WO2013165049A1

WO2013165049A1 - Magnetic power connector and power supply apparatus using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2013165049A1
Application number: PCT/KR2012/004250
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hyun-Jun Kim; Dae-Young Youn; Seung-Ju Jeong; Jung-Gyo KIM; Hyo-Nam Kim
Original assignee: Smart Power Solutions, Inc.
Priority date: 2012-04-30
Filing date: 2012-05-30
Publication date: 2013-11-07
Also published as: KR101354971B1; KR20130125848A

Abstract

The present invention provides a magnetic power connector and a power supply apparatus using the same. The magnetic power connector includes a power receiving tip (110), a power supply tip (150) and a magnet (170). The power receiving tip is connected to a power socket of an electronic apparatus and has a power terminal (111), an earth terminal (113) and a signal terminal. The earth terminal and the signal terminal are integrated with each other. The power supply tip has a power terminal (151), an earth terminal (153) and a signal terminal that are separately provided from each other and respectively come into contact with the corresponding terminals of the power receiving tip. The power supply tip transmits power output from an external power supply unit to the power receiving tip. The magnet is installed in at least one of the power supply tip and the power receiving tip to magnetically couple the power supply tip and the power receiving tip to each other.

Description

MAGNETIC POWER CONNECTOR AND POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS USING THE SAME

The present invention relates, in general, to power supply apparatuses and, more particularly, to a magnetic power connector which is connected to a power socket of an electrical/electronic apparatus and supplies external DC power to the electrical/electronic apparatus, and a power supply apparatus using the magnetic power connector.

A variety of electrical/electronic apparatuses (hereinafter, referred to as electronic apparatuses ) use a power supply unit, such as an adapter, to receive DC power or charge a built-in battery. The adapter is a device which converts input commercial AC power into preset DC power.

Generally, an electronic apparatus and a power connector of an adapter are as shown in FIG. 1. For example, an electronic apparatus 1, such as a notebook computer, receives DC power using an adapter 5. A female connector 2 which is a power socket is formed at a predetermined position in the electronic apparatus 1. A male connector 7 is connected to one end of a cable 6 of the adapter 5. A plug 8 is connected to the other end of the cable 6 to receive commercial AC power from an electric outlet.

As such, to supply DC power to the electronic apparatus 1, the male connector 7 of the adapter 5 must be coupled to the female connector 2.

However, in the method of inserting the male connector into the female connector, there is a likelihood of the connector being damaged during the connection. Further, there are several factors that inconvenience a user, for example, forcing the user to find the female connector of the electronic apparatus and perpendicularly inserting or removing the male connector into or from the female connector. In an effort to overcome the above problems, techniques which use magnets for connectors have been developed and, e.g., were proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 1988-274070 (Publication date: Nov. 11, 1988, entitled: Connecting device), U.S. Patent No. 2010-0080563 (Publication date: Apr. 1, 2010, entitled: MAGNETIC CONNECTOR WITH OPTICAL SIGNAL PATH), U.S. Patent No. 2012-0021619 (Publication date: Jan. 26, 2012, entitled: PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC CONNECTORS), etc.

Meanwhile, recently, new conceptual adapters were proposed, e.g., which are connected to connectors using mechanical switches (U.S. Patent No. 7,377,805, U.S. Patent No. 7,701,084, etc.) which are provided with separable power receiving tips that can be applied to different kinds of electronic apparatuses to make it possible to change a voltage applied to the electronic apparatuses, or which are connected to connectors using switches that can short an internal circuit of an adapter body to reduce stand-by power. Such adapters have advantages that they can reduce stand-by power and be adapted to different kinds of electronic apparatuses. However, a space required for installation of a switch in a connector increases the volume of the connector, and the production cost is increased.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic power connector in which a connector connected to a power socket of an electronic apparatus has a magnetic type structure so that the use convenience and safety can be enhanced by a magnetic coupling method, and a power supply apparatus using the magnetic power connector.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic power connector in which a short between a female connector and a male connector can substitute for a switch, and an on/off function of an adapter body can be appropriately conducted by changing the shape of terminals of either connector, and a power supply apparatus using the magnetic power connector.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic power connector in which, when a power receiving tip coupled to the power socket of the electronic apparatus is magnetically coupled to a power supply tip connected to one end of a power supply unit, whether the coupling is correctly made is indicated, and depending on the status of the coupling, the output voltage can be changed, and a power supply apparatus using the magnetic power connector.

The object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects.

