A transmission cable and a care device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a transmission cable and a care device, including: a detection module, a switching unit, a control unit, and a charging circuit. The detection module is configured to detect a first electrical signal between the first and second pins of an electrical interface, reflecting the presence of a conductive foreign object at the electrical interface. The electrical interface can be a transmission cable interface connected to the device in the transmission cable; or a device interface connected to the transmission cable in the device. The switching unit is configured to control the on / off state of the charging circuit. The control unit is configured to receive the first electrical signal from the detection module and, when the first electrical signal indicates the presence of a conductive foreign object at the electrical interface, control the switching unit to disconnect, thereby creating an open circuit in the charging circuit and disconnecting the charging power supply for the device, preventing a short circuit in the charging circuit at the electrical interface, and thus improving the safety of device charging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of charging technology, and in particular to a transmission cable and a care device. Background Technology

[0002] During use, improper handling or other reasons may cause conductive foreign objects to enter the electrical interface of the transmission cable or the device itself, leading to an internal short circuit during charging. For example, personal care devices such as electric toothbrushes and shavers inevitably come into contact with water during use, and improper use may cause water to seep into the electrical interface. Similarly, these devices are often placed in bathrooms, where the high humidity can also allow moisture to seep into the electrical interface. This can cause an internal short circuit during charging, and continued charging may even lead to the electrical interface melting and potentially posing a fire hazard.

[0003] Currently, no truly secure solution has been proposed to address the aforementioned issues. Utility Model Content

[0004] This specification provides a transmission cable and a nursing device to address the charging safety issues present in existing nursing devices.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the embodiments in this specification are implemented as follows:

[0006] A transmission cable, the transmission cable comprising: a detection module, a switching unit, a control unit, and a charging circuit;

[0007] The detection module is configured to detect a first electrical signal between a first pin and a second pin in an electrical interface, the first electrical signal being used to reflect whether there is a conductive foreign object at the electrical interface; the electrical interface is a transmission cable interface in the transmission cable that connects to the device; or, a device interface in the device that connects to the transmission cable.

[0008] The switching unit is configured to control the on / off state of the charging circuit;

[0009] The control unit is configured to receive a first electrical signal from the detection module, and to control the switching unit to disconnect when the first electrical signal indicates the presence of a conductive foreign object at the electrical interface.

[0010] Optionally, the detection module includes a sensing circuit;

[0011] The sensing circuit is connected to at least the first pin and the second pin to form a return circuit;

[0012] The control unit is configured to power on the return circuit.

[0013] Optionally, the sensing circuit includes a current source;

[0014] The control unit is specifically configured as follows:

[0015] Send a first control command to the sensing circuit, the first control command being used to control the sensing circuit to turn on the current source and power on the return circuit;

[0016] A second control command is sent to the sampling circuit in the detection module. The second control command is used to control the sampling circuit to collect the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin.

[0017] Optionally, the first electrical signal is a signal that includes the current value in the return circuit and the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin;

[0018] The control unit is specifically configured as follows:

[0019] Calculate the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin based on the current value in the return circuit and the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin;

[0020] The switching unit is controlled to be turned on or off based on the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin.

[0021] Optionally, the control unit is specifically configured as follows:

[0022] If the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin is less than a preset resistance threshold, the switching unit is controlled to disconnect.

[0023] Optionally, before the sensing circuit turns on the current source to power on the return circuit, the control unit is further configured to:

[0024] A third control command is sent to the sampling circuit; the third control command is used to control the sampling circuit to acquire the second electrical signal at the first pin.

[0025] The potential at the first pin is determined based on the second electrical signal; the potential at the first pin is used to reflect whether there are conductive foreign objects at the electrical interface.

[0026] If the potential at the first pin is greater than a preset potential threshold, the switching unit is controlled to disconnect.

[0027] Optionally, the switching unit has an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal; the input terminal and the output terminal are connected in series in the charging circuit; the control terminal is connected to the output pin of the control unit.

[0028] Optionally, the switching unit is a MOSFET; the source and drain of the MOSFET are connected in series in the charging circuit; the gate of the MOSFET is connected to the output pin of the control unit.

[0029] Optionally, the transmission cable includes wire and the electrical interface;

[0030] The detection module, the switching unit, and the control unit are configured in the wire; or,

[0031] The detection module, the switching unit, and the control unit are configured in the electrical interface; or,

[0032] In the detection module, the switching unit, and the control unit, some structures are configured in the wire, and other structures are configured in the electrical interface.

