Charging and discharging control circuit and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention is suitable for the technical field of terminals, and provides a charging and discharging control circuit and foldable electronic equipment. The foldable electronic device comprises a USB interface, a first battery, a second battery, a first load and a second load. The first load comprises a processor; the charging and discharging control circuit comprises a first power supply management module, a second power supply management module and a switch module; the first power management module is used for controlling the first battery to supply power to non-charging equipment when the non-charging equipment is connected to the USB interface and the foldable electronic equipment works in a main equipment mode; the second power management module is used for controlling the second battery to supply power to the second load; the switch module is connected between the USB interface and the second power management module; and the processor is used for controlling the switch module to be switched off when the foldable electronic equipment works in the main equipment mode, so that normal data interaction between the foldable electronic equipment and the non-charging equipment can be ensured.

Description

[0001] This application is based on a divisional application with application number 202311134165.3, application date August 31, 2023, and invention name “Charge and discharge control circuit and foldable electronic device”. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to a charge and discharge control circuit and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0003] Foldable electronic devices have the advantages of having a larger display area when unfolded, which can improve the viewing experience; and a smaller size when folded, which is easier for users to carry. They are gradually becoming the development trend of terminal devices.

[0004] In order to improve the battery life of foldable electronic devices, a battery is usually arranged in the first folding part and the second folding part of the foldable electronic device respectively. In order to reduce the wiring impedance of the power transmission path, a power management module is usually configured for each battery, and the power management module corresponding to each battery controls the charging and discharging process of the battery.

[0005] When the foldable electronic device acts as a master device to exchange data with other electronic devices through a USB interface, the first battery in the foldable electronic device needs to supply power to the other electronic devices through the USB interface. During the process of the first battery supplying power to other electronic devices, if the second power management module is connected to a load, the power output by the first battery will flow back to the second power management module, thereby weakening the power supply capability of the first battery to other electronic devices, which will cause the data exchange between the foldable electronic device and other electronic devices to fail to proceed normally. Summary of the invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a charge and discharge control circuit and a foldable electronic device, which can ensure that when the foldable electronic device acts as a main device to interact with a non-charging device, the data interaction process can proceed normally.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a charge and discharge control circuit, which is used in a foldable electronic device, wherein the foldable electronic device includes a USB interface, a first battery, a second battery, a first load and a second load; the first load includes a processor; the charge and discharge control circuit includes a first power management module, a second power management module and a switch module.

[0008] Exemplarily, the USB interface 110 may be a USB interface supporting a USB OTG (on-the-go) protocol.

[0009] The first power management module may be connected to the USB interface, the first load, and the first battery. For example, a first end of the first power management module may be connected to a bus power end of the USB interface, a second end of the first power management module may be connected to a positive electrode of the first battery, and a third end of the first power management module may be connected to a processor.

[0010] Optionally, the first power management module may be used to control the first battery to supply power to the first load. Exemplarily, when the foldable electronic device is not connected to any other electronic device, the first power management module may be used to control the first battery to supply power to the first load.

[0011] Optionally, the first power management module can be used to control the first battery to power the non-charging device when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface and the foldable electronic device operates in a master device mode.

[0012] The second power management module may be connected to the USB interface, the second load, and the second battery. For example, a first end of the second power management module may be connected to a bus power end of the USB interface through a power line distributed on the FPC in the rotating mechanism, a second end of the second power management module may be connected to a positive electrode of the second battery, and a third end of the second power management module may be connected to a second load.

[0013] The second power management module may be configured to control the second battery to supply power to the second load.

[0014] The switch module can be connected between the USB interface and the second power management module. Specifically, the first end of the switch module can be connected to the bus power end of the USB interface through the power line distributed on the FPC in the rotating mechanism, and the second end of the switch module can be connected to the first end of the second power management module.

[0015] The switch module can have two different states: an off state and an on state. When the switch module is in the on state, the power transmission path between the USB interface and the second power management module can be connected; when the switch module is in the off state, the power transmission path between the USB interface and the second power management module can be cut off.

[0016] The processor may be connected to the USB interface and the switch module. Exemplarily, the processor may be connected to the switch module via wiring distributed on the FPC in the rotating mechanism.

[0017] The processor can be used to control the switch module to turn off when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface and the foldable electronic device operates in the master device mode.

[0018] Exemplarily, when a device is connected to the USB interface, the processor can determine the type of the connected device by judging whether the data end (i.e., D+ pin and D- pin) of the USB interface has a transmission charging protocol. Optionally, when the data end of the USB interface has a transmission charging protocol, the processor can determine that the connected device is a charging device. Optionally, when the data end of the USB interface does not have a transmission charging protocol, the processor can determine that the connected device is a non-charging device.

[0019] When the connected device is a non-charging device, the processor can determine the working mode of the foldable electronic device by judging the level of the device detection pin of the USB interface. Optionally, when the device detection pin of the USB interface is at a high level, the processor can determine that the foldable electronic device is working in the slave device mode. Optionally, when the device detection pin of the USB interface is at a low level, the processor can determine that the foldable electronic device is working in the master device mode.

[0020] Exemplarily, the first battery and the second battery may be battery cells, or may be a battery pack composed of a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0021] The first power management module and the second power management module may each include a voltage conversion circuit.

[0022] Exemplarily, the voltage conversion circuit may be a direct current-direct current (DC-DC) converter, for example, a buck DC-DC converter.

[0023] The first load may include not only a processor but also a memory and the like.

[0024] The second load may include a speaker and / or a camera, etc.

[0025] According to the charge and discharge control circuit provided in the embodiment of the present application, a switch module is set between the USB interface and the second power management module, and the switch module is controlled to be disconnected when the foldable electronic device acts as a main device to interact with the non-charging device. This can prevent the power output by the first battery to the USB interface from flowing back to the second power management module when the first battery supplies power to the non-charging device through the USB interface, thereby ensuring the normal data interaction between the foldable electronic device and the non-charging device.

[0026] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the processor is also used to control the switch module to turn on when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface and the foldable electronic device operates in a slave device mode, thereby connecting the power transmission path between the USB interface and the second power management module.

[0027] According to the charge and discharge control circuit provided in the embodiment of the present application, by controlling the switch module to be turned on when the foldable electronic device acts as a slave device to interact with a non-charging device, the power transmission path between the USB interface 110 and the second power management module 122 can be connected, thereby ensuring the normal data interaction between the foldable electronic device and the non-charging device.

[0028] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the processor is further configured to control the switch module to turn on when a charging device is connected to the USB interface, thereby connecting a power transmission path between the USB interface and the second power management module.

[0029] According to the charge and discharge control circuit provided in the embodiment of the present application, by controlling the switch module to be turned on when the foldable electronic device is connected to the charging device, the charging device can charge the first battery and the second battery normally.

[0030] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the switch module includes a first switch tube, a second switch tube and a first resistor;

[0031] The first conducting end of the first switch tube and the first end of the first resistor are connected to the USB interface, the second conducting end of the first switch tube is connected to the second power management module, the controlled end of the first switch tube and the second end of the first resistor are connected to the first conducting end of the second switch tube, the second conducting end of the second switch tube is grounded, and the controlled end of the second switch tube is connected to the processor;

[0032] The processor is used for outputting a first control signal to the second switch tube when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface and the foldable electronic device works in the master device mode, wherein the first control signal is used for instructing the second switch tube to control the first switch tube to turn off;

[0033] Alternatively, the processor is used to output a second control signal to the second switch tube when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface and the foldable electronic device operates in a slave mode, wherein the second control signal is used to instruct the second switch tube to control the first switch tube to be turned on;

[0034] Alternatively, the processor is configured to output the second control signal to the second switch tube when a charging device is connected to the USB interface.