In order to accomplish the above objects, in an aspect, the present invention provides a magnetic power connector, including: a power receiving tip connected to a power socket of an electronic apparatus, the power receiving tip having a power terminal, an earth terminal and a signal terminal on a first end thereof, the earth terminal and the signal terminal being integrated with each other; a power supply tip having a power terminal, an earth terminal and a signal terminal that are separately provided from each other and respectively come into contact with the power terminal, the earth terminal and the signal terminal of the power receiving tip, the power supply tip transmitting power output from an external power supply unit to the power receiving tip connected thereto; and a magnet installed in at least one of the power supply tip and the power receiving tip to magnetically couple the power supply tip and the power receiving tip to each other. Depending on a shape of the terminals provided on the power receiving tip, different signals are transmitted to the power supply unit when the power receiving tip and the power supply tip are connected to each other.

The signal terminal of the power receiving tip may comprise at least one of a first signal terminal sensing a status of connection with the power supply tip or being used in mutual communication, and a second signal terminal changing a setting voltage transmitted from the power supply tip. In the case where the power receiving tip comprises the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal, the earth terminal of the power receiving tip may be integrated with at least one of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal.

The signal terminal of the power supply tip may comprise: a first signal terminal sensing a status of connection with the power receiving tip and determining whether power of the power supply unit is output, thus reducing stand-by current; and a second signal terminal changing a setting voltage to be supplied to the power receiving tip.

The power terminal, the earth terminal and the signal terminal of the power supply tip may be separately provided from each other. The signal terminal of the power supply tip may comprise: a first signal terminal sensing a status of connection with the power receiving tip or being used in mutual communication; and a second signal terminal changing a setting voltage to be supplied to the power receiving tip. A resistor may be provided between the power terminal and the first signal terminal of the power supply tip, and a light emitting device may be provided between the resistor and the first signal terminal to indicate whether the power supply tip is connected to the power receiving tip.

The terminals of the power receiving tip are provided on a same plane, and the terminals of the power supply tip are provided on a same plane.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a power supply apparatus using a magnetic power connector, including: a power receiving tip connected to a power socket of an electronic apparatus, the power receiving tip having a power terminal, an earth terminal and a signal terminal on a first end thereof, the earth terminal and the signal terminal being integrated with each other; a power supply tip having a power terminal, an earth terminal and a signal terminal that are separately provided from each other and respectively come into contact with the power terminal, the earth terminal and the signal terminal of the power receiving tip, the power supply tip transmitting power output from an external power supply unit to the power receiving tip connected thereto; a magnet installed in at least one of the power supply tip and the power receiving tip to magnetically couple the power supply tip and the power receiving tip to each other; and a power supply unit electrically connected to the terminals of the power supply tip, the power supply unit variably controlling a voltage output from the power terminal of the power supply tip depending on a signal that is fed back from the signal terminal of the power supply tip.

The power supply unit may include: an output determination unit outputting a feedback signal of a different voltage depending on whether the signal terminal of the power supply tip is connected to the signal terminal of the power receiving tip; and a control unit variably controlling the voltage output to the power terminal of the power supply tip depending on a signal determined by the output determination unit.

The output determination unit may include: a plurality of resistors connected in series between the power terminal and the earth terminal of the power supply tip; and a resistor provided between the signal terminal of the power supply tip and a feedback node that is a common contact point between the plurality of resistors. The control unit may detect a voltage applied to the feedback node and control an output voltage.

The signal terminal of the power supply tip may include: a first signal terminal sensing a status of connection with the power receiving tip and determining whether power of the power supply unit is output, thus reducing stand-by current; and a second signal terminal changing a setting voltage to be supplied to the power receiving tip.

As described above, in the present invention, a connector which is connected to a power socket of an electronic apparatus has a magnetic-type structure. Therefore, the use convenience and safety can be enhanced by a magnetic coupling method. Furthermore, when a power receiving tip coupled to the power socket of the electronic apparatus is magnetically coupled to a power supply tip connected to one end of a power supply unit, whether the coupling is correctly made is indicated, and depending on the status of the coupling, the output voltage can be changed. Hence, the present invention can enhance the use convenience and extend the compatibility despite having a simple structure.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a power connector for an electric device, according to a conventional technique;

FIG. 2 is a conceptual view showing a magnetic power connector according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are views illustrating a first embodiment of the power connector according to the present invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views illustrating a second embodiment of the power connector according to the present invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are views illustrating a third embodiment of the power connector according to the present invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views illustrating embodiments of the connection structure of the power connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a conceptual view illustrating an embodiment of the power supply unit according to the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a conceptual view illustrating another embodiment of the power supply unit according to the present invention.

