Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device includes a first main body, a second main body configured to rotate with respect to the first main body about a central axis, a first sensor configured to output a first detection signal having a first output value indicating that an opening angle of the first main body and the second main body is a reference angle, a second sensor configured to output a second detection signal having a second output value that changes in response to a change in the opening angle, and a control unit configured to calculate the opening angle based on the first detection signal and the second detection signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device having a first main body and a second main body having a structure that rotates relative to the first main body. Background Technology

[0002] As a prior art invention related to electronic devices, for example, the electronic device described in Patent Document 1 is known. The electronic device includes a housing, a pressure sensor, and a state detection unit. The housing has a foldable structure. The pressure sensor is disposed at a bending portion where the housing bends when folded. The pressure sensor includes a piezoelectric thin film. Therefore, when the housing is folded, the piezoelectric thin film deforms and stretches. Consequently, the pressure sensor outputs a signal having a voltage corresponding to the amount of stretching of the piezoelectric thin film. The state detection unit is able to detect the angle formed by the housing based on the signal from the pressure sensor.

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 069729

[0004] However, in the electronic device described in Patent Document 1, the piezoelectric sensor generally outputs a signal representing the speed (angular velocity) of the angle change formed by the housing. Therefore, the state detection unit detects the angle by integrating the output value of the signal output by the pressure sensor. In this case, if noise is included in the signal output by the pressure sensor, the noise is also integrated as part of the output value. In addition, there is a situation where stress relief occurs at the pressure sensor. If the signal output by the pressure sensor includes an error caused by stress relief, the error is integrated as part of the output value. Moreover, if the housing is repeatedly opened and closed, noise and error accumulate. As a result, there are situations where the state detection unit has difficulty accurately detecting the angle formed by the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of calculating the opening angle formed by the first main body and the second main body with high precision.

[0006] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0007] First main body section;

[0008] The second main body has a structure that rotates relative to the first main body about a central axis.

[0009] The first sensor outputs a first detection signal having a first output value, wherein the first output value indicates that the opening angle formed by the first main body and the second main body is a reference angle.

[0010] The second sensor outputs a second detection signal having a second output value, which is used to calculate the opening angle that changes due to the rotation of the second main body relative to the first main body; and

[0011] The control unit calculates the opening angle based on the first detection signal and the second detection signal.

[0012] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0013] First main body section;

[0014] The second main body rotates relative to the first main body about the central axis.

[0015] A flexible connection component includes a first fixed portion, a second fixed portion, and a non-fixed portion, deformable by rotation of the second main body portion relative to the first main body portion. The first fixed portion is fixed to the first main body portion, the second fixed portion is fixed to the second main body portion, and the non-fixed portion is disposed between the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion but not fixed to either the first or second main body portion.

[0016] The first sensor is a sensor installed on the aforementioned non-fixed part, which outputs a first detection signal having a first output value. The first output value represents the opening angle formed by the aforementioned first main body and the aforementioned second main body due to the deformation of the aforementioned non-fixed part as a reference angle.

[0017] Hereinafter, X, Y, and Z refer to the structures of the electronic device. In this specification, the term "X is supported by Y" includes both the case where X is fixedly mounted (i.e., fixed or held) to Y relative to Y and the case where X is movably mounted to Y relative to Y. Furthermore, the term "X is supported by Y" includes both the case where X is directly mounted to Y and the case where X is mounted to Y via Z.

[0018] In this specification, the term "X and Y arranged in the front-back direction" refers to the following state: When X and Y are viewed in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction, both X and Y are positioned on any straight line representing the front-back direction. In this specification, the term "X and Y arranged in the front-back direction when viewed in the vertical direction" refers to the following state: When X and Y are viewed in the vertical direction, both X and Y are positioned on any straight line representing the front-back direction. In this case, if X and Y are viewed from a left-right direction (different from the vertical direction), either X or Y may not be positioned on any straight line representing the front-back direction. Furthermore, X and Y may be in contact. X and Y may be separate. Z may also exist between X and Y. This definition also applies to directions other than the front-back direction.

[0019] In this specification, "X positioned in front of Y" means the following: a portion of X is positioned within the area traversed by Y when moving forward parallel to Y. Therefore, X can be contained within the area traversed by Y when moving forward parallel to Y, or it can protrude from the area traversed by Y when moving forward parallel to Y. In this case, X and Y are arranged in the front-back direction. This definition also applies to directions other than the front-back direction.

[0020] In this specification, "X positioned ahead of Y" means the following: X is positioned in front of a plane that passes through the front end of Y and is orthogonal to the front-back direction. In this case, X and Y may or may not be arranged along the front-back direction. This definition also applies to directions other than the front-back direction.

[0021] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the various parts of X are defined as follows: The front part of X refers to the front half of X. The rear part of X refers to the rear half of X. The left part of X refers to the left half of X. The right part of X refers to the right half of X. The upper part of X refers to the upper half of X. The lower part of X refers to the lower half of X. The front end of X refers to the front end of X. The rear end of X refers to the rear end of X. The left end of X refers to the left end of X. The right end of X refers to the right end of X. The upper end of X refers to the upper part of X. The lower end of X refers to the lower end of X. The front end of X refers to the front end and its vicinity. The rear end of X refers to the rear end and its vicinity. The left end of X refers to the left end and its vicinity. The right end of X refers to the right end and its vicinity. The upper end of X refers to the upper end and its vicinity. The so-called lower end of X refers to the lower end of X and its vicinity.

[0022] The electronic device according to the present invention can calculate the opening angle formed by the first main body and the second main body with high precision. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of electronic device 10.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the first sensor 30 in the front-rear direction at the center.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the waveforms of the first detection signal Sig1 and the second detection signal Sig2.

[0031] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of the signals within the electronic device 10.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a flowchart executed by the 50th Control Department.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a flowchart executed by the 50th Control Department.

[0034] Figure 12 This is an opening angle calculation table that shows the relationship between the corrected second output integral value AI2 and the opening angle θ.

[0035] Figure 13 This is an opening angle calculation table that shows the relationship between the second output integral value I2 and the opening angle θ.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a flowchart executed by the 50th Control Department.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a flowchart executed by the 50th Control Department.

[0038] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10b.

[0039] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10c.

[0040] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10d.

[0041] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10e.

[0042] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10f.