[0035] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the first switch tube is a PMOS tube, the drain of the PMOS tube is the first conduction end of the first switch tube, the source of the PMOS tube is the second conduction end of the first switch tube, and the gate of the PMOS tube is the controlled end of the first switch tube.

[0036] In an optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the second switch tube is an NMOS tube, a source of the NMOS tube is a first conduction end of the second switch tube, a drain of the NMOS tube is a second conduction end of the second switch tube, and a gate of the NMOS tube is a controlled end of the second switch tube;

[0037] The first control signal is a low level signal, and the second control signal is a high level signal.

[0038] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the charge and discharge control circuit further includes a first charging module and a first overvoltage protection module;

[0039] The first end of the first overvoltage protection module is connected to the USB interface, the second end of the first overvoltage protection module and the first end of the first charging module are connected to the first end of the first power management module, the second end of the first charging module and the second end of the first power management module are connected to the positive electrode of the first battery, and the controlled end of the first overvoltage protection module is connected to the control end of the first charging module;

[0040] The first charging module is used to complete the charging process of the first battery together with the first power management module;

[0041] The first charging module is also used to control the first overvoltage protection module to cut off the power path between the first power management module and the USB interface when it is detected that the voltage across the first battery is greater than a first preset protection voltage threshold.

[0042] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the first overvoltage protection module includes a third switch tube; the first conduction end of the third switch tube is the first end of the first overvoltage protection module, the second conduction end of the third switch tube is the second end of the first overvoltage protection module, and the controlled end of the third switch tube is the controlled end of the first overvoltage protection module.

[0043] According to the charge and discharge control circuit provided in the embodiment of the present application, by setting a first overvoltage protection module and a first charging module, the first charging module and the first power management module jointly complete the charging process of the first battery, thereby improving the charging speed of the first battery; in addition, when the first charging module detects that the voltage across the first battery is greater than a preset protection voltage threshold, the first overvoltage protection module can be controlled to cut off the power path between the first power management module and the USB interface, thereby achieving overvoltage protection for the first battery and preventing the first battery from being burned out.

[0044] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the charge and discharge control circuit further includes a second overvoltage protection module and a second charging module;

[0045] The first end of the second overvoltage protection module is connected to the USB interface, the second end of the second overvoltage protection module and the first end of the second charging module are connected to the first end of the switch module, the second end of the switch module is connected to the first end of the second power management module, the second end of the second charging module is connected to the second end of the second power management module, and the controlled end of the second overvoltage protection module is connected to the control end of the second charging module;

[0046] The second charging module is used to complete the charging process of the second battery together with the second power management module;

[0047] The second charging module is also used to control the second overvoltage protection module to cut off the power path between the second power management module and the USB interface when it is detected that the voltage across the second battery is greater than a second preset protection voltage threshold.

[0048] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second overvoltage protection module includes a fourth switch tube; the first conduction end of the fourth switch tube is the first end of the second overvoltage protection module, the second conduction end of the fourth switch tube is the second end of the second overvoltage protection module, and the controlled end of the fourth switch tube is the controlled end of the second overvoltage protection module.

[0049] According to the charge and discharge control circuit provided in the embodiment of the present application, by setting a second overvoltage protection module and a second charging module in the second folding part of the foldable electronic device, the second charging module and the second power management module jointly complete the charging process of the second battery, thereby improving the charging speed of the second battery; in addition, when the second charging module detects that the voltage across the second battery is greater than a preset protection voltage threshold, the second overvoltage protection module can be controlled to cut off the power path between the second power management module and the USB interface, thereby achieving overvoltage protection for the second battery and preventing the second battery from being burned out.

[0050] In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the processor is further configured to output a pulse width modulation signal to the switch module during charging of the second battery, so as to control a charging speed of the second battery.

[0051] According to the charge and discharge control circuit provided in the embodiment of the present application, by controlling the charging speed of the second battery, when there is a capacity difference between the first battery and the second battery, the first battery and the second battery can be fully charged at the same time.

[0052] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, comprising a first folding portion, a second folding portion, and a rotating mechanism located between the first folding portion and the second folding portion; the foldable electronic device further comprises a charge and discharge control circuit as described in any optional implementation of the first aspect above;

[0053] The USB interface, the first battery, the first load and the first power management module are arranged in the first folding part, and the second battery, the second load, the second power management module and the switch module are arranged in the second folding part.

[0054] It can be understood that the beneficial effects of the second aspect mentioned above can be found in the relevant description of the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection scenario between two OTG devices;

[0056] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the external structure of a foldable electronic device;

[0057] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a foldable electronic device;

[0058] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 8A schematic diagram of the structure of a charge and discharge control circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] It should be noted that the terms used in the implementation methods of the embodiments of the present application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two, "at least one" and "one or more" mean one, two or more than two.

[0064] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, it is defined that the "first" and "second" features may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0065] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", "in some other embodiments", etc. that appear at different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. The terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0066] To facilitate understanding, the relevant concepts involved in the embodiments of the present application are first explained.

[0067] 1. OTG (on-the-go) technology

[0068] The emergence of universal serial bus (USB) technology enables electronic devices to connect and communicate with each other through a simple and low-cost connection method. Electronic devices with USB communication functions can be called USB devices. When two USB devices communicate with each other through USB, one of the USB devices is usually required to be the master device and the other USB device is required to be the slave device. The master device manages the communication between the devices or controls the slave device.

[0069] When traditional USB devices supporting the USB 2.0 protocol communicate with each other via USB, usually only a computer device (such as a personal computer (PC)) can be used as the master device. This results in other USB devices being unable to communicate directly without a computer device, thus limiting the application scenarios of USB technology.

[0070] In order to enable USB devices to communicate directly without computer devices, the USB OTG protocol came into being. The USB OTG protocol provides USB devices with master device mode and slave device mode, and allows USB devices to switch between host module and slave device mode, so that USB devices have the ability to communicate directly with any other USB device. That is, for any USB device that supports the USB OTG protocol, in the master device mode, it can be used as a master device to control the slave device; in the slave device mode, it can be used as a slave device to respond to the control of the master device. It should be noted that for the sake of ease of description, USB devices that support the USB OTG protocol will be referred to as OTG devices in the following text.

[0071] Since an OTG device can be used as both a master device and a slave device, when two OTG devices are connected, it is necessary to distinguish the roles played by the two OTG devices, that is, to distinguish which OTG device is the master device and which OTG device is the slave device. In the related art, the roles played by the two OTG devices can be distinguished by the connection method of the OTG data line between the two OTG devices.

