WO2014184610A1

WO2014184610A1 - Magnetic coupling of an accessory device to a portable electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2014184610A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/053878
Authority: WO
Inventors: Annika HAUTAMÄKI; Jaakko ROPPOLA; Philippe DE SWERT; Martin Schuele; Harri Hakulinen
Original assignee: Jolla Mobile
Priority date: 2013-05-13
Filing date: 2013-05-13
Publication date: 2014-11-20

Abstract

A system for mechanically and electrically coupling an accessory device (200) to a portable electronic device (100) includes a first magnetic device (206, 207, 208, 209) on the accessory device; and a second magnetic device (106, 107, 108, 109) on the portable electronic device, an alignment of the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device configured to mechanically and electrically connect the accessory device to the portable electronic device.

Description

MAGNETIC COUPLING OF AN ACCESSORY DEVICE TO A PORTABLE

ELECTRONIC DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to Application No. , filed on , entitled "SOFTWARE UPDATING IN A MOBILE TERMINAL" (Attorney Docket No. JOLM.2256.WOU1; JollaOOS), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

[0002] The aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to covers and accessories for portable electronic device and in particular to smart covers and accessories for mobile devices that require electrical power and data connections.

Description of Related Art

[0003] Covers and accessories for electronic devices such as mobile terminals and smart phones come in a variety of forms. In most configurations, the covers and accessories for these types of electronic devices are mechanically coupled to the device using for example, a snap or clip type of connection.

[0004] Certain covers or accessories, generally referred to herein as "smart covers", can require electrical power in order to operate functions and accessories that are associated with or disposed within the cover. These types of smart covers will require an electrical power connection between the device and the cover. In some cases, a data connection between the cover and the device will also be required. Providing a reliable connection between the cover and the device that can withstand the rigors of removal and replacement of the cover can be difficult. Mechanical connection parts, such as the plastic clips, can wear and snap. Electrical and data connections can become worn and unreliable after repeated disconnecting and connecting.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a smart cover for a mobile terminal that resolves at least some of the problems identified above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] As described herein, the exemplary embodiments overcome one or more of the above or other disadvantages known in the art.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for mechanically and electrically coupling an accessory device to a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the system includes a first magnetic device on the accessory device and a second magnetic device on the portable electronic device. An alignment of the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the accessory device to the portable electronic device.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure related to a portable electronic device including an interface side for receiving an accessory device. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device includes a controller, a magnetic device disposed on the interface side of the portable electronic device for receiving and mechanically coupling the accessory device to the portable communication device, an electrical and data connection between the controller and the magnetic device, wherein the controller is configured to provide electrical power and data communication to the accessory device through the magnetic device, when the accessory device is magnetically coupled to the portable electronic device by the magnetic device.

[0009] These and other aspects and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for puiposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Moreover, the aspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary system incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments..

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the exemplary system shown in Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a top plan view of a portable electronic device incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a top plan view of an accessory device incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. [0015] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate perspective side views of one embodiment of the system illustrated in Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of an electromagnetic loop for use in a system incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

[0017] Figure 8 is a cross- sectional side view illustrating the use of an electromagnetic loop in an embodiment of a system incorporating aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an electromagnetic coil an embodiment of a system incorporating aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10 is a side plan view of a portable electronic device with multiple accessory devices in an embodiment of a system incorporating aspects of the present disclosure,

[0020] Figure 1 1 is a perspective side view of a keyboard accessory device in an embodiment of a system incorporating aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating the use of magnetic strips and metal strip members in an embodiment of a system incorporating aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of a mobile or portable electronic device 100 including an electrically powered accessory device 200 is generally indicated by reference 10. In one embodiment, the accessoiy device 200 is both mechanically and electrically coupled to the portable electronic device 100 in a manner that allows the accessory device 200 to be removed and recoupled in a repeatable manner. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are generally directed to providing a mechanical and electrical connection to and between the portable electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200 that overcomes the disadvantages associated with the typical types of mechanical connections, such as clips and terminals, which are used to provide the mechanical and electrical connections.

