Electronic device and detection method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to an electronic device and a detection method thereof. The electronic device includes a shell assembly, a folding mechanism, a capacitive sensor and a response module. The shell assembly includes a first shell and a second shell that are movably connected. The folding mechanism enables the second shell to move relative to the first shell to a folded position or a flattened position around a folding direction. The shell assembly has a detection area. When the second shell moves from the folded position to the flattened position, the width of the detection area in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction gradually decreases. The capacitive sensor is used to obtain a capacitance value in the detection area. When the capacitance value exceeds a preset range, the response module responds to prompt that a foreign object exists in the detection area. The electronic device and the detection method thereof of the present application can be sensed by the capacitive sensor when there is a foreign object in the detection area, and the response module is used to prompt that there is a foreign object in the detection area, so as to remind the user that there is a foreign object in the detection area, reduce the risk of the electronic device being structurally damaged or clamping a foreign object due to clamping a foreign object, and effectively improve the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to electronic equipment and detection methods thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the current intelligent information age, users use electronic devices more and more frequently, and the usage scenarios are becoming more and more diverse. Foldable electronic devices are favored by consumers because they can be folded and used, and their portability is further improved.

[0003] However, when the shell of a foldable electronic device is flattened, it is easy for fingers or foreign objects such as metal to be pinched, causing damage to the structure of the electronic device or pinching fingers and other foreign objects, which has a negative impact on the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides an electronic device and a detection method thereof, so as to solve the technical problem that a shell of the electronic device is easily caught by foreign objects and damaged or the foreign objects are caught during the flattening process.

[0005] On the one hand, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, including:

[0006] A shell assembly includes a first shell and a second shell that are movably connected;

[0007] A folding mechanism connected between the first shell and the second shell, and enabling the second shell to move relative to the first shell around a folding direction to a folded position or a flattened position, wherein the shell assembly is formed with a detection area, and when the second shell moves from the folded position to the flattened position, the width of the detection area in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction gradually decreases;

[0008] a capacitive sensor connected to the shell assembly and used to obtain a capacitance value in the detection area;

[0009] A response module is electrically connected to the capacitance sensor, and is used to respond when the capacitance value exceeds a preset range to prompt that a foreign object exists in the detection area.

[0010] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a detection method of an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a shell assembly, a folding mechanism, a capacitive sensor and a response module, the shell assembly comprising a first shell and a second shell that are movably connected, the folding mechanism is connected to the first shell and the second shell, and enables the second shell to move relative to the first shell around a folding direction to a folded position or a flattened position, the shell assembly is formed with a detection area, when the second shell moves from the folded position to the flattened position, the width of the detection area in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction gradually decreases, the capacitive sensor is connected to the shell assembly, and the response module is electrically connected to the capacitive sensor;

[0011] The detection method comprises the following steps:

[0012] detecting a position of the second housing relative to the first housing;

[0013] When the second shell moves relative to the first shell toward the flattened position to a preset position, the capacitive sensor obtains a capacitance value in the detection area, wherein the preset position is at least one intermediate position of the second shell in the process of moving from the folded position to the flattened position;

[0014] When the capacitance value exceeds a preset range, the response module responds to indicate that a foreign object exists in the detection area.

[0015] In the embodiment of the present application, since the response module is electrically connected to the capacitive sensor, and when the capacitance value obtained by the capacitive sensor in the detection area exceeds a preset range, the response module can respond to prompt the presence of foreign matter in the detection area. Therefore, during the flattening process of the electronic device, if there is foreign matter in the detection area, the response module can respond in time to prompt the presence of foreign matter in the detection area, so as to remind the user that there is foreign matter in the detection area, reduce the risk of structural damage or injury to the electronic device due to clamping of foreign matter, and effectively improve the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment when the second housing is in a flattened position;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another state of an electronic device provided by an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another viewing angle when the second housing is in a flattened position in an electronic device provided by an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of an electronic device from another perspective provided by an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a shell assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device when the second housing moves to a preset position relative to the first housing;

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a second housing of an electronic device in motion relative to a first housing;

[0024] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment, in which the second housing moves relative to the first housing to a preset position and then moves from the preset position to a flattened position;

[0025] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of an electronic device in another embodiment;

[0026] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the electronic device when the second housing moves relative to the first housing;

[0027] Fig.11 A partial structural diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment;

[0028] Fig.12 for Fig.11 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the electronic device when the second housing moves relative to the first housing;

[0029] Fig.13 A partial structural diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment;

[0030] Fig.14 for Fig.13 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the electronic device when the second housing moves relative to the first housing;

[0031] Fig.15 A schematic structural diagram of a magnetostrictive component of an electronic device in one embodiment;

[0032] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of a magnetostrictive component of an electronic device in an embodiment when bent;

[0033] Fig.17 It is a schematic structural diagram of two sets of magnetostrictive components in an electronic device in another embodiment;

[0034] Fig.18 A schematic diagram of the structure of two sets of magnetostrictive components in an electronic device in yet another embodiment;

[0035] Fig.19 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a detection method for an electronic device in one embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 20 The figure is a flowchart of the steps of setting a preset range of a detection method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present application, the present application will be described more fully below with reference to the relevant drawings. The preferred embodiments of the present application are provided in the drawings. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the understanding of the disclosure of the present application more thorough and comprehensive.