[0072] For example, see Figure 1 , is a schematic diagram of the connection scenario between two OTG devices. Figure 1As shown, compared with the traditional USB data line, the two USB plugs (such as plug MA and plug MB) of the OTG data line are both provided with a device detection pin ID, wherein the device detection pin ID of one USB plug (such as plug MA) is grounded, and the device detection pin ID of the other USB plug (such as plug MB) is suspended. Exemplarily, when two OTG devices (such as a mobile phone and a camera) are connected via an OTG data line, the OTG device connected to the plug MA of the OTG data line can be defaulted as the master device, and the OTG device connected to the plug MB of the OTG data line can be defaulted as the slave device. Based on this, for the two OTG devices connected via the OTG data line, each OTG device can determine that it is working in the master device mode when it detects that the device detection pin ID of its USB interface is grounded, that is, it determines that it is used as the master device; or when it detects that the device detection pin ID of its USB interface is suspended, it determines that it is working in the slave device mode, that is, it determines that it is used as the slave device. In this way, the roles played by the two interconnected OTG devices can be distinguished.

[0073] 2. Foldable electronic devices

[0074] Foldable electronic devices have the advantages of having a larger display area when unfolded, which can improve the viewing experience; and a smaller size when folded, which is easier for users to carry. They are gradually becoming the development trend of terminal devices.

[0075] See also Figure 2 , is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a foldable electronic device. Figure 2 As shown, the foldable electronic device may include a first folding portion 11, a second folding portion 12, and a rotating mechanism 13 located between the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12. The rotating mechanism 13 may be, for example, a rotating shaft. The rotating mechanism 13 may be connected to the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12, respectively. For example, Figure 2 As shown in (a) in FIG. 1 , the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 can be located on both sides of the rotating mechanism 13. For example, the first folding portion 11 can be located on the left side of the axis of the rotating mechanism 13, and the second folding portion 12 can be located on the right side of the axis of the rotating mechanism 13. The first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 can rotate around the rotating mechanism 13, respectively.

[0076] In addition, the foldable electronic device may further include a flexible screen 20 disposed on the same side of the first folding portion 11, the second folding portion 12, and the rotating mechanism 13. The first folding portion 11, the second folding portion 12, and the rotating mechanism 13 may be used to carry the flexible screen 20. The flexible screen 20 may be used to display images or videos, etc. As an example and not a limitation, the flexible screen 20 may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display or other types of flexible displays.

[0077] Exemplarily, the flexible screen 20 may include a first non-bending zone 21, a second non-bending zone 22 and a bending zone 23. Among them, the bending zone 23 may be located between the first non-bending zone 21 and the second non-bending zone 22. The first non-bending zone 21 may be fixed to the first folding portion 11 by an adhesive layer, the second non-bending zone 22 may be fixed to the second folding portion 12 by an adhesive layer, and the bending zone 23 may be fixed to the rotating mechanism 13 by an adhesive layer. Exemplarily, the bending zone 23 of the flexible screen 20 may be made of a flexible material, and the first non-bending zone 21 and the second non-bending zone 22 may be made of a flexible material or a rigid material, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In this way, the flexible screen 20 may present a folded state or an unfolded state, etc. accordingly as the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 rotate relative to the rotating mechanism 13.

[0078] For example, Figure 2 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , when the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 are rotated to the maximum angle relative to the rotating mechanism 13, the flexible screen 20 can be in an unfolded state. At this time, the angle between the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 is 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees. For example, Figure 2 As shown in (b), when the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 rotate relative to the rotating mechanism 13 in a direction close to each other, the flexible screen 20 can eventually be in a folded state. When the flexible screen 20 is in a folded state, the bending area 23 is bent, and the first non-bending area 21 is in contact with the second non-bending area 22. In a specific application, the foldable electronic device can be an inward folding electronic device (that is, the flexible screen 20 is folded inward) or an outward folding electronic device (that is, the flexible screen 20 is folded outward), which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0079] It can be seen that when the flexible screen 20 is in the unfolded state, the first non-bending area 21, the second non-bending area 22 and the bending area 23 of the flexible screen 20 can all be displayed, and the flexible screen 20 has a larger display area at this time, so as to provide a movie viewing effect. When the flexible screen 20 is in the folded state, the foldable electronic device has a smaller volume at this time, so that it is convenient for users to carry.

[0080] See also Figure 3 , is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a foldable electronic device. Figure 3 As shown, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) may be disposed in the rotating mechanism 13 of the foldable electronic device, and wiring for transmitting electrical signals between the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 may be distributed on the FPC.

[0081] Different types of loads may be respectively disposed in the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 of the foldable electronic device. For example, a first load may be disposed in the first folding portion 11, and the first load may include, for example, a processor and / or a memory. A second load may be disposed in the second folding portion 12, and the second load may include, for example, a speaker and / or a camera.

[0082] In the related art, in order to improve the battery life of the foldable electronic device, at least one battery may be provided in the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 of the foldable electronic device, respectively. Exemplarily, a first battery 111 may be provided in the first folding portion 11 of the foldable electronic device, and a second battery 121 may be provided in the second folding portion 12 of the foldable electronic device. In this way, the first load in the first folding portion 11 may be powered by the first battery 111, and the second load in the second folding portion 12 may be powered by the second battery 121, thereby improving the standby time of the foldable electronic device.

[0083] It is understandable that when the load is powered by a battery, it is usually necessary to set a power management module between the battery and the load, and the power management module converts the voltage output by the battery into the working voltage required by the load (also referred to as the system voltage), thereby powering the load. In specific applications, some foldable electronic devices are only provided with a power management module in the first folding portion 11 thereof, and since the working voltages provided to the first load and the second load both need to be managed and output by the power management module, the power management module needs to be connected to the first load and the second load respectively. In this way, for the second load in the second folding portion 12, the voltage output by the second battery 121 needs to be transmitted to the power management module in the first folding portion 11 through the power wiring on the FPC in the rotating mechanism 13, and the power management module converts the voltage output by the second battery 121 into the working voltage of the second load, and then transmits the working voltage to the second load in the second folding portion 12 through the power wiring on the FPC in the rotating mechanism 13, thereby realizing power supply to the second load.

[0084] It can be seen that when only one power management module is provided in the foldable electronic device, and the power management module is provided in the first folding part 11 of the foldable electronic device, when the second battery 121 in the second folding part 12 of the foldable electronic device supplies power to the second load, the wiring corresponding to the power transmission path is longer. Since the wiring corresponding to the power transmission path has a certain impedance, therefore, when the wiring corresponding to the power transmission path is longer, the loss caused by the wiring impedance of the power transmission path is larger.

[0085] Based on this, in order to reduce the wiring impedance of the power transmission path, such as Figure 3 As shown, a power management module may be provided in the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12 of the foldable electronic device, respectively. For example, a first power management module 112 may be provided in the first folding portion 11, and a second power management module 122 may be provided in the second folding portion 12. The first power management module 112 may be connected to the first battery 111 and the first load in the first folding portion 11, and used to control the first battery 111 to supply power to the first load; the second power management module 122 may be connected to the second battery 121 and the second load in the second folding portion 12, and used to control the second battery 121 to supply power to the second load. In this way, the first power management module 112 can convert the voltage output by the first battery 111 into the working voltage of the first load to power the first load; the second power management module 122 can convert the voltage output by the second battery 121 into the working voltage of the second load to power the second load; thereby, the wiring corresponding to the power transmission path when the first battery 111 powers the first load can be shorter, and the wiring corresponding to the power transmission path when the second battery 121 powers the second load can also be shorter, thereby reducing the loss caused by the wiring impedance of the power transmission path of the foldable electronic device.