10: electronic apparatus 15: power socket

50: power supply unit (adapter) 51: rectifier circuit unit

53: voltage conversion unit 55: output determination unit

57: control unit 59: on/off control unit

110: power receiving tip 101: male connector

111: power terminal 113: earth terminal

115: first signal terminal 117: second signal terminal

121~125: depression 150: power supply tip

151: power terminal 153: earth terminal

155: first signal terminal 157: second signal terminal

159(D1): light emitting device 161~165: protrusion

170: magnet

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Reference should now be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the different drawings to designate the same or similar components. If, in the specification, detailed descriptions of well-known functions or configurations would unnecessarily obfuscate the gist of the present invention, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual view showing a magnetic power connector 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The magnetic power connector 100 includes a power receiving tip 110 and a power supply tip 150.

As shown in the drawings, the power receiving tip 110 and the power supply tip 150 are configured such that they match each other. As necessary, a protrusion-depression structure may be used between corresponding terminals of the power receiving tip 110 and the power supply tip 150.

The power receiving tip 110 has a male connector 101 at a first side thereof, which is inserted into a power socket 15 of an electronic apparatus 10. A power terminal 111, an earth terminal 113, and

signal terminals

115 and 117, each of which comprises at least one of a paramagnetic body and a nonmagnetic body, are disposed at a second side of the power receiving tip 110 and are provided on the same plane. In an embodiment, if the

terminals

111, 113, 115 and 117 of the power receiving tip 110 are made of nonmagnetic bodies, a paramagnetic body may be provided in the power receiving tip 110. The earth terminal 113 and the

signal terminals

115 and 117 of the power receiving tip 110 may be structurally integrated into a single body. Alternatively, the earth terminal 113 and the

signal terminals

115 and 117 may be structurally separated from each other, while they are electrically connected (shorted) to each other. Preferably, the power terminal 111, the earth terminal 113 and the

signal terminals

115 and 117 of the power receiving tip 110 are formed on the same plane.

The power supply tip 150 includes a power terminal (+) 151, an earth terminal (-) 153, a first signal terminal (S1) 155, and a signal terminal (S2) 157 which are respectively brought into surface or point contact with the

terminals

111, 113, 115 and 117 of the power receiving tip 110. The power supply tip 150 functions to transmit power from the outside to the electronic apparatus 10 through the power terminal 151. In this embodiment, the power terminal 151, the earth terminal 153, and the

signal terminals

155 and 157 of the power supply tip 150 are structurally separated from each other. The power terminal 111, the earth terminal 113, and the

signal terminals

115 and 117 of the power receiving tip 110 are preferably provided on the same plane. In this embodiment, although the signal terminal of the power supply tip 150 is illustrated as comprising the first signal terminal 155 and the second signal terminal 157, it may comprise only either one of them.

The first signal terminal 155 of the power supply tip 150 functions to sense the status of connection with the power receiving tip 110, or determine whether to output the power of a power supply unit after sensing the status of connection with the power receiving tip 110, thus reducing stand-by power, or is used in mutual communication. The second signal terminal 157 serves to convert voltage output to the electronic apparatus 10 through the power receiving tip 110. The presence or configuration of the

signal terminals

115 and 117 of the power receiving tip 110 that correspond to the

signal terminals

155 and 157 of the power supply tip 150 may be changed depending on the voltage output to the electronic apparatus 10. For instance, if it is given that a first setting voltage of 16 V is supplied to the electronic apparatus 10, the signal terminal of the power receiving tip 110 may comprise only the first signal terminal 115 that senses the status of connection with the power supply tip 150. If it is given that a second setting voltage of 19V is supplied to the electronic apparatus 10, the signal terminal of the power receiving tip 110 may comprise both the first signal terminal 115 that senses the status of connection with the power supply tip 150 and the second signal terminal 117 that converts the setting voltage transmitted from the power supply tip 150. That is, depending on whether the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the second signal terminal 117 of the power receiving tip 110, the output voltage of the power supply unit 50 is determined. As such, in the present invention, the earth terminal 113 of the power receiving tip 110 is integrated with at least one of the first signal terminal 115 and the second signal terminal 117. Depending on the shape of the

terminals

113, 115 and 117 of the power receiving tip 110 that is connected to the power supply tip 150, when the power receiving tip 110 is connected to the power supply tip 150, different signals are supplied to the power supply unit 50.

Although the terminals of each of the power receiving tip 110 and the connector 150 are illustrated as being provided on the same plane and protruding the same distance from the plane, the distances to which the terminals of the power supply tip 150 and the terminals of the power receiving tip 110 protrude may be different from each other in consideration of the coupling directionality therebetween when connecting the power supply tip 150 to the power receiving tip 110. In this case, it is important for the distances to which the terminals protrude to be set such that the corresponding terminals between the power supply tip 150 to the power receiving tip 110 are contactable with each other.