[0043] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10g.

[0044] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10g. Detailed Implementation

[0045] (Implementation Method)

[0046] [Structure of electronic devices]

[0047] Hereinafter, the structure of an electronic device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of electronic device 10. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10.

[0048] Additionally, in this specification, the direction is defined as follows. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the second main body 12b has a structure that rotates relative to the first main body 12a about a central axis L. The direction extending from the central axis L is defined as the front-back direction. The angle formed by the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b is defined as the opening angle θ. The direction extending from the angle bisector of the opening angle θ is defined as the up-down direction. The front-back direction is orthogonal to the up-down direction. The direction orthogonal to both the front-back and up-down directions is defined as the left-right direction. Furthermore, the definitions of directions in this specification are merely examples. Therefore, the actual direction used in the electronic device 10 does not need to be consistent with the directions in this specification.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, electronic device 10 is a foldable smartphone. Electronic device 10 is capable of taking... Figure 1 The fully open state in the image above and Figure 1 The diagram below shows the fully closed state. (Example:) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electronic device 10 includes a first main body 12a, a second main body 12b, a flexible connection member 18, a first sensor 30, a second sensor 32, a control unit 50, and a storage unit 52.

[0050] The first main body 12a is the left side of the electronic device 10. The first main body 12a has a plate shape. When viewed vertically in the fully open state, the first main body 12a is rectangular. In the fully open state, the first main body 12a has a first upper main surface S1U and a first lower main surface S1D. In the fully open state, the first upper main surface S1U and the first lower main surface S1D have normals extending in the vertical direction. The first main body 12a includes a first display 11a and a first housing 14a. The first display 11a includes the first upper main surface S1U of the first main body 12a. The first housing 14a supports the first display 11a, circuit board, battery, CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc.

[0051] The second main body portion 12b is the right side of the electronic device 10. Therefore, the second main body portion 12b is located to the right of the first main body portion 12a. The second main body portion 12b has a plate shape. In the fully open state, viewed vertically, the second main body portion 12b has a rectangular shape. In the fully open state, the second main body portion 12b has a second upper main surface S2U and a second lower main surface S2D. In the fully open state, the second upper main surface S2U and the second lower main surface S2D have normals extending in the vertical direction. The second main body portion 12b includes a second display 11b and a second housing 14b. The second display 11b includes the second upper main surface S2U of the second main body portion 12b. The second housing 14b supports the second display 11b, circuit board, battery, CPU, etc.

[0052] Here, the first display 11a and the second display 11b are both flexible displays 11. The flexible display 11 displays images to the user. In its fully open state, the flexible display 11 emits light upwards. The flexible display 11 has a rectangular sheet shape. The flexible display 11 has a bendable structure. The flexible display 11 is implemented, for example, using an organic EL display.

[0053] The second main body 12b has a structure that rotates relative to the first main body 12a about a central axis L. The central axis L extends in the front-rear direction. The central axis L is located at the boundary between the first upper main surface S1U and the second upper main surface S2U of the first main body 12a. As described above, the angle formed by the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b is defined as the opening angle θ. In this embodiment, the opening angle θ is the angle formed by the first upper main surface S1U of the first main body 12a (i.e., the first display 11a) and the second upper main surface S2U of the second main body 12b (i.e., the second display 11b). In the fully open state, the opening angle θ is 180°. In the fully closed state, the opening angle θ is 0°.

[0054] like Figure 2As shown, the flexible connecting member 18 is a flexible sheet material. The flexible connecting member 18 includes a first fixing portion 18a, a second fixing portion 18b, and a non-fixed portion 18c. The first fixing portion 18a is the left end of the flexible connecting member 18. The first fixing portion 18a is fixed to the first main body portion 12a. In this embodiment, when the opening angle θ is 180°, the first fixing portion 18a is fixed to the upper main surface of the first housing 14a. The second fixing portion 18b is the right end of the flexible connecting member 18. The second fixing portion 18b is fixed to the second main body portion 12b. In this embodiment, when the opening angle θ is 180°, the second fixing portion 18b is fixed to the upper main surface of the second housing 14b.

[0055] A non-fixed portion 18c is disposed between the first fixed portion 18a and the second fixed portion 18b. The left end of the non-fixed portion 18c is connected to the first fixed portion 18a. The right end of the non-fixed portion 18c is connected to the second fixed portion 18b. The non-fixed portion 18c is not fixed to the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b. Therefore, the non-fixed portion 18c can deform even when the opening angle θ remains unchanged. Viewed in the front-rear direction, the non-fixed portion 18c bends downward from the first fixed portion 18a and the second fixed portion 18b. Therefore, viewed in the front-rear direction, the non-fixed portion 18c has a U-shape. However, the lateral spacing between the first housing 14a and the second housing 14b is relatively wide. When the opening angle θ is 180°, viewed in the front-rear direction, the left side of the non-fixed portion 18c has a left-bent portion 18d that bends to the left. Therefore, the left side of the non-fixed part 18c has a shape formed by combining the left side of a U-shape and a portion extending to the left from the upper end of the left side of the U-shape. When the opening angle θ is 180°, viewed in the front-rear direction, the right side of the non-fixed part 18c has a right-curved portion 18e that bends to the right. Therefore, the right side of the non-fixed part 18c has a shape formed by combining the right side of a U-shape and a portion extending to the right from the upper end of the right side of the U-shape.

[0056] The flexible connection member 18, as described above, deforms by rotating the second main body portion 12b relative to the first main body portion 12a. The flexible connection member 18 is, for example, a flexible circuit board that electrically connects the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b. Therefore, the flexible connection member 18 is used for signal transmission between the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b.

[0057] The first sensor 30 is mounted on the non-fixed portion 18c. In this embodiment, the first sensor 30 is mounted on the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c. The first sensor 30 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c. The first sensor 30 outputs a first detection signal Sig1 with a first output value, which indicates that the opening angle θ formed by the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b due to the deformation of the non-fixed portion 18c is a reference angle θ0. The reference angle θ0 is, for example, 150° or more and 160° or less. The reference angle θ0 is, for example, 160°. The first detection signal Sig1 has a first output value with a voltage higher than the reference voltage V0 near the reference angle θ0. On the other hand, the first detection signal Sig1 has a first output value of the reference voltage V0 outside the vicinity of the reference angle θ0. Therefore, the first detection signal Sig1 is a signal used to determine whether the opening angle θ is the reference angle θ0.