[0086] In addition, the foldable electronic device may also be provided with a USB interface 110. The USB interface 110 may be, for example, a USB interface supporting the USB OTG protocol. Figure 3 As shown, the USB interface 110 can be disposed in the first folding portion 11 of the foldable electronic device, and can be connected to the processor (not shown) in the first folding portion 11, the first power management module 112, and the second power management module 122 in the second folding portion. The USB interface 110 and the second power management module 122 can be connected via power lines distributed on the FPC in the rotating mechanism 13.

[0087] Based on this, in some application scenarios, when the foldable electronic device needs to be charged, the foldable electronic device can be connected to the charging device through the USB interface 110. In this way, the foldable electronic device can obtain power from the charging device through the USB interface 110 to charge the first battery 111 and the second battery 121.

[0088] In this application scenario, the USB interface 110 can transmit the electric energy output by the charging device to the first power management module 112 and the second power management module 122 respectively. Among them, the first power management module 112 can be used to control the charging device to charge the first battery 111. The second power management module 122 can be used to control the charging device to charge the second battery 121. Specifically, the first power management module 112 can convert the voltage output by the charging device into the charging voltage of the first battery 111, and charge the first battery 111 with the charging voltage. The second power management module 122 can convert the voltage output by the charging device into the charging voltage of the second battery 121, and charge the second battery 121 with the charging voltage. In this way, even if there is a capacity difference or a power difference between the first battery 111 and the second battery 121, the first power management module 112 and the second power management module 122 can fully charge the first battery 111 and the second battery 121 respectively.

[0089] In other application scenarios, when data transmission (such as file or image transmission) is required between the foldable electronic device and other electronic devices, the foldable electronic device can be connected to the other electronic devices through the USB interface 110. The other electronic device can be any electronic device other than the foldable electronic device. For example, the foldable electronic device can be a mobile phone or a tablet computer, and the other electronic device can be a camera, a mobile storage device or a computer.

[0090] In this application scenario, when the USB interface 110 of the foldable electronic device is a USB interface that supports the USB OTG protocol, the foldable electronic device can operate in a master device mode or a slave device mode.

[0091] When the foldable electronic device works in the master device mode, in order to ensure the normal data interaction between the foldable electronic device and other electronic devices, the foldable electronic device needs to power other electronic devices through the bus power terminal VBUS of the USB interface 110. Exemplarily, the power output by the foldable electronic device when powering other electronic devices can be provided by the first battery 111 in the first folding part 11, that is, when the foldable electronic device communicates with other electronic devices through the USB interface 110 as a master device, the first power management module 112 in the first folding part 11 will also regard other electronic devices as loads, and control the first battery 111 to power other electronic devices.

[0092] However, since the bus power terminal VBUS of the USB interface 110 is connected to the first power management module 112 and the second power management module 122 at the same time, when the first battery 111 outputs electric energy to the bus power terminal VBUS of the USB interface 110 through the first power management module 112, part of the electric energy will flow back to the second power management module 122 through the power line on the FPC in the rotating mechanism 13, which will reduce the current of the first battery 111 to supply power to other electronic devices, thereby resulting in the inability to perform normal data interaction between the foldable electronic device and other electronic devices.

[0093] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, which provides a switch module between a USB interface and a second power management module in a second folding part of the foldable electronic device, and controls the switch module to be disconnected when the foldable electronic device acts as a main device to perform data interaction with a non-charging device. This can prevent the first battery in the first folding part from supplying power to the non-charging device through the USB interface, causing the power output by the first battery to the USB interface to flow back to the second power management module, thereby ensuring normal data interaction between the foldable electronic device and the non-charging device.

[0094] The foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application may include a mobile phone (such as a foldable mobile phone or a slide phone, etc.), a tablet computer, a wearable device, a vehicle-mounted device, an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, a notebook computer, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a netbook, and a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. The embodiment of the present application does not impose any restrictions on the specific type of electronic device. The foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below.

[0095] For example, see Figure 4, is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, the foldable electronic device may include a processor 410, an external memory interface 420, an internal memory 421, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface 422, a USB interface 110, a power management module 441, a battery 442, an antenna 1, an antenna 2, a mobile communication module 450, a wireless communication module 460, an audio module 470, a button 480, and a display screen 490, etc.

[0097] The processor 410 may include one or more processing units, for example, the processor 410 may include an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processor (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. Different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0098] The controller can generate operation control signals according to the instruction operation code and timing signal to complete the control of instruction fetching and execution.

[0099] The processor 410 may also be provided with a memory for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the processor 410 is a cache memory. The memory may store instructions or data that the processor 410 has just used or cyclically used. If the processor 410 needs to use the instruction or data again, it may be directly called from the memory. This avoids repeated access, reduces the waiting time of the processor 410, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0100] In some embodiments, the processor 410 may include one or more interfaces. The interface 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 SIM interface, and / or a USB interface, etc.

[0101] The I2C interface is a bidirectional synchronous serial bus, including a serial data line (SDA) and a serial clock line (SCL). In some embodiments, the processor 410 may include multiple I2C buses.

[0102] The I2S interface can be used for audio communication. In some embodiments, the processor 410 can include multiple groups of I2S buses. The processor 410 can be coupled to the audio module 470 via the I2S bus to achieve communication between the processor 410 and the audio module 470. In some embodiments, the audio module 470 can transmit an audio signal to the wireless communication module 460 via the I2S interface to achieve the function of answering a call through a Bluetooth headset.

[0103] The PCM interface can also be used for audio communication, sampling, quantizing and encoding analog signals. In some embodiments, the audio module 470 and the wireless communication module 460 can be coupled via a PCM bus interface. In some embodiments, the audio module 470 can also transmit audio signals to the wireless communication module 460 via the PCM interface to realize the function of answering calls via a Bluetooth headset. Both the I2S interface and the PCM interface can be used for audio communication.

[0104] The UART interface is a universal serial data bus for asynchronous communication. The bus can be a bidirectional communication bus. It converts the data to be transmitted between serial communication and parallel communication. In some embodiments, the UART interface is generally used to connect the processor 410 and the wireless communication module 460. For example, the processor 410 communicates with the Bluetooth module in the wireless communication module 460 through the UART interface to implement the Bluetooth function. In some embodiments, the audio module 470 can transmit an audio signal to the wireless communication module 460 through the UART interface to implement the function of playing music through a Bluetooth headset.

[0105] The MIPI interface can be used to connect the processor 410 to peripheral devices such as the display screen 490. The MIPI interface includes a camera serial interface (CSI), a display serial interface (DSI), etc. In some embodiments, the processor 410 and the camera communicate via the CSI interface to realize the shooting function of the foldable electronic device. The processor 410 and the display screen 490 communicate via the DSI interface to realize the display function of the foldable electronic device.

[0106] The GPIO interface can be configured by software. The GPIO interface can be configured as a control signal or as a data signal. In some embodiments, the GPIO interface can be used to connect the processor 410, the display screen 490, the wireless communication module 460, the audio module 470, etc. The GPIO interface can also be configured as an I2C interface, an I2S interface, a UART interface, a MIPI interface, etc.

[0107] The external memory interface 420 can be used to connect an external memory card, such as a Micro SD card, to expand the storage capacity of the foldable electronic device. The external memory card communicates with the processor 410 through the external memory interface 420 to implement a data storage function. For example, files such as music and videos are stored in the external memory card.