[0023] In the example of Figure 1, the portable electronic device 100 generally comprises a mobile communication device or terminal, such as a smart phone. In alternate embodiments, the portable electronic device 100 can any suitable type of mobile or portable electronic device, including but not limited to a wireless terminal, mobile communication device, a smart telephone, a Mobile Internet Device (MID), a tablet computer, a phablet, an Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer (UMPC), a tablet, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a web pad, a Personal Computer (PC), a Handheld PC, a laptop computer, and a cellular phone. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device 100 may, for example, be implemented using a smart telephone that includes computing hardware which is operable to execute one or more software or computer program products recorded on machine -readable data storage media.

[0024] The accessory device 200 illustrated in Figure 1 is configured to be coupled to or connected to the portable electronic device 100 is a manner that allows the accessory device 200 to be easily removed and reattached. The accessory device 200 is generally any suitable device that can provide functionality for the portable electronic device 100. Such accessory devices can include, but are not limited to, an input device such as a keyboard or touch screen, a display, a battery, a microphone, a speaker(s), additional radio modem/interface, extra computational power (i.e. additional processor), additional memory, antenna, additional input/output interfaces etc. For example, in one embodiment, the accessory device 200 is a camera or video device that can be releasably attached to the portable electronic device 100. In this example, the camera would derive electrical operating power from the portable electronic device 100. In one embodiment, there is also a data connection between the camera device and the portable electronic device 100 that allows information and data to be transmitted to and between the camera device and the portable electronic device 100. In alternate embodiments, the accessory device 200 can include any suitable device that can be releasably attached and reattached to the portable electronic device 100 and requires one or more of electrical power, communication signal or a data connection.

[0025] In an embodiment where the accessory device 200 is an input device, such as touch pad, or keyboard, or QWERTY keyboard, the input device can be coupled to the portable electronic device 100 as is described herein. Through a communication connection established between the portable electronic device 200 and the input device, the input device can be used to provide user input to the portable electronic device.

[0026] Referring to Figure 2, a side view of one embodiment of a system 10 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is illustrated. In this example, the portable electronic device 100 includes a first or front side 102 and a second or back side 104. In one embodiment, the front side or first side 102 of portable electronic device 100 might include a keyboard and a display (not shown), in a fashion as is generally understood in the art. The back or second side 104 may include a battery compartment or connection (not shown), as is generally understood in the art. It will be understood that although the portable electronic device 100 is generally described herein as having a front and a back side with respective functionality, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited, and the functionalities described with respect to the front side 102 and back side 104 could be reversed.

[0027] The accessory device or cover part 200 is configured to be attached and reattached to the portable electronic device 100 in a manner that allows the accessory device 200 to be provided with one or more of electrical power from the portable electronic device 100 and a data communication connection to and between the portable electronic device 100. In the example shown in Figure 2, the accessory device 200 has a first side 202 and a second side 204, with the second side 203 of the accessory device 200 being configured to be communicatively and releasably coupled to the second side 104 of the portable electronic device 100. Although the second side 204 of the accessory device 200 is generally described herein as being coupled to the second side 104 of the portable electronic device 100, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited, and a suitably configured side 202, 204 of the accessory device 200 can be coupled to a suitably configured side 102, 104 of the portable electronic device 100, as is further described herein. For purposes of the description herein, the side of the portable electronic device 100 which is configured to receive the accessory device 200 will be referred to as the "interface" or second side 104.