[0038] As used herein, "electronic device" refers to a device that can receive and / or send communication signals, including but not limited to a device that is connected via any one or more of the following connection methods:

[0039] (1) Connection via wired lines, such as Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), digital cable, and direct cable connection;

[0040] (2) Via wireless interfaces, such as cellular networks, wireless local area networks (WLAN), digital television networks such as DVB-H networks, satellite networks, and AM-FM broadcast transmitters.

[0041] An electronic device configured to communicate via a wireless interface may be referred to as a "mobile terminal". Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, the following electronic devices:

[0042] (1) Satellite phone or cellular phone;

[0043] (2) Personal Communications System (PCS) terminals that can combine cellular radio telephones with data processing, fax, and data communications capabilities;

[0044] (3) Radiotelephone, pager, Internet / intranet access, Web browser, notepad, calendar, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver;

[0045] (4) conventional laptop and / or palmtop receivers;

[0046] (5) Conventional laptop and / or palmtop radio telephone transceivers, etc.

[0047] See also Figure 1 As shown, an electronic device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application may be a device capable of displaying, for example, the electronic device 100 includes a shell component 10 and a flexible screen 20 connected to the shell component 10. It should be noted that the electronic device 100 may also be a device without a display function, which is not limited here.

[0048] The shell assembly 10 forms a receiving cavity (not shown), and the electronic device 100 may further include a circuit board (not shown) and a battery (not shown), and both the circuit board and the battery may be arranged in the receiving cavity of the shell assembly 10. The circuit board may integrate the processor, power management module, storage unit, baseband chip, etc. of the electronic device 100. In an embodiment in which the electronic device 100 includes a flexible screen 20, the flexible screen 20 is communicatively connected to the processor, and the battery can power the flexible screen 20 and the electronic components on the circuit board. In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 may further include a camera module (not shown), which is communicatively connected to the circuit board, and the battery can power the camera module. It is understandable that the electronic device 100 of the embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to terminal devices such as mobile phones and tablet computers or other portable electronic devices 100.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present application, the electronic device 100 is a foldable electronic device 100, that is, the electronic device 100 can be folded to improve portability. Figure 2 As shown, the housing assembly 10 of the electronic device 100 includes a first housing 12 and a second housing 14 that are movably connected. The second housing 14 and the first housing 12 can move relative to each other along a folding direction ZZ. In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes a folding mechanism 100a, which is connected between the first housing 12 and the second housing 14, so that the second housing 14 and the first housing 12 can move relative to each other along the folding direction ZZ. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, as the first shell 12 and the second shell 14 move relative to each other along the folding direction ZZ, the flexible screen 20 bends along the folding direction ZZ, and finally when the second shell 14 moves to the folded position, the flexible screen 20 is folded and located between the first shell 12 and the second shell 14 without being exposed, so that the electronic device 100 is not only convenient to carry, but also the shell assembly 10 can provide good protection for the flexible screen 20 when the electronic device 100 falls.

[0050] The folding mechanism 100a may be a hinge structure or a support structure with a rotating shaft. The structure of the folding mechanism 100a is not limited here, as long as it can meet the folding and flattening requirements of the electronic device 100.

[0051] The second housing 14 can move relative to the first housing 12 along the folding direction ZZ to a flattened position and a folded position. When the second housing 14 is in the flattened position, the electronic device 100 can obtain a relatively large display area, thereby obtaining a visual experience of a large-screen display, thereby improving the user experience of the electronic device 100. When the second housing 14 is in the folded position, the electronic device 100 has a relatively small external dimension in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction ZZ, so as to facilitate carrying.

[0052] It is understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the flattened position, the folded position and similar expressions all refer to the relative position of the second shell 14 and the first shell 12. To simplify the expression, "the second shell 14 is in the flattened position" or "when in the flattened position" and similar expressions refer to the second shell 14 being in the flattened position relative to the first shell 12, and "the second shell 14 is in the folded position" or "when in the folded position" and similar expressions refer to the second shell 14 being in the folded position relative to the first shell 12.