[0058] The contact component 16 is located below the non-fixed portion 18c. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when the opening angle θ is 180°, the contact member 16 contacts the first sensor 30. The first sensor 30 receives an upward force from the contact member 16. In addition, the lower end of the non-fixed part 18c receives an upward force from the contact member 16.

[0059] The second sensor 32 is mounted on the left curved portion 18d. In this embodiment, the second sensor 32 is mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the left curved portion 18d. The second sensor 32 outputs a second detection signal Sig2 with a second output value, which is used to calculate the opening angle θ that changes due to the rotation of the second main body portion 12b relative to the first main body portion 12a. In this embodiment, the second output value is a voltage that changes along with the angular velocity of the opening angle θ.

[0060] Here, the structure of the first sensor 30 and the second sensor 32 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the first sensor 30 from the center of its front-rear direction. The structure of the second sensor 32 is the same as that of the first sensor 30, therefore the structure of the first sensor 30 will be described below.

[0061] The first sensor 30 has a thin shape. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the first sensor 30 includes a piezoelectric element 114, an upper electrode 115a, a lower electrode 115b, and an adhesive layer 118. Figure 3As shown, the piezoelectric element 114 has a thin film shape. Therefore, the piezoelectric element 114 has an upper main surface SF1 and a lower main surface SF2. The length of the piezoelectric element 114 in the left-right direction is longer than its length in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, viewed in the vertical direction, the piezoelectric element 114 has a rectangle with a long side extending in the left-right direction. The piezoelectric element 114 generates a voltage (hereinafter, the first output value) corresponding to the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric element 114. The material of the piezoelectric element 114 is, for example, polylactic acid. The piezoelectric element 114 will be described in more detail below.

[0062] The piezoelectric element 114 has the characteristic that the polarity of the output voltage generated when the piezoelectric element 114 is stretched in the left-right direction is opposite to the polarity of the second output value generated when the piezoelectric element 114 is stretched in the front-back direction. Specifically, the piezoelectric element 114 is a thin film formed of a chiral polymer. The so-called chiral polymer is, for example, polylactic acid (PLA), especially L-type polylactic acid (PLLA). The backbone of PLLA, composed of chiral polymers, has a helical structure. PLLA has piezoelectricity due to uniaxial extension and molecular orientation. The piezoelectric element 114 has d 14 The piezoelectric constant. The uniaxial extension direction (orientation direction) of the piezoelectric body 114 forms an angle of 45 degrees with respect to both the front-back direction and the left-right direction. This 45 degrees includes, for example, an angle of approximately 45 degrees ± 10 degrees. Thus, by stretching the piezoelectric body 114 in the left-right direction or in the front-back direction, a first output value is generated. If the piezoelectric body 114 is stretched, for example, in the left-back direction, a positive first output value is generated. If the piezoelectric body 114 is stretched, for example, in the front-back direction, a negative first output value is generated. The magnitude of the first output value depends on the time derivative of the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric body 114 caused by stretching.

[0063] The upper electrode 115a is a signal electrode. A first detection signal Sig1 with a first output value is output from the upper electrode 115a. Figure 3 As shown, the upper electrode 115a is disposed on the upper main surface SF1. The upper electrode 115a covers approximately the entire upper main surface SF1. The lower electrode 115b is a ground electrode. The lower electrode 115b is connected to the ground potential. Figure 3 As shown, the lower electrode 115b is disposed on the lower main surface SF2. Thus, the piezoelectric element 114 is located between the upper electrode 115a and the lower electrode 115b. The lower electrode 115b covers approximately the entire lower main surface SF2. The upper electrode 115a and the lower electrode 115b can be, for example, inorganic electrodes such as ITO (indium tin oxide) and ZnO (zinc oxide), organic electrodes such as PeDOT and conductive polyaniline, metal films deposited by vapor deposition or electroplating, or printed electrode films formed from silver paste.

[0064] The adhesive layer 118 fixes the piezoelectric element 114, the upper electrode 115a, and the lower electrode 115b to the non-fixed portion 18c. Thus, deformation of the non-fixed portion 18c is transmitted to the piezoelectric element 114. The adhesive layer 118 is, for example, an acrylic, rubber, silicone, or polyurethane adhesive. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 118 is selected according to the adherend and the required adhesive strength.

[0065] The control unit 50 calculates the opening angle θ based on the first detection signal Sig1 and the second detection signal Sig2. The control unit 50 is, for example, a CPU.

[0066] The storage unit 52 stores the reference angle integral value I0, which will be described later. The storage unit 52 is, for example, a memory.

[0067] [The operation of electronic device 10]

[0068] Next, the operation of the electronic device 10 will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 4 to 7 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10. Figure 8 This is a graph showing the waveforms of the first detection signal Sig1 and the second detection signal Sig2. Figure 8 The graph shown depicts the relationship between the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 and the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 and time. The vertical axis represents the first and second output values, and the horizontal axis represents time. Further, in... Figure 8 The graph shows the relationship between the integral value of the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 (hereinafter, the first output integral value I1) and the integral value of the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 (hereinafter, the second output integral value I2) and time. The vertical axis represents the integral value. The horizontal axis represents time.

[0069] The following example illustrates the action of electronic device 10 switching from a fully open state to a fully closed state. During this process, the opening angle θ changes from 180° to 0°. The angular velocity of the opening angle θ increases from 0 and then decreases back to 0.

[0070] At time t1, such as Figure 2 As shown, the opening angle θ is 180°. At this time, the first sensor 30 is pushed upward by the contact member 16. Therefore, the lower end of the non-fixed part 18c is subjected to an upward force due to the contact member 16. As a result, the lower end of the non-fixed part 18c has a flat shape. At time t1, the shape of the lower end of the non-fixed part 18c does not change. At time t1, the first sensor 30 outputs a first detection signal Sig1 with a first output value of a reference voltage V0, which indicates that the shape of the first sensor 30 has not changed.

[0071] On the other hand, the second sensor 32 is mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the left curved portion 18d. Therefore, the second sensor 32 is compressed. However, at time t1, the angular velocity of the opening angle θ is 0. At time t1, the shape of the left curved portion 18d remains unchanged. Therefore, the second sensor 32 outputs a second detection signal Sig2 with a second output value of a reference voltage V0, which indicates that the shape of the second sensor 32 has not changed.

