Connectors with movable magnetic components and method of connecting devices

摘要

A connector for an electronic device has a housing with a peripheral surface and guides defining first and second paths. The second path extends from a first location proximate the peripheral surface to a second location farther from the peripheral surface and closer to the first path. A magnetic contact assembly in the housing is magnetically movable along the first path between a first position for joining the connector in data communication with an adjacent connector, and a second position withdrawn from the peripheral surface. A magnet in the housing and is movable by attraction to an adjacent connector along the second path, to magnetically hold the connector to an adjacent connector. The guides are configured so that the magnet and the magnetic contact assembly magnetically bias one another inwardly along the first and second paths.

主权项

1. A connector for an electronic device, comprising:
a housing having a peripheral surface; first and second guides defining first and second paths, respectively, within said housing; a magnetic contact assembly received in said housing, said magnetic contact assembly magnetically movable along said first path between a first, extended position for joining said connector in data communication with an adjacent connector, and a second position withdrawn from said peripheral surface; a magnet received in said housing, and movable by attraction to an adjacent connector along said second path, from a retracted position to an extended position closer to said peripheral surface and farther from said first path for magnetically holding said connector to said adjacent connector; said second path configured so that said magnet and said magnetic contact assembly magnetically bias one another along said paths to said retracted position and said second position, respectively.