[0033] Optionally, the transmission cable further includes a first information prompting component connected to the control unit. The first information prompting component is used to issue a prompting message, which is used to prompt the user that there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface.

[0034] Optionally, the information prompting component includes at least one of a visual prompting component, a voice prompting component, and a tactile prompting component;

[0035] If the potential of the first pin is greater than the preset potential threshold, or if the resistance between the first pin and the second pin is less than the preset resistance threshold, then the first information prompt component displays in a first state.

[0036] If the potential of the first pin is less than the preset potential threshold, and the resistance between the first pin and the second pin is greater than the preset resistance threshold, then the first information prompt component displays in the second state.

[0037] Optionally, the transmission cable further includes a signal transmission line for transmitting a third electrical signal to the device; the device includes a second information prompting component for issuing a prompt message to alert the user that a conductive foreign object exists at the electrical interface; the third electrical signal is the signal output by the control unit when the first electrical signal reflects the presence of a conductive foreign object at the electrical interface.

[0038] An apparatus comprising the transmission cable.

[0039] At least one embodiment of this invention achieves the following beneficial effects: by connecting a switch unit in series in the charging circuit, the switching unit controls the on / off state of the charging circuit for charging the device. If the control unit determines that there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface based on the first electrical signal detected by the detection module, it can control the switch unit to disconnect, thereby creating an open circuit in the charging circuit and disconnecting the charging power supply for charging the device, preventing a short circuit in the charging circuit at the electrical interface, and thus improving the safety of charging the device. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or prior art of this specification, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a transmission cable provided in the embodiments of this specification;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a detection and protection system provided in the embodiments of this specification;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical structure of a detection and protection system provided in the embodiments of this specification.

[0044] Figure label:

[0045] 1. Transmission cable; 11. Detection module; 12. Switch unit; 13. Control unit; 14. Charging circuit; 15. Electrical interface; 16. Protection circuit; 17. First information prompt component.

[0046] 2. Equipment, 21. Second information prompt component. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of one or more embodiments of this specification clearer, the technical solutions of one or more embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this specification, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of one or more embodiments of this specification.

[0048] The technical solutions provided in the various embodiments of this specification are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a transmission cable provided in an embodiment of this specification. Figure 1 As shown, the transmission cable 1 provided in this application may include a detection module 11, a switch unit 12, a control unit 13, a charging circuit 14, and an electrical interface 15.

[0050] The detection module 11 can be configured to detect a first electrical signal between the first pin and the second pin of the electrical interface 15. This first electrical signal can be used to reflect whether a conductive foreign object exists at the electrical interface 15. The electrical interface 15 can be the interface of the transmission cable 1 that connects to the device 2. Alternatively, the electrical interface 15 can also be the device interface of the device 2 that connects to the transmission cable 1.

[0051] The switching unit 12 can be configured to control the on / off state of the charging circuit 14.

[0052] The control unit 13 can be configured to receive a first electrical signal from the detection module 11, and control the switching unit 12 to disconnect when the first electrical signal indicates the presence of a conductive foreign object at the electrical interface 15.

[0053] In this embodiment, the transmission cable 1 can be either a charging cable or a data transmission cable. One end of the transmission cable 1 can be connected to a power adapter, and the other end can be connected to device 2 for charging device 2. Alternatively, one end of the transmission cable 1 can be connected to a first device, and the other end can be connected to a second device for transmitting data from the first device to the second device, or vice versa. It is understood that, as a data transmission cable, the transmission cable 1 can simultaneously charge one of the devices while transmitting data from one device to another. For example, if the two ends of the transmission cable 1 are connected to a mobile terminal and a PC terminal respectively, the mobile terminal can be charged simultaneously while transmitting data from the mobile terminal to the PC terminal, or vice versa.

[0054] In this embodiment of the specification, the electrical interface 15 can be the transmission cable interface in the transmission cable 1 that connects to the device 2, or it can be the device interface in the device 2 that connects to the transmission cable 1. The electrical interface 15 can be a Type-C interface, a lighting interface, a trapezoidal Micro USB interface, etc.

[0055] Understandably, during the process of charging device 2 using transmission cable 1 or transmitting data to device 2 using transmission cable 1, the interface of the transmission cable and the device interface in device 2 are coupled together. Whether there is a conductive foreign object in the transmission cable interface or the device interface, it will cause a short circuit in the charging circuit 14. Therefore, the transmission cable interface can be inspected to determine whether there is a conductive foreign object in the transmission cable interface or the device interface; the device interface can also be inspected to determine whether there is a conductive foreign object in the transmission cable interface or the device interface.