[0053] Combination Figure 3As shown, in the folding direction ZZ, the first shell 12 has a first side wall 12a facing the side where the second shell 14 is located, and the second shell 14 has a second side wall 14a facing the side where the first shell 12 is located. It is understandable that when the second shell 14 moves toward the flattened position relative to the first shell 12, the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a approach each other until the second shell 14 moves to the flattened position. In some embodiments, when the second shell 14 is in the flattened position, the first side wall 12a contacts the second side wall 14a, so that the first shell 12 and the second shell 14 are aligned and the overall appearance texture of the electronic device 100 is maintained. It is understandable that in some embodiments, when the second shell 14 is in the flattened position, there may also be a gap between the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a, and the width of the gap is less than or equal to 1mm. By controlling the width of the gap within this range, the gap between the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a is small enough to be ignored, so that even if there is a gap between the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a when the second shell 14 is in the flattened position, the overall appearance of the electronic device 100 is slightly affected.

[0054] The inventors found that when the second shell 14 moves to the flattened position relative to the first shell 12, the user may accidentally put his fingers between the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a, and there is a risk that the fingers will be pinched by the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a. In addition, when a foreign object is stuck between the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a, the process of the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a approaching each other will be subject to greater resistance, and accordingly, the folding mechanism 100a will also be subject to a greater reaction force. In this case, the folding mechanism 100a is easily damaged, causing the overall performance of the electronic device 100 to deteriorate, and even causing the electronic device 100 to be scrapped. In this regard, after long-term research and technical breakthroughs, the inventors found that the technical problem can be solved by improving the electronic device 100.

[0055] For the sake of convenience of explanation, the area of ​​the electronic device 100 that is easily affected by fingers or foreign objects during the process of folding the flexible screen 20 is referred to as the "detection area 10a". It can be understood that the detection area 10a is an area where fingers or foreign objects are not desired to exist during the process of folding the flexible screen 20. More specifically, it is an area where fingers are easily pinched or interfered by foreign objects.

[0056] Specifically in the embodiments of the present application, Figure 4As shown, the second shell 14 has an intermediate position during the movement between the folded position and the flattened position relative to the first shell 12. When the second shell 14 is in the intermediate position, the area between the corresponding first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a of the shell assembly 10 defines the detection area 10a. The intermediate position can be the position of the second shell 14 at the moment of leaving the folded position. At this time, the distance between the intermediate position and the folded position is close to 0. Ignoring the error, the intermediate position can be considered to be the same as the folded position. Of course, in some embodiments, the intermediate position is the same as the folded position. This application only distinguishes the intermediate position from the folded position to facilitate the understanding of the detection area 10a.

[0057] Combination Figure 5 As shown, the electronic device 100 includes a capacitive sensor 30, which is used to detect the detection area 10a. Specifically, the capacitive sensor 30 can sense whether there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a. This is because the capacitance value obtained by the capacitive sensor 30 in the detection area 10a is different when there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a and when there is no foreign object in the detection area 10a, and then it can be judged whether there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a.

[0058] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the capacitive sensor 30 includes a first electrode plate 31 and a second electrode plate 32 for connecting the positive and negative electrodes respectively, one of the first electrode plate 31 and the second electrode plate 32 is connected to the first side wall 12a, and the other is connected to the second side wall 14a. When the second housing 14 moves relative to the first housing 12, the first electrode plate 31 and the second electrode plate 32 move closer to or farther from each other around the folding direction ZZ. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the second housing 14 moves toward the flattened position relative to the first housing 12, the first electrode plate 31 and the second electrode plate 32 approach each other, so that the capacitance value between the first electrode plate 31 and the second electrode plate 32 changes, and then the capacitance sensor 30 can obtain the capacitance value of the second housing 14 relative to the first housing 12 during the flattening process. Specifically, since the first electrode plate 31 and the second electrode plate 32 will move with the folding movement of the shell assembly 10, the overlapping part of the first electrode plate 31 and the second electrode plate 32 will change, which will cause the capacitance change. Under normal circumstances, there is no foreign matter in the detection area 10a, and the capacitance change can be obtained by testing. During the use of the electronic device 100, if the capacitance value obtained by the capacitance sensor 30 in the detection area 10a is inconsistent with the capacitance change obtained by the previous test, it means that there is a foreign matter in the detection area 10a. Therefore, in this embodiment, it can be known whether there is a foreign matter in the detection area 10a according to the capacitance value obtained by the capacitance sensor 30 in the detection area 10a, so that when there is a foreign matter in the detection area 10a, a prompt is taken to remind the user, so that the user can stop the operation of unfolding the electronic device 100.

[0059] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, the electronic device 100 includes a response module (not shown), which is electrically connected to the capacitive sensor 30. When the capacitance value obtained by the capacitive sensor 30 in the detection area 10a exceeds a preset range, the response module responds to indicate that there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a.

[0060] The response module can respond in a variety of ways, specifically in the form of sound, vibration, flash, etc., to prompt the detection area 10a that there is a foreign object. For example, the response module includes at least one of a speaker, a vibrator, and a light-emitting element, wherein the speaker is used to send a sound response signal, the vibrator is used to send a vibration response signal, and the light-emitting element is used to send a flash response signal.