The power terminal 151 and the first signal terminal 155 of the power supply tip 150 are electrically connected to each other by a resistor (not shown). A light emitting device 159 is disposed between the resistor and the first signal terminal 155 to indicate whether the power supply tip 150 has been connected to the power receiving tip 110. The light emitting device 159 is provided on the upper surface of the power supply tip 150 and exposed to the outside to allow the user to easily discern whether the power supply tip 150 is normally connected to the power receiving tip 110.

Each of the

terminals

111, 113, 115 and 117 of the power receiving tip 110 and the

terminals

151, 153, 155 and 157 of the power supply tip 150 may comprise either a paramagnetic body or a nonmagnetic body. A magnet 170 is installed in at least one of the power supply tip 150 and the power receiving tip 110 to magnetically couple the power receiving tip 110 and the power supply tip 150 to each other. As shown in FIG. 2, if the magnet 170 is installed in the power supply tip 150, each terminal 111, 113, 115, 117 of the power receiving tip 110 may comprise a paramagnetic body. If each terminal 111, 113, 115, 117 of the power receiving tip 110 comprises a nonmagnetic body, a paramagnetic body or magnet may be installed in the power receiving tip 110. A magnet may be installed in each of the power receiving tip 110 and the power supply tip 150. In this case, the magnets of the power receiving tip 110 and the power supply tip 150 are oriented such that different magnetic poles face each other. For example, if the magnet of the power receiving tip 110 is oriented such that the N-pole thereof faces the surface that makes contact with the power supply tip 150, the magnet of the power supply tip 150 is oriented such that the S-pole thereof faces the surface that makes contact with the power receiving tip 110.

The power receiving tip 110 is connected to the power socket 15 of the electronic apparatus 10, and the power supply tip 150 is connected to one end of a cable 70 of the power supply unit 50 such as an adapter. The power receiving tip 110 and the power supply tip 150 are magnetically connected to each other, thus transmitting direct current (DC) power from the power supply unit 50 to the electronic apparatus 10. In actual use, the connection of the power receiving tip 110 to the power socket 15 of the electronic apparatus 10 is always maintained, and only the power supply tip 150 is connected to or removed from the power receiving tip 110.

The electronic apparatus 10 may be a small-capacity device which uses DC power, such as a notebook computer, peripherals, a small domestic electronic apparatus, etc., or a device which uses large-capacity AC or DC power, such as a UPS device, an electric vehicle, an electric bicycle, or an electric scooter. The power supply unit 50 may comprise an adapter which outputs input DC power or converts input commercial AC power into required DC power and supplies it to the electronic apparatus 10 connected thereto.

The electronic apparatus 10 can be electrically connected to the power supply unit 50 both by the power receiving tip 110 of the electronic apparatus 10 and by the power supply tip 150 of the power supply unit 50. In this specification, for the sake of explanation, the element connected to the power socket 15 of the electronic apparatus 10 refers to the power receiving tip 110, and the element connected to the cable 70 of the power supply unit 50 refers to the power supply tip 150.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are views illustrating a first embodiment of the power connector according to the present invention to show an example of the case where the first setting voltage is output. For example, the first setting voltage may be DC voltage of 16 V or less.

As shown in FIG. 3, the power receiving tip 110 includes a power terminal 111, an earth terminal 113 and a first signal terminal 115. The earth terminal 113 and the first signal terminal 115 are structurally integrated with each other. The power supply tip 150 includes a power terminal 151, an earth terminal 153, a first signal terminal 155 and a second signal terminal 157. The

terminals

151, 153, 155 and 157 are separated from each other. The power terminal 151 and the earth terminal 153 of the power supply tip 150 are disposed at diagonally opposite positions. In this embodiment, the power receiving tip 110 does not have a terminal corresponding to the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150. This means that the power receiving tip 110 has no second signal terminal or that even if the power receiving tip 110 has a second signal terminal, it is electrically open so that current is turned off.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 4, the earth terminal 113 and the first signal terminal 115 of the power receiving tip 110 are structurally integrated with each other or electrically connected (shorted) to each other.

If the power receiving tip 110 is connected to the power supply tip 150, the power terminal 151 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the power terminal 111 of the power receiving tip 110, and the earth terminal 153 and the first signal terminal 155 of the power supply tip 150 are electrically connected and shorted to the earth terminal 113 of the power receiving tip 110. However, the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is maintained in the open state, because the power receiving tip 110 has no corresponding terminal.

The light emitting device 159 is disposed between the power terminal 151 and the earth terminal 113 of the power receiving tip 110 and emits light using current flowing from the power terminal 151 to the earth terminal 113, thus facilitating discernment of the status of connection of the power supply tip 150 to the power receiving tip 110.

As such, when the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is not connected to the power receiving tip 110, the power supply unit 50 outputs the first setting voltage.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views illustrating a second embodiment of the power connector according to the present invention to show an example of the case where the second setting voltage is output. For example, the second setting voltage may be a DC voltage of 19 V or more.