[0072] During the period from time t1 to time t2, the opening angle θ decreases. At this time, as... Figure 4 As shown, the first sensor 30 is pushed upward by the contact member 16. Therefore, the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c is subjected to an upward force due to the contact member 16. As a result, the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c has a flat shape. During the period from time t1 to time t2, the shape of the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c does not change. Therefore, the first sensor 30 outputs a first detection signal Sig1 with a first output value of a reference voltage V0 during the period from time t1 to time t2.

[0073] Furthermore, during the period from time t1 to time t2, the opening angle θ decreases. Consequently, the angle formed by the left bend 18d increases. The shape of the second sensor 32 changes, causing a decrease in the compression of the second sensor 32. Therefore, the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 becomes higher than the reference voltage V0. Additionally, the angular velocity of the opening angle θ increases with time. Therefore, during the period from time t1 to t2, the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 increases. Furthermore, during the period from time t1 to t2, the second output integral value I2 increases.

[0074] At time t2, the opening angle θ decreases to near the reference angle θ0. At this point, as... Figure 5 As shown, the first sensor 30 is pushed upward by the contact member 16. Therefore, the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c is subjected to an upward force due to the contact member 16. However, as the first housing 14a and the second housing 14b move upward, the flexible connecting member 18 moves upward. As a result, the force exerted by the contact member 16 to push the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c upward decreases. Consequently, the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c deforms from a flat shape to a semi-circular shape. Therefore, the first sensor 30 deforms, increasing the amount of stretching of the first sensor 30. At time t2, the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 increases from the reference voltage V0.

[0075] During the period from time t2 to time t3, the opening angle θ decreases. At this time, the first sensor 30 separates from the contact member 16. Therefore, the first sensor 30 is not pushed upward by the contact member 16. Therefore, the lower end of the non-fixed part 18c is not subjected to an upward force due to the contact member 16. As a result, the lower end of the non-fixed part 18c further bends into a semi-circular shape. Therefore, during the period from time t2 to time t3, the first sensor 30 deforms, causing the stretching of the first sensor 30 to increase. During the period from time t2 to time t3, the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 increases. Then, at time t3, the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 reaches its maximum value. The opening angle θ at time t3 is the reference angle θ0. In this way, when the opening angle θ is the reference angle θ0, the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 reaches its maximum value. Furthermore, during the period from time t2 to time t3, the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 continues to increase. Similarly, the second output integral value I2 of the second detection signal Sig2 continues to increase.

[0076] During the period from time t3 to time t4, the opening angle θ decreases. During the period from time t3 to time t4, the first sensor 30 deforms, resulting in a decrease in the amount of stretching of the first sensor 30. Therefore, during the period from time t3 to time t4, the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 decreases. Then, at time t4, the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 becomes the reference voltage V0. Furthermore, during the period from time t3 to time t4, the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 continuously increases. Similarly, the second output integral value I2 of the second detection signal Sig2 continuously increases.

[0077] During the period from time t4 to time t5, the opening angle θ decreases to 0°. During the period from time t4 to time t5, the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 remains at the reference voltage V0. During the period from time t4 to time t5, the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 increases and then decreases. At time t5, the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 becomes the reference voltage V0. Furthermore, at time t5, the increase of the second output integral value I2 of the second detection signal Sig2 stops. Therefore, the electronic device 10 enters the off state.

[0078] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of the signals within the electronic device 10. The second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 is a voltage that changes along with the angular velocity of the opening angle θ. Therefore, the control unit 50 cannot directly calculate the opening angle θ based on the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2. Therefore, the control unit 50 calculates the integral value of the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2, i.e., the second output integral value I2. Then, the control unit 50 calculates the opening angle θ based on the second output integral value I2.

[0079] However, if the second detection signal Sig2 contains noise, the noise is included in the second output integral value I2. As a result, a deviation occurs between the opening angle θ calculated based on the second output integral value I2 and the actual opening angle θ (hereinafter referred to as the actual opening angle θx).

[0080] Therefore, the control unit 50 calculates the opening angle θ based on the first detection signal Sig1 and the second output integral value I2. Specifically, when the opening angle θ changes from 180° to 0°, the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 changes when the actual opening angle θx is the reference angle θ0. Specifically, at time t3, the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 reaches its maximum value. Thus, the control unit 50 can detect that the actual opening angle θx becomes the reference angle θ0 at time t3. Then, the control unit 50 acquires the second output integral value I2 at time t3.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 50 calculates the opening angle θ based on the integral difference δI. This integral difference δI is obtained by subtracting the reference angle integral value I0 from the second output integral value I2 when the opening angle θ (actual opening angle θx) is detected as a reference angle θ0 based on the first detection signal Sig1 (i.e., time t3). The reference angle integral value I0 is the second output integral value I2 under the condition of no noise influence and the actual opening angle θx being the reference angle θ0. That is, the reference angle integral value I0 is equivalent to the theoretical value of the second output integral value I2 corresponding to the reference angle θ0. The storage unit 52 stores the reference angle integral value I0. In addition, the integral difference δI is the error in the second output integral value I2 caused by noise. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 calculates the corrected second output integral value AI2 by subtracting the integral difference δI from the second output integral value I2. Thus, the second output integral value I2, which includes the error caused by noise, i.e., the integral difference δI, is corrected to a corrected second output integral value AI2 that does not include the error caused by noise, i.e., the integral difference δI. Then, the control unit 50 calculates the opening angle θ based on the corrected second output integral value AI2.

[0082] [Control of electronic device 10]

[0083] Next, the control of the electronic device 10 will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 This is the flowchart executed by the control unit 50. The control unit 50 executes the program stored in the storage unit 52. Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The flowchart shown.

[0084] First of all, Figure 10The flowchart is explained below. This process begins when the power supply to the electronic device 10 is switched from "off" to "on". The control unit 50 determines whether the opening angle θ (actual opening angle θx) is the reference angle θ0 based on the first detection signal Sig1 (step S1). Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether a detection signal is detected. Figure 8 The waveform of the first detection signal Sig1 is shown during the period from time t2 to time t4. For example, this determination is made by the control unit 50 determining whether the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 is greater than a threshold. If the opening angle θ (actual opening angle θx) is the reference angle θ0, the process proceeds to step S2. If the opening angle θ (actual opening angle θx) is not the reference angle θ0, the process returns to step S1.