[0056] The detection module 11 can detect a first electrical signal between the first and second pins of the electrical interface 15. This first electrical signal can indicate the presence of conductive foreign matter in the electrical interface 15. The detection module 11 can also communicate with the control unit 13. Specifically, the detection module 11 and the control unit 13 can communicate via wired or wireless means. The detection module 11 can transmit the detected first electrical signal from the electrical interface 15 to the control unit 13 via wired or wireless communication.

[0057] The control unit 13 can determine whether there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15 based on the first electrical signal. In the embodiments of this specification, the conductive foreign object can be a conductive liquid or a conductive solid, etc.

[0058] In this embodiment, the control unit 13 can be either a circuit board or an MCU. The control unit 13 can be connected to the switching unit 12. The switching unit 12 can be connected in series in the charging circuit 14 of the transmission cable 1 to control the on and off of the charging circuit 14 that charges the device 2.

[0059] In this embodiment of the specification, to protect the control unit 13, the transmission cable 1 may also include a protection circuit 16. The protection circuit 16 can be connected to the control unit 13 and is used to protect the control unit 13 from damage under conditions such as overvoltage, overcurrent, surge, and electromagnetic interference. The specific structure of the first protection circuit 16 is not specifically limited here.

[0060] The protection circuit 16 protects the control unit 13, effectively ensuring its normal operation and preventing damage. For example, the protection circuit 16 ensures that the control unit 13 can receive the first electrical signal sent by the detection module 11 and outputs corresponding control signals, thereby further ensuring the safety of the device 2 during charging.

[0061] After the transmission cable 1 is connected to the power supply, if the switch unit 12 is closed, the charging circuit 14 is turned on, and there is a charging voltage on the charging circuit 14, which can charge the device 2; if the switch unit 12 is opened, the charging circuit 14 is opened, and there is no charging voltage on the charging circuit 14, which is equivalent to disconnecting the charging power supply of the device 2. The transmission cable 1 can be connected to the power supply through an adapter or directly to the power supply, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0062] In this embodiment of the specification, if the control unit 13 determines that there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15 according to the first electrical signal, it can control the switch unit 12 to disconnect, thereby making the charging circuit 14 open circuit, thus avoiding the charging circuit 14 from forming a short circuit at the electrical interface 15, and thus fundamentally ensuring the safety of charging the device 2.

[0063] In one implementation, during actual use or application, the transmission cable 1 can be connected to the power supply first. The detection module 11 can detect the first electrical signal between the first and second pins of the transmission cable interface. If the first control unit 13 determines that there is a conductive foreign object in the transmission cable interface based on the first electrical signal, it can control the switch unit 12 to open, thereby creating an open circuit in the charging circuit 14, and can also generate a prompt message. If there is no conductive foreign object in the transmission cable interface, the transmission cable 1 can be connected to the device 2. The detection module 11 can detect the first signal between the first and second pins of the transmission cable interface connected to the device interface. If the first control unit 13 determines that there is a conductive foreign object in the transmission cable interface based on the first electrical signal, it controls the switch unit 12 to open, thereby creating an open circuit in the charging circuit 14. If there is no conductive foreign object in the transmission cable interface, the charging circuit 14 is a closed circuit.

[0064] In the embodiments of this specification, a specific scheme for detecting whether there are conductive foreign objects in the electrical interface 15 is also provided.

[0065] Optionally, the detection module 11 may include a sensing circuit.

[0066] The sensing circuit can be connected to at least the first pin and the second pin to form a return circuit.

[0067] The control unit 13 can be configured to control the power-on of the return circuit.

[0068] In this embodiment of the specification, the sensing circuit can be connected to at least the first pin and the second pin to form a return current circuit. The first pin can be any pin in the electrical interface 15 other than the power input pin VBUS; specifically, the first pin can be a pin in the electrical interface 15 closest to the power input pin VBUS, for example, the first pin can be the SBU1 pin. The second pin can be a pin adjacent to the first pin, or a pin spaced apart from the first pin. Specifically, the second pin can be a ground pin (GND pin).

[0069] The control unit 13 can control the power-on of the return circuit to facilitate the acquisition of the first signal between the first pin and the second pin.

[0070] In practical applications, a current source can be used to power the return circuit.

[0071] Optionally, the sensing circuit may include a current source.

