extend into the docking space (4) at the third location, and to retain a sixth part (16b) of the third mechanical locking element (16) behind the first side wall part (9), and wherein the first housing (2) is provided with a third guideway (19) that is configured and arranged to contain the third mechanical locking element (16), and to allow movement of the third mechanical locking element (16) between a fifth position in which the fifth part (16a) of the third mechanical locking element (16) is arranged to extend into the docking space (4) via the third opening (18) in the first side wall part (9), and a sixth position in which the fifth part (16a) of the third mechanical locking element (16) is arranged outside the docking space (4).

9. The docking unit (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) comprises a fourth set of locking components, the fourth set of locking components comprising a fourth mechanical locking element (20) and a fourth magnet (21), the fourth mechanical locking element (20) and the fourth magnet (21) being arranged relative to the docking space (4) and relative to each other to allow the fourth mechanical locking element (20) and the fourth magnet (21) to be in a fourth magnetic retaining connection, wherein as a result of the fourth magnetic retaining connection, the fourth mechanical locking element (20) is arranged to partially extend into the docking space (4) at a fourth location, the fourth location being different than the first location of the first mechanical locking element (6) of the first set of locking components, the second location of the second mechanical locking element (12) of the second set of locking components, and the third location of the third mechanical locking element (16) of the third set of locking components, the first mechanical locking element (6), the second mechanical locking element (12), the third mechanical locking element (16), and the fourth mechanical locking element (20) allowing establishment of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1), wherein the first magnet (7) of the first set of locking components, the second magnet (13) of the second set of locking components, the third magnet (17) of the third set of locking components, and the fourth magnet (21) allow magnetically-induced self-alignment of the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1) relative to each other, and establishment of the magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part and the docking unit (1).

10. The docking unit (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first side wall part (9) is provided with a fourth opening (22) that is configured and arranged to allow a seventh part (20a) of the fourth mechanical locking element (20) to extend into the docking space (4) at the fourth location, and to retain an eighth part (20b) of the fourth mechanical locking element (20) behind the first side wall part (9), and wherein the first housing (2) is provided with a fourth guideway (23) that is configured and arranged to contain the fourth mechanical locking element (20), and to allow movement of the fourth mechanical locking element (20) between a seventh position in which the seventh part (20a) of the fourth mechanical locking element (20) is arranged to extend into the docking space (4) via the fourth opening (22) in the first side wall part (9), and an eighth position in which the seventh part (22a) of the fourth mechanical locking element (22) is arranged outside the docking space (4).

11. The docking unit (1) according to any one of the claims 4 to 10, wherein the first wall part (8) is provided with a first set of electrical contacts (24) that are arranged to project from the first wall part (8) into the docking space (4).

12. The docking unit (1) according to any one of the claims 4 to 11 , wherein the first wall part (8) is provided with a first protrusion (25) that is arranged to project from the first wall part (8) into the docking space (4).

13. The docking unit (1) according to any one of the claims 4 to 12, wherein the first side wall part (9) of the first housing (2) is configured to have a first shape that allows a snug fit of the magnetic plug part of the connector unit in the docking space (4), and rotation of the connector unit and the docking unit (1) relative to each other.

14. The docking unit (1) according to claim 13, wherein the first shape of the first side wall part (9) of the first housing (2) is a circle.

15. The docking unit (1) according to any one of the claims 4 to 12, wherein the first side wall part (9) of the first housing (2) is configured to have a second shape that allows a snug fit of the magnetic plug part of the connector unit in the docking space (4), and prevents rotation of the connector unit and the docking unit (1) relative to each other.

16. The docking unit (1) according to claim 15, wherein the second shape of the first side wall part (9) of first housing (2) is a closed shape having any number of sides.

17. A connector unit (26) that is compatible with a docking unit (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 16, the connector unit (26) comprising a second housing (27) that is provided with: a magnetic plug part (28) that, if the connector unit (26) is in use, is inserted into a docking space of a docking unit, the magnetic plug part (28) comprising:

• a second wall part (29) that is provided with a recessed area (30) to provide the second wall part with a rim part (31), the recessed area (30) has a first surface

(32) that is arranged to face away from the second housing (27) and a second surface (33) that is arranged to face towards the second housing (27), the rim part (31) being configured to surround the first surface (32) of the recessed area (30);

• a second side wall part (34) that is connected to the rim part (31) of the second wall part (29), the second side wall part (34) having a first portion (35) that is in contact with a first mechanical locking element of the docking unit upon establishment of a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part (28) and the docking unit;

• a fifth magnet (36) that is arranged at a ninth position at the second surface

(33) of the recessed area (30) of the second wall part (29), the fifth magnet (36) being configured to allow magnetically-induced alignment with a first magnet of the docking unit, and, upon insertion of the magnetic plug part (28) into the docking space of the docking unit, establishment of a magnetic locking connection between the magnetic plug part (28) and the docking unit;

• a set of concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts (37) that are arranged on the first surface (32) of the recessed area (30) of the second wall part (29), wherein upon insertion of the magnetic plug part (28) into the docking space of the docking unit, the concentrically arranged closed-loop electrical contacts (37) are electrically connected with electrical contacts that are arranged to project from a first wall part of a first housing of the docking unit into the docking space of the docking unit; and a device mounting part (38) that is arranged at a different side of the second housing (27) than the magnetic plug part (28), the device mounting part (38) being configured to receive a part of an electrical device or an adapter for connecting an electrical device to the connector unit (26).