[0085] When the opening angle θ (actual opening angle θx) is the reference angle θ0, the control unit 50 calculates the integral difference δI (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 50 calculates the integral difference δI by subtracting the reference angle integral value I0 from the second output integral value I2. The integral difference δI is the error caused by noise in the second output integral value I2. Then, the control unit 50 stores the integral difference δI in the storage unit 52 (step S3). Furthermore, if the storage unit 52 already stores the integral difference δI, the control unit 50 updates the integral difference δI stored in the storage unit 52. After that, this process proceeds to step S4.

[0086] The control unit 50 determines whether to terminate this process (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether the power supply of the electronic device 10 has switched from "on" to "off". If the process does not terminate, it returns to step S1. As described above, the control unit 50 repeatedly executes this process when the power supply of the electronic device 10 is "on". Figure 10 The flowchart.

[0087] Next, for Figure 11 The flowchart is used for illustration. When the power supply of electronic device 10 is "on", the control unit 50 repeatedly executes... Figure 11 The flowchart shows that the control unit 50 executes in parallel. Figure 10 Flowcharts and Figure 11 The flowchart.

[0088] This process begins when the power supply of the electronic device 10 is switched from "off" to "on". The control unit 50 acquires the integral difference δI stored in the storage unit 52 (step S11).

[0089] Next, the control unit 50 calculates the corrected second output integral value AI2 (step S12). Specifically, the control unit 50 calculates the corrected second output integral value AI2 by subtracting the integral difference δI obtained in step S11 from the second output integral value I2. Thus, the second output integral value I2, which includes the error caused by noise, i.e., the integral difference δI, is corrected to a corrected second output integral value AI2 that does not include the error caused by noise, i.e., the integral difference δI.

[0090] Next, the control unit 50 calculates the opening angle θ based on the corrected second output integral value AI2 obtained in step S12 (step S13). Figure 12 This is an opening angle calculation table that shows the relationship between the corrected second output integral value AI2 and the opening angle θ. Storage unit 52 stores... Figure 12 The opening angle table is shown. Therefore, the control unit 50 refers to... Figure 12 The opening angle table shown is used to determine the opening angle θ corresponding to the corrected second output integral value AI2. Afterwards, this process proceeds to step S14.

[0091] The control unit 50 determines whether to terminate this process (step S14). Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether the power supply of the electronic device 10 has switched from "on" to "off". If the process does not terminate, it returns to step S11. As described above, the control unit 50 repeatedly executes this process when the power supply of the electronic device 10 is "on". Figure 11 The flowchart.

[0092] [Effect]

[0093] According to the electronic device 10, the opening angle θ formed by the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b can be calculated with high precision. More specifically, the second sensor 32 outputs a second detection signal Sig2 with a second output value, which is used to calculate the opening angle θ that changes due to the rotation of the second main body 12b relative to the first main body 12a. This second detection signal Sig2 may contain noise. Therefore, if the control unit 50 calculates the opening angle θ based solely on the second detection signal Sig2, the opening angle θ calculated by the control unit 50 may deviate from the actual opening angle θx due to noise. In particular, the control unit 50 calculates the integral value of the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2, i.e., the second output integral value I2. If the second detection signal Sig2 contains noise, the control unit 50 integrates the noise as part of the second output value. Therefore, if the control unit 50 calculates the opening angle θ based solely on the second output integral value I2, the opening angle θ may deviate from the actual opening angle θx.

[0094] Therefore, the first sensor 30 outputs a first detection signal Sig1 with a first output value, which indicates that the opening angle θ is a reference angle θ0. Then, the control unit 50 calculates the opening angle θ based on the first detection signal Sig1 and the second detection signal Sig2. In particular, the control unit 50 calculates the opening angle θ based on the first detection signal Sig1 and the second output integral value I2. Thus, the control unit 50 can detect the reference angle θ0. Moreover, the control unit 50 can calculate the opening angle θ based on the reference angle θ0. Thus, the control unit 50 can calculate the opening angle θ formed by the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b with high accuracy.

[0095] Furthermore, the electronic device 10 is able to calculate the opening angle θ formed by the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b with high accuracy for the following reasons. More specifically, a non-fixed portion 18c is disposed between the first fixed portion 18a and the second fixed portion 18b. The non-fixed portion 18c is not fixed to the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b. Therefore, the non-fixed portion 18c deforms in a manner different from the continuous rotation of the second main body portion 12b relative to the first main body portion 12a. The deformation of the non-fixed portion 18c, which is different from the continuous rotation of the second main body portion 12b relative to the first main body portion 12a, is, for example, a discontinuous deformation. As a result, the non-fixed portion 18c can perform characteristic deformation when the opening angle θ formed by the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b is a reference angle θ0. Therefore, the first sensor 30 can output a first detection signal Sig1 with a first output value, which indicates that the opening angle θ formed by the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b is a reference angle θ0. As a result, the control unit 50 is able to detect the reference angle θ0. Furthermore, the control unit 50 is able to calculate the opening angle θ based on the reference angle θ0. Therefore, the control unit 50 is able to calculate the opening angle θ formed by the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b with high precision.

[0096] According to the electronic device 10, when the opening angle θ is the reference angle θ0, the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 reaches its maximum value. Therefore, the control unit 50 can easily detect the reference angle θ0.

[0097] According to the electronic device 10, the opening angle θ formed by the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b can be calculated with higher precision. A second sensor 32 is mounted on the left bend 18d. The angle formed by the left bend 18d changes as the opening angle θ changes. Therefore, the second sensor 32 outputs a second detection signal Sig2 with a second output value, which is used to calculate the opening angle θ that changes due to the rotation of the second main body 12b relative to the first main body 12a. As a result, the control unit 50 can calculate the opening angle θ based on the first detection signal Sig1 and the second detection signal Sig2.