[0108] The internal memory 421 can be used to store computer executable program codes, which include instructions. The internal memory 421 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. Among them, the program storage area may store an operating system, an application required for at least one function (such as a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.), etc. The data storage area may store data created during the use of a foldable electronic device (such as audio data, a phone book, etc.), etc. In addition, the internal memory 421 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, a universal flash storage (UFS), etc. The processor 410 executes various functional applications and data processing of the foldable electronic device by running instructions stored in the internal memory 421 and / or instructions stored in a memory provided in the processor.

[0109] The SIM card interface 422 is used to connect a SIM card. The SIM card can be connected to and separated from the foldable electronic device by inserting it into the SIM card interface 422 or pulling it out from the SIM card interface 422. The foldable electronic device can support 1 or N SIM card interfaces, where N is a positive integer greater than 1. The SIM card interface 422 can support Nano SIM cards, Micro SIM cards, SIM cards, and the like. Multiple cards can be inserted into the same SIM card interface 422 at the same time. The types of the multiple cards can be the same or different. The SIM card interface 422 can also be compatible with different types of SIM cards. The SIM card interface 422 can also be compatible with external memory cards. The foldable electronic device interacts with the network through the SIM card to realize functions such as calls and data communications. In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device uses an eSIM, i.e., an embedded SIM card. The eSIM card can be embedded in the foldable electronic device and cannot be separated from the foldable electronic device.

[0110] The USB interface 110 is an interface that complies with the USB standard specification and supports the USB OTG protocol, and can be a MiniUSB interface, a Micro USB interface, a USB Type C interface, etc. The USB interface 110 can be used to connect a charger to charge the foldable electronic device, and can also be used to transfer data between the foldable electronic device and peripheral devices. It can also be used to connect headphones to play audio through the headphones. The interface can also be used to connect other electronic devices, such as AR devices, etc.

[0111] It is understandable that the interface connection relationship between the modules illustrated in the embodiment of the present application is only a schematic illustration and does not constitute a structural limitation on the foldable electronic device. In other embodiments of the present application, the foldable electronic device may also adopt different interface connection methods in the above embodiments, or a combination of multiple interface connection methods.

[0112] The power management module 441 is used to connect the battery 442, the charging management module 740 and the processor 410. The power management module 441 receives input from the battery 442 and / or the charging management module to power the processor 410, the internal memory 421, the display screen 490, and the wireless communication module 460.

[0113] In the embodiment of the present application, the power management module 441 may include a first power management module and a second power management module. The battery 442 may include a first battery and a second battery. The first power management module may be used to control the first battery to power the first load, and the second power management module may be used to control the second battery to power the second load. The first load may include, for example, a processor 410 or a memory, etc.; the second load may include, for example, a button 480 or a display screen 490, etc.

[0114] The wireless communication function of the foldable electronic device can be implemented through antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 450, wireless communication module 460, modem processor and baseband processor.

[0115] Antenna 1 and antenna 2 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in the foldable electronic device can be used to cover a single or multiple communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be reused to improve the utilization of the antennas. For example, antenna 1 can be reused as a diversity antenna for a wireless local area network. In some other embodiments, the antenna can be used in combination with a tuning switch.

[0116] The mobile communication module 450 can provide solutions for wireless communications including 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G applied to foldable electronic devices. The mobile communication module 450 may include at least one filter, a switch, a power amplifier, a low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 450 can receive electromagnetic waves from the antenna 1, and filter, amplify, and process the received electromagnetic waves, and transmit them to the modulation and demodulation processor for demodulation. The mobile communication module 450 can also amplify the signal modulated by the modulation and demodulation processor, and convert it into electromagnetic waves for radiation through the antenna 1. In some embodiments, at least some of the functional modules of the mobile communication module 450 can be set in the processor 410. In some embodiments, at least some of the functional modules of the mobile communication module 450 can be set in the same device as at least some of the modules of the processor 410.

[0117] The modem processor may include a modulator and a demodulator. Among them, the modulator is used to modulate the low-frequency baseband signal to be sent into a medium-high frequency signal. The demodulator is used to demodulate the received electromagnetic wave signal into a low-frequency baseband signal. The demodulator then transmits the demodulated low-frequency baseband signal to the baseband processor for processing. After the low-frequency baseband signal is processed by the baseband processor, it is passed to the application processor. The application processor outputs a sound signal through an audio device (not limited to a speaker, a receiver, etc.), or displays an image or video through a display screen 490. In some embodiments, the modem processor may be an independent device. In other embodiments, the modem processor may be independent of the processor 410 and be set in the same device as the mobile communication module 450 or other functional modules.

[0118] The wireless communication module 460 can provide wireless communication solutions including wireless local area networks (WLAN) (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC), infrared (IR), etc., which are applied to foldable electronic devices. The wireless communication module 460 can be one or more devices integrating at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication module 460 receives electromagnetic waves via the antenna 2, modulates the electromagnetic wave signal and filters it, and sends the processed signal to the processor 410. The wireless communication module 460 can also receive the signal to be sent from the processor 410, modulate the frequency, amplify it, and convert it into electromagnetic waves for radiation through the antenna 2.

[0119] In some embodiments, the antenna 1 of the foldable electronic device is coupled to the mobile communication module 450, and the antenna 2 is coupled to the wireless communication module 460, so that the foldable electronic device can communicate with the network and other devices through wireless communication technology. The wireless communication technology may include global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), code division multiple access (CDMA), wide-band code division multiple access (WCDMA), time division code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), long term evolution (LTE), BT, GNSS, WLAN, NFC, FM, and / or IR technology. The GNSS may include a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), a Beidou navigation satellite system (BDS), a quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS) and / or a satellite based augmentation system (SBAS).

[0120] The foldable electronic device implements display functions through a GPU, a display screen 490, and an application processor. The GPU is a microprocessor for image processing, connecting the display screen 490 and the application processor. The GPU is used to perform mathematical and geometric calculations for graphics rendering. The processor 410 may include one or more GPUs that execute program instructions to generate or change display information.

[0121] The display screen 490 is used to display images, videos, etc. The display screen 490 includes a display panel. The display panel can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), Miniled, MicroLed, Micro-oLed, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), etc. In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device may include 1 or N display screens 490, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0122] DSP is used to process digital signals. In addition to processing digital image signals, it can also process other digital signals. For example, when a foldable electronic device is selecting a frequency point, the digital signal processor is used to perform Fourier transform on the frequency point energy.

[0123] Video codecs are used to compress or decompress digital videos. Foldable electronic devices can support one or more video codecs. In this way, foldable electronic devices can play or record videos in multiple coding formats, such as: Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) 1, MPEG2, MPEG3, MPEG4, etc.

[0124] NPU is a neural network (NN) computing processor. By drawing on the structure of biological neural networks, such as the transmission mode between neurons in the human brain, it can quickly process input information and continuously self-learn. NPU can realize applications such as intelligent cognition of foldable electronic devices, such as image recognition, face recognition, voice recognition, text understanding, etc.

[0125] The foldable electronic device can realize audio functions such as music playing and recording through the audio module 470, speakers, receivers, microphones, headphone jacks, and application processors.

[0126] The audio module 470 is used to convert digital audio information into analog audio signal output, and is also used to convert analog audio input into digital audio signal. The audio module 470 can also be used to encode and decode audio signals. In some embodiments, the audio module 470 can be arranged in the processor 410, or some functional modules of the audio module 470 can be arranged in the processor 410.