18. The connector unit (26) according to claim 17, wherein the magnetic plug part (28) comprises a sixth magnet (43) that is arranged at a tenth position at the second surface (33) of the recessed area (30) of the second wall part (29), the tenth position being different than the ninth position of the fifth magnet (36), wherein the fifth magnet (36) and the sixth magnet (43) are configured to allow magnetically-induced selfalignment with the first magnet and a second magnet of the docking unit, and, upon insertion of the magnetic plug part (28) into the docking space of the docking unit, establishment of the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part (28) and the docking unit.

19. The connector unit (26) according to claim 18, wherein the magnetic plug part (28) comprises a seventh magnet (44) that is arranged at an eleventh position at the second surface (33) of the recessed area (30) of the second wall part (29), the eleventh position being different than the ninth position of the fifth magnet (36) and the tenth position of the sixth magnet (43), wherein the fifth magnet (36), the sixth magnet (43) and the seventh magnet (44) are configured to allow magnetically- induced self-alignment with the first magnet, the second magnet, and a third magnet of the docking unit, and, upon insertion of the magnetic plug part (28) into the docking space of the docking unit, establishment of the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part (28) and the docking unit.

20. The connector unit (26) according to claim 19, wherein the magnetic plug part (28) comprises an eighth magnet (45) that is arranged at a twelfth position at the second surface (33) of the recessed area (30) of the second wall part (29), the twelfth position being different than the ninth position of the fifth magnet (36), the tenth position of the sixth magnet (43), and the eleventh position of the seventh magnet (44), wherein the fifth magnet (36), the sixth magnet (43), the seventh magnet (44), and the eighth magnet (45) are configured to allow magnetically-induced selfalignment with the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and a fourth magnet of the docking unit, and, upon insertion of the magnetic plug part (28) into the docking space of the docking unit, establishment of the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part (28) and the docking unit.

21. The connector unit (26) according to any one of the claims 17 to 20, wherein the rim part (31) of the second wall part (29) of the magnetic plug part (28) is provided with a first recess (46) that is configured to allow reception of a first protrusion that is arranged to project from the first wall part of the first housing of the docking unit into the docking space of the docking unit upon establishment of the magnetic locking connection and the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part (28) and the docking unit.

22. The connector unit (26) according to any one of the claims 17 to 21, wherein the second side wall part (34) of the magnetic plug part (28) has a closed shape with any number of sides.

23. A DC power supply assembly (47) for continuous provision of DC power to an electrical device or charging with DC power of an electrical device if the DC power supply assembly (47) is in use, the DC power supply assembly comprising a docking unit (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 16.

24. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 23, comprising a connector unit (26) according to any one of the claims 17 to 22.

25. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 24, wherein a first side wall part (9) of a first housing (2) of a docking unit (1) has a third shape and a second side wall part (34) of a magnetic plug part (28) of the connector unit (26) has a fourth shape, the third shape and the fourth shape being adapted to each other to enable, upon rotation of the connector unit (26) and the docking unit (1) relative to each other, a movement of a first mechanical locking element (6) of the docking unit (1) from a first position in which a first part (6a) of the first mechanical locking element (6) is arranged to extend into a docking space (4) of the docking unit (1) to a second position in which the first part (6a) of the first mechanical locking element (6) is arranged outside the docking space (4) for cancelling of a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part (28) of the connector unit (26) and the docking unit (1).

26. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 25, wherein the third shape of the first side wall part (9) of the first housing (2) of the docking unit (1) is a circle, and the fourth shape of the second side wall part (34) of the magnetic plug part 27. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 24, wherein a first side wall part (9) of the first housing (2) of the docking unit (1) has a fifth shape and a second side wall part (34) of a magnetic plug part (28) of the connector unit (26) has a sixth shape, the fifth shape and the sixth shape being adapted to each other to prevent rotation of the connector unit (26) and the docking unit (1) relative to each other, and to prevent cancelling of a mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part (28) of the connector unit (26) and the docking unit (1).

28. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 27, wherein the fifth shape of the first side wall part (9) of the first housing (2) of the docking unit (1) and the sixth shape of the second side wall part (34) of the magnetic plug part (28) of the connector unit (26) are closed shapes having a same number of sides.

29. The DC power supply assembly (47) according to claim 27 or 28, comprising a magnetic unlocking tool (48) that is arranged relative to a magneto-mechanical locking mechanism (5) of the docking unit (1) to allow cancelling of a first magnetic retaining connection between a first mechanical locking element (6) and a first magnet (7) of the docking unit (1), and thereby cancelling of the mechanical locking connection between the magnetic plug part (28) of the connector unit (26) and the docking unit (1).