[0098] According to the electronic device 10, the opening angle θ formed by the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b can be calculated with higher precision. More specifically, the first sensor 30 is mounted on the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c. The lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c is the part that undergoes characteristic deformation in the flexible connection member 18 when the opening angle θ formed by the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b is a reference angle θ0. Therefore, the first sensor 30 can easily output a first detection signal Sig1 with a first output value, which indicates that the opening angle θ formed by the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b is a reference angle θ0. As a result, the control unit 50 can detect the reference angle θ0 with high precision. Moreover, the control unit 50 can calculate the opening angle θ with high precision based on the reference angle θ0. Thus, the control unit 50 can calculate the opening angle θ formed by the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b with higher precision.

[0099] According to the electronic device 10, the opening angle θ formed by the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b can be calculated with higher precision. More specifically, if the opening angle θ changes, the state in which the non-fixed part 18c receives force from the contact member 16 and the state in which the non-fixed part 18c does not receive force from the contact member 16 are switched. Thus, when the state of the non-fixed part 18c switches from the state in which the non-fixed part 18c receives force from the contact member 16 to the state in which the non-fixed part 18c does not receive force from the contact member 16, the non-fixed part 18c undergoes a characteristic deformation. Therefore, the first sensor 30 can easily output a first detection signal Sig1 with a first output value, which indicates that the opening angle θ formed by the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b is a reference angle θ0. As a result, the control unit 50 can detect the reference angle θ0 with high precision. Moreover, the control unit 50 can calculate the opening angle θ with high precision based on the reference angle θ0. Therefore, the control unit 50 can calculate the opening angle θ formed by the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b with higher accuracy.

[0100] (First variation)

[0101] Hereinafter, the electronic device 10a of the first modified example will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 13 This is an opening angle calculation table showing the relationship between the second output integral value I2 and the opening angle θ. (Refer to the structural diagram of electronic device 10a.) Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10a, referenced. Figure 2 .

[0102] The method for calculating the opening angle θ differs between electronic device 10a and electronic device 10. More specifically, as... Figure 13 As shown, the storage unit 52 stores multiple opening angle calculation tables that represent the relationship between the opening angle θ and the second output integral value I2. In each opening angle calculation table, as shown at the top, a correspondence is established with the second output integral value I2. The second output integral value I2 with the established correspondence in each opening angle calculation table is called the index integral value II. The index integral value II is the second output integral value I2 when the control unit 50 detects that the opening angle θ is the reference angle θ0 based on the first detection signal Sig1. Figure 13 The diagram shows three opening angle calculation tables with index integral values ​​II of Ia, Ib, and Ic. However, in reality, the storage unit 52 stores more opening angle calculation tables.

[0103] If the index integral value II increases, then the index integral value II contains more noise. Therefore, the opening angle θ calculated from the second output integral value I2 is larger than the actual opening angle θx. Therefore, multiple opening angle calculation tables show a trend that if the index integral value II increases, the second output integral value I2 in the opening angle calculation table will increase overall. Therefore, if the relationship Ia < Ib < Ic < ... holds, then the relationships a11 < a21 < a31 < ..., a12 < a22 < a32 < ..., a13 < a23 < a33 < ..., and a14 < a24 < a34 < ... also hold.

[0104] The control unit 50 selects any one of multiple opening angle calculation tables from among the first detection signals Sig1, based on the second output integral value I2 when the opening angle θ is detected as the reference angle θ0. Specifically, the control unit 50 calculates the second output integral value I2 when the opening angle θ is detected as the reference angle θ0 based on the first detection signal Sig1. Further, the control unit 50 selects the opening angle calculation table corresponding to the index integral value II that is consistent with the calculated second output integral value I2. Then, the control unit 50 uses the selected opening angle calculation table to calculate the opening angle θ.

[0105] Next, the control of electronic device 10a will be explained with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 14 as well as Figure 15This is the flowchart executed by the control unit 50. The control unit 50 executes the program stored in the storage unit 52. Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 The flowchart shown.

[0106] First of all, Figure 14 The flowchart is explained below. This process begins when the power supply of electronic device 10a is switched from "off" to "on". Control unit 50 determines whether the opening angle θ (actual opening angle θx) is the reference angle θ0 based on the first detection signal Sig1 (step S21). Since step S21 is the same as step S1, its explanation is omitted. If the opening angle θ (actual opening angle θx) is the reference angle θ0, this process proceeds to step S22. If the opening angle θ (actual opening angle θx) is not the reference angle θ0, this process returns to step S21.

[0107] With the opening angle θ (actual opening angle θx) as the reference angle θ0, the control unit 50 calculates the second output integral value I2 based on the second detection signal Sig2 (step S22). The control unit 50 selects an opening angle calculation table (step S23). The control unit 50 selects the opening angle calculation table corresponding to the index integral value II that is consistent with the second output integral value I2 calculated in step S22. Then, this process proceeds to step S24.

[0108] The control unit 50 determines whether to terminate this process (step S24). Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether the power supply of the electronic device 10a has switched from "on" to "off". If the process does not terminate, it returns to step S21. As described above, the control unit 50 repeatedly executes this process when the power supply of the electronic device 10a is "on". Figure 14 The flowchart.

[0109] Next, for Figure 15 The flowchart is explained below. When the power supply to the electronic device 10a is "on", the control unit 50 repeatedly executes... Figure 15 The flowchart shows that the control unit 50 executes in parallel. Figure 14 Flowcharts and Figure 15 The flowchart.

[0110] The process begins when the power supply to the electronic device 10a is switched from "off" to "on". The control unit 50 calculates the second output integral value I2 (step S31).

[0111] Next, the control unit 50 calculates the opening angle θ (step S32). More specifically, the control unit 50 uses the opening angle calculation table selected in step S23 to determine the opening angle θ corresponding to the second output integral value I2 calculated in step S31. After that, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0112] The control unit 50 determines whether to terminate this process (step S33). Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether the power supply of the electronic device 10a has switched from "on" to "off". If the process does not terminate, it returns to step S31. As described above, the control unit 50 repeatedly executes this process when the power supply of the electronic device 10a is "on". Figure 15 The flowchart.

[0113] In the electronic device 10a described above, the opening angle θ formed by the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b can be calculated with high precision, just like in the electronic device 10.

[0114] (Second variation)

[0115] Hereinafter, the electronic device 10b of the second modified example will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10b.