[0028] In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the second side 104 of the portable electronic device 100 includes one or more magnetic devices 106, 108, which are suitably mounted in, or coupled to the second side 104. For example, in one embodiment, the magnetic devices 106, 108 can be secured to the second side 104 by the use of an adhesive, cement, screw, pin, rivet, sonic welding, or other suitable fastener or fastening system. In one embodiment, the magnetic devices 106, 108 are integrally formed in or embedded in the second side 104. [0029] In one embodiment, the magnetic devices 106, 108 will generally comprise magnets, or other suitable material or element that has magnetic properties, such as metal or steel. The polarity of the magnetic devices 106, 108 will generally depend upon the particular connection application, as is further described herein. The size and shape of the magnetic devices 106, 108 can be any suitable size and shape, depending upon the application. The magnetic strength of the magnet device 106, 1078 should be sufficient to maintain a physical and mechanical coupling of the portable electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200, while allowing a user to use a certain amount of force to separate the devices 100, 200. The amount of force should be such that is acceptable to the user, and yet does not allow the portable electronic device 100 to become separated from the accessory device 200, when such separation is not desired. The shape of the magnetic devices 106, 108 can be any suitable geometric shape, such as circular, square, rectangular or triangular, for example.

[0030] Generally, the magnets 106, 108 will be configured to be substantially flush with a surface 110 of the second side 104, so as to present a substantially flat or smooth surface 1 10. In alternate embodiments, the magnets 106, 108 can be configured to extend or protrude above the surface 1 10. This can be advantageous, for example, where a space or gap is needed between the portable device 100 and the accessory device 200, such as for cooling.

[0031] Although only two magnets 106, 108 are shown in Figure 2 with respect to the portable communication device 100, in alternate embodiments, any suitable number of magnets 106. 108 can be used, including more or less than two. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the second side 104 of the portable electronic device 100 can include four magnets, 106, 107, 108 and 109. [0032] As is shown in Figure 2, the accessory device 200 includes magnetic devices

206 and 208 on the second side 204 of the accessory device 200. The accessory device 200 is configured to be coupled to the portable electronic device 100 by coupling magnetic devices 106, 108 to magnetic devices 206, 208. While the magnetic devices 206, 208 will generally be described herein as magnets, the magnetic devices 206, 208 can comprises any suitable material or element that can be magnetized or is otherwise magnetically attracted. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the magnetic devices 206, 208, or a combination thereof, comprise metal pails that are magnetically attracted to one or more of the magnetic devices 106, 108. Alternatively, one or more, or a combination thereof, of the magnetic devices 106, 108 can comprise metal parts. The locations and positions of the respective magnetic devices 106, 108 and 206, 208 allow the portable electronic device 100 to be connected to the accessory device 200. The connection is configured to not only provide a secure mechanical connection, but to also provide an electrical and a data communication connection to and between the portable electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments advantageously eliminate the need to have a mechanical type of fastener and connector to mechanically and electrically join the portable electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200. In accordance with the aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the magnetic interaction and coupling of the magnetic devices 106, 108 and 206, 208 mechanically and electrically couple the portable electronic device 100 with the accessory device 200.

[0033] Figure 3 illustrates one example of an exemplary portable electronic device

100 and Figure 4 illustrates one example of an accessory device 200. In this example, the portable electronic device 100 has a camera with a camera lens or optics 1 12. The accessory device 200 in this example includes an opening 208 in the accessory device 200 that is aligned with the camera lens 112 to allow the camera and camera optics 112 of the portable electronic device 100 to continue to function and be utilized. In one embodiment, the opening 208 can comprise an aperture. In an alternate embodiment, the opening 208 could include a lens.

[0034] In one embodiment, the connection of the accessory device 200 to the portable electronic device 100 through the magnetic coupling of magnetic devices 106, 108 and 206, 208, allows the accessory to be electrically charged. For example, in one embodiment, referring to Figure 5, the accessory 200 includes or comprises a power storage device 220, such as a battery. In this example, the battery 220 is a chargeable or rechargeable battery or power supply and is electrically coupled to the magnetic devices 206, 207. The magnetic devices 106, 107 of the portable electronic device 100 are electrically coupled to a power source or power supply. When magnetic devices 106, 107 are magnetically coupled to magnetic devices 206, 207, an electrical circuit is formed, which allows electrical power to be delivered to the power storage device 220 and charge the battery in this case. Although the battery 220 is shown as a separate component in the example of Figure 5, in one embodiment, the accessory device 200 itself comprises the battery 220, such as the example shown in Figure 6.