[0127] The key 480 includes a power key, a volume key, etc. The key 480 may be a mechanical key or a touch key. The foldable electronic device may receive key input and generate key signal input related to user settings and function control of the foldable electronic device.

[0128] Understandably, Figure 4 The illustrated structure does not constitute a specific limitation on the foldable electronic device. In other embodiments, the foldable electronic device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine some components, or split some components, or arrange the components differently. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0129] The following is a detailed description of the foldable electronic device provided by the present application and how the foldable electronic device solves the above technical problems through specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be implemented independently or in combination with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments.

[0130] See also Figure 5 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, the foldable electronic device may include a first folding portion 11, a second folding portion 12, and a rotating mechanism 13 located between the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12. The rotating mechanism 13 may be connected to the first folding portion 11 and the second folding portion 12, respectively.

[0131] The first folding portion 11 may be provided with a USB interface 110, a first battery 111, a first power management module 112, and a first load; the first load may include a processor 410. The second folding portion 12 may be provided with a second battery 121, a second power management module 122, a second load, and a switch module 120.

[0132] Exemplarily, the USB interface 110 may be a USB interface supporting the USB OTG protocol.

[0133] Specifically, the first power management module 112 may be connected to the USB interface 110, the first load, and the first battery 111. For example, a first end of the first power management module 112 may be connected to the bus power end VBUS of the USB interface 110, a second end of the first power management module 112 may be connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 111, and a third end of the first power management module 112 may be connected to the processor 410.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first power management module 112 can be used to control the first battery 111 to power the first load. Exemplarily, when the foldable electronic device is not connected to any other electronic device, the first power management module 112 can be used to control the first battery 111 to power the first load.

[0135] It should be noted that, for the specific process of the first power management module 112 controlling the first battery 111 to supply power to the first load, reference may be made to the relevant description in the aforementioned embodiment, which will not be elaborated here.

[0136] In other embodiments, the first power management module 112 can be used to control the first battery 111 to power the non-charging device when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface 110 and the foldable electronic device operates in the master device mode.

[0137] The second power management module 122 can be connected to the USB interface 110, the second load, and the second battery 121. For example, a first end of the second power management module 122 can be connected to the bus power terminal VBUS of the USB interface 110 through a power line distributed on the FPC in the rotating mechanism 13, a second end of the second power management module 122 can be connected to the positive electrode of the second battery 121, and a third end of the second power management module 122 can be connected to the second load.

[0138] The second power management module 122 may be configured to control the second battery 121 to supply power to the second load.

[0139] It should be noted that, for the specific process of the second power management module 122 controlling the second battery 121 to supply power to the second load, reference may be made to the relevant description in the aforementioned embodiment, which will not be elaborated here.

[0140] The switch module 120 may be connected between the USB interface 110 and the second power management module 122. Specifically, a first end of the switch module 120 may be connected to the bus power terminal VBUS of the USB interface 110 through a power line distributed on the FPC in the rotating mechanism 13, and a second end of the switch module 120 may be connected to a first end of the second power management module 122.

[0141] The switch module 120 can have two different states: an off state and an on state. When the switch module 120 is in the on state, the power transmission path between the USB interface 110 and the second power management module 122 can be turned on; when the switch module 120 is in the off state, the power transmission path between the USB interface 110 and the second power management module 122 can be cut off.

[0142] The processor 410 may be connected to the USB interface 110 and the switch module 120. For example, the processor 410 may be connected to the switch module 120 via wiring distributed on the FPC in the rotating mechanism 13 (not shown).

[0143] The processor 410 can be used to control the switch module 120 to turn off when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface 110 and the foldable electronic device operates in the master device mode, thereby cutting off the power transmission path between the USB interface 110 and the second power management module 122.

[0144] Exemplarily, when a device is connected to the USB interface 110, the processor 410 can determine the type of the connected device by determining whether the data end (ie, the D+ pin and the D- pin) of the USB interface 110 has a transmission charging protocol.

[0145] Optionally, when the data end of the USB interface 110 transmits a charging protocol, the processor 410 may determine that the connected device is a charging device. Optionally, when the data end of the USB interface 110 does not transmit a charging protocol, the processor 410 may determine that the connected device is a non-charging device.

[0146] When the connected device is a non-charging device, the processor 410 can determine the working mode of the foldable electronic device by judging the level of the device detection pin (not shown) of the USB interface 110.

[0147] Optionally, when the device detection pin of the USB interface 110 is at a high level, the processor 410 may determine that the foldable electronic device operates in a slave device mode. Optionally, when the device detection pin of the USB interface 110 is at a low level, the processor 410 may determine that the foldable electronic device operates in a master device mode.

[0148] In a specific application, for example, the first battery 111 may be a battery cell, or a battery pack composed of a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or in parallel. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the form of the first battery 111.

[0149] The second battery 121 may be a battery cell, or a battery pack composed of a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or in parallel. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the form of the second battery 121.

[0150] The first power management module 112 and the second power management module 122 may both include a voltage conversion circuit. Exemplarily, the voltage conversion circuit may be a direct current-direct current (DC-DC) converter, such as a buck DC-DC converter. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the type of the voltage conversion circuit.

[0151] In addition to the processor 410, the first load may also include a memory, etc. The second load may include a speaker and / or a camera, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the types of the first load and the second load.

[0152] From the above, it can be seen that the foldable electronic device provided by the present application, by setting a switch module between the USB interface and the second power management module in the second folding part of the foldable electronic device, and controlling the switch module to disconnect when the foldable electronic device acts as a main device to interact with a non-charging device, can avoid the first battery in the first folding part supplying power to the non-charging device through the USB interface. The power output by the first battery to the USB interface is backflowed to the second power management module, thereby ensuring the normal data interaction between the foldable electronic device and the non-charging device.

[0153] In other embodiments of the present application, the processor 410 can also be used to control the switch module 120 to turn on when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface 110 and the foldable electronic device operates in the slave device mode, thereby connecting the power transmission path between the USB interface 110 and the second power management module 122.

[0154] In this embodiment, by controlling the switch module to be turned on when the foldable electronic device acts as a slave device to interact with a non-charging device, the power transmission path between the USB interface 110 and the second power management module 122 can be connected, thereby ensuring the normal data interaction between the foldable electronic device and the non-charging device.

[0155] In some other embodiments of the present application, the processor 410 may also be used to control the switch module 120 to be turned on when a charging device is connected to the USB interface 110, thereby connecting the power transmission path between the USB interface 110 and the second power management module 122. Exemplarily, the charging device may be a charging device such as a charger or a power bank.

[0156] In this embodiment, by controlling the switch module to be turned on when the foldable electronic device is connected to the charging device, the charging device can charge the first battery and the second battery normally.

[0157] See also Figure 6 , is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided by another embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, in some other embodiments of the present application, a first overvoltage protection (OVP) module 113 and a first charging module 114 may also be provided in the first folding portion 11 of the foldable electronic device.

[0158] The first end of the first overvoltage protection module 113 is connected to the USB interface 110, the second end of the first overvoltage protection module 113 and the first end of the first charging module 114 are connected to the first end of the first power management module 112, the second end of the first charging module 114 and the second end of the first power management module 112 are connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 111, and the controlled end of the first overvoltage protection module 113 is connected to the control end of the first charging module 114;

[0159] The first charging module 114 is used to complete the charging process of the first battery 111 together with the first power management module 112 .