[0072] The control unit 13 can be specifically configured as follows:

[0073] A first control command is sent to the sensing circuit. The first control command can be used to control the sensing circuit to turn on the current source and power on the return circuit.

[0074] A second control command is sent to the sampling circuit in the detection module 11. The second control command is used to control the sampling circuit to collect the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin.

[0075] In this embodiment, a current source can be used to power the return circuit. The sampling circuit can collect the voltage value between the first and second pins of the return circuit after it is powered on. The current source can be a variable current source with selectable output current; within the circuit's safety range, the user can customize the output current value according to actual needs. Specifically, the current value can be set to 1uA, 10uA, 100uA, 1mA, etc. Alternatively, the current source can also be a constant current source with an output current at its rated value.

[0076] If the current source in the return circuit is a constant current source with a fixed current magnitude, the first electrical signal may only include the voltage value between the first and second pins. If the voltage value between the first and second pins is reduced compared to the normal voltage value, it can be determined that there is a conductive foreign object between the first and second pins, causing a short circuit between them, which in turn reduces the resistance between the first and second pins, and consequently reduces the voltage between them. The normal voltage value can be the voltage value between the first and second pins when there is no conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15. The sampling circuit can be an ADC voltage sampling circuit.

[0077] If the current source in the return circuit is a variable current source, the current magnitude changes. The first electrical signal can include the voltage value between the first and second pins, as well as the current value of the variable current source. The resistance between the first and second pins can be determined based on the voltage value and the current value of the variable current source. The presence of conductive foreign objects between the first and second pins can be determined based on the resistance between them. In practical applications, a sampling circuit can be used to acquire the current value of the current source. Alternatively, the control unit 13 can directly read the current value of the current source.

[0078] In practical applications, a voltage source can also be used to power the return circuit.

[0079] Optionally, the sensing circuit may include a voltage source;

[0080] The control unit 13 can be specifically configured as follows:

[0081] A fourth control command is sent to the sensing circuit, which can be used to control the sensing circuit to turn on the voltage source and power on the return circuit.

[0082] A fifth control command is sent to the sampling circuit, which is used to control the sampling circuit to collect the current value of the current branch where the first pin and the second pin are located.

[0083] In the embodiments described in this specification, the voltage source can be a variable voltage source with selectable output voltage. Within the circuit's safety range, the user can customize the output voltage value of the voltage source according to actual needs. Specifically, the current value can be set to 10μV, 100μV, 1mV, 10mV, 100mV, 1V, 5V, etc. Alternatively, the voltage source can also be a constant voltage source with an output voltage of its rated value.

[0084] In practical applications, if the voltage source is a constant voltage source, the first electrical signal can be the current value of the current branch containing the first and second pins. If the current value of the current branch containing the first and second pins increases compared to the normal current value, it can be determined that there is a conductive foreign object between the first and second pins, causing a short circuit between them. This reduces the resistance between the first and second pins, thus increasing the current in the current branch containing the first and second pins. Therefore, the presence of a conductive foreign object between the first and second pins can be determined based on the current value of the current branch containing the first and second pins. The normal current value can be the current value of the current branch containing the first and second pins when there is no conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15.

[0085] If the voltage source in the return circuit is a variable voltage source, the voltage magnitude changes. The first electrical signal can include the current value of the current branch containing the first and second pins, as well as the voltage value of the variable voltage source. The resistance between the first and second pins can be determined based on the current value of the current branch containing the first and second pins, and the voltage value of the variable voltage source. The presence of conductive foreign matter between the first and second pins can be determined based on the resistance between them.

[0086] In practical applications, the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin can intuitively reflect whether there are conductive foreign objects between the first pin and the second pin.

[0087] Based on this, the first electrical signal can be a signal that includes the current value in the return circuit and the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin.

[0088] The control unit 13 can be specifically configured as follows:

[0089] Calculate the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin based on the current value in the return circuit and the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin.

[0090] The switching unit 12 is controlled to be turned on or off based on the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin.

[0091] In the embodiments of this specification, if the power supply used to power the return circuit is a current source, the first electrical signal may be a signal that includes the current value output by the current source and the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin.

[0092] In the embodiments described in this specification, the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin can be calculated by the control unit 13 based on the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin in the return circuit included in the first electrical signal and the current value output by the current source.

[0093] In one implementation, the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin can also be calculated by the sensing circuit based on the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin in the return circuit, and the current value output by the current source. That is, the sensing circuit can directly calculate the resistance value, avoiding the need for the control unit 13 to recalculate after receiving the feedback current and voltage values ​​from the sensing circuit.