[0035] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 and 6, an electrical circuit can also be formed by the use of electrically conductive pins 224 on the accessory device 200 that connect to receptacles on the portable electronic device 300. In one embodiment, accessory device 100 can include galvanic power contacts/pins 224. Alternatively, the power storage device 220 can be electrically charged using an inductive device or mechanism. [0036] For example, referring to Figure 7, in one embodiment, one or more electrical loops 310 are disposed in the portable electronic device 100. The electrical loops, also referred to as inductive loops 310 are configured to generate an electric or electromagnetic field 304 when power or current is applied to the loop 310. An electrical or inductive loop 320 in the accessory device 200 is electrically or magnetically coupled to the electromagnetic field 304, which generates electrical power in the accessory device 200. Although only one loop is shown in each of the portable electronic device 100 and accessory device 200 in the example of Figure 7, it will be understood that the portable electronic device 100 and accessory device 200 can include more than one inductive loop.

[0037] One of the challenges with inductive loop/wireless charging is the efficiency of the coupling. Some of the energy is lost due to the open core structure of the inductive loop. In one embodiment, one or more of the magnetic devices 106, 108 of the portable electronic device 100 and one or more of the magnetic devices 206, 208 of the accessory device 200 are located within an area encompassed by the respective inductive loops 310, 320 shown in Figure 7. This forms a closed core structure for inductive coupling.

[0038] For example, referring to Figure 8, magnetic devices 306, 308 are optionally electrically/magnetically coupled together with a metal strip or element 312. Metal parts or terminals 326, 328 are optionally electrically/magnetically connected/coupled together with metal strip or element 324.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the magnetic device 306 is positioned within an area encompassed by the magnetic loop 310 of the portable electronic device 100. The metal part 326 is positioned within an area encompassed by the receiving inductive loop 320 of the accessory device 100. This configuration of the respective inductive loops 310, 320 positioned around a magnetic device or metal part, enhances the efficiency of the inductive charging from the portable electronic device 100 to the accessory device 200. In one embodiment, the metal part 326 and/or metal part 328 can be magnetic with opposite polarity to magnetic parts 306 and 308. Also, other combinations can be configured, such as the magnetic device 306 being metal and 326 being magnetic or 308 being metal and 328 magnetic can be envisioned.

[0040] In one embodiment, the polarity of the magnetic device 306 is selected so that some of the magnetic force can be eliminated by inducing sufficient electrical current, in the correct direction, to the inductive coil 310. This makes it easier to detach the accessory device 200 from the portable electronic device 100. In this embodiment polarity of magnetic device 306 could be for example so that South (S) pole is facing to metal (magnet) part 326. The magnetic field that forms is normally a loop from North (N) to South (S) pole. Electric current thru the coil 310 influences the magnetic field depending on the direction of the current. If the current flows clockwise (as seen from the direction of North pole of the magnetic device 306) the magnetic force is decreased. If the amount of current is sufficient, one can electrically "disable" the magnet for the duration or purpose of detaching the accessory 200 from the portable communication device 100. If the current flows counter clock wise (as seen from the direction of the North pole of the magnetic device 306) the magnetic force can be enhanced, which could be advantageous to maintain the mechanical connection between the accessory device 200 and the portable electronic device 100. In one embodiment, a controller 230 or other suitable control device that is part of the portable electronic device 100 can be used to control the strength of magnitude of the current flowing through the induction loops 310, 320 shown in Figure 7. The controller 230 will generally be internal to the portable electronic device 100, and part of its electronics. When an input is received to connect or disconnect the accessory device 200, such as for example from button 232, the controller 230 can vary the magnitude of the electric current to allow the accessory device 200 to be attached or detached. In one embodiment, the portable accessory device 200 and controller 230 can be configured to allow the coupling of the accessory device 200 to the portable electronic device 100 without any external input. When it is desired to remove the accessory device 200, the button 232 can be activated. The controller 230 detects the disconnect requests, and varies the magnitude of the electrical current to allow the accessory device 200 to be detached. Although for the purposes of the description here the controller 230 and input device 232 are shown as part of the portable electronic device 100, in one embodiment, one or both of the controller and input device 232 can be part of the accessory device 200. For example, the button 232 could be part of the accessory device 200, while the controller 230 is part of the portable electronic device 100. In one embodiment, the controller 230 can include a processor(s) or computing hardware computing hardware that is operable to execute one or more software or computer program products recorded on machine-readable data storage media. The controller 230 can be configured to execute computer readable instructions stored in a memory device or other data storage for carrying out one or more of the processes described herein.