As shown in FIG. 5, the power receiving tip 110 includes a power terminal 111, an earth terminal 113, a first signal terminal 115 and a second signal terminal 117. The earth terminal 113, the first signal terminal 115, and the second signal terminal 117 are structurally integrated with each other. The power supply tip 150 includes a power terminal 151, an earth terminal 153, a first signal terminal 155 and a second signal terminal 157. The

terminals

151, 153, 155 and 157 are separated from each other.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 6, the earth terminal 113, the first signal terminal 115 and the second signal terminal 117 of the power receiving tip 110 are structurally integrated with each other or electrically connected (shorted) to each other.

The power terminal 151 and the first signal terminal 155 of the power supply tip 150 are electrically connected to each other by a fourth resistor R4. A light emitting device D1 (159), which indicates whether the power supply tip 150 is connected to the power receiving tip 110, is disposed between the fourth resistor R4 and the first signal terminal 155.

If the power receiving tip 110 is connected to the power supply tip 150, the power terminal 151 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the power terminal 111 of the power receiving tip 110. In addition, the earth terminal 153, the first signal terminal 155 and the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 are electrically connected and shorted to the earth terminal 113 of the power receiving tip 110.

As such, when the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the second signal terminal 117 of the power receiving tip 110, the power supply unit 50 outputs the second setting voltage.

In other words, referring to the circuit diagrams of FIGS. 4 and 6, depending on whether the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the second signal terminal 117 of the power receiving tip 110, a voltage that is fed back by the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is changed. The power supply unit 50 changes the voltage output to the power terminal 151 of the power supply tip 150 depending on the feedback voltage.

Although the first signal terminal 155 of the power supply tip 150 is illustrated as being used to discern the status of the connection between the power supply tip 150 and the power receiving tip 110, it may be used for a special purpose, e.g., for turning the output voltage from the power supply unit 50 on or off as necessary.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are views illustrating a third embodiment of the power connector according to the present invention to show an example of the case where the second setting voltage is output in the same manner as that of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, but

first signal terminals

115 and 155 are used for different purposes from those of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6.

As shown in FIG. 7, the power receiving tip 110 includes a power terminal 111, an earth terminal 113, a first signal terminal 115 and a second signal terminal 117. The earth terminal 113 and the second signal terminal 117 are structurally integrated with each other. The power supply tip 150 includes a power terminal 151, an earth terminal 153, a first signal terminal 155 and a second signal terminal 157. The

terminals

151, 153, 155 and 157 are separated from each other.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 8, the earth terminal 113 and the second signal terminal 117 of the power receiving tip 110 are structurally integrated with each other or electrically connected (shorted) to each other.

The power terminal 151 and the earth terminal 153 of the power supply tip 150 are electrically connected to each other by a fourth resistor R4. A light emitting device D1 (159) is disposed between the fourth resistor R4 and the earth terminal 153.

If the power receiving tip 110 is connected to the power supply tip 150, the power terminal 151 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the power terminal 111 of the power receiving tip 110. In addition, the first signal terminal 155 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the first signal terminal 115 of the power receiving tip 110. The earth terminal 153 and the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 are electrically connected and shorted to the earth terminal 113 of the power receiving tip 110. The

first signal terminals

115 and 155 may be used for control or communication of special purposes between the electronic apparatus 10 and the power supply unit 50 when the two

devices

10 and 50 are connected to each other.

In the embodiments of the present invention, although the power supply tip 150 and the power receiving tip 110 have been illustrated as having the constructions of FIGS. 3 through 8, various combinations of the embodiments or modifications are possible, as necessary, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views illustrating embodiments of the connection structure of the power connector according to the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the power supply tip 150 and the power receiving tip 110 respectively have

protrusions

161, 163, and 165 and

depressions

121, 123 and 125 to consider the coupling directionality. The protrusions of the power supply tip 150 comprise a protrusion 161 which is provided on an upper end of the power supply tip 150, and two

protrusions

163 and 165 which are provided on a lower end thereof. The

depressions

121, 123 and 125 of the power receiving tip 110 are formed at positions corresponding to the

respective protrusions

161, 163 and 165.

Basically, as shown in FIG. 2, the four

terminals

151, 153, 155 and 157 are provided on the same plane on the power supply tip 150, and a frame portion of the power supply tip 150 protrudes farther than the

terminals

151, 153, 155 and 157 from the plane. The

terminals

111, 113, 115 and 117 are also provided on the same plane on the power receiving tip 110. A perimeter portion of the power receiving tip 110 is depressed from the plane on which the

terminals

111, 113, 115, and 117 are provided. The reason for this is because the

terminals

111, 113, 115, and 117 of the power receiving tip 110 can be easily brought into contact with the

respective terminals

151, 153, 155, and 157 of the power supply tip 150 by coupling the frame portion of the power supply tip 150 to the perimeter portion of the power receiving tip 110.