[0061] Since the response module is electrically connected to the capacitive sensor 30, and when the capacitance value obtained by the capacitive sensor 30 in the detection area 10a exceeds a preset range, the response module can respond to prompt that there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a. Therefore, during the flattening process of the electronic device 100, if there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a, the response module can respond in time to prompt that there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a, so as to remind the user that there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a, reduce the risk of structural damage or clamping of the electronic device 100 due to the foreign object, and effectively improve the user experience.

[0062] It should be noted that the preset range can be set according to the capacitance value when there is a finger or foreign object in the detection area 10a, so that it is possible to judge whether there is a finger or foreign object in the detection area 10a by the capacitance value detected by the capacitance sensor 3050. For example, when the user's finger approaches the detection area 10a, the capacitance value of the capacitance sensor 3050 is a first value, and when the user's finger is not close to the detection area 10a, the capacitance value of the capacitance sensor 3050 is a second value, and there is a difference between the first value and the second value. The preset range can be reasonably configured according to the first value and the second value, so that it can be judged whether the user's finger is close to the detection area 10a according to the capacitance value detected by the capacitance sensor 3050.

[0063] It should be noted that the capacitive sensor 30 is not limited to the above-mentioned arrangement. Specifically, the first electrode plate 31 and the second electrode plate 32 are not limited to being arranged on the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a. For example, in some embodiments, the first electrode plate 31 and the second electrode plate 32 are both arranged on the first side wall 12a. When the first electrode plate 31 and the second electrode plate 32 move relative to each other due to contact with a foreign object, the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor 30 changes. Accordingly, the first electrode plate 31 and the second electrode plate 32 may also be both arranged on the second side wall 14a.

[0064] It is understandable that the first electrode plate 31 and the second electrode plate 32 can also be arranged at a position other than the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a, and can be touched by foreign objects located in the detection area 10a, for example, on the surface of the shell assembly 10 between the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a.

[0065] Specifically, in some embodiments, the shell assembly 10 further includes a flexible support member 16. In the folded position, at least a portion of the flexible support member 16 is exposed between the first side wall 12a and the second side wall 14a. In the flattened position, the flexible support member 16 is hidden in the first shell 12 and the second shell 14. The flexible support member 16 can adapt to the bending needs of the flexible screen 20, and at the same time, it also has a good supporting effect on the flexible screen 20, so as to ensure that the flexible screen 20 can be well supported in the flattened position, so as to provide good display and touch functions without collapse.

[0066] In this embodiment, at least one of the plates of the capacitive sensor 30 may be disposed on the surface of the corresponding detection area 10a of the flexible support 16. Specifically, the flexible support 16 has an outer surface 16a and an inner surface 16b, and the outer surface 16a is the surface of the flexible support 16 exposed from the detection area 10a when the second housing 14 is in the folded position. In this embodiment, the plate of the capacitive sensor 30 may be disposed on the outer surface 16a of the flexible support 16, so that when a foreign object is in the detection area 10a, the foreign object will affect the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor 30 through the plate.

[0067] The location of the capacitive sensor 30 is not described in detail here. It is sufficient as long as the foreign matter can touch the electrode plate in the detection area 10 a to change the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor 30 .

[0068] The flexible support member 16 may be a flexible film layer or a flexible steel plate with a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the flexible support member 16 may also be a steel plate with holes or hollows to adapt to bending performance. The structure of the flexible support member 16 is not limited here.

[0069] In some embodiments, the shell assembly 10 is provided with a detection assembly, which is used to detect the position of the second shell 14 relative to the first shell 12, so that when the second shell 14 moves away from the folded position or moves to the preset position relative to the first shell 12, the capacitive sensor 30 obtains a capacitance value in the detection area 10a. In this embodiment, the preset position is at least one intermediate position of the second shell 14 during the movement from the folded position to the flattened position. Through this structural setting, the capacitive sensor 30 can detect the detection area 10a at a specific position (e.g., the preset position) without the need for the capacitive sensor 30 to continue to work. To facilitate understanding of the benefits of this arrangement, take the electronic device 100 in the folded position as an example. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded position, the flexible screen 20 is hidden in the shell component 10 and does not provide a display function. At this time, if a finger or other foreign object is placed in the detection area 10a, the shell component 10 will not be clamped by the foreign object. The capacitive sensor 30 will consume unnecessary power by continuously detecting the detection area 10a, which will affect the overall endurance performance of the electronic device 100. Therefore, through this embodiment, when the detection component moves to a preset position relative to the first shell 12 by the second shell 14, the detection component is triggered so that the capacitive sensor 30 detects the detection area 10a at the preset position, so as to avoid the capacitive sensor 30 from working for a long time and wasting electric energy. The long-term operation of the capacitive sensor 30 will also affect its own service life. Therefore, this structural setting is also conducive to extending the service life of the capacitive sensor 30. It should be noted that the detection component can start working when the second shell 14 leaves the folded position relative to the first shell 12, rather than working continuously. The detection component can be a Hall element or a photosensitive element. In the folded position, the photosensitive element is hidden in the shell component 10. When the second shell 14 leaves the folded position, the photosensitive element is exposed to the shell component 10 and receives light. In this way, the photosensitive element is triggered in a light environment. The structure of the detection component is not limited here.

[0070] Combination Figure 8 As shown, the second housing 14 has a starting detection position during the movement toward the flattened position relative to the first housing 12, and the starting detection position refers to the position of the second housing 14 relative to the first housing 12 when the capacitive sensor 30 starts to detect. Specifically in this embodiment, when the second housing 14 moves to the starting detection position relative to the first housing 12, the capacitive sensor 30 starts to sense the capacitance change of the detection area 10a, and the folding angle of the second housing 14 from the folded position to the starting detection position is α, and the folding angle of the second housing 14 from the starting detection position to the flattened position is β, where α is greater than β.

[0071] It is understandable that during the movement of the second shell 14 from the folded position to the flattened position, the second shell 14 rotates approximately 180° relative to the first shell 12, and at this time, α and β are complementary. In some embodiments, the value range of α is greater than or equal to 120° and less than or equal to 160°. For example, α is 120°, 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°, 150°, 160°, 165°, 170°, 175° or 180°. In this embodiment, setting α within this value range can ensure that the detection area 10a has a sufficient detection width in the folding direction ZZ to avoid the capacitive sensor 30 performing detection only after the finger is pinched, and at the same time, it can avoid the detection width of the detection area 10a in the folding direction ZZ being too large, and the capacitive sensor 30 performing detection too early, resulting in unnecessary energy waste.

[0072] It should be noted that the number of the capacitive sensors 30 may be one, or two or more. When the number of the capacitive sensors 30 is two or more, the capacitive sensors 30 may be arranged at different positions of the shell assembly 10 to improve the detection effect. With this arrangement, when some of the capacitive sensors 30 fail, as long as one of the capacitive sensors 30 functions to perform the detection function, the need to obtain the capacitance value in the detection area 10a can be met.

[0073] In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 includes a controller and an electro-torque structure electrically connected to the controller. Among them, the electro-torque structure refers to a structure that can convert electrical energy into magnetic torque or torque. Specifically in this embodiment, the controller is electrically connected to the capacitive sensor 30. When the capacitance value exceeds the preset range, that is, the capacitive sensor 30 detects that there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a, the controller controls the electro-torque structure to generate a force that prevents the second shell 14 from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first shell 12. Through this setting, on the one hand, the user can feel the resistance generated by the electro-torque structure when operating the second shell 14 toward the flattened position, and promptly know that there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a. On the other hand, since the resistance generated by the electro-torque structure itself can also prevent the second shell 14 from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first shell 12, it can also prevent the shell assembly 10 from clamping the foreign object located in the detection area 10a. Therefore, through this structural setting, the user experience of the electronic device 100 is further improved, and the probability of clamping the foreign object during the flattening process of the second shell 14 when there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a is reduced.

[0074] It should be noted that the electromotive force torque structure may specifically be an electromagnetic coil assembly, a magnetostrictive assembly, or a combination of an electromagnetic coil assembly and a magnetostrictive assembly.

[0075] The structure of the electronic device 100 will be further described below in conjunction with the electromagnetic coil assembly and the magnetostrictive assembly 50 .

[0076] Combination Fig. 9 As shown, the electro-torque structure includes an electromagnetic coil assembly 40. The controller adjusts the magnetic field by controlling the current or voltage passed into the electromagnetic coil assembly 40. The repulsive force generated by the electromagnetic coil assembly 40 prevents the second housing 14 from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first housing 12. Fig.10 As shown, when there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a, the capacitance value obtained by the capacitive sensor 30 exceeds the preset range. At this time, the controller controls the electromagnetic coil assembly 40 to work, so that the electromagnetic coil assembly 40 generates a magnetic repulsive force F1 (F1') to prevent the second shell 14 from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first shell 12, thereby effectively preventing the electronic device 100 from being clamped by foreign objects.

[0077] Continue to combine Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the electromagnetic coil assembly 40 includes a first electromagnetic coil 41 and a second electromagnetic coil 42, which are respectively fixed to the first shell 12 and the second shell 14, and are respectively located on opposite sides of the detection area 10a perpendicular to the folding direction ZZ. In this way, when the first electromagnetic coil 41 and the second electromagnetic coil 42 are energized, by controlling the direction and magnitude of the current, the magnetic repulsive force generated by the first electromagnetic coil 41 and the second electromagnetic coil 42 can be controlled and adjusted, thereby improving the effect of preventing foreign objects from being clamped during the use of the electronic device 100 and improving the user experience.

[0078] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, one of the first electromagnetic coil 41 and the second electromagnetic coil 42 can be replaced with a permanent magnet such as a magnet or a magnetic steel, so that the magnetic repulsive force of the electromagnetic coil assembly 40 can also be controlled.

[0079] In some embodiments, in combination Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the electro-torque structure includes an electromagnetic coil and a magnetostrictive assembly 50. The controller controls the current or voltage passed into the electromagnetic coil so that the magnetostrictive assembly 50 bends around the folding direction ZZ under the magnetic field of the electromagnetic coil to prevent the second housing 14 from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first housing 12. It can be understood that when the current or voltage passed into the electromagnetic coil changes, the force F2 (F2') generated by the bending of the magnetostrictive assembly 50 will also change accordingly. Therefore, according to actual needs, the magnetostrictive assembly 50 can provide appropriate resistance to prevent the second housing 14 from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first housing 12.

[0080] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic coil may be at least one of the first electromagnetic coil 41 and the second electromagnetic coil 42 in the electromagnetic coil assembly 40 , or may be independent of the electromagnetic coil assembly 40 .

[0081] Specifically, combined Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, in some embodiments, the electro-torque structure includes both an electromagnetic coil assembly 40 and a magnetostrictive assembly 50, and the magnetostrictive assembly 50 is configured to be able to bend around the folding direction ZZ under the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil assembly 40 to prevent the second housing 14 from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first housing 12. As a result, the electro-torque structure can use the magnetic repulsive force F1 (F1') generated by the electromagnetic coil assembly 40 and the force F2 (F2') generated by the bending of the magnetostrictive assembly 50 to jointly prevent the second housing 14 from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first housing 12, and there is no need to configure a separate electromagnetic coil for the magnetostrictive assembly 50. In this way, the overall structural utilization of the electro-torque structure and the efficiency of preventing the second housing 14 from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first housing 12 are improved.

[0082] To facilitate understanding of the principle of how the magnetostrictive assembly 50 prevents the second housing 14 from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first housing 12 by bending, the structure of the magnetostrictive assembly 50 and the bending principle thereof are described below by way of example.

[0083] Combination Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the magnetostrictive assembly 50 includes a substrate 51 and a magnetostrictive sheet attached to the substrate 51. In this embodiment, for ease of description, the opposite surfaces of the substrate 51 are provided with a first magnetostrictive sheet 52 and a second magnetostrictive sheet 53. In some embodiments, the substrate 51 only needs a magnetostrictive sheet on one side of the surface, so that the substrate 51 can be pulled and compressed to bend under the action of a changing magnetic field on the magnetostrictive sheet.

[0084] Specifically, the first magnetostrictive sheet 52 and the second magnetostrictive sheet 53 on the substrate 51 are respectively a positive magnetostrictive film and a negative magnetostrictive film. The positive magnetostrictive film and the negative magnetostrictive film have pulling force or tension respectively under the same magnetic field environment. Specifically, the positive magnetostrictive film generates pulling force due to shortening, and the negative magnetostrictive film generates tension due to stretching. In this way, when the first magnetostrictive sheet 52 and the second magnetostrictive sheet 53 are respectively set as a positive magnetostrictive film and a negative magnetostrictive film, under the action of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil, the positive magnetostrictive film and the negative magnetostrictive film generate a bending force to bend toward one side on the substrate 51, so that the substrate 51 bends, and then the magnetostrictive component 50 bends as a whole. Therefore, by reasonably controlling the current of the electromagnetic coil, the bending degree of the magnetostrictive component 50 can be controlled, so that when there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a of the capacitive sensor 30, the magnetostrictive component 50 prevents the second shell 14 from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first shell 12.

[0085] Since both the positive magnetostrictive film and the negative magnetostrictive film can bend in a magnetic field, when a magnetostrictive film (such as the first magnetostrictive film 52 or the second magnetostrictive film 53) is provided on only one side of the substrate 51, the magnetostrictive film can be a positive magnetostrictive film or a negative magnetostrictive film. It is only necessary to reasonably control the direction of the current passed through the electromagnetic coil to control the direction of the magnetic field so that the magnetostrictive film bends in the expected direction.

[0086] The substrate 51 may be made of non-magnetic materials such as silicon, glass or polyimide. The magnetostrictive film may be formed on the substrate 51 by flash evaporation, ion beam sputtering, ionization plating or the like.

[0087] Combination Fig.17 As shown, there may be two groups of magnetostrictive components 50. In some embodiments, there may be more than two groups of magnetostrictive components 50. It is understandable that when there are two or more groups of magnetostrictive components 50, the bending directions of these magnetostrictive components 50 are consistent.

[0088] Continue reading Fig.17 As shown, the two sets of magnetostrictive components 50 can be bent under the action of different electromagnetic coils 50a. Fig.18 As shown, the two groups of magnetostrictive components 50 can be bent under the action of the same electromagnetic coil 50a. At this time, it is only necessary to reasonably configure the setting positions of the magnetostrictive sheets on the substrate 51 so that the two groups of magnetostrictive components 50 can have the same bending direction.

[0089] Based on the above-mentioned electronic device 100, another embodiment of the present application provides a detection method, which is applied to the above-mentioned electronic device 100. The detection method can detect the detection area 10a of the electronic device 100 to avoid the phenomenon of pinching fingers when the fingers are placed in the detection area 10a and continue to flatten the electronic device 100 during use, and prevent the electronic device 100 from being damaged by clamping other foreign objects during the flattening process.

[0090] Specifically, combined Fig.19 As shown, the detection method comprises the following steps:

[0091] Step S102 , detecting the position of the second housing 14 relative to the first housing 12 .

[0092] It should be noted that in this step, the position of the second shell 14 relative to the first shell 12 can be detected by using a detection component disposed in the shell component 10. The detection component can be a Hall element or a photosensitive element. In the folded position, the photosensitive element is hidden in the shell component 10. When the second shell 14 leaves the folded position, the photosensitive element is exposed to the shell component 10 and receives light. In this way, the photosensitive element is triggered in a light environment. The structure of the detection component is not limited here.

[0093] Step S104, when the second shell 14 moves toward the flattened position to a preset position relative to the first shell 12, the capacitive sensor 30 obtains a capacitance value in the detection area 10a, wherein the preset position is at least one intermediate position of the second shell 14 during the movement from the folded position to the flattened position.

[0094] The preset position may be set in advance for the electronic device 100, and the set position information is stored in the memory of the electronic device 100. For example, in some embodiments, the preset position is a position where the second housing 14 moves relative to the first housing 12 to an angle range of 25° to 45° from the flattened position. In this position, the capacitive sensor 30 obtains a capacitance value in the detection area 10a, so as to know whether there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a according to the change in the capacitance value.

[0095] Step S106: When the capacitance value exceeds the preset range, the response module responds to indicate that there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a.

[0096] When there is a finger or foreign object in the detection area 10a, the capacitance value exceeds the preset range. At this time, the response module can be used to respond to prompt that there is a foreign object in the detection area 10a. The user receives the reminder and can stop operating the second housing 14 to move toward the flattened position in time to prevent the electronic device 100 from clamping the foreign object in the detection area 10a.

[0097] Combination Fig. 20As shown, in some embodiments, the detection method further includes the step of setting a preset range, and the step of setting a preset range includes:

[0098] Step S202, the second housing 14 is moved to a preset position, and the capacitance sensor 30 obtains a first fluctuation range of the capacitance value when there is no foreign matter in the corresponding detection area 10a, and obtains a second fluctuation range of the capacitance value when there is a foreign matter in the detection area 10a.

[0099] Step S204: setting a preset range according to the first fluctuation range and the second fluctuation range, so that the first fluctuation range is within the preset range and the second fluctuation range is outside the preset range.

[0100] In this embodiment, when the capacitance sensor 30 detects that the capacitance value is within the first fluctuation range, it means that there is no foreign matter in the detection area 10a. Correspondingly, when the capacitance sensor 30 detects that the capacitance value is within the second fluctuation range, it means that there is a foreign matter in the detection area 10a. Therefore, by setting the first fluctuation range to be within the preset range and the second fluctuation range to be outside the preset range, the capacitance sensor 30 can detect whether there is a foreign matter in the detection area 10a, and there will be no situation where the presence of a foreign matter in the detection area 10a is mistakenly judged as the absence of a foreign matter.

[0101] In some embodiments where the electronic device 100 includes a flexible screen 20, the flexible screen 20 can be used to display prompt information to remind the user that an abnormality occurs during the unfolding of the electronic device 100. Specifically, the flexible screen 20 is covered on the side of the shell assembly 10 that is away from the detection area 10a, and is connected to the first shell 12 and the second shell 14. Since the flexible screen 20 has a display interface exposed to the shell assembly 10, the display interface can be used to display the reminder content.

[0102] In some embodiments, the detection method further comprises the steps of:

[0103] When the capacitance value exceeds a preset range, the flexible screen 20 displays a reminder interface on the display interface to remind the user that there is an abnormality in the detection area 10a.

[0104] It should be noted that the method of reminding the user that the detection area 10a has an abnormality may be a graphic or animation. For example, when the detection area 10a has a hand-pinching abnormality, the flexible screen 20 displays an image or animation of the hand being pinched, which vividly reminds the user, and the reminder method is also interesting. In some embodiments, the user may also be reminded that the detection area 10a has an abnormality by text or by flashing the display screen.

[0105] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0106] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: A shell assembly includes a first shell and a second shell that are movably connected; A folding mechanism connected between the first shell and the second shell, and enabling the second shell to move relative to the first shell around a folding direction to a folded position or a flattened position, wherein the shell assembly is formed with a detection area, and when the second shell moves from the folded position to the flattened position, the width of the detection area in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction gradually decreases; a capacitive sensor connected to the shell assembly and used to obtain a capacitance value in the detection area; A response module is electrically connected to the capacitive sensor, and is used to respond when the capacitance value exceeds a preset range to prompt that a foreign object exists in the detection area. The response module includes at least one of a speaker, a vibrator, and a light-emitting element, wherein the speaker is used to emit a sound response signal, the vibrator is used to emit a vibration response signal, and the light-emitting element is used to emit a flash response signal.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electronic device further includes a flexible screen, which is covered on a side of the shell assembly facing away from the detection area and is connected to the first shell and the second shell.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell assembly is provided with a detection assembly, which is used to detect the position of the second shell relative to the first shell, so that when the second shell moves away from the folded position or moves to a preset position relative to the first shell, the capacitive sensor obtains the capacitance value in the detection area, wherein the preset position is at least one intermediate position of the second shell in the process of moving from the folded position to the flattened position.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second shell has a starting detection position when it moves toward the flattened position relative to the first shell. When the second shell moves to the starting detection position relative to the first shell, the capacitive sensor starts to sense the capacitance change of the detection area. The folding angle of the second shell from the folded position to the starting detection position is α, and the folding angle of the second shell from the starting detection position to the flattened position is β, wherein α is greater than β.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first shell has a first side wall, and the second shell has a second side wall. When the second shell moves to the flattened position relative to the first shell, the first side wall and the second side wall are opposite to each other. The capacitive sensor includes a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate respectively used to connect the positive and negative electrodes. One of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate is connected to the first side wall, and the other is connected to the second side wall, so that when the second shell moves relative to the first shell, the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are close to or away from each other around the folding direction.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: In the flattened position, the first side wall is in contact with the second side wall; Alternatively, in the flattened position, a gap exists between the first side wall and the second side wall, and a width of the gap is less than or equal to 1 mm.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a controller and an electro-torque structure electrically connected to the controller, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the capacitive sensor, and when the capacitance value exceeds a preset range, the controller controls the electro-torque structure to generate a force that prevents the second shell from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first shell.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The electromotive force structure includes an electromagnetic coil assembly. The controller adjusts the magnetic field by controlling the current or voltage passed into the electromagnetic coil assembly. The repulsive force generated by the electromagnetic coil assembly prevents the second shell from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first shell.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The electro-torque structure includes a magnetostrictive component, which is configured to be able to bend around the folding direction under the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil component to prevent the second shell from moving toward the flattened position relative to the first shell.

10. The electronic device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The electromagnetic coil assembly includes a first electromagnetic coil and a second electromagnetic coil. The first electromagnetic coil and the second electromagnetic coil are respectively fixed to the first shell and the second shell, and are respectively located on opposite sides of the detection area perpendicular to the folding direction.

11. A method for detecting an electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises a shell assembly, a folding mechanism, a capacitive sensor and a response module, the shell assembly comprises a first shell and a second shell that are movably connected, the folding mechanism is connected to the first shell and the second shell, and enables the second shell to move relative to the first shell around a folding direction to a folded position or a flattened position, the shell assembly is formed with a detection area, when the second shell moves from the folded position to the flattened position, the width of the detection area in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction gradually decreases, the capacitive sensor is connected to the shell assembly, and the response module is electrically connected to the capacitive sensor; The detection method comprises the following steps: detecting a position of the second housing relative to the first housing; When the second shell moves relative to the first shell toward the flattened position to a preset position, the capacitive sensor obtains a capacitance value in the detection area, wherein the preset position is at least one intermediate position of the second shell in the process of moving from the folded position to the flattened position; When the capacitance value exceeds a preset range, the response module responds to indicate that a foreign object exists in the detection area.

12. The detection method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The step of setting the preset range is also included, and the step of setting the preset range includes: The second housing is moved to the preset position, and the capacitance sensor obtains a first fluctuation range of the capacitance value when there is no foreign matter in the detection area, and obtains a second fluctuation range of the capacitance value when there is a foreign matter in the detection area; The preset range is set according to the first fluctuation range and the second fluctuation range, so that the first fluctuation range is within the preset range and the second fluctuation range is outside the preset range.

13. The detection method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The electronic device further includes a flexible screen, which is covered on a side of the shell component facing away from the detection area and connected to the first shell and the second shell, and has a display interface exposed on the shell component. The detection method includes: When the capacitance value exceeds the preset range, the flexible screen displays a reminder interface on the display interface to remind the user that there is a foreign object in the detection area.

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