[0041] Figure 9 illustrates on embodiment for implementing conductivity between the portable electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200. The illustration in Figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a portable electronic device 100 and an accessory device 200 incorporating aspects of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the portable electronic device 100 includes magnetic devices 106 and 108. The magnetic devices 106 and 108 are conductively coupled to each other with a conductive member 130. The conductive member 130 generally comprises any material or element that is configured to conduct electrical signals and energy, such as a metal for example. An inductive or electrical coil 132 is turned around the conductive member 130. In one embodiment, the electrical coil 132 is a strand of conductive material, such as wire, that is turned or coiled around the conductive member 130. The coil 132 is used to form an electromagnetic field for energy transfer as well as data communication. For example, in one embodiment, electrical energy or communication signals are passed through the coil 132. The energy is transferred to the conductive member 130 in a manner that is generally understood. This energy can then be transferred to the accessory device 200 through the magnetic devices 106, 108 to the corresponding magnetic devices 206, 208, as is generally described herein.

[0042] As is shown in Figure 9, the accessory device 200 includes magnetic devices

206, 208, which can also include or comprise electrically conductive members. The magnetic devices 206, 206 are electrically coupled or connected together with a conductive member 230, similar to the conductive member 130. A coil 232 is turned around the conductive member 130, in a manner similar to the coil 132 described above. The coil 232 is used to form an electromagnetic field for energy transfer purposes as well as data communication. When the accessory device 200 is coupled to the portable electronic device 100 using the combination of magnet 106, 108 and 206, 206, the conductive members 130, 230 and coils 132, 232, allow electrical energy and data communication to be transferred to and between the portable electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200. In one embodiment, a particular type of accessory 200 can be defined and identified by the characteristics of the magnetic field that is associated with the accessory 200. Thus, the coil 232 can be specifically designed for a particular type of accessory device 200.

[0043] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 10, more than one accessory device

200 can be coupled to the portable electronic device 100 at the same time. In this example, two additional accessory devices 400 and 500 are shown. Accessory device 400 includes magnetic devices 406 and 408 and accessory device 500 includes magnetic devices 506 and 508. In this embodiment, the polarities of the magnetic devices 106, 108, 206, 208, 406, 408, 506 and 508 must be selected to ensure that the accessory devices 200, 400 and 500 are properly coupled to the portable electronic device 100 in the desired configuration and orientation. For example, in one embodiment, the polarity configurations can ensure that the accessory devices 200, 400 and 500 can be coupled to the portable electronic device 100 in only one orientation or position.

[0044] As shown in Figure 10, the polarity order of the magnetic devices 208, 408 and 508, which are configured to be coupled to the magnetic device 108 of the portable electronic device 100 could be configured in a North-South orientation. This results in a polarity order, referring to the left side of Figure 9, of NS (508) - NS (408) - NS (208) and metal (108). The polarity order of the other magnetic devices 206, 406 and 506 would be the opposite, or South-North. Thus, the polarity order of the devices on the right side of Figure 10 would be SN (506) - SN (406) - SN (206) and metal (106). It is noted that in this example, the magnetic devices 106 and 108 are referred to as metal members. In alternate embodiments, the magnetic devices 106 and 108 can comprise magnets of a suitable polarity. While the devices 208, 408 and 508 are referred to as having North-South polarities, and the devices 206, 406 and 508 are referred to as having South-North polarities, it will be understood that in alternate embodiments, the polarities can be any suitable polarities, or combinations thereof.