[0094] In one implementation, if the power supply used to power the return circuit is a voltage source, the first electrical signal can also be a signal that includes the voltage value output by the voltage source and the current value of the current branch where the first and second pins are located.

[0095] Similarly, the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin can be calculated by the sensing circuit or by the control unit 13, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0096] Understandably, if the resistance between the first and second pins decreases, it indicates that there is a conductive foreign object between the first and second pins, causing a short circuit between them. In this case, the charging circuit 14 that charges device 2 can be disconnected.

[0097] Optionally, the control unit 13 can be specifically configured as follows:

[0098] If the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin is less than a preset resistance threshold, the switch unit 12 is controlled to open.

[0099] In this embodiment, the preset resistance threshold can be the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin when there is no conductive foreign object between them. The preset resistance threshold can be determined based on the first electrical signal fed back by the sensing circuit when there is no conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, or it can be measured using a resistance measuring instrument. The preset resistance threshold can be pre-configured in the control unit 13.

[0100] If the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin is smaller than the preset resistance threshold, it indicates that there is a conductive foreign object between the first pin and the second pin.

[0101] If the resistance between the first pin and the second pin is greater than or equal to a preset resistance threshold, it indicates that the resistance between the first pin and the second pin is normal. This confirms that there are no conductive foreign objects between the first pin and the second pin.

[0102] In this embodiment of the specification, the switch unit 12 can be connected in series in the charging circuit 14. It is understood that if the switch unit 12 is open, the charging circuit 14 is open and cannot charge the device 2. If the switch unit 12 is closed, the charging circuit 14 is closed and can charge the device 2.

[0103] Because the electrical interface 15 is small in size, in environments such as bathrooms, the entire electrical interface 15 or most of the electrical interface 15 is easily covered by water, which can cause a short circuit between the first pin and the power input pin VBUS, resulting in a higher potential of the first pin. Based on this, the presence of conductive foreign objects in the electrical interface 15 can be detected by detecting the potential of the first pin.

[0104] Optionally, before the sensing circuit turns on the current source to power on the return circuit, the control unit 13 can also be configured to:

[0105] A third control command is sent to the sampling circuit; the third control command is used to control the sampling circuit to acquire the second electrical signal at the first pin.

[0106] The potential at the first pin is determined based on the second electrical signal; the potential at the first pin is used to reflect whether there is a conductive foreign object at the electrical interface 15.

[0107] If the potential at the first pin is greater than a preset potential threshold, the switching unit 12 is controlled to disconnect.

[0108] In this embodiment, the second electrical signal can be used to reflect the potential at the first pin. The detection module 11 can send the second electrical signal collected by the sampling circuit to the control unit 13, and the control unit 13 can determine the potential of the first pin based on the second electrical signal.

[0109] If the potential at the first pin exceeds the preset potential threshold, it can be determined that a conductive foreign object exists between the first pin and the power input pin VBUS, causing a short circuit between the first pin and the power input pin. The preset potential threshold can be set according to the potential of the power input pin. Specifically, if the potential of the power input pin is 5V, the preset potential threshold can be 3V or 4V.

[0110] If the potential at the first pin does not exceed a preset potential threshold, it can be determined that there is no conductive foreign object between the first pin and the power input pin VBUS. Subsequently, the control unit 13 can send a control command to the sensing circuit to control the current source or voltage source in the sensing circuit to turn on, powering up the sensing circuit, thereby continuing to determine whether there is a conductive foreign object between the first pin and the second pin, to ensure the safety of charging.

[0111] In the embodiments of this specification, the sampling circuit for acquiring the potential at the first pin may or may not be the same as the sampling circuit for acquiring the voltage value between the first and second pins mentioned above, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0112] In order to facilitate the control of the switching unit 12 to turn on and off, in the embodiments of this specification, the switching unit 12 with a control terminal can be preferred.

[0113] Optionally, the switching unit 12 has an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal; the input terminal and the output terminal are connected in series in the charging circuit 14; the control terminal is connected to the output pin of the control unit 13.

[0114] In this embodiment, the switching unit 12 can be an electronic switch with an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal. The input and output terminals of the switching unit 12 can be connected in series in the charging circuit 14 to control the on / off state of the charging circuit 14. The control unit 13 can control whether the input and output terminals of the switching unit 12 are connected through the control terminal of the switching unit, thereby controlling the on / off state of the charging circuit 14. It can be understood that when the input and output terminals of the switching unit 12 are connected, the charging circuit 14 is open and can charge the device 2; when the input and output terminals of the switching unit 12 are not connected, the charging circuit 14 is open, which is equivalent to disconnecting the charging power supply of the device 2, thereby stopping the charging of the device 2.