[0160] The first charging module 114 is further configured to control the first overvoltage protection module 113 to cut off the power path between the first power management module 112 and the USB interface 110 when detecting that the voltage across the first battery 111 is greater than a first preset protection voltage threshold.

[0161] The first preset protection voltage threshold may be, for example, the rated voltage of the first battery 111 .

[0162] In a specific application, the first charging module 114 may include a charging chip, and the charging chip may be, for example, a fast charging chip.

[0163] In this embodiment, by disposing a first overvoltage protection module and a first charging module in the first folding part of the foldable electronic device, the first charging module and the first power management module jointly complete the charging process of the first battery, thereby improving the charging speed of the first battery; in addition, when the first charging module detects that the voltage across the first battery is greater than a preset protection voltage threshold, the first overvoltage protection module can be controlled to cut off the power path between the first power management module and the USB interface 110, thereby achieving overvoltage protection for the first battery and preventing the first battery from being burned out.

[0164] Please continue reading Figure 6In some other embodiments of the present application, a second overvoltage protection module 123 and a second charging module 124 may be further provided in the second folding portion 12 of the foldable electronic device;

[0165] A first end of the second overvoltage protection module 123 is connected to the USB interface 110, a second end of the second overvoltage protection module 123 and a first end of the second charging module 124 are connected to a first end of the switch module 120, a second end of the switch module 120 is connected to a first end of the second power management module 122, a second end of the second charging module 124 is connected to a second end of the second power management module 122, and a controlled end of the second overvoltage protection module 123 is connected to a control end of the second charging module 124;

[0166] The second charging module 124 is used to complete the charging process of the second battery 121 together with the second power management module 122;

[0167] The second charging module 124 is further configured to control the second overvoltage protection module 123 to cut off the power path between the second power management module 122 and the USB interface 110 when detecting that the voltage across the second battery 121 is greater than a second preset protection voltage threshold.

[0168] The second preset protection voltage threshold may be, for example, the rated voltage of the second battery 121 .

[0169] In a specific application, the second charging module 124 may include a charging chip, and the charging chip may be, for example, a fast charging chip.

[0170] In this embodiment, a second overvoltage protection module and a second charging module are arranged in the second folding portion of the foldable electronic device, and the second charging module and the second power management module jointly complete the charging process of the second battery, thereby improving the charging speed of the second battery; in addition, when the second charging module detects that the voltage across the second battery is greater than a preset protection voltage threshold, the second overvoltage protection module can be controlled to cut off the power path between the second power management module and the USB interface 110, thereby achieving overvoltage protection for the second battery and preventing the second battery from being burned out.

[0171] See also Figure 7 , is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0172] like Figure 7As shown, the switch module 120 in the foldable electronic device may include a first switch tube M1, a second switch tube M2, and a first resistor R1. The first conduction end of the first switch tube M1 and the first end of the first resistor R1 are connected to the USB interface 110, the second conduction end of the first switch tube M1 is connected to the second power management module 122, the controlled end of the first switch tube M1 and the second end of the first resistor R1 are connected to the first conduction end of the second switch tube M2, the second conduction end of the second switch tube M2 is grounded, and the controlled end of the second switch tube M2 is connected to the processor 410.

[0173] Based on this, in an optional implementation, the processor 410 can be used to output a first control signal to the second switch tube M2 when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface 110 and the foldable electronic device works in the master device mode. The first control signal can be used to instruct the second switch tube M2 to control the first switch tube M1 to turn off.

[0174] In another optional implementation, the processor 410 may be configured to output a second control signal to the second switch tube M2 when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface 110 and the foldable electronic device operates in the slave mode. The second control signal may be configured to instruct the second switch tube M2 to control the first switch tube M1 to turn on;

[0175] In yet another optional implementation, the processor 410 may be configured to output a second control signal to the second switch tube M2 when a charging device is connected to the USB interface 110 .

[0176] Exemplarily, the first switch tube M1 may be a PMOS tube, the drain of the PMOS tube may be the first conduction end of the first switch tube M1, the source of the PMOS tube may be the second conduction end of the first switch tube M1, and the gate of the PMOS tube may be the controlled end of the first switch tube M1.

[0177] The source of the NMOS tube can be the first conduction end of the second switch tube M2, the drain of the NMOS tube is the second conduction end of the second switch tube M2. The second switch tube M2 is an NMOS tube, and the gate of the NMOS tube is the controlled end of the second switch tube M2.

[0178] Based on this, the first control signal may be a low level signal, and the second control signal may be a high level signal.

[0179] That is to say, when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface 110 and the foldable electronic device operates in the master device mode, the processor 410 can output a low-level signal to the second switch tube M2. At this time, the second switch tube M2 is turned off, and the gate of the first switch tube M1 is pulled up to the bus power terminal VBUS of the USB interface 110 by the first resistor R1. That is, at this time, the gate of the first switch tube M1 is at a high level, so the first switch tube M1 is turned off, and the power transmission path between the second power management module 122 and the USB interface 110 is cut off.

[0180] When a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface 110 and the foldable electronic device operates in the slave device mode, the processor 410 can output a high-level signal to the second switch tube M2. At this time, the second switch tube M2 is turned on, and the gate of the first switch tube M1 is pulled down to the ground, that is, the gate of the first switch tube M1 is at a low level at this time, so the first switch tube M1 is turned on, and the power transmission path between the second power management module 122 and the USB interface 110 is connected.

[0181] When a charging device is connected to the USB interface 110, the processor 410 can output a high-level signal to the second switch tube M2. At this time, the second switch tube M2 is turned on, and the gate of the first switch tube M1 is pulled down to the ground, that is, the gate of the first switch tube M1 is at a low level at this time, so the first switch tube M1 is turned on, and the power transmission path between the second power management module 122 and the USB interface 110 is connected.

[0182] It should be noted that, in a specific application, the specific structure of the switch module 120 is not limited to Figure 7 For example, the switch module 120 can be implemented by more or fewer switch tubes than the two switch tubes shown in the figure, and the type of each switch tube can be set according to actual needs, which is not particularly limited in the embodiment of the present application. That is, the structure that can realize the specific functions of the switch module 120 in the embodiment of the present application is within the protection scope of the embodiment of the present application.

[0183] Please continue reading Figure 7 In another optional implementation, the first overvoltage protection module 113 may include a third switch tube M3. The first conduction end of the third switch tube M3 may be the first end of the first overvoltage protection module 113, the second conduction end of the third switch tube M3 may be the second end of the first overvoltage protection module 113, and the controlled end of the third switch tube M3 may be the controlled end of the first overvoltage protection module 113.

[0184] Exemplarily, the third switch tube M3 may be a PMOS tube. The drain of the PMOS tube may be the first conduction end of the third switch tube M3, the source of the PMOS tube may be the second conduction end of the third switch tube M3, and the gate of the PMOS tube may be the controlled end of the third switch tube M3. Based on this, the first charging module 114 may output a high level signal to the third switch tube M3 when detecting that the voltage across the first battery 111 is greater than the first preset protection voltage threshold, thereby controlling the third switch tube M3 to turn off, thereby cutting off the power path between the first power management module 112 and the USB interface 110.

[0185] It is understandable that, in a specific application, the third switch tube M3 may also be other types of switch tubes, such as an NMOS tube, an NPN transistor or a PNP transistor, etc., which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0186] In another optional implementation, the second overvoltage protection module 123 may include a fourth switch tube M4. The first conduction end of the fourth switch tube M4 may be the first end of the second overvoltage protection module 123, the second conduction end of the fourth switch tube M4 may be the second end of the second overvoltage protection module 123, and the controlled end of the fourth switch tube M4 may be the controlled end of the second overvoltage protection module 123.