[0116] Electronic device 10b differs from electronic device 10 in the structure of the first sensor 30 and the second sensor 32. More specifically, in electronic device 10b, the piezoelectric element 114 of the first sensor 30 and the piezoelectric element 114 of the second sensor 32 are integrated. However, the upper electrode 215a and the lower electrode 215b of the first sensor 30 overlap with the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c. The upper electrode 315a and the lower electrode 315b of the second sensor 32 overlap with the left-bent portion 18d. Thus, the first sensor 30 can output a first detection signal Sig1 with a first output value, which indicates that the opening angle θ formed by the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b is a reference angle θ0. The second sensor 32 can output a second detection signal Sig2 with a second output value, which is used to calculate the opening angle θ that changes due to the rotation of the second main body portion 12b relative to the first main body portion 12a. Furthermore, since the other structures of electronic device 10b are the same as those of electronic device 10, descriptions are omitted.

[0117] (Third variation)

[0118] Hereinafter, the electronic device 10c of the third modification will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10c.

[0119] Electronic device 10c differs from electronic device 10 in that it also includes a second sensor 33. The second sensor 33 is mounted on the right-hand bend 18e. Like the second sensor 32, the second sensor 33 outputs a second detection signal Sig2 with a second output value, which is used to calculate the opening angle θ that changes due to the rotation of the second main body 12b relative to the first main body 12a. Therefore, the control unit 50 can calculate the opening angle θ based on the second detection signal Sig2 output by the second sensor 32 and the second detection signal Sig2 output by the second sensor 33. As a result, the control unit 50 can calculate the opening angle θ with higher accuracy. Furthermore, since the other structures of electronic device 10c are the same as those of electronic device 10, descriptions are omitted.

[0120] (Fourth variation)

[0121] The electronic device 10d of the fourth modified example will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10d.

[0122] The electronic device 10d differs from the electronic device 10c in the structure of the first sensor 30 and the second sensors 32 and 33. More specifically, in the electronic device 10d, the piezoelectric elements 114 of the first sensor 30, the second sensor 32, and the second sensor 33 are integrated. However, the upper electrode 215a and the lower electrode 215b of the first sensor 30 overlap with the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c. The upper electrode 315a and the lower electrode 315b of the second sensor 32 overlap with the left-bent portion 18d. The upper electrode 415a and the lower electrode 415b of the second sensor 33 overlap with the right-bent portion 18e. Furthermore, since the other structures of the electronic device 10d are the same as those of the electronic device 10c, descriptions are omitted.

[0123] (Fifth variation)

[0124] The electronic device 10e of the fifth modification will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10e.

[0125] The electronic device 10e differs from the electronic device 10 in the positions where the first sensor 30 and the second sensor 32 are mounted. The first sensor 30 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c. The second sensor 32 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the left-bent portion 18d. Therefore, the polarity of the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 output by the first sensor 30 of the electronic device 10e is opposite to the polarity of the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 output by the first sensor 30 of the electronic device 10e. Similarly, the polarity of the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 output by the second sensor 32 of the electronic device 10e is opposite to the polarity of the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 output by the second sensor 32 of the electronic device 10e. Furthermore, since the other structures of the electronic device 10e are the same as those of the electronic device 10, further explanation is omitted.

[0126] (Sixth variation)

[0127] The electronic device 10f of the sixth modified example will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10f.

[0128] Unlike electronic device 10, electronic device 10f does not have contact with the contact member 16, including the first sensor 30 and the flexible connection member 18. That is, the first sensor 30 and the flexible connection member 18 do not receive force from the contact member 16. Thus, even when the first sensor 30 and the flexible connection member 18 are not in contact with the contact member 16, the shape of the non-fixed portion 18c changes if the opening angle θ changes. Therefore, the first sensor 30 outputs a first detection signal Sig1 with a first output value, indicating that the opening angle θ formed by the first main body portion 12a and the second main body portion 12b is a reference angle θ0. Furthermore, since the other structures of electronic device 10f are the same as those of electronic device 10, descriptions are omitted.

[0129] (Seventh variation)

[0130] The electronic device 10g of the seventh modified example will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 21 as well as Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view near the connection portion between the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b of the electronic device 10g.

[0131] Electronic device 10g differs from electronic device 10 in that it also includes a third housing 14c and a third sensor 36. The third housing 14c is located to the right of the second housing 14b. Specifically, the third housing 14c is located to the lower right of the second housing 14b. The right end of the flexible connection member 18 is fixed to the third housing 14c. Furthermore, the flexible connection member 18 is bent between the second housing 14b and the third housing 14c. The third sensor 36 is mounted in the portion of the flexible connection member 18 located between the second housing 14b and the third housing 14c.

[0132] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10g, if the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b are in a fully closed state, the flexible connection member 18 has a U-shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. In this way, the second sensor 32 and the third sensor 36 can be installed at any position on the flexible connection member 18 as long as they output a second detection signal Sig2 with a second output value, wherein the second output value is used to calculate the opening angle θ that changes due to the rotation of the second main body 12b relative to the first main body 12a.

[0133] (Other implementation methods)

[0134] The electronic device of the present invention is not limited to electronic devices 10, 10a to 10g, and can be modified within the scope of its spirit. In addition, the structure of electronic devices 10, 10a to 10g can be combined arbitrarily.

[0135] Furthermore, the flexible connector 18 is a flexible wiring. However, the flexible connector 18 can be any flexible component. Therefore, the flexible connector 18 can also be a flexible sheet without wiring. Alternatively, the flexible connector 18 can also be a cable with built-in wiring. The cable has a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0136] Furthermore, the first sensor 30 only needs to output a first detection signal Sig1 having a first output value representing the opening angle θ as a reference angle θ0. Therefore, the first sensor 30 can also be a mechanical switch capable of switching between "on" and "off". Additionally, the first sensor 30, the second sensors 32 and 33, and the third sensor 36 can also be strain sensors. Furthermore, the second sensors 32 and 33, and the third sensor 36 can also be accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, etc., found in electronic devices 10, 10a-10g.

[0137] Furthermore, the second sensor 32 may not be mounted on the flexible connection member 18. For example, the second sensor 32 may also be mounted on the flexible display 11, or it may be mounted across the first main body 12a and the second main body 12b.

[0138] Furthermore, the electronic devices 10, 10a to 10g are not limited to smartphones. The electronic devices 10, 10a to 10g can be any device having a first main body 12a and a second main body 12b. Such devices include, for example, laptops and robotic arms. Therefore, the flexible display 11 is not necessary. The electronic devices 10, 10a to 10g may also omit the first display 11a and / or the second display 11b.