However, when the power supply tip 150 and the power receiving tip 110 are connected to teach other, the coupling directionality must be considered. Preferably, the coupling directionality is provided by the mechanical shape. In this embodiment, the

protrusions

161, 163 and 165 are provided at predetermined positions on the frame portion of the power supply tip 150, and the

depressions

121, 123 and 125 are formed in the perimeter portion of the power receiving tip 110 at positions corresponding to the

respective protrusions

161, 163 and 165. Thereby, the directionality can be provided when coupling the power supply tip 150 to the power receiving tip 110. As shown in FIG. 10, the magnets may be respectively installed in the power supply tip 150 and the power receiving tip 110 such that the arrangement of the polarities of the installed magnets can be used to provide the coupling directionality. For example,

magnets

171 and 173 are installed at opposite sides in the power supply tip 150 such that the N-pole of the magnet 171 and the S-pole of the magnet 173 face the surface that comes into contact with the power receiving tip 110. To respond to this,

magnets

175 and 177 are installed at opposite sides in the power receiving tip 110 such that the S-pole of the magnet 175 and the N-pole of the magnet 177 face the surface that comes into contact with the power supply tip 150.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual view illustrating the power supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power supply unit 50 includes a rectifier circuit unit 51, a voltage conversion unit 53, an output determination unit 55 and a control unit 57.

The rectifier circuit unit 51 rectifies AC power input from the outside and outputs the rectified power.

The voltage conversion unit 53 reduces or raises the voltage of the DC power input from the rectifier circuit unit 51 to a required voltage in response to a predetermined PWM control signal, and then outputs it. Although the voltage conversion unit 53 is a DC/DC converter which converts a source of DC power to an output DC power, it can convert a low input voltage to a high output voltage. The voltage conversion unit 53 switches DC power, producing a pulse signal. As necessary, the voltage conversion unit 53 raises or reduces the voltage of the pulse signal using a coil, a capacitor, a transformer, etc., and then rectifies it again, thus producing DC power. The voltage conversion unit 53 may comprise any one selected from among a buck converter which converts a high input voltage to a low output voltage, a boost converter which converts a low input voltage to a high output voltage, and a buck/boost converter which can selectively convert an input voltage to a low output voltage or a high output voltage depending on a switching control signal.

The output determination unit 55 is configured such that different voltages of feedback signals are output depending on whether the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is electrically connected to the power receiving tip 110. The output determination unit 55 includes a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2 which are connected in series between the power terminal 151 and the earth terminal 153 of the power supply tip 150, and a third resistor R3 that is provided between the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 and a feedback node NDf that is a common contact point between the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2. Thereby, the voltage applied to the feedback node NDf can be changed depending on whether the

second signal terminals

157 and 117 of the power supply tip 150 and the power receiving tip 110 are connected to each other.

The control unit 57 determines the first setting voltage or the second setting voltage, to be output by the voltage conversion unit 53, on the basis of the voltage input from the feedback node NDf of the output determination unit 55, and outputs a PWM control signal to the voltage conversion unit 53 in response to the determined voltage so that a required stable DC voltage is output to the power terminal 151 of the power supply tip 150.

The operation of the case (as for FIG. 4) where the power supply tip 150 is connected to the power receiving tip 110 that has no terminal corresponding to the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is as follows.

When the power supply tip 150 is coupled to the power receiving tip 110, the power terminal 151 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the power terminal 111 of the power receiving tip 110, and the earth terminal 153 and the first signal terminal 155 of the power supply tip 150 are electrically connected (shorted) to the earth terminal 113. However, the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is maintained in the open state because the power receiving tip 110 has no corresponding terminal.

The first resistor R1, the second resistor R2 and the third resistor R3 of the output determination unit 55 are used to select the output power of the power supply unit 50. If the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is not connected to the power receiving tip 110, the third resistor R3 is open, and only the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are activated. Therefore, the voltage of the power terminal 151 is distributed only by the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2. The voltage applied to the second resistor R2 is applied to the control unit 57 of the power supply unit 50 via the feedback node NDf. The control unit 57 outputs a first setting voltage in response to the voltage applied to the feedback node NDf.

On the other hand, the operation of the case (as for FIG. 6) where the power supply tip 150 is connected to the power receiving tip 110 that has the terminal corresponding to the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is as follows. In this case, when the power supply tip 150 is coupled to the power terminal 111 of the power receiving tip 110, the power terminal 151 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the power terminal 111 of the power receiving tip 110, and the earth terminal 153, the first signal terminal 155 and the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 are electrically connected (shorted) to the earth terminal 113.