[0115] In practical applications, one output pin of the control unit 13 can be connected to the control terminal of the switching unit 12 to control the switching unit 12 using the control unit 13. If the control unit 13 determines that there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, it can control the output pin connected to the control terminal to output a low-level signal or a high-level signal, thereby controlling the input and output terminals of the switching unit 12 to disconnect.

[0116] In this embodiment of the specification, after the control unit 13 controls the input and output terminals of the switch unit 12 to disconnect via the control terminal, it can also output a control signal after a first time interval to control the input and output terminals to conduct, so that the transmission cable 1 can be used next time. If the control unit 13 determines that there are still conductive foreign objects in the electrical interface 15 next time, it can again control the input and output terminals of the switch unit 12 to disconnect via the control terminal. If the control unit 13 determines that there are conductive foreign objects in the electrical interface 15 multiple times in a preset time period, it indicates that the user has not cleaned the conductive foreign objects at the electrical interface 15; it can output a signal after a second time interval to control the input and output terminals of the switch unit 12 to conduct; the second time interval is longer than the first time interval.

[0117] In this embodiment of the specification, after the control unit 13 determines that there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, it can disconnect the charging circuit 14 that charges the device 2 through the switch unit 12 to avoid a short circuit in the charging circuit 14 at the electrical interface 15, thereby fundamentally ensuring the safety of charging the device 2.

[0118] Optionally, the switching unit 12 can be a MOSFET; the source and drain of the MOSFET are connected in series in the charging circuit 14; the gate of the MOSFET is connected to the output pin of the control unit 13.

[0119] In the embodiments described in this specification, the source (S) of the MOSFET can be used as the input terminal, the drain (D) can be used as the output terminal, and the gate (G) can be used as the control terminal. The source (S) and drain (D) of the MOSFET can be connected in series in the charging circuit 14. The MOSFET can be turned on or off by controlling the gate (G).

[0120] Understandably, when the MOSFET is an NMOS transistor, the output pin of the control unit 13 connected to the gate G of the MOSFET can control the MOSFET to turn off by outputting a low-level signal; when the MOSFET is a PMOS transistor, the output pin of the control unit 13 connected to the gate G of the MOSFET can control the MOSFET to turn off by outputting a high-level signal.

[0121] In practical applications, the switching unit 12 can also be other electronic switches capable of automatic control, such as bipolar junction transistors, field-effect transistors, miniature relays, etc.

[0122] Optionally, the transmission cable 1 may include wire and the electrical interface 15.

[0123] The detection module 11, the switching unit 12, and the control unit 13 are configured in the wire; or,

[0124] The detection module 11, the switching unit 12, and the control unit 13 are configured in the electrical interface 15; or,

[0125] In the detection module 11, the switch unit 12, and the control unit 13, some structures are configured in the wire, and other structures are configured in the electrical interface 15.

[0126] In this embodiment, the detection module 11, the switching unit 12, and the control unit 13 can be housed within the wire of the transmission cable 1. The wire is typically a flexible structure. To prevent damage to the detection module 11, the switching unit 12, and the control unit 13 when the wire is bent, a protective shell can also be provided on the wire to protect them. By housing the detection module 11, the switching unit 12, and the control unit 13 within the wire, the influence of other electrical components in the transmission cable 1 on the control unit 13 can be avoided. Furthermore, the protective shell on the wire makes it easier for users to distinguish the transmission cable 1 with power-off protection from other data cables.

[0127] Alternatively, the detection module 11, the switch unit 12, and the control unit 13 can be housed in the electrical interface 15. By housing the detection module 11, the switch unit 12, and the control unit 13 in the electrical interface 15, which also includes other circuit structures, it avoids the need for separate installation locations and structures for each module, thus simplifying the structure of the transmission cable 1.

[0128] In practical applications, for ease of use, the detection module 11, the switching unit 12, and the control unit 13 can be integrated into a microchip.

[0129] In practical applications, one or two of the detection module 11, switch unit 12, and control unit 13 can be housed in the electrical interface 15, while the remaining structures are housed in the wiring. For example, the detection module 11 and switch unit 12 can be housed in the electrical interface 15, while the control unit 13 can be housed in the wiring. Another example is that the control unit 13 can be housed in the wiring, while the detection module 11 and switch unit 12 can be housed in the electrical interface 15.