[0045] The aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide a number of practical applications. For example, in one embodiment, the portable electronic device 100 can include an inductive charging loop, such as that shown for example in Figures 8 and 9. The inductive charging loop can be used to charge the accessory device 200 or provide electrical power to the accessory device 200. The accessory device 200 and also be used a receiving part when the portable electronic device 100 is to be charged. For example, in this embodiment, the accessory device 200 can comprise an electrical or battery charger. The accessory device 200 is magnetically coupled to the portable electronic device 100 as is generally described herein. The magnetic coupling, which provides a physical and electrical connection, allows the accessory device 200 to provide electrical power to the portable electronic device 100. The electrical power can be provided inductively, using the loops 232 and 132 shown in Figure 9, or the magnetic devices 106, 108 and 206, 208 can provide electrical contacts that are coupled to suitable electrical and electronic circuits, that provides for the flow of electrical power and data signals, to and between the accessory device 200 and the portable electronic device 100. The magnetic devices 106 and 206, as well as 108 and 208, will align the portable electronic device 100 with the accessory device 200 to ensure that the coils 132, 232 are properly aligned to provide the inductive coupling for applications such as charging. Also, as noted with respect to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the magnetic devices, such as 106 and 206, can be positioned within an area encompassed by the loops 310 and 320.

[0046] Figure 11 illustrates an example of an accessory device 200 that comprises a keyboard 20, such as a QWERTY keyboard. In this example, the keyboard 20 includes keys or buttons 22, or other suitable touch elements, which are sensitive to pressure from a user's finger. In the example of Figure 1 1 , the keyboard 20 is shown facing the portable electronic device 100. When the accessory device 200 is moved towards the portable electronic device 100 as indicated by directional arrow A, the keyboard part 20 of the accessory device 200 is received in or on the back or second side 104 of the portable electronic device 100. This might be considered a storage position, when the use of the keyboard 20 is not required. When the use of the keyboard 20 is desired, the magnetic coupled provided by magnetic devices 206-209, in combination with suitable magnetic devices 106-109, allows the accessory device 200 to be decoupled from the portable electronic device with relative ease. In one embodiment, when the accessory device 200 is wirelessly equipped, such as by using Bluetooth, the keyboard 20 can be remote from the portable electronic device 100. In this example, the keyboard 20 will communicate with the portable electronic device 100 over a short range radio communication channel.

[0047] As another example, in one embodiment, the accessory device 200 can be decoupled from the portable electronic device 100 and turned around so that the keyboard 20 is now readily accessible by, or facing, the user. In this example, the accessory device 200 can include another set of magnetic devices, generally indicated by 216-210, on the side 202 of the accessory device 200. Thus, in this embodiment, the accessory device 200 can be turned around so that the keyboard 20 is available for use and recoupled to the portable electronic device 100. When recoupled, electrical power and data communication pathways are provided to and between the portable electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200, in particular the keyboard 20, through one or more of the magnetic coupling and connections provided by the coupling of magnetic devices 106-109 and 216-219 or via conductive pins 224 as in Figure 5 or via short range radio communication such as Bluetooth. This embodiment is similarly applicable when the accessory device 200 comprises a speaker(s) or microphone. One position of the accessory device 200 can be to store the speakers, while the other is to allow use of the speakers. Here again, the accessory device or speakers 200 could be reattached to the portable electronic device 100 for use, or be remotely connected through a short range radio communication channel. [0048] In one embodiment, the portable electronic device 100 can also include a magnetic field sensor (not shown) or magnetometer. The magnetic field sensor, which is generally internal to the portable electronic device 100, can be used to detect when an accessory device 200 is attached or decoupled from the portable electronic device 100.

[0049] Although the aspects of the embodiments described herein generally shown the magnetic devices in the corners of the portable electronic device 100 and accessory device 200, it will be understood that the magnetic devices can be arranged in any suitable position on each of the portable electronic device 100 and accessory device 200. Also, the shape of the magnetic devices can be any suitable geometric shape, other than circular, as is generally shown in the figures. For example, in one embodiment, referring to Figure 12 one or more magnetic devices or metal strips 160 can be provide on or along the longitudinal surfaces of the portable electronic device 100 and accessory device 200. Corresponding magnetic devices or metal strips would be suitable disposed in the accessory device 200.