If the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the second signal terminal 117 of the power receiving tip 110, the second resistor R2 and the third resistor R3 are connected to the earth terminal 113, so that all of the first resistor R1, the second resistor R2 and the third resistor R3 are activated. Thereby, the voltage applied to the power terminal 151 of the power supply tip 150 is distributed by the first resistor R1 and by the second resistor R2 and third resistor R3 that are connected in parallel. The voltage applied to the second resistor R2 and the third resistor R3 that are connected in parallel is applied to the control unit 57 of the power supply unit 50 via the feedback node NDf. The control unit 57 outputs a second setting voltage in response to the voltage applied to the feedback node NDf.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual view illustrating another embodiment of the power supply unit according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 50 includes a rectifier circuit unit 51, a voltage conversion unit 53, an output determination unit 55, a control unit 57 and an on/off control unit 59.

Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 11, the embodiment of FIG. 12 include the on/off control unit 59. The construction of the power supply tip 150 connected to the power supply unit 50 also somewhat differs from that of FIG. 10.

The on/off control unit 59 turns the operation of the voltage conversion unit 53 on or off depending on a signal that is fed back from the first signal terminal 155 of the power supply tip 150.

When the power supply tip 150 is coupled to the power receiving tip 110, the power terminal 151 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the power terminal 111 of the power receiving tip 110, and the first signal terminal 155 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the first signal terminal 115 of the power receiving tip 110. The earth terminal 153 and the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 are electrically connected (shorted) to the earth terminal 113.

If the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150 is connected to the second signal terminal 117 of the power receiving tip 110, the second resistor R2 and the third resistor R3 of the output determination unit 55 are connected to the earth terminal 113, so that all of the first resistor R1, the second resistor R2, and the third resistor R3 are activated. Thereby, the voltage applied to the power terminal 151 of the power supply tip 150 is distributed by the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 and third resistor R3 that are connected in parallel. The voltage applied to the second resistor R2 and the third resistor R3 that are connected in parallel is applied to the control unit 57 of the power supply unit 50 via the feedback node NDf. The control unit 57 outputs a second setting voltage in response to the voltage applied to the feedback node NDf.

If the power receiving tip 110 does not have the second signal terminal corresponding to the second signal terminal 157 of the power supply tip 150, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the control unit will output a first setting voltage in response to the voltage applied to the feedback node NDf.

In this specification, while the terminals of the power supply tip 150 and the corresponding terminals of the power receiving tip 110 have been illustrated as being connected to each other merely in such a way that they are put into surface contact with the corresponding terminals of the power receiving tip 110, an elastic member (not shown) may be provided in each of the

terminals

111, 113, 115 and 117 of the power receiving tip 110 or each of the

terminals

151, 153, 155, and 157 of the power supply tip 150 to enhance the contactability between the terminals and the degree of freedom in design thereof. The elastic member may comprise a spring, a rubber member, or the like. Furthermore, although the shape of each of the power supply tip 150 and the power receiving tip 110 has been illustrated as being that of a rectangular plate, the shape of each of the terminals of the power supply tip 150 may be that of a pin while the shape of each of the terminals of the power receiving tip 110 may be that of a rectangular plate. The shape or size thereof may be variously changed as necessary.

As described above, in the present invention, a connector which is connected to a power terminal of an electronic apparatus is a magnetic connection type, thus making the use thereof easy and enhancing the stability in the use. Further, when a power supply tip coupled to a power supply unit is magnetically connected to a power receiving tip coupled to the power terminal of the electronic apparatus, whether they are connected to each other is indicated, and the power supply unit is controlled such that the output voltage is changed depending on the status of connection therebetween. Therefore, the present invention can make the use easier and enhance the compatibility with electronic apparatuses despite having a simple structure.

Although the preferred embodiments of the magnetic connector according to the present invention have has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

A magnetic power connector, comprising:

a power receiving tip connected to a power socket of an electronic apparatus, the power receiving tip having a power terminal, an earth terminal and a signal terminal on a first end thereof, the earth terminal and the signal terminal being integrated with each other;

a power supply tip having a power terminal, an earth terminal and a signal terminal that are separately provided from each other and respectively come into contact with the power terminal, the earth terminal and the signal terminal of the power receiving tip, the power supply tip transmitting power output from an external power supply unit to the power receiving tip connected thereto; and

a magnet installed in at least one of the power supply tip and the power receiving tip to magnetically couple the power supply tip and the power receiving tip to each other,

