Foldable Electronic Device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, which is applied to the field of electronic technology. A first power management module, a first load, and a first battery pack are disposed in a first folding portion of the foldable electronic device, and a second power management module, a second load, and a second battery pack are disposed in a second folding portion of the foldable electronic device. The first power management module controls the first battery pack to supply power to the first load, and the second power management module controls the second battery pack to supply power to the second load. The foldable electronic device further includes an isolation circuit, which can perform voltage equalization on the voltages of the two connected batteries. In this way, the power transmission paths when the first battery pack supplies power to the first load and when the second battery pack supplies power to the second load can be reduced. Correspondingly, the reliability of the rotating mechanism and the flexible screen can be improved. Moreover, the isolation circuit can reduce the voltage difference between the two connected batteries, improving the safety and reliability of the foldable electronic device.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of a Chinese patent application with the application number 202221900700.2 and the application title "Folding Electronic Device" submitted to the China National Intellectual Property Administration on July 22, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of electronic technologies, and in particular, to a folding electronic device. Background Art

[0003] With the continuous development of electronic devices such as mobile phones, electronic devices with a foldable form have gradually become a trend in the industry's development. When the folding electronic device is in the unfolded state, a larger display area can be obtained, improving the viewing effect; when the folding electronic device is in the folded state, a smaller volume can be obtained, facilitating user carrying.

[0004] In order to improve the battery life of the folding electronic device, at least one battery can be provided in both the first folding part and the second folding part of the folding electronic device.

[0005] However, for some batteries in current folding electronic devices, when powering a load, the power transmission path is relatively long, resulting in a large loss caused by the path impedance. In order to reduce the path impedance, the trace width in the power transmission path can be increased, but the increase in the trace width in the power transmission path will lead to a reduction in the reliability of the rotating mechanism and the flexible screen in the folding electronic device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An embodiment of this application provides a folding electronic device. By providing a power management module in both the first folding part and the second folding part to control the corresponding battery to supply power to the load, the trace length corresponding to the power transmission path is reduced, and the reliability of the rotating mechanism and the flexible screen in the folding electronic device is improved.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of this application proposes a folding electronic device, which includes a first folding part, a second folding part, and a rotating mechanism located between the first folding part and the second folding part; the first folding part includes a first power management module, a first load, and a first battery group, and the first battery group includes at least one battery; the second folding part includes a second power management module, a second load, and a second battery group, and the second battery group includes at least one battery. The first power management module is respectively connected to the first battery group and the first load, and is used to control the first battery group to supply power to the first load; the second power management module is respectively connected to the second battery group and the second load, and is used to control the second battery group to supply power to the second load; the folding electronic device further includes an isolation circuit, and the isolation circuit is respectively connected to the two batteries, and is used to perform voltage equalization on the voltages of the two batteries to which it is connected.

[0008] In this way, the battery voltage provided by the first battery pack can be converted into a system voltage through the first power management module to supply power to the first load arranged in the first folding part, and the battery voltage provided by the second battery pack can be converted into a system voltage through the second power management module to supply power to the second load arranged in the second folding part. As a result, the trace corresponding to the power transmission path when the first battery pack supplies power to the first load is relatively short, and the trace corresponding to the power transmission path when the second battery pack supplies power to the second load is also relatively short. Thereby, the loss caused by the trace impedance of the power transmission path can be reduced. Correspondingly, there is no need to increase the trace width of the power transmission path, thereby improving the reliability of the rotating mechanism itself and the reliability of the flexible screen supported by the rotating mechanism. Moreover, the isolation circuit can balance the voltages of the two batteries connected thereto to reduce the voltage difference between the two batteries connected to the isolation circuit, and further limit the mutual charging current between the two batteries connected to the isolation circuit, thus reducing the possibility of burning the traces distributed on the FPC due to the large-current mutual charging between the two batteries connected to the isolation circuit, and improving the safety and reliability of the folding electronic device.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the isolation circuit is connected between the first target battery and the second target battery; the folding electronic device further includes an electrical parameter detection module and a processing module. The isolation circuit includes an isolation module, and the processing module is respectively connected to the electrical parameter detection module and the isolation module. The electrical parameter detection module is used to detect the electrical parameters related to the first target battery and the second target battery. The electrical parameters include the voltage of the first target battery and the voltage of the second target battery, or the electrical parameters include the current flowing through the isolation module; the processing module is used to control the working state of the isolation module according to the electrical parameters. The working state of the isolation module includes any one of a conducting state, a balancing state, and a cut-off state. In this way, based on the electrical parameters detected by the electrical parameter detection module, the working state of the isolation module is controlled to reduce the mutual charging current between the two batteries connected to the isolation circuit when the isolation module is in the balancing state.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module is the processor in the folding electronic device, and the processor and the isolation circuit are two different components; or the processing module is the first control unit in the isolation circuit. In this way, the processor or the first control unit in the isolation circuit can be used to control the working state of the isolation module, enriching the implementation manners of the folding electronic device.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the electrical parameter detection module includes a first voltage detection element and a second voltage detection element. The first voltage detection element is connected to the first target battery, and the second voltage detection element is connected to the second target battery. The first voltage detection element is used to detect the voltage of the first target battery, and the second voltage detection element is used to detect the voltage of the second target battery. Wherein, the electrical parameters include the voltage of the first target battery and the voltage of the second target battery. In this way, a method for controlling the working state of the isolation module based on the voltages of the first target battery and the second target battery is provided.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the electrical parameter detection module includes a current detection element. The current detection element is connected in the path between the first target battery and the second target battery. The current detection element is used to detect the current flowing through the isolation module. Wherein, the electrical parameter includes the current flowing through the isolation module. In this way, a method for controlling the working state of the isolation module based on the current flowing through the isolation module is provided.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to control the isolation module to be in an equalization state to equalize the voltages of the first target battery and the second target battery when the folding electronic device is in a discharging state and the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions. The processing module is further configured to control the power management module connected to the third target battery to charge the third target battery until the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions when the folding electronic device is in a charging state and the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions. The third target battery is the battery with a lower voltage among the first target battery and the second target battery. Wherein, when the voltage difference between the first target battery and the second target battery is greater than the preset voltage, the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions; or when the current flowing through the isolation module is greater than the preset current, the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions. In this way, when the folding electronic device is in a discharging state and the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions, voltage equalization is achieved based on the isolation module; and when the folding electronic device is in a charging state and the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions, voltage equalization is achieved based on the power management module connected to the battery with a lower voltage, which can improve the charging efficiency of the folding electronic device on the basis of reducing the mutual charging current between the two batteries connected by the isolation circuit.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to control the isolation module to be in a conducting state when the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions, so that the first target battery and the second target battery discharge in parallel or are charged in parallel. Wherein, when the voltage difference between the first target battery and the second target battery is less than or equal to the preset voltage, the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions; or when the current flowing through the isolation module is less than or equal to the preset current, the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the isolation module includes a first switching element; a first end of the first switching element is connected to a first target battery, and a second end of the first switching element is connected to a second target battery.

[0016] In a possible implementation, a control end of the first switching element is connected to the processing module. Alternatively, the isolation module further includes a second switching element, a control end of the second switching element is connected to the processing module, a first end of the second switching element is connected to the control end of the first switching element, and a second end of the second switching element is connected to a ground terminal.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the isolation module includes a third switching element and a fourth switching element; a first end of the third switching element is connected to a first target battery, a second end of the third switching element is connected to a first end of the fourth switching element, and a second end of the fourth switching element is connected to a second target battery.

[0018] In a possible implementation, control ends of both the third switching element and the fourth switching element are connected to the processing module. Alternatively, the isolation module further includes a fifth switching element, a control end of the fifth switching element is connected to the processing module, a first end of the fifth switching element is connected to the control ends of the third switching element and the fourth switching element, and a second end of the fifth switching element is connected to a ground terminal.

[0019] In a possible implementation, both the first power management module and the second power management module include a first switching unit, a second switching unit, and a second control unit; a control end of the first switching unit is connected to the second control unit, a first end of the first switching unit is connected to a charging interface, and a second end of the first switching unit is connected to a corresponding load; the first switching unit is configured to convert an input voltage provided by the charging interface into a system voltage to supply power to the load connected thereto when the folding electronic device is in a charging state; a control end of the second switching unit is connected to the second control unit, a first end of the second switching unit is connected to the second end of the first switching unit, and a second end of the second switching unit is connected to a corresponding battery; the second switching unit is configured to charge the battery connected thereto with the system voltage when the folding electronic device is in a charging state, and supply power to the load connected thereto with a battery voltage provided by the battery connected thereto when the folding electronic device is discharging.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the foldable electronic device further includes a processor, which is respectively connected to the first power management module and the second power management module; when the foldable electronic device is in a charging state, and the fourth target battery is fully charged while the fifth target battery is not fully charged, the processor is configured to control the second switch unit in the power management module connected to the fourth target battery to be turned off, and control the second switch unit in the power management module connected to the fifth target battery to be turned on; the fourth target battery is at least one battery in the foldable electronic device, and the fifth target battery is at least one battery in the foldable electronic device. In this way, by arranging the first power management module in the first folding part and the second power management module in the second folding part, the batteries in the first battery group and the second battery group can be fully charged.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the first switch unit includes a sixth switch element, a seventh switch element, an eighth switch element, and an inductor, and the second switch unit includes a ninth switch element; the control end of the sixth switch element is connected to the second control unit, the first end of the sixth switch element is connected to the charging interface, and the second end of the sixth switch element is connected to the first end of the seventh switch element; the control end of the seventh switch element is connected to the second control unit, the second end of the seventh switch element is connected to the first end of the inductor; the second end of the inductor is connected to the load corresponding to the power management module; the control end of the eighth switch element is connected to the second control unit, the first end of the eighth switch element is connected to the second end of the seventh switch element, and the second end of the eighth switch element is connected to the ground terminal; the control end of the ninth switch element is connected to the second control unit, the first end of the ninth switch element is connected to the second end of the inductor, and the second end of the ninth switch element is connected to the corresponding battery.

[0022] In a possible implementation, both the first battery group and the second battery group include one battery, and the foldable electronic device includes an isolation circuit, which is located in the first folding part or the second folding part. In this way, the embodiments of the present application can be applied to foldable electronic devices with dual batteries and dual power management modules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application in an unfolded state;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the related art;

[0027] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the hardware system structure of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 7 Circuit diagram of the first isolation circuit provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 8 Circuit diagram of the second isolation circuit provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 9 Circuit diagram of the third isolation circuit provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 10 Circuit diagram of the fourth isolation circuit provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 11 Circuit diagram of the fifth isolation circuit provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0035] In order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. For example, the first chip and the second chip are only used to distinguish different chips, and their sequence is not limited. Those skilled in the art can understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second", etc. do not necessarily mean different.