[0050] Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out, fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of devices and methods illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps, which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results, are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for mechanically and electrically coupling an accessory device to a portable electronic device, comprising:

a first magnetic device on the accessory device; and

a second magnetic device on the portable electronic device, an alignment of the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device configured to mechanically and electrically connect the accessory device to the portable electronic device.

2. The system of claim 1, comprising a power supply coupled to the first magnetic device and a power storage device coupled to the second magnetic device, the power supply configured to provide electrical power to the power storage device when the first magnetic device is magnetically coupled to the second magnetic device.

3. The system of claims 1 and 2, comprising a first data communication circuit coupled to the first magnetic device and a second data communication circuit coupled to the second magnetic device, and a data communication pathway between the first data communication device and the second data communication device formed by a magnetic coupling of the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device comprise one or more of a magnet and a metallic member.

5. The system of any preceding claim, comprising a first induction power loop coupled to the first magnetic device and a second induction power loop coupled to the second magnetic device, a coupling of the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device configured to align the first induction power loop and the second induction power loop to enable a transfer of electrical energy.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first magnetic device is disposed within an area encompassed by the first induction power loop and the second magnetic device is disposed within an area encompassed by the second induction power loop.

7. The system of claim 6, comprising a control device, the control device configured to vary a magnitude of a current passing through one or both of the first induction power loop and the second induction power loop to enable a coupling a decoupling of the accessory device and the portable electronic device based on the magnitude of the current.

8. The system of claim 7, comprising an input device configured to provide a signal to the controller to allow the accessory device to be decoupled from the portable electronic device.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the portable electronic device is a mobile terminal.

10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the accessory device is one or more of a keyboard, a display, a speaker, a battery charger, a power supply, a battery, a light, a touch screen input device, a camera device, a data storage device or a Bluetooth enabled device.

11. The system of any preceding claim, comprising a second accessory device configured to be magnetically coupled to the accessory device, the magnetic coupling providing a mechanical and electrical connection between the second accessory device and the accessory device.

12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first magnetic device is aligned in the portable electronic device with a polarity that is opposed to a polarity of the second magnetic device in the accessory device, to enable a magnetic coupling of the first and second magnetic device.

13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the accessory device comprises a first side and a second side, the first side being configured to be magnetically coupled to the portable electronic device in a first orientation of the accessory device, the second side being configured to be magnetically coupled to the portable electronic device in a second orientation of the accessory device.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the accessory device comprises a short range radio communication device, the accessory device configured to be:

electrically connected and communicatively coupled to the portable electronic device through an electrical connection formed by the magnetic coupling of the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device; and communicatively coupled to the portable electronic device through a wireless connection between the accessory device and the portable electronic device over the short range radio communication device when the accessory device is remote from the portable electronic device.

15. A portable electronic device including an interface side for receiving an accessory device, comprising:

a controller;

a magnetic device disposed on the interface side of the portable electronic device for receiving and mechanically coupling the accessory device to the portable communication device;

an electrical and data connection between the controller and the magnetic device; wherein the controller is configured to provide electrical power and data communication to the accessory device through the magnetic device, when the accessory device is magnetically coupled to the portable electronic device by the magnetic device.

16. The portable electronic device of claim 15, comprising an induction loop, the magnetic device being disposed within an area encompassed by the induction loop, the controller configured to vary a magnitude of a current through the induction loop .

17. The portable electronic device of claim 16, comprising an input device configured to generate a signal to cause the controller to vary the magnitude of the current to decouple the accessory device from the portable electronic device.

18. The portable electronic device of any preceding claim, wherein the magnetic device is configured to magnetically engage a corresponding magnetic device of the accessory device.

19. The portable electronic device of any preceding claim, wherein the accessory device is a battery for the portable electronic device, and power from the battery passes through the magnetic device to the portable electronic device.

20. The portable electronic device of any preceding claim, wherein the portable electronic device comprises a mobile terminal