[0187] Exemplarily, the fourth switch tube M4 may be a PMOS tube. The drain of the PMOS tube may be the first conduction end of the fourth switch tube M4, the source of the PMOS tube may be the second conduction end of the fourth switch tube M4, and the gate of the PMOS tube may be the controlled end of the fourth switch tube M4. Based on this, the first charging module 114 may output a high level signal to the fourth switch tube M4 when detecting that the voltage across the second battery 121 is greater than the second preset protection voltage threshold, thereby controlling the fourth switch tube M4 to turn off, thereby cutting off the power path between the second power management module 122 and the USB interface 110.

[0188] It is understandable that, in a specific application, the fourth switch tube M4 may also be other types of switch tubes, such as an NMOS tube, an NPN transistor, or a PNP transistor, etc., which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0189] In some other embodiments of the present application, the processor 410 may also be configured to output a pulse width modulation signal to the switch module 120 during the charging process of the second battery 121 to control the charging speed of the second battery 121 .

[0190] Exemplarily, when the battery capacity of the second battery 121 is less than the battery capacity of the first battery 111, the processor 410 may output a pulse width modulation signal to the switch module 120 during the charging process of the second battery 121 to slow down the charging speed of the second battery 121. By controlling the charging speed of the second battery 121, when there is a capacity difference between the first battery 111 and the second battery 121, the first battery 111 and the second battery 121 can be fully charged at the same time.

[0191] Based on the same technical concept, the present application also provides a charge and discharge control circuit. The charge and discharge control circuit can be used in foldable electronic devices. Figure 8 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of a charge and discharge control circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the foldable electronic device may include a USB interface 110, a first load, a second load, a first battery 111, and a second battery 121. The first load may include a processor 410. The charge and discharge control circuit may include a first power management module 112, a second power management module 122, and a switch module 120.

[0192] It should be noted that, regarding the functions, settings, and connection relationships between each circuit module in the charge and discharge control circuit and other circuit modules, please refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0193] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own emphasis. For the parts not described or recorded in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant description of other embodiments. It should be understood that the size of the sequence number of each step in the above embodiments does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0194] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted through the computer-readable storage medium. The computer instructions may be transmitted from a website site, computer, server or data center to another website site, computer, server or data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state drive (SSD)), etc.

[0195] Those skilled in the art can understand that to implement all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiments, the processes can be completed by computer programs to instruct related hardware, and the programs can be stored in computer-readable storage media. When the programs are executed, they can include the processes of the above-mentioned method embodiments. The aforementioned storage media include: ROM or random access memory RAM, magnetic disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0196] The above is only a specific implementation of the embodiment of the present application, but the protection scope of the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto, and any changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiment of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiment of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A charge and discharge control circuit, characterized in that: The invention is applied in a foldable electronic device, wherein the foldable electronic device comprises a USB interface, a first battery, a second battery, a first load and a second load; the first load comprises a processor; The charge and discharge control circuit includes a first power management module, a second power management module and a switch module; The first power management module is connected to the USB interface, the first load and the first battery, and is used to control the first battery to power the non-charging device when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface and the foldable electronic device works in the master device mode; The second power management module is connected to the USB interface, the second load and the second battery; The switch module is connected between the USB interface and the second power management module; The processor is connected to the USB interface and the switch module, and is used to control the switch module to shut down when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface and the foldable electronic device operates in the master device mode.

2. The charge and discharge control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processor is also used to control the switch module to be turned on when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface and the foldable electronic device operates in a slave device mode.

3. The charge and discharge control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processor is further configured to control the switch module to be turned on when a charging device is connected to the USB interface.

4. The charge and discharge control circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The switch module includes a first switch tube, a second switch tube and a first resistor; The first conducting end of the first switch tube and the first end of the first resistor are connected to the USB interface, the second conducting end of the first switch tube is connected to the second power management module, the controlled end of the first switch tube and the second end of the first resistor are connected to the first conducting end of the second switch tube, the second conducting end of the second switch tube is grounded, and the controlled end of the second switch tube is connected to the processor; The processor is used for outputting a first control signal to the second switch tube when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface and the foldable electronic device works in the master device mode, wherein the first control signal is used for instructing the second switch tube to control the first switch tube to turn off; Alternatively, the processor is used to output a second control signal to the second switch tube when a non-charging device is connected to the USB interface and the foldable electronic device operates in a slave mode, wherein the second control signal is used to instruct the second switch tube to control the first switch tube to be turned on; Alternatively, the processor is configured to output the second control signal to the second switch tube when a charging device is connected to the USB interface.

5. The charge and discharge control circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first switch tube is a PMOS tube, the drain of the PMOS tube is the first conduction end of the first switch tube, the source of the PMOS tube is the second conduction end of the first switch tube, and the gate of the PMOS tube is the controlled end of the first switch tube.

6. The charge and discharge control circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second switch tube is an NMOS tube, the source of the NMOS tube is the first conduction end of the second switch tube, the drain of the NMOS tube is the second conduction end of the second switch tube, and the gate of the NMOS tube is the controlled end of the second switch tube; The first control signal is a low level signal, and the second control signal is a high level signal.

7. The charge and discharge control circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Also includes a first charging module and a first overvoltage protection module; The first end of the first overvoltage protection module is connected to the USB interface, the second end of the first overvoltage protection module and the first end of the first charging module are connected to the first end of the first power management module, the second end of the first charging module and the second end of the first power management module are connected to the positive electrode of the first battery, and the controlled end of the first overvoltage protection module is connected to the control end of the first charging module; The first charging module is used to complete the charging process of the first battery together with the first power management module; The first charging module is also used to control the first overvoltage protection module to cut off the power path between the first power management module and the USB interface when it is detected that the voltage across the first battery is greater than a first preset protection voltage threshold.

8. The charge and discharge control circuit according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first overvoltage protection module includes a third switch tube; the first conduction end of the third switch tube is the first end of the first overvoltage protection module, the second conduction end of the third switch tube is the second end of the first overvoltage protection module, and the controlled end of the third switch tube is the controlled end of the first overvoltage protection module.

9. The charge and discharge control circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Also includes a second overvoltage protection module and a second charging module; The first end of the second overvoltage protection module is connected to the USB interface, the second end of the second overvoltage protection module and the first end of the second charging module are connected to the first end of the switch module, the second end of the switch module is connected to the first end of the second power management module, the second end of the second charging module is connected to the second end of the second power management module, and the controlled end of the second overvoltage protection module is connected to the control end of the second charging module; The second charging module is used to complete the charging process of the second battery together with the second power management module; The second charging module is also used to control the second overvoltage protection module to cut off the power path between the second power management module and the USB interface when it is detected that the voltage across the second battery is greater than a second preset protection voltage threshold.

10. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: The foldable electronic device comprises a first folding portion, a second folding portion, and a rotating mechanism located between the first folding portion and the second folding portion; the foldable electronic device further comprises a charge and discharge control circuit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9; The USB interface, the first battery, the first load and the first power management module are arranged in the first folding part, and the second battery, the second load, the second power management module and the switch module are arranged in the second folding part.

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