[0036] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific manner.

[0037] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A and B may be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. "At least one (item)" or its similar expression refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single item(s) or plural item(s). For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c may represent: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c, where a, b, and c may be single or multiple.

[0038] The foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application may be an electronic device with a foldable form such as a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer (Pad), a wearable device (such as a smart watch, a smart bracelet), a vehicle-mounted device, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a netbook, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the foldable electronic device.

[0039] Due to its advantages that it can obtain a larger display area in the unfolded state to improve the user's movie-watching effect, and it can obtain a smaller volume in the folded state for easy user carrying, the foldable electronic device has gradually become a trend in the industry development.

[0040] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the foldable electronic device may include a first folding part 11, a second folding part 12, and a rotating mechanism 13 located between the first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12. The rotating mechanism 13 may be a rotating shaft. The rotating mechanism 13 is respectively connected to the first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12, and the first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12 are respectively located on both sides of the rotating mechanism 13. For example, the first folding part 11 is located on the left side of the axis of the rotating mechanism 13, and the second folding part 12 is located on the right side of the axis of the rotating mechanism 13. The first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12 can respectively rotate around the axis of the rotating mechanism 13.

[0041] The foldable electronic device further includes a flexible screen 20 disposed on the same side of the first folding part 11, the second folding part 12, and the rotating mechanism 13. The first folding part 11, the second folding part 12, and the rotating mechanism 13 are used to carry the flexible screen 20.

[0042] The flexible screen 20 is used to display images, videos, etc. It can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, or other flexible display screens. The flexible screen 20 includes a first non-bending area 21, a second non-bending area 22, and a bending area 23. The bending area 23 is located between the first non-bending area 21 and the second non-bending area 22. The first non-bending area 21 can be fixed on the first folding part 11 through an adhesive layer, and the second non-bending area 22 can be fixed on the second folding part 12 through an adhesive layer. The bending area 23 of the flexible screen 20 is made of a flexible material, while the first non-bending area 21 and the second non-bending area 22 of the flexible screen 20 can be made of a flexible material or a rigid material. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0043] In this way, the flexible screen 20 can be correspondingly presented in a folded or unfolded state as the first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12 rotate relative to the rotating mechanism 13.

[0044] Schematically, as Figure 1 shown, when the first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12 rotate relative to the rotating mechanism 13 to the maximum angle, the flexible screen 20 can be in an unfolded state. At this time, the included angle between the first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12 can be 180°. Of course, affected by certain process errors, when the folding electronic device is in the unfolded state, the included angle between the first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12 can also be 175° or 185°, etc.

[0045] As Figure 2 shown, when the first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12 rotate relative to the rotating mechanism 13 in a direction approaching each other to reduce the included angle between the first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12, the flexible screen 20 can be in a folded state. When the flexible screen 20 is in the folded state, the bending area 23 is bent, and the first non-bending area 21 and the second non-bending area 22 are arranged oppositely.

[0046] When the flexible screen 20 is in the unfolded state, the flexible screen 20 has a large display area at this time, that is, the first non-bending area 21, the second non-bending area 22, and the bending area 23 in the flexible screen 20 can all be used for display, thereby improving the user's viewing effect. When the flexible screen 20 is in the folded state, the folding electronic device has a small volume at this time, which is convenient for the user to carry.

[0047] It should be noted that, Figure 1 and Figure 2The foldable electronic device shown is illustrated by taking a foldable mobile phone as an example. The foldable mobile phone can be an inward-foldable mobile phone (i.e., the flexible screen 20 folds inward), or an outward-foldable mobile phone (i.e., the flexible screen 20 folds outward). Of course, the foldable electronic device in the embodiments of the present application can also be other foldable devices.

[0048] To better understand the rotation of the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 relative to the rotation mechanism 13 in the embodiments of the present application, the following is described in conjunction with Figure 3 the schematic exploded view of the foldable electronic device shown.

[0049] Among them, the rotation mechanism 13 may include a rotating shaft body 131, a first blade 132, and a second blade 133. The number of the first blades 132 may be multiple, and the number of the second blades 133 may also be multiple. For example, the number of the first blades 132 and the second blades 133 may be two as Figure 3 shown.

[0050] The rotating shaft body 131 includes a first rotating shaft 1311 and a second rotating shaft 1312 arranged coaxially, and the axes of the first rotating shaft 1311 and the second rotating shaft 1312 serve as the axis of the rotation mechanism 13.

[0051] The first blade 132 may also be referred to as a first swing arm. One end of the first blade 132 is connected to the first rotating shaft 1311 in the rotating shaft body 131, and the other end of the first blade 132 extends into the groove below the first folding portion 11 and is connected to the first folding portion 11.

[0052] The second blade 133 may also be referred to as a second swing arm. One end of the second blade 133 is connected to the second rotating shaft 1312 in the rotating shaft body 131, and the other end of the second blade 133 extends into the groove below the second folding portion 12 and is connected to the second folding portion 12.

[0053] The first rotating shaft 1311 drives the first folding portion 11 to rotate around the axis of the first rotating shaft 1311 through the first blade 132. Correspondingly, the second rotating shaft 1312 drives the second folding portion 12 to rotate around the axis of the second rotating shaft 1312 through the second blade 133. Since the axes of the first rotating shaft 1311 and the second rotating shaft 1312 serve as the axis of the rotation mechanism 13, the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 can be respectively rotated around the axis of the rotation mechanism 13.

[0054] As Figure 3As shown, the avoidance spaces between the two first blades 132 and between the two second blades 133 are mainly used to place a flexible printed circuit (FPC). Traces for electrical signal transmission between the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 are distributed on the FPC.

[0055] In the related art, in order to improve the battery life of the folding electronic device, at least one battery can be provided in both the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 of the folding electronic device to increase the standby time of the folding electronic device.

[0056] As Figure 4 shown, a first battery is provided in the first folding portion 11, and a second battery is provided in the second folding portion 12, that is, the first battery and the second battery are respectively located on the left and right sides of the rotating mechanism 13.

[0057] Moreover, different types of load peripherals are also respectively provided on the left and right sides of the rotating mechanism 13. A first load is provided in the first folding portion 11. For example, the first load can be load peripherals such as a processor and a memory; and a second load is provided in the second folding portion 12. For example, the second load can be load peripherals such as a speaker and a camera.

[0058] As Figure 4 shown, only a power management module 140 is provided in the first folding portion 11, and the system voltage supplied to the first load and the second load is uniformly managed and output by the power management module 140 provided in the first folding portion 11.

[0059] In addition, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an over voltage protect (OVP) circuit, a first fast charging chip, etc. are also provided in the first folding portion 11. The power management module 140 includes a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) chip and some peripheral circuits. The peripheral circuits can include a first capacitor C1, a second capacitor C2, an inductor L1, etc. A second fast charging chip and an isolation circuit, etc. are also provided in the second folding portion 12.

[0060] The power management module 140 can be respectively connected to the first load and the second load. The power management module 140 can convert the battery voltage provided by the first battery into a system voltage and supply it to the first load to supply power to the first load. The power management module 140 can also convert the battery voltage provided by the second battery into a system voltage and supply it to the second load to supply power to the second load.

[0061] For the second load within the second folding portion 12, the battery voltage provided by the second battery is transmitted through the power traces distributed on the FPC provided within the rotating mechanism 13 to the power management module 140 provided within the first folding portion 11. The power management module 140 converts the battery voltage provided by the second battery into the system voltage Vsys, and this system voltage Vsys is then transmitted through the power traces distributed on the FPC provided within the rotating mechanism 13 to the second load provided within the second folding portion 12, thereby supplying power to the second load provided within the second folding portion 12.

[0062] Therefore, it can be known that when the second battery provided within the second folding portion 12 supplies power to the second load provided within the second folding portion 12, the traces corresponding to the power transmission path form a loop path, making the traces corresponding to the power transmission path relatively long. Since there is a certain impedance in the traces corresponding to the power transmission path, when the traces corresponding to the power transmission path are long, the losses caused by the trace impedance of the power transmission path are also relatively large.

[0063] If one wants to reduce the losses caused by the trace impedance of the power transmission path, the width of the traces of the power transmission path can be increased to reduce the trace impedance of the power transmission path. However, when the width of the traces of the power transmission path increases, the width of the FPC provided within the rotating mechanism 13 will increase.

[0064] At the position where the FPC provided within the rotating mechanism 13 is located, the first blade 132 and the second blade 133 included in the rotating mechanism 13 cannot be provided. When the width of the FPC provided within the rotating mechanism 13 increases, the avoidance space of the main structure (i.e., the first blade 132 and the second blade 133) within the rotating mechanism 13 for the FPC will increase, that is Figure 3 the width d in the Y direction of the avoidance space between the two first blades 132 and the two second blades 133 in

[0065] correspondingly, it also makes the occupied space of the first blade 132 and the second blade 133 within the rotating mechanism 13 decrease, thereby reducing the reliability of the rotating mechanism 13 itself. And since the first blade 132 and the second blade 133 can also play a role in supporting the flexible screen 20, for the area where the FPC is located, due to the lack of the first blade 132 and the second blade 133, this area cannot play a role in supporting the flexible screen 20. When the width d of the area where the FPC is located is larger, the supporting effect of the rotating mechanism 13 on the flexible screen 20 is worse. Therefore, during the user's use of the folding electronic device, if the user presses the flexible screen 20, it will affect the reliability of the flexible screen 20 supported by the rotating mechanism 13.

[0066] It should be noted that the second load provided in the second folding part 12 does not directly draw power from the second battery provided in the second folding part 12, but must draw power from the power management module 140 provided in the first folding part 11, which is caused by the recharge problem. The recharge principle is as follows: when the battery is fully charged and the user still has not unplugged the charger connected to the USB interface, the battery cannot be charged continuously at this time, and the load in the folding electronic device cannot continue to consume the power of the battery either, otherwise the battery power will not reach 100% when the user unpluggs the charger after using it for a period of time. Therefore, in order to solve the recharge problem, after the battery is fully charged, the power consumed by the load needs to be drawn from the charger and the battery is bypassed. The module that realizes this function is the power management module 140.

[0067] A switching element is provided in the power management module 140, such as Figure 4 the ninth switching element Q9 shown. The ninth switching element Q9 is connected between the load and the battery. When charging the battery with a charger, the ninth switching element Q9 is turned on to charge the battery through the ninth switching element Q9; when the battery needs to supply power to the load, the ninth switching element Q9 is turned on to enable the load to consume the power of the battery through the ninth switching element Q9. When the battery is fully charged and the USB interface is still connected to the charger, the ninth switching element Q9 is in the off state, bypassing the battery from the load, and the power consumed by the load is supplied by the charger.

[0068] Based on this, the embodiment of the present application provides a folding electronic device. By providing a first power management module, a first load and a first battery pack in the first folding part 11, and a second power management module, a second load and a second battery pack in the second folding part 12, the first power management module is respectively connected to the first battery pack and the first load, and is used to control the first battery pack to supply power to the first load; the second power management module is respectively connected to the second battery pack and the second load, and is used to control the second battery pack to supply power to the second load. In this way, the battery voltage provided by the first battery pack can be converted into a system voltage through the first power management module to supply power to the first load provided in the first folding part 11, and the battery voltage provided by the second battery pack can be converted into a system voltage through the second power management module to supply power to the second load provided in the second folding part 12, so that the wiring corresponding to the power transmission path when the first battery pack supplies power to the first load is shorter, and the wiring corresponding to the power transmission path when the second battery pack supplies power to the second load is also shorter, thereby reducing the loss caused by the wiring impedance of the power transmission path. Correspondingly, there is no need to increase the wiring width of the power transmission path, thereby improving the reliability of the rotating mechanism 13 itself and the reliability of the flexible screen 20 supported by the rotating mechanism 13.

[0069] Moreover, the foldable electronic device further includes an isolation circuit, which is respectively connected to two batteries and is used for equalizing the voltages of the two batteries it is connected to. In this way, the voltages of the two batteries connected to the isolation circuit can be equalized, so as to reduce the voltage difference between the two batteries connected to the isolation circuit, thereby limiting the mutual charging current between the two batteries connected to the isolation circuit, and also reducing the possibility of burning the traces distributed on the FPC due to the large-current mutual charging between the two batteries connected to the isolation circuit, improving the safety and reliability of the foldable electronic device.

[0070] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present application, the structure of the foldable electronic device according to the embodiments of the present application will be introduced below.

[0071] Exemplarily, Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device 100 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The foldable electronic device 100 may include a processor 110, an external memory interface 120, an internal memory 121, a USB interface 130, a power management module 140, a battery 143, a first antenna, a second antenna, a mobile communication module 150, a wireless communication module 160, an audio module 170, a speaker 170A, a receiver 170B, a microphone 170C, a headphone interface 170D, a sensor module 180, a key 190, a motor 191, an indicator 192, a camera 193, a display screen 194, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface 195, etc. Among them, the sensor module 180 may include a pressure sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a distance sensor, a proximity light sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a temperature sensor, a touch sensor, an ambient light sensor, a bone conduction sensor, etc.

[0072] It can be understood that the structure illustrated in the embodiments of the present application does not constitute a specific limitation on the foldable electronic device 100. In other embodiments of the present application, the foldable electronic device 100 may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or split certain components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0073] The processor 110 may include one or more processing units. For example, the processor 110 may include a system on chip (SOC) processor, an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, and / or a neural-network processing unit (NPU), etc. Among them, different processing units may be independent devices or integrated in one or more processors.

[0074] The controller may generate operation control signals according to the instruction operation code and timing signals to complete the control of fetching and executing instructions.

[0075] A memory may also be provided in the processor 110 for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the processor 110 is a cache memory. This memory may save the instructions or data that the processor 110 has just used or recycled. If the processor 110 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can be called from the memory. This avoids repeated accesses, reduces the waiting time of the processor 110, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0076] In some embodiments, the processor 110 may include one or more interfaces. The interfaces may include an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interface, a pulse code modulation (PCM) interface, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interface, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, a subscriber identity module (SIM) interface, and / or a USB interface, etc.

[0077] The power management module 140 is used to receive a charging input from a charger. The charger can be a wireless charger or a wired charger. In some embodiments of wired charging, the power management module 140 can receive the charging input from a wired charger through the USB interface 130. In some embodiments of wireless charging, the power management module 140 can receive a wireless charging input through the wireless charging coil of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0078] While charging the battery 143, the power management module 140 can also supply power to the foldable electronic device 100. The power management module 140 is used to connect the battery 143 and the processor 110. When the foldable electronic device 100 is not connected to a charger, the power management module 140 receives the input from the battery 143 and supplies power to the processor 110, the internal memory 121, the display screen 194, the camera 193, and the wireless communication module 160, etc. The power management module 140 can also be used to monitor parameters such as battery capacity, battery cycle count, and battery health status (leakage, impedance). In some other embodiments, the power management module 140 can also be disposed in the processor 110.

[0079] In the embodiments of the present application, the foldable electronic device 100 includes two power management modules, namely a first power management module and a second power management module. The first power management module is located in the first folding portion 11, and the second power management module is located in the second folding portion 12.

[0080] Moreover, a first battery pack is further disposed in the first folding portion 11. The first battery pack includes at least one battery 143; a second battery pack is further disposed in the second folding portion 12. The second battery pack also includes at least one battery 143.

[0081] The wireless communication function of the foldable electronic device 100 can be implemented through a first antenna, a second antenna, a mobile communication module 150, a wireless communication module 160, a modulation and demodulation processor, and a baseband processor, etc.

[0082] The foldable electronic device 100 implements the display function through a GPU, a display screen 194, and an application processor, etc. The GPU is a microprocessor for image processing, which is connected to the display screen 194 and the application processor. The GPU is used to execute mathematical and geometric calculations for graphics rendering. The processor 110 may include one or more GPUs, which execute program instructions to generate or change display information. The display screen 194 is used to display images, display videos, and receive sliding operations, etc. The display screen 194 can be a flexible screen 20.

[0083] The foldable electronic device 100 can implement the shooting function through an ISP, a camera 193, a video codec, a GPU, a display screen 194, and an application processor, etc.

[0084] The camera 193 is used to capture static images or videos. An object generates an optical image through the lens and projects it onto the photosensitive element. The photosensitive element converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, and then transfers the electrical signal to the ISP to be converted into a digital image signal. The ISP outputs the digital image signal to the DSP for processing. The DSP converts the digital image signal into an image signal in a standard format such as RGB or YUV. In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 may include one or N cameras 193, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0085] The external memory interface 120 can be used to connect to an external memory card, such as a Micro SD card, to expand the storage capacity of the foldable electronic device 100. The external memory card communicates with the processor 110 through the external memory interface 120 to implement the data storage function. For example, files such as music and videos are saved in the external memory card.

[0086] The internal memory 121 can be used to store computer-executable program code, and the executable program code includes instructions. The internal memory 121 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. Among them, the program storage area can store the operating system, application programs required for at least one function (such as the sound playback function, the image playback function, etc.). The data storage area can store the data created during the use of the foldable electronic device 100 (such as audio data, phone book, etc.). In addition, the internal memory 121 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, a universal flash storage (UFS), etc. The processor 110 executes various functional applications and data processing of the foldable electronic device 100 by running the instructions stored in the internal memory 121 and / or the instructions stored in the memory provided in the processor.

[0087] The foldable electronic device 100 can implement audio functions through the audio module 170, the speaker 170A, the receiver 170B, the microphone 170C, the headphone jack 170D, and the application processor, etc. Such as music playback, recording, etc.

[0088] The keys 190 include a power-on key, volume keys, etc. The keys 190 can be mechanical keys or touch keys. The foldable electronic device 100 can receive key inputs and generate key signal inputs related to the user settings and function controls of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0089] The motor 191 can generate a vibration prompt. The motor 191 can be used for incoming call vibration prompts and can also be used for touch vibration feedback. The indicator 192 can be an indicator light, which can be used to indicate the charging status, the change in battery level, and can also be used to indicate messages, missed calls, notifications, etc.

[0090] The SIM card interface 195 is used to connect the SIM card. The SIM card can be inserted into or pulled out from the SIM card interface 195 to achieve contact and separation from the folding electronic device 100. The folding electronic device 100 can support one or N SIM card interfaces, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0091] The following uses specific embodiments to elaborate in detail on the technical solutions of this application and how the technical solutions of this application solve the above technical problems. These several specific embodiments can be implemented independently or in combination with each other. For the same or similar concepts or processes, they may not be elaborated in some embodiments.

[0092] In the following embodiments, it can be described by taking an example that a battery 143 is provided in both the first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12. Of course, in the embodiments of this application, the number of batteries 143 provided in the first folding part 11 and / or the second folding part 12 can also be expanded according to actual needs.

[0093] Exemplarily, Figure 6 is a schematic circuit structure diagram of a folding electronic device provided by an embodiment of this application. Refer to Figure 6 As shown, the folding electronic device 100 includes a first folding part 11, a second folding part 12, and a rotating mechanism 13 located between the first folding part 11 and the second folding part 12.

[0094] Among them, the first folding part 11 includes a first power management module 141, a first load, and a first battery pack. The first battery pack includes one battery, and this one battery included in the first battery pack can be called the first battery, that is, the first power management module 141, the first load, and the first battery are all located in the first folding part 11. The first power management module 141 is respectively connected to the first battery and the first load. Specifically, the first power management module 141 is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery, and the negative electrode of the first battery is connected to the ground terminal GND.

[0095] The second folding part 12 includes a second power management module 142, a second load, and a second battery pack. The second battery pack includes one battery, and this one battery included in the second battery pack can be called the second battery, that is, the second power management module 142, the second load, and the second battery are all located in the second folding part 12. The second power management module 142 is respectively connected to the second battery and the second load. Specifically, the second power management module 142 is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery, and the negative electrode of the second battery is connected to the ground terminal GND.

[0096] When the folding electronic device 100 is in a discharging state, the first power management module 141 is used to control the first battery to supply power to the first load. That is to say, the battery voltage provided by the first battery is transmitted to the first power management module 141, and the first power management module 141 converts it into a system voltage and supplies it to the first load to supply power to the first load.

[0097] Correspondingly, when the folding electronic device 100 is in a discharging state, the second power management module 142 is used to control the second battery to supply power to the second load. That is to say, the battery voltage provided by the second battery is transmitted to the second power management module 142, and the second power management module 142 converts it into a system voltage and supplies it to the second load to supply power to the second load.

[0098] In this way, the trace corresponding to the power transmission path when the first battery supplies power to the first load is relatively short, and the trace corresponding to the power transmission path when the second battery supplies power to the second load is also relatively short, thereby reducing the loss caused by the trace impedance of the power transmission path. Correspondingly, there is no need to increase the trace width of the power transmission path, thereby improving the reliability of the rotating mechanism 13 itself and the reliability of the flexible screen 20 supported by the rotating mechanism 13.

[0099] Since there may be a large voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery during the production, repair, and use of the folding electronic device 100. When the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is large, if the first battery and the second battery are directly connected in parallel, it is easy to cause a large mutual charging current between the first battery and the second battery, and then it is easy to cause the traces distributed on the FPC to be burned.

[0100] Therefore, in order to reduce the possibility of burning the traces distributed on the FPC due to the mutual charging current generated between the first battery and the second battery, an isolation circuit 30 can be set between the first battery and the second battery to achieve isolation, that is, based on the isolation circuit 30 to reduce the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery, thereby limiting the mutual charging current between the first battery and the second battery.

[0101] As Figure 6 shown, the folding electronic device 100 further includes an isolation circuit 30, and the isolation circuit 30 is connected between the first battery and the second battery. Specifically, one end of the isolation circuit 30 is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery, and the other end of the isolation circuit 30 is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery.

[0102] The isolation circuit 30 is used to equalize the voltages of the first battery and the second battery connected thereto. Specifically, the isolation circuit 30 can change the impedance on the path between the first battery and the second battery to reduce the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery.

[0103] In the embodiment of the present application, the isolation circuit 30 may be located within the second folding portion 12. Of course, according to the actual layout of the product, the isolation circuit 30 may also be disposed within the first folding portion 11, that is, the isolation circuit 30 may be located within the first folding portion 11 or the second folding portion 12.

[0104] In some embodiments, the folding electronic device 100 further includes an electrical parameter detection module (not shown in Figure 6 and a processor 110 (not shown in Figure 6 . The processor 110 may be a SOC processor, and the processor 110 and the isolation circuit 30 are two different components. Moreover, the isolation circuit 30 includes an isolation module (not shown in Figure 6 . The processor 110 is respectively connected to the electrical parameter detection module and the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30.

[0105] The electrical parameter detection module is configured to detect electrical parameters related to the first battery and the second battery. The electrical parameters include the voltage of the first battery and the voltage of the second battery, or the electrical parameters include the current flowing through the isolation module. The electrical parameter detection module may send the detected electrical parameters to the processor 110, and the processor 110 is configured to control the working state of the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 according to the electrical parameters; the working state of the isolation module includes any one of a conduction state, an equalization state, and a cut-off state.

[0106] When the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 is in the conduction state, the path between the first battery and the second battery is conducted. At this time, when the folding electronic device 100 is in a charging state, the charger charges the first battery and supplies power to the first load through the USB interface and the first power management module 141, and the charger charges the second battery and supplies power to the second load through the USB interface and the second power management module 142; when the folding electronic device 100 is in a discharging state, the first battery supplies power to the first load through the first power management module 141, and the second battery supplies power to the second load through the second power management module 142.

[0107] When the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 is in the equalization state, a certain impedance is formed on the path between the first battery and the second battery, and the impedance formed on the path between the first battery and the second battery is adjustable, so as to achieve voltage equalization between the first battery and the second battery, and reduce the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery. In this way, the mutual charging current generated between the first battery and the second battery can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility that the traces distributed on the FPC are burned out.

[0108] When the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 is in the cut-off state, the path between the first battery and the second battery is disconnected, and there is no mutual charging current between the first battery and the second battery.

[0109] In one case, the electrical parameter detection module includes a first voltage detection element and a second voltage detection element. The first voltage detection element is connected to the first battery, and the second voltage detection element is connected to the second battery. The first voltage detection element is used to detect the voltage of the first battery, and the second voltage detection element is used to detect the voltage of the second battery. That is, the electrical parameters include the voltage of the first battery and the voltage of the second battery.

[0110] The first voltage detection element can send the detected voltage of the first battery to the processor 110, and the second voltage detection element sends the detected voltage of the second battery to the processor 110. The processor 110 is used to calculate the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery, and control the working state of the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 according to the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery. The voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery can be the absolute value of the difference between the voltage of the first battery and the voltage of the second battery.

[0111] In an actual product, the first voltage detection element can be integrated in the first power management module 141, or the first voltage detection element can also be integrated in the isolation circuit 30, or the first voltage detection element can also be separately provided from both the first power management module 141 and the isolation circuit 30. Correspondingly, the second voltage detection element can be integrated in the second power management module 142, or the second voltage detection element can also be integrated in the isolation circuit 30, or the second voltage detection element can also be separately provided from both the second power management module 142 and the isolation circuit 30.

[0112] In another case, the electrical parameter detection module includes a current detection element. The current detection element is connected in the path between the first battery and the second battery. Specifically, the current detection element is connected in series in the path between the first battery and the second battery. The current detection element is used to detect the current flowing through the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30. That is, the electrical parameter includes the current flowing through the isolation module.

[0113] The current detection element can send the detected current flowing through the isolation module to the processor 110, and the processor 110 is used to control the working state of the isolation module according to the current flowing through the isolation module.

[0114] In an actual product, the current detection element can be integrated in the isolation circuit 30, or the current detection element can also be separately provided from the isolation circuit 30.

[0115] In some other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 further includes an electrical parameter detection module. The isolation circuit 30 includes an isolation module and a first control unit. The first control unit is respectively connected to the electrical parameter detection module and the isolation module.

[0116] The electrical parameter detection module is used to detect the electrical parameters related to the first battery and the second battery. The electrical parameters include the voltage of the first battery and the voltage of the second battery, or the electrical parameters include the current flowing through the isolation module. The electrical parameter detection module can send the detected electrical parameters to the first control unit, and the first control unit is used to control the working state of the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 according to the electrical parameters; the working state of the isolation module includes any one of the conduction state, the equalization state, and the off state.

[0117] In one case, the electrical parameter detection module includes a first voltage detection element and a second voltage detection element. The first voltage detection element is connected to the first battery, and the second voltage detection element is connected to the second battery. The first voltage detection element is used to detect the voltage of the first battery, and the second voltage detection element is used to detect the voltage of the second battery, that is, the electrical parameters include the voltage of the first battery and the voltage of the second battery.

[0118] The first voltage detection element can send the detected voltage of the first battery to the first control unit, and the second voltage detection element sends the detected voltage of the second battery to the first control unit. The first control unit is used to calculate the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery, and control the working state of the isolation module according to the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery.

[0119] In another case, the electrical parameter detection module includes a current detection element. The current detection element is connected in the path between the first battery and the second battery. Specifically, the current detection element is connected in series in the path between the first battery and the second battery. The current detection element is used to detect the current flowing through the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30, that is, the electrical parameters include the current flowing through the isolation module.

[0120] The current detection element can send the detected current flowing through the isolation module to the first control unit, and the first control unit is used to control the working state of the isolation module according to the current flowing through the isolation module.

[0121] The above can control the working state of the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 through a processor 110 separately provided from the isolation circuit 30, or, the working state of the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 can also be actively controlled through the first control unit provided in the isolation circuit 30. The processor 110 and the first control unit in the isolation circuit 30 can be referred to as the processing module.

[0122] Exemplarily, the above electrical parameter detection module can control the working state of the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 according to the following rules.

[0123] The isolation module in the above isolation circuit 30 is default in the off state. For example, when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the shutdown state, the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 is in the off state, and the path between the first battery and the second battery is disconnected.

[0124] When the foldable electronic device 100 is in the shutdown state, if the isolation module is not in the off state, in some actual scenarios, maintenance personnel may replace one of the batteries when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the shutdown state, and the power of the replaced battery and the non-replaced battery may be different, resulting in the connection of two batteries with different powers. If the power difference between the replaced battery and the non-replaced battery is large, the voltage difference between the replaced battery and the non-replaced battery is also large, resulting in the traces distributed on the FPC being easily burned. For example, if the first battery fails, when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the shutdown state, the first battery can be replaced. If the voltage of the replaced first battery is greater than the voltage of the non-replaced second battery and the voltage difference between the replaced first battery and the non-replaced second battery is large, then there will be a certain current flow from the replaced first battery to the non-replaced second battery, charging the non-replaced second battery, which may cause the traces distributed on the FPC to be burned.

[0125] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the shutdown state, the isolation module is in the off state, so that when one of the batteries is replaced when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the shutdown state, the connection between the replaced battery and the non-replaced battery is disconnected, thereby reducing the possibility of the traces distributed on the FPC being burned.

[0126] When the foldable electronic device 100 is about to be powered on, such as when the user presses the power-on button set on the foldable electronic device 100 to request power-on, at this time, the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 is still default in the off state. Moreover, the first voltage detection element can detect the voltage of the first battery and send it to the processor 110 (or the first control unit), the second voltage detection element can detect the voltage of the second battery and send it to the processor 110 (or the first control unit), and the processor 110 (or the first control unit) calculates the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery and compares the voltage difference with a preset voltage.

[0127] If the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to the preset voltage, the foldable electronic device 100 powers on normally. If the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is greater than the preset voltage, it is necessary to determine whether the foldable electronic device 100 is in the charging state or the discharging state at this time.

[0128] In one case, when the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is greater than a preset voltage and the folding electronic device 100 is in a charging state, the processor 110 determines the magnitude relationship between the voltage of the first battery and the voltage of the second battery. The processor 110 controls the power management module connected to the battery with the lower voltage to charge the battery with the lower voltage, while controlling the power management module connected to the battery with the higher voltage not to charge the battery with the higher voltage until the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to the preset voltage. After the voltage equalization of the first battery and the second battery is performed by the power management module connected to the battery with the lower voltage, the processor 110 can control the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 to be in a conducting state, and start to control the power management module connected to the battery that was originally at a higher voltage to start charging the battery that was originally at a higher voltage. Moreover, when the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to the preset voltage, the folding electronic device 100 can be normally powered on.

[0129] For example, when the processor 110 determines that the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is greater than the preset voltage and the voltage of the first battery is greater than the voltage of the second battery, the processor 110 controls the second power management module 142 to charge the second battery, while controlling the first power management module 141 not to charge the first battery until the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to the preset voltage. After the voltage equalization of the first battery and the second battery is performed by the second power management module 142, the processor 110 can control the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 to be in a conducting state, and moreover, the processor 110 starts to control the first power management module 141 to charge the first battery.

[0130] Of course, it is also possible that the first control unit in the isolation circuit 30 detects the magnitude relationship between the voltage of the first battery and the voltage of the second battery. After determining the magnitude relationship between the voltage of the first battery and the voltage of the second battery, a corresponding signal is sent to the processor 110 to inform the processor 110 whether the battery with the lower voltage is the first battery or the second battery. The processor 110 controls the power management module connected to the battery with the lower voltage to charge the battery with the lower voltage, while controlling the power management module connected to the battery with the higher voltage not to charge the battery with the higher voltage until the first control unit determines that the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to a preset voltage. When the power management module connected to the battery with the lower voltage equalizes the voltages of the first battery and the second battery, the first control unit in the isolation circuit 30 can control the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 to be in a conducting state. Moreover, when the first control unit determines that the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is equalized to be less than or equal to the preset voltage, the first control unit sends a corresponding signal to the processor 110 again, so that the processor 110 starts to control the power management module connected to the battery that was originally at a higher voltage and starts to charge the battery that was originally at a higher voltage.

[0131] In another case, when the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is greater than the preset voltage and the folding electronic device 100 is in a discharging state, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) controls the isolation module to be in an equalizing state to adjust the impedance formed by the path between the first battery and the second battery, so as to reduce the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery, thereby achieving voltage equalization between the first battery and the second battery. When the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is reduced to be less than or equal to the preset voltage, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) can control the isolation module to change from the equalizing state to the conducting state; and when the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to the preset voltage, the folding electronic device 100 is normally powered on.

[0132] After the folding electronic device 100 is powered on, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) still obtains the voltage of the first battery detected by the first voltage detection element and the voltage of the second battery detected by the second voltage detection element, and compares the calculated voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery with the preset voltage.

[0133] In the scenario where the foldable electronic device 100 is in a discharging state, if the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to a preset voltage, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) controls the isolation module to be in a conducting state, so that the first battery and the second battery discharge in parallel. That is, the first battery supplies power to the first load through the first power management module 141, and the second battery supplies power to the second load through the second power management module 142. If the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is greater than the preset voltage, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) controls the isolation module to be in a balanced state to balance the voltage between the first battery and the second battery. When the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is balanced to be less than or equal to the preset voltage, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) controls the isolation module to be in a conducting state again.

[0134] In the scenario where the foldable electronic device 100 is in a charging state, if the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to a preset voltage, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) controls the isolation module to be in a conducting state, and the first battery and the second battery are charged in parallel. That is, the charger charges the first battery through the USB interface and the first power management module 141, and the charger charges the second battery through the USB interface and the second power management module 142. If the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is greater than the preset voltage, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) controls the isolation module to be in a turned-off state, and the processor 110 controls the power management module connected to the battery with a lower voltage to charge the battery with a lower voltage, while controlling the power management module connected to the battery with a higher voltage to stop charging the battery with a higher voltage until the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to the preset voltage; after the power management module connected to the battery with a lower voltage equalizes the voltage of the first battery and the second battery, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) can control the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 to be in a conducting state, and control the power management module connected to the battery that was originally at a higher voltage to continue charging the battery that was originally at a higher voltage.

[0135] Of course, it can be understood that controlling the state of the isolation module based on the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery can also be replaced by controlling the state of the isolation module using the current flowing through the isolation module.

[0136] In the scenario where the foldable electronic device 100 is in a discharging state, the current detection element detects the current flowing through the isolation module and sends the detected current flowing through the isolation module to the processor 110 (or the first control unit), and the processor 110 (or the first control unit) compares the current flowing through the isolation module with a preset current.

[0137] If the current flowing through the isolation module is less than or equal to a preset current, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) controls the isolation module to be in a conducting state, so that the first battery and the second battery discharge in parallel. If the current flowing through the isolation module is greater than the preset current, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) controls the isolation module to be in a balanced state to balance the voltages between the first battery and the second battery. When the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is balanced to be less than or equal to the preset voltage, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) controls the isolation module to be in a conducting state again.

[0138] In the scenario where the folding electronic device 100 is in a charging state, if the processor 110 (or the first control unit) determines that the current flowing through the isolation module is less than or equal to the preset current, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) controls the isolation module to be in a conducting state, and the first battery and the second battery are charged in parallel. If the processor 110 (or the first control unit) determines that the current flowing through the isolation module is greater than the preset current, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) controls the isolation module to be in a cut-off state, and the processor 110 controls the power management module connected to the battery with a lower voltage to charge the battery with a lower voltage according to the direction of the current, and controls the power management module connected to the battery with a higher voltage to stop charging the battery with a higher voltage until the current flowing through the isolation module is less than or equal to the preset current; after the power management module connected to the battery with a lower voltage makes the current flowing through the isolation module less than or equal to the preset current, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) can control the isolation module in the isolation circuit 30 to be in a conducting state, and control the power management module connected to the battery with a higher voltage originally to continue charging the battery with a higher voltage originally.

[0139] In summary, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) can be used to control the isolation module to be in a balanced state to balance the voltages of the first battery and the second battery when the folding electronic device 100 is in a discharging state and the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions. The processor 110 (or the first control unit) is also used to control the power management module connected to the third target battery to charge the third target battery when the folding electronic device 100 is in a charging state and the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions until the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions; the third target battery is the battery with a lower voltage among the first battery and the second battery. Among them, when the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is greater than the preset voltage, the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions; or when the current flowing through the isolation module is greater than the preset current, the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions.

[0140] When the foldable electronic device 100 is in a discharging state or a charging state, the processor 110 (or the first control unit) is configured to control the isolation module to be in a conducting state when the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions, so that the first battery and the second battery are discharged in parallel, or the first battery and the second battery are charged in parallel. Wherein, when the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to a preset voltage, the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions; or, when the current flowing through the isolation module is less than or equal to a preset current, the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions.

[0141] In addition, during actual use, there is also a situation of over-discharge of the first battery and the second battery. At this time, the voltages of the first battery and the second battery are both too low to ensure the normal startup of the foldable electronic device 100. Therefore, in the scenario of over-discharge of the first battery and the second battery, when the foldable electronic device 100 is ready to start up and the foldable electronic device 100 is in a charging state, the processor 110 can obtain the voltage of the first battery and the voltage of the second battery. When the voltages of the first battery and the second battery are both less than a preset startup threshold (such as the preset startup threshold is 3V), and the voltage of the first battery is greater than the voltage of the second battery, the processor 110 controls the first power management module 141 to charge the first battery, and at this time, the second power management module 142 stops charging the second battery. When the voltage of the first battery is charged to be greater than or equal to the preset startup threshold, the above-mentioned voltage equalization process when the foldable electronic device 100 is ready to start up is executed again, which will not be elaborated here.

[0142] The following combines Figures 7 to 11 with the five different isolation circuits 30 shown below to illustrate the specific circuit structure and working principle of the isolation circuit 30.

[0143] As Figure 7 shown, the isolation circuit 30 only includes an isolation module, and the isolation module includes a first switching element Q1. The control terminal of the first switching element Q1 is connected to the processor 110, the first terminal of the first switching element Q1 is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery, and the second terminal of the first switching element Q1 is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery.

[0144] In one case, when the foldable electronic device 100 is in a discharging state, when the processor 110 determines that the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is greater than the preset voltage, the processor 110 controls the first switching element Q1 to operate in the linear region, so that the isolation module is in an equilibrium state; when the processor 110 determines that the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to the preset voltage, the processor 110 controls the first switching element Q1 to operate in the saturation region, so that the isolation module is in a conducting state.

[0145] Alternatively, when the folding electronic device 100 is in a discharging state, if the processor 110 determines that the current flowing through the first and second ends of the first switching element Q1 is greater than a preset current, the processor 110 controls the first switching element Q1 to operate in the linear region, so that the isolation module is in an equilibrium state; if the processor 110 determines that the current flowing through the first and second ends of the first switching element Q1 is less than or equal to the preset current, the processor 110 controls the first switching element Q1 to operate in the saturation region, so that the isolation module is in a conducting state.

[0146] In another case, when the folding electronic device 100 is in a charging state, if the processor 110 determines that the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is greater than a preset voltage, the processor 110 controls the corresponding power management module to perform voltage equalization. At this time, the processor 110 controls the first switching element Q1 to operate in the cut-off region, that is, the isolation module is in an off state at this time; if the processor 110 determines that the voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery is less than or equal to the preset voltage, the processor 110 controls the first switching element Q1 to operate in the saturation region, so that the isolation module is in a conducting state.

[0147] Alternatively, when the folding electronic device 100 is in a charging state, if the processor 110 determines that the current flowing through the first and second ends of the first switching element Q1 is greater than a preset current, the processor 110 controls the corresponding power management module to perform voltage equalization. At this time, the processor 110 controls the first switching element Q1 to operate in the cut-off region, that is, the isolation module is in an off state at this time; if the processor 110 determines that the current flowing through the first and second ends of the first switching element Q1 is less than or equal to the preset current, the processor 110 controls the first switching element Q1 to operate in the saturation region, so that the isolation module is in a conducting state.

[0148] Specifically, the processor 110 can control the first switching element Q1 to operate in the cut-off region, linear region, and saturation region respectively by controlling the duty cycle of the control signal provided to the control terminal of the first switching element Q1. The duty cycle refers to the proportion of the high-level pulse in the entire pulse cycle within a pulse cycle. For example, the duty cycle of a control signal with a 1-second high-level pulse and a 1-second low-level pulse is 50%. When the duty cycle of the control signal is 100%, that is, when the control signal is a continuous high-level signal, the first switching element Q1 operates in the saturation region. When the duty cycle of the control signal is less than or equal to a certain value (such as 35%), the first switching element Q1 operates in the cut-off region. When the duty cycle of the control signal is greater than a certain value (such as 35%) and less than 100%, the first switching element Q1 operates in the linear region.

[0149] Such as Figure 8As shown, the isolation circuit 30 includes a first control unit and an isolation module. The isolation module includes a first switching element Q1. The control terminal of the first switching element Q1 is connected to the first control unit. The first terminal of the first switching element Q1 is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery. The second terminal of the first switching element Q1 is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery. The first control unit can also be connected to the processor 110.

[0150] It should be noted that Figure 8 the isolation circuit 30 shown in Figure 7 is different from the isolation circuit 30 shown in Figure 7 that the control terminal of the first switching element Q1 in the isolation circuit 30 shown in is connected to the processor 110, and its operating state is controlled by the control signal sent by the processor 110, while Figure 8 in the isolation circuit 30 shown in, a first control unit is also provided, and the control terminal of the first switching element Q1 is connected to the first control unit, and its operating state is controlled by the control signal sent by the first control unit. The specific implementation process of the first control unit controlling the operating state of the first switching element Q1 is similar to the specific implementation process of the processor 110 controlling the operating state of the first switching element Q1. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0151] In addition, the control signal provided to the control terminal of the first switching element Q1 can be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. Therefore, in Figure 8 the isolation circuit 30 shown in, a control signal generator can also be provided, which is used to generate a PWM signal.

[0152] The above-mentioned first switching element Q1 can be a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor or other switching devices. Exemplarily, the first switching element Q1 can be an NMOS transistor. Specifically, the control terminal of the first switching element Q1 refers to the gate of the first switching element Q1, the first terminal of the first switching element Q1 refers to the source of the first switching element Q1, and the second terminal of the first switching element Q1 refers to the drain of the first switching element Q1.

[0153] As Figure 9 shown, the isolation circuit 30 only includes an isolation module. The isolation module includes a first switching element Q1 and a second switching element Q2. The control terminal of the first switching element Q1 is connected to the first terminal of the second switching element Q2. The first terminal of the first switching element Q1 is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery. The second terminal of the first switching element Q1 is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery. The control terminal of the second switching element Q2 is connected to the processor 110. The second terminal of the second switching element Q2 is connected to the ground terminal GND.

[0154] Figure 9 The isolation circuit shown and Figure 7 the difference between the isolation circuit shown is that Figure 9 in the isolation circuit shown, the first switching element Q1 is implemented by a PMOS transistor, and a second switching element Q2 is added. The second switching element Q2 can be implemented by an NMOS transistor with a parasitic diode, and the operating state of the first switching element Q1 is controlled by the second switching element Q2.

[0155] The control terminal of the first switching element Q1 refers to the gate of the first switching element Q1. The first terminal of the first switching element Q1 can refer to the drain of the first switching element Q1, and the second terminal of the first switching element Q1 can refer to the source of the first switching element Q1. The control terminal of the second switching element Q2 refers to the gate of the second switching element Q2. The first terminal of the second switching element Q2 refers to the drain of the second switching element Q2, and the second terminal of the second switching element Q2 refers to the source of the second switching element Q2.

[0156] Specifically, the processor 110 can control the duty cycle of the control signal provided to the control terminal of the second switching element Q2 to control the second switching element Q2 to operate in the cut-off region, linear region, and saturation region respectively. When the second switching element Q2 operates in the cut-off region, the first switching element Q1 also operates in the cut-off region, so that the isolation module is in the off state; when the second switching element Q2 operates in the linear region, the first switching element Q1 also operates in the linear region, so that the isolation module is in the balanced state; when the second switching element Q2 operates in the saturation region, the first switching element Q1 also operates in the saturation region, so that the isolation module is in the on state.

[0157] Of course, in the embodiment of the present application, a first control unit can also be provided in the isolation circuit 30, and the first control unit is used to replace the processor 110, and based on the first control unit, a control signal is provided to the second switching element Q2 to control the second switching element Q2 to operate in the cut-off region, linear region, and saturation region respectively.

[0158] As Figure 10 shown, the isolation circuit 30 only includes an isolation module, and the isolation module includes a third switching element Q3 and a fourth switching element Q4. The control terminals of the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 are both connected to the processor 110. The first terminal of the third switching element Q3 is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery, the second terminal of the third switching element Q3 is connected to the first terminal of the fourth switching element Q4, and the second terminal of the fourth switching element Q4 is connected to the second battery.

[0159] The third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 can both be implemented using NMOS transistors with parasitic diodes. The control terminal of the third switching element Q3 refers to the gate of the third switching element Q3, the first terminal of the third switching element Q3 refers to the source of the third switching element Q3, and the second terminal of the third switching element Q3 refers to the drain of the third switching element Q3. The control terminal of the fourth switching element Q4 refers to the gate of the fourth switching element Q4, the first terminal of the fourth switching element Q4 refers to the drain of the fourth switching element Q4, and the second terminal of the fourth switching element Q4 refers to the source of the fourth switching element Q4.

[0160] Specifically, the processor 110 can control the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 to operate in the cut-off region, linear region, and saturation region respectively by controlling the duty cycle of the control signals provided to the control terminals of the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4. When the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 operate in the cut-off region, the isolation module is in the off state; when the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 operate in the linear region, the isolation module is in the balanced state; when the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 operate in the saturation region, the isolation module is in the on state.

[0161] Of course, in the embodiment of the present application, a first control unit can also be provided in the isolation circuit 30 to replace the processor 110, and based on the first control unit, control signals are provided to the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 to control the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 to operate in the cut-off region, linear region, and saturation region respectively.

[0162] As Figure 11 shown, the isolation circuit 30 only includes an isolation module, and the isolation module includes a third switching element Q3, a fourth switching element Q4, and a fifth switching element Q5. The control terminals of the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 are both connected to the first terminal of the fifth switching element Q5. The first terminal of the third switching element Q3 is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery, the second terminal of the third switching element Q3 is connected to the first terminal of the fourth switching element Q4, and the second terminal of the fourth switching element Q4 is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery. The control terminal of the fifth switching element Q5 is connected to the processor 110, and the second terminal of the fifth switching element Q5 is connected to the ground terminal GND.

[0163] Figure 11 The isolation circuit 30 shown is different from Figure 10 the isolation circuit 30 shown in that Figure 11The third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 in the isolation circuit 30 shown are implemented using PMOS with parasitic diodes, and a fifth switching element Q5 is added. The fifth switching element Q5 can be implemented using an NMOS transistor with a parasitic diode. The operating states of the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 are controlled by the fifth switching element Q5.

[0164] The control terminal of the third switching element Q3 refers to the gate of the third switching element Q3, the first terminal of the third switching element Q3 refers to the drain of the third switching element Q3, and the second terminal of the third switching element Q3 refers to the source of the third switching element Q3; the control terminal of the fourth switching element Q4 refers to the gate of the fourth switching element Q4, the first terminal of the fourth switching element Q4 refers to the source of the fourth switching element Q4, and the second terminal of the fourth switching element Q4 refers to the drain of the fourth switching element Q4; the control terminal of the fifth switching element Q5 refers to the gate of the fifth switching element Q5, the first terminal of the fifth switching element Q5 refers to the drain of the fifth switching element Q5, and the second terminal of the fifth switching element Q5 refers to the source of the fifth switching element Q5.

[0165] Specifically, the processor 110 can control the fifth switching element Q5 to operate in the cut-off region, linear region, and saturation region respectively by controlling the duty cycle of the control signal provided to the control terminal of the fifth switching element Q5. When the fifth switching element Q5 operates in the cut-off region and the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 also operate in the cut-off region, the isolation module is in the off state; when the fifth switching element Q5 operates in the linear region and the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 also operate in the linear region, the isolation module is in the balanced state; when the fifth switching element Q5 operates in the saturation region and the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 also operate in the saturation region, the isolation module is in the on state.

[0166] Of course, in the embodiment of the present application, a first control unit can also be set in the isolation circuit 30, and the first control unit is used to replace the processor 110, and the control signal is provided to the fifth switching element Q5 based on the first control unit to control the fifth switching element Q5 to operate in the cut-off region, linear region, and saturation region respectively.

[0167] It should be noted that the above Figures 7 to 11 The five different isolation circuits 30 shown are only some optional implementation manners, and they do not constitute a specific limitation on the isolation circuit 30. In some embodiments, the isolation circuit 30 may further include more components than the Figures 7 to 11 isolation circuit 30 shown. For example, a filtering module composed of a capacitor and a resistor is added between the control terminal of the first switching element Q1 shown in Figure 7 and the processor 110.

[0168] In an embodiment of the present application, both the first power management module 141 and the second power management module 142 include a first switching unit, a second switching unit, and a second control unit. The control end of the first switching unit is connected to the second control unit. The first end of the first switching unit is connected to a charging interface (such as a USB interface), and the second end of the first switching unit is connected to a corresponding load. The first switching unit is configured to convert the input voltage provided by the charging interface into a system voltage to supply power to the load connected thereto when the foldable electronic device 100 is in a charging state. The control end of the second switching unit is connected to the second control unit. The first end of the second switching unit is connected to the second end of the first switching unit, and the second end of the second switching unit is connected to a corresponding battery. The second switching unit is configured to charge the battery connected thereto with the system voltage when the foldable electronic device 100 is in a charging state, and supply power to the load connected thereto with the battery voltage provided by the battery connected thereto when the foldable electronic device 100 is discharging.

[0169] Wherein, the first switching unit includes a sixth switching element Q6, a seventh switching element Q7, an eighth switching element Q8, and an inductor L1, and the second switching unit includes a ninth switching element Q9. The control end of the sixth switching element Q6 is connected to the second control unit (not shown Figure 6 in the figure). The first end of the sixth switching element Q6 is connected to the charging interface, and the second end of the sixth switching element Q6 is connected to the first end of the seventh switching element Q7. The control end of the seventh switching element Q7 is connected to the second control unit, and the second end of the seventh switching element Q7 is connected to the first end of the inductor L1. The second end of the inductor L1 is connected to the load corresponding to the power management module. The control end of the eighth switching element Q8 is connected to the second control unit, the first end of the eighth switching element Q8 is connected to the second end of the seventh switching element Q7, and the second end of the eighth switching element Q8 is connected to the ground terminal GND. The control end of the ninth switching element Q9 is connected to the second control unit, the first end of the ninth switching element Q9 is connected to the second end of the inductor L1, and the second end of the ninth switching element Q9 is connected to the corresponding battery.

[0170] Specifically, the second end of the inductor L1 in the first power management module 141 is connected to the first load, and the second end of the ninth switching element Q9 in the first power management module 141 is connected to the first battery. The second end of the inductor L1 in the second power management module 142 is connected to the second load, and the second end of the ninth switching element Q9 in the second power management module 142 is connected to the second battery.

[0171] The sixth switching element Q6, the seventh switching element Q7, the eighth switching element Q8, and the ninth switching element Q9 may all be NMOS transistors, or the sixth switching element Q6, the seventh switching element Q7, the eighth switching element Q8, and the ninth switching element Q9 may also all be NMOS transistors with parasitic diodes.

[0172] The control terminal of the sixth switching element Q6 refers to the gate of the sixth switching element Q6, the first terminal of the sixth switching element Q6 refers to the source of the sixth switching element Q6, and the second terminal of the sixth switching element Q6 refers to the drain of the sixth switching element Q6. The control terminal of the seventh switching element Q7 refers to the gate of the seventh switching element Q7, the first terminal of the seventh switching element Q7 refers to the drain of the seventh switching element Q7, and the second terminal of the seventh switching element Q7 refers to the source of the seventh switching element Q7. The control terminal of the eighth switching element Q8 refers to the gate of the eighth switching element Q8, the first terminal of the eighth switching element Q8 refers to the drain of the eighth switching element Q8, and the second terminal of the eighth switching element Q8 refers to the source of the eighth switching element Q8. The control terminal of the ninth switching element Q9 refers to the gate of the ninth switching element Q9, the first terminal of the ninth switching element Q9 refers to the drain of the ninth switching element Q9, and the second terminal of the ninth switching element Q9 refers to the source of the ninth switching element Q9.

[0173] In addition, the first power management module 141 and the second power management module 142 further include a first capacitor C1 and a second capacitor C2. The first terminal of the first capacitor C1 is connected to the second terminal of the sixth switching element Q6, and the second terminal of the first capacitor C1 is connected to the ground terminal GND. The first capacitor C1 can also be referred to as a decoupling capacitor. The first terminal of the second capacitor C2 is connected to the second terminal of the inductor L1, and the second terminal of the second capacitor C2 is connected to the ground terminal GND. It can perform filtering processing on the system voltage output by the power management module to improve the stability of the output system voltage.

[0174] In an actual product, the first power management module 141 and the second power management module 142 can be divided into a chip part and a peripheral circuit part, that is, both the first power management module 141 and the second power management module 142 include a power management chip and a peripheral circuit. The power management chip can also be referred to as a PMIC chip or a buck charger chip, etc. It is used to control the conduction or cutoff between the battery and the load, and to control the current-limiting charging of the battery, etc.

[0175] Specifically, the sixth switching element Q6, the seventh switching element Q7, the eighth switching element Q8, the ninth switching element Q9, and the second control unit are all integrated in the power management chip. That is, the power management chip includes the sixth switching element Q6, the seventh switching element Q7, the eighth switching element Q8, the ninth switching element Q9, and the second control unit, while the peripheral circuit includes the inductor L1, the first capacitor C1, and the second capacitor C2.

[0176] As Figure 6 shown, the power management chip includes a power input pin USB_IN, a serial clock (SCL) pin, a serial data (SDA) pin, a PMID pin, a VSW pin, a VPH_PWR pin, a VCHG_OUT pin, etc.

[0177] The power input pin USB_IN is used to connect to the USB interface in the foldable electronic device 100, and the USB interface can be located within the first folding portion 11. The charger is connected to the USB interface in the foldable electronic device 100 through a universal serial bus, and the input voltage provided by the charger is transmitted to the power input pin USB_IN through the USB interface to provide an input voltage to the power management module.

[0178] The SCL pin and the SDA pin of the power management chip are respectively connected to the corresponding pins of the processor 110, thereby enabling data transmission between the processor 110 and the power management chip.

[0179] The first end of the sixth switching element Q6 is actually connected to the USB interface through the power input pin USB_IN; the first end of the first capacitor C1 and the second end of the sixth switching element Q6 are connected through the PMID pin; the second end of the seventh switching element Q7 and the first end of the inductor L1 are connected through the VSW pin; the first end of the ninth switching element Q9 and the second end of the inductor L1 are connected through the VPH_PWR pin; the second end of the ninth switching element Q9 and the corresponding battery are connected through the VCHG_OUT pin.

[0180] When the foldable electronic device 100 is in a charging state, that is, when the USB interface is connected to the charger, the sixth switching element Q6, the seventh switching element Q7, the eighth switching element Q8, and the inductor L1 can convert the input voltage input from the power input pin USB_IN into a system voltage. On the one hand, this system voltage can be provided to the corresponding load to supply power to the load. On the other hand, this system voltage can be provided to the ninth switching element Q9 through the VPH_PWR pin. At this time, controlling the ninth switching element Q9 to conduct, the system voltage can be provided to the corresponding battery through the ninth switching element Q9 and the VCHG_OUT pin to charge the battery.

[0181] After the battery is fully charged using a charger, the ninth switching element Q9 can be controlled to be in an off state to disconnect the path between the VCHG_OUT pin and the VPH_PWR pin. The load draws power through the first switching unit composed of the sixth switching element Q6, the seventh switching element Q7, the eighth switching element Q8, and the inductor L1. Thus, when the battery continues to be connected to the charger after being fully charged, the power consumed by the load all comes from the charger, so that the battery will not lose power.

[0182] When the user unpluggs the charger and the folding electronic device 100 is in a discharging state, the ninth switching element Q9 can be controlled to conduct again to control the path between the VCHG_OUT pin and the VPH_PWR pin to conduct. Then the battery voltage provided by the battery can be transmitted to the corresponding load through the ninth switching element Q9 to supply power to the load.

[0183] In the scenario of using the battery to supply power to the load, the charging voltage and charging current of the battery can also be monitored in real time. When the charging voltage and / or charging current exceeds the threshold, the second control unit can control the operating state of the ninth switching element Q9 to increase the impedance of the ninth switching element Q9 to reduce the charging voltage and / or charging current.

[0184] During some usage processes, when charging the first battery and the second battery using a charger, it may occur that one battery is fully charged while the other battery is not. For example, the first battery is fully charged while the second battery is not.

[0185] Therefore, the embodiment of the present application can also use the processor 110 to control the on or off state of the second switching unit in the first power management module 141 and the second power management module 142, so that both the first battery and the second battery are fully charged.

[0186] Specifically, the folding electronic device 100 further includes a processor 110, and the processor 110 is respectively connected to the first power management module 141 and the second power management module 142. For example, the processor 110 can be respectively connected to the second control units in the first power management module 141 and the second power management module 142.

[0187] The processor 110 is configured to, when the folding electronic device 100 is in a charging state and the fourth target battery is fully charged while the fifth target battery is not, control the second switching unit in the power management module connected to the fourth target battery to be off, and control the second switching unit in the power management module connected to the fifth target battery to be on; the fourth target battery is at least one battery in the folding electronic device 100, and the fifth target battery is at least one battery in the folding electronic device 100.

[0188] In one case, assuming that the first battery is fully charged while the second battery is not, the fourth target battery is the first battery and the fifth target battery is the second battery. At this time, the processor 110 can send a control signal to the second control unit in the first power management module 141, so that the second control unit in the first power management module 141 controls the ninth switching element Q9 in the first power management module 141 to turn off, and then the first power management module 141 no longer charges the first battery; moreover, the processor 110 can also send a control signal to the second control unit in the second power management module 142, so that the second control unit in the second power management module 142 controls the ninth switching element Q9 in the second power management module 142 to turn on, and then the second power management module 142 continues to charge the second battery until the second battery is fully charged and then controls the ninth switching element Q9 to turn off.

[0189] If the method of only setting the internal power management module in the first folding part 11 and not setting the power management module in the second folding part in the related art is adopted, when the first battery is fully charged and the second battery is not, the ninth switching element Q9 in the power management module set in the first folding part 11 will be disconnected, resulting in the second battery being unable to be fully charged continuously.

[0190] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, by setting the first power management module 141 in the first folding part 11 and setting the second power management module 142 in the second folding part 12, when the first battery is fully charged and the second battery is not, the ninth switching element Q9 in the first power management module 141 is controlled to turn off to stop charging the first battery, and the ninth switching element Q9 in the second power management module 142 is controlled to turn on to continue charging the second battery, so that both the first battery and the second battery can be fully charged.

[0191] In addition, in the method of only setting the power management module in the first folding part 11 and not setting the power management module in the second folding part in the related art, the second battery needs to draw power from the power management module set in the first folding part 11. Since there are wiring resistances and isolation circuits between the second battery and the power management module set in the first folding part 11, the voltage finally input to the second battery by the power management module set in the first folding part 11 is less than the voltage input to the first battery. In this way, it will also result in the first battery being fully charged and the second battery not being fully charged. However, in the embodiment of the present application, the second power management module 142 set in the second folding part 12 is directly used to fully charge the second battery, which can reduce the impedance loss of the wiring resistance and the isolation circuit, so that the second battery can be fully charged.

[0192] In summary, in the dual-battery design solution of the folding electronic device 100 according to the embodiments of the present application, power management modules are provided in both the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12. Based on the dual power management modules, the dual batteries can respectively achieve functions such as forward charging, reverse discharging, and current-limiting charging. Moreover, based on the isolation circuit 30 and the dual power management modules, a voltage equalization and isolation effect is achieved to prevent a large current from being formed due to an excessive voltage difference between the first battery and the second battery.

[0193] Furthermore, the dual power management modules can ensure that both batteries are fully charged during the charging process, thus solving the problem that one of the batteries cannot be fully charged due to the single power management module for the dual batteries. In addition, it can also solve the problem of recharging when the first load and the second load draw power from their respective corresponding batteries, enabling the first load to draw power from the first battery and the second load to draw power from the second battery, reducing the loss caused by the wiring impedance during power transmission, and saving the electrical energy of the folding electronic device 100.

[0194] In addition, the folding electronic device 100 according to the embodiments of the present application may further include OVP circuits respectively provided in the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12, a first fast charging chip provided in the first folding portion 11, and a second fast charging chip provided in the second folding portion 12.

[0195] The OVP circuit provided in the first folding portion 11 is connected in series between the USB interface and the power input pin USB_IN in the first power management module 141, and is used to protect the first power management module 141 from being damaged by a sudden large voltage or large current input by the charger. The OVP circuit provided in the second folding portion 12 is connected in series between the USB interface and the power input pin USB_IN in the second power management module 142, and is used to protect the second power management module 142 from being damaged by a sudden large voltage or large current input by the charger.

[0196] The first fast charging chip is used to quickly charge the first battery. When the first fast charging chip is used to quickly charge the first battery, the sixth switching element Q6, the seventh switching element Q7, and the eighth switching element Q8 in the first power management module 141 are all in the cut-off state, while the ninth switching element Q9 in the first power management module 141 is turned on to supply power to the first load.

[0197] Correspondingly, the second fast charging chip is used to quickly charge the second battery. When the second fast charging chip is used to quickly charge the second battery, the sixth switching element Q6, the seventh switching element Q7, and the eighth switching element Q8 in the second power management module 142 are all in the cut-off state, while the ninth switching element Q9 in the second power management module 142 is turned on to supply power to the second load.

[0198] It should be noted that components such as the first battery, the first power management module 141, the first load, and the USB interface included in the first folding portion 11 can all be located on the main board provided within the first folding portion 11; while components such as the second battery, the isolation circuit, the second power management module 142, and the second load included in the second folding portion 12 can all be located on the main board provided within the second folding portion 12.

[0199] The above embodiments are all described by taking a dual - battery scenario (i.e., one battery is provided in each of the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12) as an example. Of course, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to a multi - battery scheme with more than two batteries. For example, the folding electronic device 100 includes three batteries, four batteries, etc.

[0200] In an implementable manner, the folding electronic device 100 includes a first folding portion 11 and a second folding portion 12. The first folding portion 11 includes a first battery pack, and the second folding portion 12 includes a second battery pack. The first battery pack includes at least two batteries, and the second battery pack includes one battery; or, the first battery pack includes one battery, and the second battery pack includes at least two batteries; or, both the first battery pack and the second battery pack include at least two batteries.

[0201] The batteries included in the first battery pack are all connected to the first power management module 141, and the first power management module 141 controls the batteries in the first battery pack to supply power to the first load. The batteries included in the second battery pack are all connected to the second power management module 142, and the second power management module 142 controls the batteries in the second battery pack to supply power to the second load.

[0202] When the folding electronic device 100 includes at least three batteries, an isolation circuit 30 is connected between two batteries that are connected to each other. The specific composition and working principle of the isolation circuit 30 can refer to the above description.

[0203] Exemplarily, Figure 12 is a schematic circuit structure diagram of another folding electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application. On the basis of Figure 6 the second folding portion 12 further includes a third battery, and another isolation circuit connected between the second battery and the third battery. At this time, the folding electronic device 100 includes three batteries. The first battery is located in the first folding portion 11, and the second battery and the third battery are both located in the second folding portion 12. One end of one isolation circuit is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery, and the other end is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery. One end of the other isolation circuit is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery, and the other end is connected to the positive electrode of the third battery.

[0204] An isolation circuit connected between the second battery and the third battery is used to equalize the voltages of the connected second battery and third battery. By changing the impedance on the path between the second battery and the third battery, the voltage difference between the second battery and the third battery is reduced.

[0205] Specifically, the electrical parameters related to the second battery and the third battery can be detected by the electrical parameter detection module, so that the processor 110 or the first control unit in the isolation circuit connected between the second battery and the third battery controls the working state of the isolation module in the isolation circuit connected between the second battery and the third battery. Among them, the electrical parameters related to the second battery and the third battery include the voltage of the second battery and the voltage of the third battery, or the electrical parameters related to the second battery and the third battery include the current flowing through the isolation module in the isolation circuit connected between the second battery and the third battery.

[0206] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the two batteries connected by any isolation circuit can be respectively referred to as the first target battery and the second target battery. Taking the isolation circuit connected between the first battery and the second battery as an example, the first target battery can be the first battery and the second target battery can be the second battery. Or, taking the isolation circuit connected between the second battery and the third battery as an example, the first target battery can be the second battery and the second target battery can be the third battery.

[0207] In addition, the number of isolation circuits in the embodiments of the present application can be determined according to the number of batteries. Exemplarily, if the folding electronic device 100 includes Figure 12 three batteries as shown, the number of isolation circuits in the folding electronic device 100 is 2; or, if the folding electronic device 100 includes four batteries, taking the first battery group including two batteries and the second battery including two batteries as an example, there is one isolation circuit connected between the two batteries included in the first battery group, there is one isolation circuit connected between the two batteries included in the second battery group, and there is one isolation circuit connected between the first battery group and the second battery group, that is, the number of isolation circuits at this time is 3.

[0208] The above specific implementation manners further elaborate on the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present application. It should be understood that the above are only specific implementation manners of the present application and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solution of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, The foldable electronic device includes a first folding portion, a second folding portion, and a rotating mechanism located between the first folding portion and the second folding portion; the first folding portion includes a first power management module, a first load, and a first battery pack, and the first battery pack includes at least one battery; the second folding portion includes a second power management module, a second load, and a second battery pack, and the second battery pack includes at least one battery; wherein, when the foldable electronic device is in a charging state, the first power management module and the second power management module are configured to receive a charging input from a charger through the same charging interface; The first power management module is respectively connected to the first battery pack and the first load, and is configured to control the first battery pack to supply power to the first load; The second power management module is respectively connected to the second battery pack and the second load, and is configured to control the second battery pack to supply power to the second load; The foldable electronic device further includes at least one isolation circuit, and the isolation circuit is respectively connected to any two batteries in the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack, and is configured to perform voltage equalization on the voltages of the two batteries connected thereto, and reduce the voltage difference between the two batteries.

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The isolation circuit is connected between a first target battery and a second target battery; the foldable electronic device further includes an electrical parameter detection module and a processing module, and the isolation circuit includes an isolation module, and the processing module is respectively connected to the electrical parameter detection module and the isolation module; The electrical parameter detection module is configured to detect electrical parameters related to the first target battery and the second target battery, and the electrical parameters include the voltage of the first target battery and the voltage of the second target battery, or the electrical parameters include the current flowing through the isolation module; The processing module is configured to control the working state of the isolation module according to the electrical parameters; the working state of the isolation module includes any one of a conducting state, an equalizing state, and a turning-off state.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The processing module is a processor in the foldable electronic device, and the processor and the isolation circuit are two different components; Or, the processing module is a first control unit in the isolation circuit.

4. The folding electronic device according to claim 2, wherein The electrical parameter detection module includes a first voltage detection element and a second voltage detection element, the first voltage detection element is connected to the first target battery, and the second voltage detection element is connected to the second target battery; The first voltage detection element is configured to detect the voltage of the first target battery; The second voltage detection element is configured to detect the voltage of the second target battery; Wherein, the electrical parameters include the voltage of the first target battery and the voltage of the second target battery.

5. The foldable electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The electrical parameter detection module includes a current detection element, and the current detection element is connected in the path between the first target battery and the second target battery; The current detection element is configured to detect the current flowing through the isolation module; Wherein, the electrical parameters include the current flowing through the isolation module.

6. The foldable electronic device according to claim 2, wherein The processing module is specifically configured to control the isolation module to be in an equalization state to equalize the voltages of the first target battery and the second target battery when the folding electronic device is in a discharging state and the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions; The processing module is further configured to control the power management module connected to the third target battery to charge the third target battery until the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions when the folding electronic device is in a charging state and the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions; the third target battery is the battery with a lower voltage among the first target battery and the second target battery; Wherein, when the voltage difference between the first target battery and the second target battery is greater than the preset voltage, the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions; or when the current flowing through the isolation module is greater than the preset current, the electrical parameters do not meet the preset conditions.

7. The foldable electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The processing module is specifically configured to control the isolation module to be in a conducting state when the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions, so that the first target battery and the second target battery are discharged in parallel, or the first target battery and the second target battery are charged in parallel; Wherein, when the voltage difference between the first target battery and the second target battery is less than or equal to the preset voltage, the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions; or when the current flowing through the isolation module is less than or equal to the preset current, the electrical parameters meet the preset conditions.

8. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The isolation module includes a first switching element; a first end of the first switching element is connected to the first target battery, and a second end of the first switching element is connected to the second target battery.

9. The foldable electronic device according to claim 8, wherein A control end of the first switching element is connected to the processing module; Alternatively, the isolation module further includes a second switching element; a control end of the second switching element is connected to the processing module, a first end of the second switching element is connected to the control end of the first switching element, and a second end of the second switching element is connected to a ground terminal.

10. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The isolation module includes a third switching element and a fourth switching element; A first end of the third switching element is connected to the first target battery, a second end of the third switching element is connected to a first end of the fourth switching element, and a second end of the fourth switching element is connected to the second target battery.

11. The folding electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, Control ends of the third switching element and the fourth switching element are both connected to the processing module; Alternatively, the isolation module further includes a fifth switching element, a control end of the fifth switching element is connected to the processing module, a first end of the fifth switching element is connected to the control ends of the third switching element and the fourth switching element, and a second end of the fifth switching element is connected to a ground terminal.

12. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein Both the first power management module and the second power management module include a first switching unit, a second switching unit, and a second control unit; The control terminal of the first switching unit is connected to the second control unit. The first end of the first switching unit is connected to the charging interface, and the second end of the first switching unit is connected to the corresponding load. The first switching unit is configured to convert the input voltage provided by the charging interface into a system voltage to supply power to the load connected thereto when the foldable electronic device is in a charging state. The control terminal of the second switching unit is connected to the second control unit. The first end of the second switching unit is connected to the second end of the first switching unit, and the second end of the second switching unit is connected to the corresponding battery. The second switching unit is configured to charge the battery connected thereto with the system voltage when the foldable electronic device is in a charging state, and supply power to the load connected thereto with the battery voltage provided by the battery connected thereto when the foldable electronic device is discharging.

13. The foldable electronic device according to claim 12, wherein The foldable electronic device further includes a processor, and the processor is respectively connected to the first power management module and the second power management module. The processor is configured to control the second switching unit in the power management module connected to the fourth target battery to be turned off, and control the second switching unit in the power management module connected to the fifth target battery to be turned on when the foldable electronic device is in a charging state and the fourth target battery is fully charged while the fifth target battery is not fully charged. The fourth target battery is at least one battery in the foldable electronic device, and the fifth target battery is at least one battery in the foldable electronic device.

14. The foldable electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, The first switching unit includes a sixth switching element, a seventh switching element, an eighth switching element, and an inductor. The second switching unit includes a ninth switching element. The control terminal of the sixth switching element is connected to the second control unit. The first end of the sixth switching element is connected to the charging interface, and the second end of the sixth switching element is connected to the first end of the seventh switching element. The control terminal of the seventh switching element is connected to the second control unit. The second end of the seventh switching element is connected to the first end of the inductor. The second end of the inductor is connected to the load corresponding to the power management module. The control terminal of the eighth switching element is connected to the second control unit. The first end of the eighth switching element is connected to the second end of the seventh switching element, and the second end of the eighth switching element is connected to the ground terminal. The control terminal of the ninth switching element is connected to the second control unit. The first end of the ninth switching element is connected to the second end of the inductor, and the second end of the ninth switching element is connected to the corresponding battery.

15. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, Both the first battery pack and the second battery pack include one battery. The foldable electronic device includes one such isolation circuit, and the isolation circuit is located in the first folding portion or the second folding portion.

Images