STACKABLE MAGNETICALLY-RETAINED CONNECTOR INTERFACE

摘要

A stackable connector interface with magnetic retention for electronic devices and accessories can allow power and data to be transferred between one or more stacked connectors. Each interconnected stackable connector may include one or more magnetic elements, which magnetic elements may have poles arranged to facilitate mating with other stackable connectors. The magnetic elements may also provide a magnetic retention force that holds mated connectors in contact with each other. The connectors can also include connection detection circuitry for determining whether the connectors are mated with other connectors, thereby allowing the connectors to prevent live contacts from being exposed at an unmated surface of the connectors. In addition to connection detection circuitry, routing circuitry may also be included to determine how signals should be transferred between the interconnected stackable connectors and/or corresponding devices.

主权项

1. A stackable connector comprising:
a body having a first connector, contacts positioned on the first connector, and a first magnet having poles arranged to align and mate the first connector with a corresponding second connector; a cable extending from the body, the cable including one or more wires; connection detection circuitry configured to determine whether the first connector is mated with the second connector; and routing circuitry coupled to the connection detection circuitry and the one or more wires, the routing circuitry configured to route signals between the one or more wires and the contacts when the connection detection circuitry detects the first connector is mated with the second connector.