[0130] If there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, in order to facilitate notifying the user and make the user aware of the risk of short circuit in the electrical interface 15 and take certain measures, a prompting message can be sent to the user through the prompting component.

[0131] Optionally, the transmission cable 1 may further include a first information prompting component 17 connected to the control unit 13. The first information prompting component 17 can be used to issue a prompting message, which can be used to prompt the user that there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15.

[0132] The control unit 13 can also be configured to send a prompt signal to the first information prompting component 17 if there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, so that the first information prompting component 17 issues a prompt message to the user that there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15.

[0133] Optionally, the first information prompting component 17 may include at least one of a visual prompting component, a voice prompting component, and a tactile prompting component;

[0134] If the potential of the first pin is greater than the preset potential threshold, or if the resistance between the first pin and the second pin is less than the preset resistance threshold, then the first information prompt component 17 displays in a first state.

[0135] If the potential of the first pin is less than the preset potential threshold, and the resistance between the first pin and the second pin is greater than the preset resistance threshold, then the first information prompt component 17 displays in the second state.

[0136] In the embodiments of this specification, the visual prompting component can be a display screen or an indicator light; assuming the prompting component is a display screen; the prompting signal can be a signal that controls the display screen to display text prompting information. If there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, the display screen can display a first prompting text, such as "Conductive foreign object exists in the electrical interface". If there is no conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, the display screen can display a second prompting text, such as "No conductive foreign object exists in the electrical interface". Assuming the prompting component is an indicator light, the prompting signal can be a signal that controls the indicator light to light up in a preset color or flash at a preset frequency. If there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, the indicator light can flash in a first color and / or a first preset frequency. If there is no conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, the indicator light can flash in a second color and / or a second preset frequency.

[0137] In the embodiments described in this specification, it is assumed that the prompting component is a voice prompting component; the prompting signal can be a signal that controls the voice prompting component to output voice prompt information. If there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, the voice prompting component can output a first voice prompt, such as "There is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface." If there is no conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, the voice prompting component can output a second voice prompt, such as "There is no conductive foreign object in the electrical interface."

[0138] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the prompting component is a miniature motor, and the prompting signal can control the vibration of the motor. If there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, the miniature motor outputs a vibration signal. If there is no conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, the miniature motor may not output a vibration signal.

[0139] Optionally, the transmission cable 1 further includes a signal transmission line for transmitting a third electrical signal to the device 2; the device 2 includes a second information prompting component 21 for issuing a prompt message to alert the user that there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15; the third electrical signal is the signal output by the control unit 13 when the first electrical signal indicates the presence of a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15.

[0140] In this embodiment of the specification, the device 2 that uses the transmission cable 1 for charging may include a second information prompting component 21. The first information prompting component 17 and the second information prompting component 21 may be the same or different. Assuming that the first information prompting component 17 and the second information prompting component 21 are the same, if a conductive foreign object is present in the electrical interface 15, the prompting information issued by the first information prompting component 17 and the second information prompting component 21 may be the same or different. If there is no conductive foreign object in the electrical interface 15, the prompting information issued by the first information prompting component 17 and the second information prompting component 21 may be the same or different. For example, if both the first information prompting component 17 and the second information prompting component 21 are voice prompting components, the prompting information issued by the first information prompting component 17 and the second information prompting component 21 may be the same or different when a conductive foreign object is present in the electrical interface 15.

[0141] As one implementation method, one device 2 in the embodiments of this specification may include the transmission cable 1 described above.

[0142] Optionally, the device 2 mentioned above can be an oral care device or a facial care device.

[0143] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a detection and protection system provided in an embodiment of this specification. The detection and protection system can be applied to transmission cable 1. Figure 2 As shown. The detection and protection system includes the following components:

[0144] 1. Switching unit; 2. Electrical interface; 3. Detection module; 4. Control unit; 5. First information prompting component.

[0145] The detection and protection principle is as follows:

[0146] The switching unit is connected in series in the power input line VIN of the charging circuit. The power input line VIN provides power to the nursing device body through an electrical interface. The detection module acquires the electrical signal from the electrical interface and transmits it to the control unit via wired or wireless communication. The control unit determines whether there are conductive foreign objects in the electrical interface based on the electrical signal. If so, it may cause a short circuit in the power input line VIN at the electrical interface. The control unit can then control the switching unit to disconnect, thus creating an open circuit in the power input line VIN. Simultaneously, the control unit can send a prompt signal to the first information prompt component, causing it to issue a prompt message to the user. If the nursing device body is equipped with a second information prompt component, the control unit can also send a signal to the nursing device to cause it to issue a prompt message to the user.