wherein depending on a shape of the terminals provided on the power receiving tip, different signals are transmitted to the power supply unit when the power receiving tip and the power supply tip are connected to each other.
The magnetic power connector according to claim 1, wherein the signal terminal of the power receiving tip comprises at least one of a first signal terminal sensing a status of connection with the power supply tip or being used in mutual communication, and a second signal terminal changing a setting voltage transmitted from the power supply tip.
The magnetic power connector according to claim 2, wherein in a case where the power receiving tip comprises the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal, the earth terminal of the power receiving tip is integrated with at least one of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal.
The magnetic power connector according to claim 1, wherein the signal terminal of the power supply tip comprises:

a first signal terminal sensing a status of connection with the power receiving tip and determining whether power of the power supply unit is output, thus reducing stand-by current; and

a second signal terminal changing a setting voltage to be supplied to the power receiving tip.
The magnetic power connector according to claim 1, wherein the signal terminal of the power supply tip comprises:

a first signal terminal sensing a status of connection with the power receiving tip or being used in mutual communication; and

a second signal terminal changing a setting voltage to be supplied to the power receiving tip.
The magnetic power connector according to claim 5, wherein a resistor is provided between the power terminal and the first signal terminal of the power supply tip, and a light emitting device is provided between the resistor and the first signal terminal to indicate whether the power supply tip is connected to the power receiving tip.
The magnetic power connector according to claim 1, wherein a resistor is provided between the power terminal and the earth terminal of the power supply tip, and a light emitting device is provided between the resistor and the earth terminal to indicate whether the power supply tip is connected to the power receiving tip.
The magnetic power connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the terminals of the power receiving tip and the power supply tip comprises at least one of a paramagnetic body and a nonmagnetic body, wherein when each of the terminals comprises the nonmagnetic body, a paramagnetic body or a magnet is installed in at least one of the power receiving tip and the power supply tip.
The magnetic power connector according to claim 1, wherein a male connector is provided on a second end of the power receiving tip, the male connector being inserted into the power socket of the electronic apparatus.
The magnetic power connector according to claim 1, wherein the terminals of the power receiving tip are provided on a same plane, and the terminals of the power supply tip are provided on a same plane.
A power supply apparatus using a magnetic power connector, comprising:

a power receiving tip connected to a power socket of an electronic apparatus, the power receiving tip having a power terminal, an earth terminal and a signal terminal on a first end thereof, the earth terminal and the signal terminal being integrated with each other;

a power supply tip having a power terminal, an earth terminal and a signal terminal that are separately provided from each other and respectively come into contact with the power terminal, the earth terminal and the signal terminal of the power receiving tip, the power supply tip transmitting power output from an external power supply unit to the power receiving tip connected thereto;

a magnet installed in at least one of the power supply tip and the power receiving tip to magnetically couple the power supply tip and the power receiving tip to each other; and

a power supply unit electrically connected to the terminals of the power supply tip, the power supply unit variably controlling a voltage output from the power terminal of the power supply tip depending on a signal that is fed back from the signal terminal of the power supply tip.
The power supply apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the power supply unit comprises:

an output determination unit outputting a feedback signal of a different voltage depending on whether the signal terminal of the power supply tip is connected to the signal terminal of the power receiving tip; and

a control unit variably controlling the voltage output to the power terminal of the power supply tip depending on a signal determined by the output determination unit.
The power supply apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the output determination unit comprises:

a plurality of resistors connected in series between the power terminal and the earth terminal of the power supply tip; and

a resistor provided between the signal terminal of the power supply tip and a feedback node that is a common contact point between the plurality of resistors, and

the control unit detects a voltage applied to the feedback node and controls an output voltage.
The power supply apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the signal terminal of the power supply tip comprises:

a first signal terminal sensing a status of connection with the power receiving tip and determining whether power of the power supply unit is output, thus reducing stand-by current; and

a second signal terminal changing a setting voltage to be supplied to the power receiving tip.
The power supply apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the power supply unit comprises:

a voltage conversion unit reducing or raising an input DC voltage to a required voltage depending on a predetermined PWM control signal, and outputting the reduced or raised voltage;

an output determination unit outputting a feedback signal of a different voltage depending on whether the second signal terminal of the power supply tip is connected to the signal terminal of the power receiving tip;

a control unit controlling the voltage conversion unit to change the voltage output to the power terminal of the power supply tip depending on a signal determined by the output determination unit; and

an on/off control unit turning the operation of the voltage conversion unit on or off depending on a signal that is fed back from the first signal terminal of the power supply tip.
The power supply apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the signal terminal of the power receiving tip comprises at least one of a first signal terminal sensing a status of connection with the power supply tip or being used in mutual communication, and a second signal terminal changing a setting voltage transmitted from the power supply tip.
The magnetic power connector according to claim 16, wherein in a case where the power receiving tip comprises the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal, the earth terminal of the power receiving tip is integrated with at least one of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal.