Foldable electronic device and folding angle detection method

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present application provide a foldable electronic device and a folding angle detection method. The electronic device includes a first folding body, a second folding body, a bending part, and a detection assembly. The two sides of the bending part are connected to the first folding body and the second folding body, respectively. The detection assembly is arranged in the bending part. The detection assembly includes a scale grating and a grating reading piece. The scale grating can follow the bending of the bending part and can emit light towards the grating reading piece. When the scale grating is bent, the light changes. The grating reading piece is used to measure the linear displacement of the bending area on the scale grating according to the change of the light, and the folding angle of the electronic device is obtained. By setting the scale grating and the grating reading piece, the measurement of the folding angle can be realized through the optical principle, which has little effect on the actual structure of the bending part, and the bending angle of the electronic device can be easily obtained in real time. Moreover, the measurement precision is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of foldable screen technology, specifically relating to a foldable electronic device and a method for detecting folding angle. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of electronic technology, foldable screens are increasingly used in the smart terminal market. The on / off control and folding trigger functions of foldable screens directly affect the user's actual experience. All of the aforementioned functions require accurate detection of bending angle information. Therefore, folding angle detection of foldable screens is one of the key points in the design of foldable screen terminals.

[0003] In related technologies, a scheme for detecting the fixed bending angle of a folding screen has been proposed, which uses the transmission and reception of multiple media at different angles to identify the bending angle. However, the aforementioned scheme has difficulties in measuring arbitrary bending angles of the folding screen, and cannot meet the requirements for real-time detection of bending angles in practical applications. This results in unsatisfactory performance of foldable electronic devices and affects the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to provide a foldable electronic device and a folding angle detection method, which can realize real-time detection of the bending angle of a foldable screen.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a foldable electronic device, including a first folding body, a second folding body, a bending portion, and a detection component. The first folding body and the second folding body are respectively connected to both sides of the bending portion. The detection component is disposed within the bending portion and includes a scale grating and a grating reader. The scale grating is capable of bending along with the bending portion and emitting light towards the grating reader. When the scale grating bends, the light emission changes accordingly. The grating reader measures the linear displacement of the bending area on the scale grating based on the change in light emission and determines the folding angle of the electronic device.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a folding angle detection method, applied to the aforementioned foldable electronic device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0007] The grating reader is controlled to record the initial position information of the light rays when the bent portion is in the unfolded state;

[0008] When the bent portion is at any folding angle, the grating reader is controlled to record the current position information of the light rays;

[0009] Based on the initial position information and the current position information, the linear displacement L of the bent region on the scale grating is obtained;

[0010] Given the distance R from the scale grating to the bending center, calculate the bending angle α of the bending region, which satisfies α=(180*L) / (π*R).

[0011] In the embodiments of this application, by setting a scale grating and a grating reader, the scale grating can follow the bending of the bending part and convert the bending information on the bending part onto the scale grating in real time. There is a continuously emitted light on the scale grating. After the bending occurs on the scale grating, the emitted light changes. The grating reader, through the grating measurement principle, can obtain the linear displacement of the bending area on the scale grating after it follows the bending part based on the change of the emitted light. Through the linear displacement of the bending area, the central angle corresponding to the bending area can be obtained according to the arc length calculation formula. Since the bending area on the scale grating is obtained by equivalent bending of the bending part, the bending angle of the bending part of the electronic device can be obtained. The aforementioned measurement process is realized through optical principles, which has little impact on the actual structure of the bending part, facilitates the real-time acquisition of the bending angle of the electronic device, and has high measurement accuracy.

[0012] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the unfolded state of an electronic device in some embodiments of this application;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the bent state of an electronic device in some embodiments of this application;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of the bend;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the folding angle detection method in some embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure label:

[0019] 10. Bending center; 1. First folding body; 2. Second folding body; 3. Bending section; 411. Scale grating; 412. Backlight sheet; 413. First area; 414. Bending area; 415. Second area; 42. Grating reading element; 421. Light sensing element; 422. Lens; 423. Indicator grating; 424. Housing; 425. Opening. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] In the embodiments disclosed in this application, the electronic device can be a variety of different types of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, in-vehicle computers, navigators, digital cameras, smart TVs, and smart wearable devices. The display screen on it is a foldable display screen, which can greatly increase the display area on the electronic device and provide users with a better visual experience.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the unfolded state of the electronic device in some embodiments of this application. Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in a bent state in some embodiments of this application. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of the three bends.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, a foldable electronic device is provided, including a first folding body 1, a second folding body 2, a bending portion 3, and a detection component. The first folding body 1 and the second folding body 2 are respectively connected to both sides of the bending portion 3. The detection component is disposed within the bending portion 3 and includes a scale grating 411 and a grating reading element 42. The scale grating 411 can bend along with the bending portion 3 and can emit light toward the grating reading element 42. When the scale grating 411 bends, the light changes accordingly. The grating reading element 42 is used to measure the linear displacement of the bending area 414 on the scale grating 411 according to the change in light and to determine the folding angle of the electronic device.

[0027] The first folding body 1 and the second folding body 2 refer to foldable screens. Exemplarily, the first folding body 1 and the second folding body 2 can be flexible displays, such as organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. OLED displays have multiple light-emitting units, and the flexible material of the display helps to achieve the folding function. Exemplarily, foldable electronic devices may also include three or more folding bodies. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust the number of folding screens according to specific needs to meet consumer usage habits; this application does not impose any limitations in this regard.

[0028] The bending part 3 refers to the bendable part on a foldable electronic device, which can be a hinge structure, such as a hinge.

[0029] The detection component can measure the linear displacement of the upper bending region 414 of the scale grating 411 using the grating measurement principle, and calculate the central angle corresponding to the bending region 414 using the arc length calculation formula, thereby obtaining the folding angle of the electronic device.

[0030] A grating reader refers to a component capable of receiving light passing through a scale grating 411 and reading the amount of movement of the scale grating 411 based on the change of the light. For example, a grating reader may include an indicator grating 423, a light sensing element 421, etc.

[0031] The bending region 414 refers to the arc-shaped area on the scale grating 411 after it is bent. For example, when the bending part 3 bends, the scale grating 411 bends along with the bending part 3. After the two ends of the bending region 414 on the scale grating 411 are connected to the bending center 10, it can be approximately regarded as a fan shape, which satisfies the arc length calculation formula: l=(2π*r*β) / 360°, where l is the arc length of the fan shape, that is, the linear displacement, and β is the central angle corresponding to the arc length.

[0032] By setting a scale grating 411 and a grating reader, the scale grating 411 can follow the bending of the bending part 3 and bend in real time, thus converting the bending information on the bending part 3 onto the scale grating 411. There is a continuous light emitted from the scale grating 411. After the bending occurs on the scale grating 411, the light passing through the scale grating 411 changes. Based on the change in the light before and after bending, the grating reader 42 can obtain the linear displacement of the bending area 414 on the scale grating 411 after it follows the bending of the bending part 3. Based on the linear displacement of the bending area 414, the central angle corresponding to the bending area 414 can be obtained through the arc length calculation formula. The bending area 414 on the scale grating 411 is obtained by equivalently obtaining the bending part 3, thus obtaining the bending angle of the bending part 3 of the electronic device. The aforementioned measurement process is realized through optical principles, which has little impact on the actual structure of the bending part 3, making it easy to obtain the bending angle of the electronic device in real time, and the measurement accuracy is high.

[0033] Optionally, when the first folding body 1 and the second folding body 2 are in a flat state, they can be arranged along the width direction of either the first folding body 1 or the second folding body 2, and the bending part 3 is disposed between the first bending body 1 and the second folding body 2.

[0034] Optionally, multiple detection components may be provided and arranged along the length direction of either the first folding body 1 or the second folding body 2. For example, two detection components may be provided, one of which is located at one end of the bending portion 3 along the length direction, and the other is located at the other end of the bending portion 3 along the length direction.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some optional embodiments of this application, the scale grating 411 is disposed on the side of the bend 3 away from the bend center 10 of the bend 3, and the grating reading element 42 faces the scale grating 411.

[0036] The bending center 10 refers to the axis around which the bending part 3 bends.

[0037] By setting the scale grating 411 on the side of the bending portion 3 away from the bending center 10, the deformation on the scale grating 411 can be larger, which is conducive to improving the detection accuracy.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, in some optional embodiments of this application, when the first folding body 1 and the second folding body 2 are in a flat state, the grating reading element 42 is disposed in the central region between the first folding body 1 and the second folding body 2.

[0039] By positioning the grating reading element 42 at the center of the bending portion 3, the grating reading element 42 can be positioned on the radius from the center of the bending arc to the bending center 10 at any angle of the bending portion 3. This ensures the range of light received by the grating reading element and makes the area facing the grating reading element the bending area 414 on the scale grating 411, thereby improving detection accuracy.

[0040] Optionally, the grating reading element 42 is disposed in the central region between the first folding body 1 and the second folding body 2, so that when the bending part 3 is bent, the grating reading element 42 is located on the radius from the center of the arc formed by the bend to the bending center 10.

[0041] Optionally, the shortest distance between the grating reading element 42 and the scale grating 411 remains basically unchanged, which can effectively reduce the problem of reduced detection accuracy caused by the change in the distance between the scale grating 411 and the grating reading element 42.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some optional embodiments of this application, the scale grating 411 is connected to the inner wall of the bent portion 3 away from the bending center 10, and the first folding body 1 and the second folding body 2 are respectively connected to both sides of the scale grating 411.

[0043] By connecting the scale grating 411 to the inner wall of the bent portion 3 away from the bending center 10, the bending degree of the scale grating 411 can be the same as the bending degree of the bent portion 3 during bending, ensuring that the scale grating 411 can be equivalent to the bent portion 3, thereby improving the detection accuracy.

[0044] Optionally, the scale grating 411 can be integrally formed with the inner wall of the bent portion 3 away from the bending center 10.

[0045] Optionally, the scale grating 411 can be separately disposed from the inner wall of the bent portion 3 away from the bending center 10. For example, a groove can be provided on the inner wall of the bent portion 3 away from the bending center 10, and the scale grating 411 is connected to the inner wall of the bent portion 3 through the groove.

[0046] Optionally, the scale grating 411 can be bonded to the inner wall of the bend portion 3 away from the bend center 10.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some optional embodiments of this application, the two sides of the scale grating 411 extend into the first folded body 1 and the second folded body 2, respectively.

[0048] By extending the scale grating 411 to both sides of the first folding body 1 and the second folding body 2 respectively, it can be ensured that the scale grating 411 completely covers the bent part 3 in the first direction, preventing the bent part 3 from having a local area without the scale grating 411, which would lead to insufficient measurement accuracy.

[0049] Optionally, when the bending portion 3 is bent to any angle, the scale grating 411 may include a first region 413, a bending region 414, and a second region 415. The bending region 414 is the bent portion on the scale grating 411. The first region 413 is located on the side of the bending region 414 closer to the first folding body 1, and the second region 415 is located on the side of the bending region 414 closer to the second folding body 2. The grating reading element 42 can be used to measure the linear displacement of the aforementioned bending region 414 according to the change of light.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some optional embodiments of this application, a backlight sheet 412 is also provided on the side of the scale grating 411 away from the bending center 10. The backlight sheet 412 is used to emit light toward the scale grating 411.

[0051] By setting a backlight sheet 412, a light source can be provided on the side of the scale grating 411 away from the bending center 10, which facilitates the formation of moiré fringes.

[0052] Alternatively, the backlight 412 may emit light only toward one side of the scale grating 411.

[0053] In some optional embodiments of this application, the scale grating 411 and the backlight sheet 412 are made of flexible materials.

[0054] By using flexible materials for the scale grating 411 and the backlight sheet 412, the requirement that the scale grating 411 and the backlight sheet 412 bend along with the bending part 3 can be met.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some optional embodiments of this application, the grating reading device 42 further includes an indicator grating 423, a lens 422 and a light sensing element 421. The lens 422 is disposed on the side of the light sensing element 421 near the scale grating 411, and the indicator grating 423 is disposed on the side of the lens 422 near the scale grating 411.

[0056] Optionally, when the first folded body 1 and the second folded body 2 are in a flat state, the projection of the grating of the indicator grating 423 onto the scale grating 411 is set at an angle to the grating on the indicator grating 423, which facilitates the formation of moiré fringes.

[0057] Optionally, the photosensitive element 421 may be made of a photosensitive material, which can generate a resistance change when irradiated by light. For example, the grating reading element 42 is also connected to a driving circuit. After the photosensitive element 421 is irradiated by light and a resistance change occurs, the driving circuit can convert the light signal received by the photosensitive element 421 into an electrical signal.

[0058] During detection, the light emitted from the backlight sheet 412 passes through the scale grating 411, then through the indicator grating 423, and finally enters the photosensitive element 421. The emitted light generates moiré fringes due to interference and diffraction between the scale grating 411 and the indicator grating 423. When the bending part 3 bends, the scale grating 411 bends along with the bending part 3, resulting in a displacement relative to the indicator grating 423, which directly affects the generated moiré fringes. Based on the change of the moiré fringes, the moving distance of the scale grating 411 can be obtained. This moving distance is the linear displacement of the bending area 414 on the scale grating 411 when it bends.

[0059] For example, when the bending portion 3 bends, the scale grating 411 bends along with it, causing relative movement with the indicator grating 423, thus causing corresponding movement of the interference fringes of the scale grating 411 and the indicator grating 423. For instance, when the scale grating 411 moves relative to the indicator grating 423 by a grating pitch d, the interference fringes move by one cycle, and the sinusoidal voltage signal converted by the photosensitive element 421 also moves by one cycle. If a scale grating 411 and indicator grating 423 with 1000 lines / mm are selected, the grating pitch d is 1µm. In this case, one cycle of the sinusoidal voltage signal represents a displacement of 1µm. Based on the number of cycles of the sinusoidal voltage signal, the movement distance of the scale grating 411 can be directly obtained, i.e., the linear displacement of the bending region 414 on the scale grating 411 during bending.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some optional embodiments of this application, the grating reading device 42 further includes a housing 424, an indicator grating 423, a lens 422 and a photosensitive element 421 are disposed inside the housing 424, and an opening 425 is provided on the housing 424, through which light enters the housing 424, and the indicator grating 423 corresponds to the opening 425.

[0061] By providing the housing 424, the structural strength of the grating reading element 42 can be guaranteed, and the service life of the grating reading element 42 can be improved.

[0062] Optionally, the light-sensing element 421 is disposed on the side of the lens 422 away from the indicator grating 423, and the indicator grating 423 is disposed on the opening 425.

[0063] Optionally, the lens 422 is used to focus the light passing through the indicator grating 423 onto the photosensitive element 421.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the folding angle detection method in some embodiments of this application.

[0065] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some optional embodiments of this application, a folding angle detection method is also provided, applied to the above-mentioned foldable electronic device. The folding angle detection method includes the following steps:

[0066] S401, Control grating reading element 42 records the initial position information of the light rays when the bent part 3 is in the unfolded state;

[0067] S402. When the bending part 3 is at any folding angle, control the grating reading element 42 to record the current position information of the light.

[0068] S403. Based on the initial position information and the current position information, obtain the linear displacement L of the bent region 414 on the scale grating 411;

[0069] S404. Obtain the distance R from the scale grating 411 to the bending center 10, and calculate the bending angle α of the bending region 414, which satisfies α=(180*L) / (π*R).

[0070] The initial position information of the light can be the moiré fringe data recorded by the grating reading element 42 when the bent part 3 is in the unfolded state.

[0071] The current position information of the light can be the moiré fringe data recorded by the grating reading element 42 when the bending part 3 is in a bent state.

[0072] It should be noted that the electronic devices in the embodiments of this application can be mobile electronic devices or non-mobile electronic devices. For example, mobile electronic devices can be mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, in-vehicle electronic devices, wearable devices, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), netbooks, or personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc., while non-mobile electronic devices can be personal computers (PCs), televisions (TVs), ATMs, or self-service machines, etc. The embodiments of this application do not impose specific limitations.

[0073] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0074] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, include: First fold main body; The second fold body; A bending portion, wherein the two sides of the bending portion are respectively connected to the first folding body and the second folding body; A detection component is disposed within the bending portion. The detection component includes a scale grating and a grating reading device. The scale grating can follow the bending portion and emit light towards the grating reading device. When the scale grating bends, the light changes accordingly. The grating reading device is used to measure the linear displacement of the bending area on the scale grating based on the change in the light and to determine the folding angle of the electronic device. The scale grating is disposed on the side of the bent portion away from the bending center, and the grating reading device faces the scale grating. When the first folding body and the second folding body are in a flat state, the grating reading device is disposed in the central area between the first folding body and the second folding body, so that when the bent portion bends, the shortest distance from the grating reading device to the scale grating remains unchanged on the radius from the center of the arc formed by the bend to the bending center.

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scale grating is connected to the inner wall of the bent portion away from the center of the bend, and the first folding body and the second folding body are respectively connected to both sides of the scale grating.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The scale grating extends into the first folded body and the second folded body on both sides, respectively.

4. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, A backlight sheet is also provided on the side of the scale grating away from the bending center, and the backlight sheet is used to emit light toward the scale grating.

5. The foldable electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The scale grating and the backlight sheet are made of flexible material.

6. The foldable electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The grating reading device further includes an indicator grating, a lens, and a light-sensing element. The lens is disposed on the side of the light-sensing element closer to the scale grating, and the indicator grating is disposed on the side of the lens closer to the scale grating.

7. The foldable electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The grating reading device also includes a housing, in which the indicator grating, the lens and the photosensitive element are disposed. The housing has an opening through which light enters the housing, and the indicator grating corresponds to the opening.

8. A method for detecting folding angle, characterized in that, Applied to a foldable electronic device as described in any one of claims 1-7, the method comprises the following steps: The grating reading device is controlled to record the initial position information of the light rays when the bent portion is in the unfolded state; When the bent portion is at any folding angle, the grating reading device is controlled to record the current position information of the light ray; Based on the initial position information and the current position information, the linear displacement L of the bent region on the scale grating is obtained; Obtain the distance R from the scale grating to the bending center, and calculate the bending angle α of the bending region, which satisfies α = (180*L) / (π*R).

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