[0139] Furthermore, in electronic devices 10, 10a to 10g, there may be a structure in which the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c is less deformable than the remaining portion of the non-fixed portion 18c. If the first sensor 30 is mounted on the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c, the lower end of the non-fixed portion 18c is less deformable than the remaining portion of the non-fixed portion 18c.

[0140] Furthermore, the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2 can also vary due to the opening angle θ. Therefore, the control unit 50 may not integrate the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2, but instead calculate the opening angle θ based on the second output value of the second detection signal Sig2.

[0141] Furthermore, the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 may not take a maximum value when the opening angle θ is the reference angle θ0.

[0142] In addition, the control unit 50 can also be based on Figure 8 The integral value of the first output value of the first detection signal Sig1 shown (the first output integral value I1) is used to detect the opening angle θ as the reference angle θ0.

[0143] In addition, the first sensor 30 can also be installed in a part other than the lower end of the non-fixed part 18c.

[0144] Furthermore, the so-called "first detection signal Sig1 has a first output value indicating that the opening angle θ is the reference angle θ0" is sufficient as long as the control unit 50 can detect that the opening angle θ is the reference angle θ0 based on the first output value. Therefore, the waveform of the first detection signal Sig1 is not limited to... Figure 8 The waveform shown.

[0145] Furthermore, the statement "the second detection signal Sig2 has a second output value for calculating the opening angle θ that changes due to the rotation of the second main body 12b relative to the first main body 12a" refers to the ability to calculate the angle between an upper limit (e.g., 180°) and a lower limit (e.g., 0°) of the opening angle θ. Therefore, the statement "the second detection signal Sig2 has a second output value for calculating the opening angle θ that changes due to the rotation of the second main body 12b relative to the first main body 12a" does not include cases where the second output value only takes the values ​​Hi and Low. This is because when the second output value only takes the values ​​Hi and Low, it cannot be used to calculate the angle between an upper limit (e.g., 180°) and a lower limit (e.g., 0°) of the opening angle θ. Additionally, the statement "the second detection signal Sig2 has a second output value for calculating the opening angle θ that changes due to the rotation of the second main body 12b relative to the first main body 12a" may also include cases where the second output value does not change when the opening angle θ changes. For example, when the second output value changes along with the angular velocity of the opening angle θ, if the angular velocity of the opening angle θ is constant, then the opening angle θ changes, but the second output value does not change.

[0146] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0147] 10, 10a-10g…Electronic devices; 11…Flexible display; 11a…First display; 11b…Second display; 12a…First main body; 12b…Second main body; 14a…First housing; 14b…Second housing; 14c…Third housing; 16…Contact component; 18…Flexible connection component; 18a…First fixing part; 18b…Second fixing part; 18c…Non-fixed part; 18d…Left bending part; 18e…Right bending part; 30…First sensor; 32, 33…Second sensor; 36…Third sensor; 50…Control… Control unit; 52… Storage unit; AI2… Correction of second output integral value; I0… Reference angle integral value; I1… First output integral value; I2… Second output integral value; II… Index integral value; L… Central axis; S1D… First lower master surface; S2U… Second upper master surface; SF1… Upper master surface; S1U… First upper master surface; SF2… Lower master surface; S2D… Second lower master surface; Sig1… First detection signal; Sig2… Second detection signal; V0… Reference voltage; δI… Integral difference; θ… Opening angle; θ0… Reference angle; θx… Actual opening angle.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: First main body section; The second main body rotates relative to the first main body about the central axis. A flexible connecting member includes a first fixed portion, a second fixed portion, and a non-fixed portion, which is deformed by rotation of the second main body portion with respect to the first main body portion, wherein The first fixing part is fixed to the first main body part, the second fixing part is fixed to the second main body part, and the non-fixed part is disposed between the first fixing part and the second fixing part and is not fixed to the first main body part and the second main body part; The first sensor is a first sensor installed on the aforementioned non-fixed part, which outputs a first detection signal having a first output value. The first output value indicates whether the opening angle formed by the aforementioned first main body and the aforementioned second main body due to the deformation of the aforementioned non-fixed part is a reference angle. as well as The second sensor outputs a second detection signal with a second output value, which is used to calculate the opening angle that changes due to the rotation of the second main body relative to the first main body. The aforementioned central axis extends in the front-to-back direction. Looking in the front-back direction, the direction extended by the angle bisector of the aforementioned opening angle is defined as the up-down direction. The directions orthogonal to the front-back and up-down directions are defined as the left and right directions. The second main body is located to the right of the first main body. Viewed in the front-to-back direction, the aforementioned non-fixed portion is curved so that it protrudes downward from the aforementioned first fixed portion and the aforementioned second fixed portion. When the opening angle is 180°, viewed from the front-to-back direction, the left side of the non-fixed part has a left-bending portion that bends to the left. When the opening angle is 180°, viewed in the front-to-back direction, the right side of the non-fixed part has a right-bending portion that bends to the right. The second sensor is installed on the left bend or the right bend. The first sensor is mounted on the lower end of the non-fixed part.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, When the opening angle is the reference angle, the first output value of the first detection signal reaches its maximum value.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned electronic device also includes a control unit, which detects, based on the first detection signal, that the opening angle formed by the first main body and the second main body is the reference angle.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned electronic equipment also includes contact components. If the opening angle changes, the state in which the non-fixed part receives force from the contact member and the state in which the non-fixed part does not receive force from the contact member are switched.

5. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, The second output value mentioned above changes along with the angular velocity of the opening angle. The control unit calculates a second output integral value, which is the integral of the second output value of the second detection signal. The control unit calculates the opening angle based on the first detection signal and the second output integral value.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned electronic device also includes a storage unit that stores the integral value of the reference angle. The control unit calculates the opening angle based on the integral difference, which is obtained by subtracting the integral value of the reference angle from the integral value of the second output when the opening angle is detected to be the reference angle based on the first detection signal.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned electronic device also includes a storage unit that stores multiple opening angle calculation tables representing the relationship between the opening angle and the second output integral value. The control unit selects any one of the opening angle calculation tables from the plurality of opening angle calculation tables based on the second output integral value when the opening angle is the reference angle detected by the first detection signal.

Images