[0147] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical structure of a detection and protection system provided in the embodiments of this specification.

[0148] like Figure 3 As shown, the transmission cable also includes a protection circuit, which can be connected to the control unit to protect it from damage under conditions such as overvoltage, overcurrent, surge, and electromagnetic interference. The control unit is connected to the gate of the MOSFET in the switching unit, and the source and drain of the MOSFET are connected in series in the power input line VIN of the charging circuit. The control unit can control whether the MOSFET is turned on through the gate of the MOSFET, thereby controlling whether the power input line VIN is turned on.

[0149] The sensing circuit in the detection module can be connected to the detection pins in the electrical interface. Figure 3 The PIN and GND pins are connected. The sensing circuit also includes a current source to power the sensing circuit, thereby enabling the detection of electrical signals in the electrical interface and facilitating the determination of the presence of conductive foreign objects at the electrical interface based on the electrical signals.

[0150] The detection module is communicatively connected to the control unit and can send the electrical signals obtained from the detection of the electrical interface to the control unit. The control unit can be connected to the first information prompting component and send signals or commands to the switching unit and the first information prompting component based on the electrical signals sent by the detection module.

[0151] Under normal circumstances, when the transmission cable is connected to the power supply, the voltage of the VIN pin in the electrical interface of the transmission cable, i.e. the transmission cable interface, is 5V, and the detection pin PIN should be low voltage.

[0152] If liquid is present at position 1 (VIN and PIN), it may cause a short circuit between the detection pin PIN and the VIN pin, resulting in an increase in voltage on the detection pin PIN. The voltage sampling circuit in the detection module can be connected to the detection pin PIN and acquire a second electrical signal from the detection pin PIN. The detection module can send the second electrical signal to the control unit. If the control unit determines, based on the second electrical signal, that the voltage value at the detection pin PIN reaches a preset voltage threshold, it can determine that water is present at position 1 and that the transmission cable interface is damp.

[0153] If there is no liquid at location 1, the control unit can activate the current source in the sensing circuit of the detection module. The current source outputs a detection current. Since the sensing circuit and the detection pin PIN and GND pin form a return circuit, the detection current can pass through the conductive loop formed by the liquid between the detection pin PIN and GND pin. Because there is water at location 2, the impedance between the detection pin PIN and GND pin in the diagram becomes lower. The voltage sampling circuit can obtain the voltage value between the detection pin PIN and GND pin. The detection module can send the voltage value and the current value from the current source to the control unit. If the resistance between the detection pin PIN and GND pin, determined by the control unit based on the voltage and current values, is less than a preset resistance threshold, it can be determined that there is liquid at location 2, and the transmission cable interface is wet.

[0154] If liquid is present in both positions 1 and 2, it is equivalent to the presence of water in position 1. The sensing circuit can first detect the voltage of the detection pin. If the voltage value of the detection pin exceeds the preset potential threshold, it can be determined that the transmission cable interface is damp.

[0155] If the transmission cable interface is determined to be damp, the control unit can output a high-level or low-level signal to control the source and drain of the switching unit MOSFET to disconnect, thereby controlling the power input line VIN in the charging circuit to disconnect and prevent a short circuit at the electrical interface. It can also send a warning signal to the first information warning component, which will then issue a warning message reminding the user that the transmission cable interface is damp and needs to be cleaned before use.

[0156] If there are no conductive foreign objects in the transmission cable interface, the control unit can send a control signal to shut off the current source in the sensing circuit of the detection module.

[0157] Similarly, if the transmission cable is coupled to the device via an electrical interface, the VIN pin voltage in the electrical interface should be 5V, and the detection pin PIN should be at a low voltage. If the electrical interface is damp, the presence of water may cause a short circuit in the charging circuit at the electrical interface.

[0158] If liquid is present at position 1 (VIN and PIN), it may cause a short circuit between the detection pin PIN and the VIN pin, resulting in an increase in voltage on the detection pin PIN. The voltage sampling circuit in the detection module is connected to the detection pin PIN to obtain a second electrical signal from the detection pin PIN. The detection module can send the second electrical signal to the control unit. If the control unit determines, based on the second electrical signal, that the voltage value at the detection pin PIN reaches a preset voltage threshold, it can determine that water is present at position 1, and that the electrical interface is damp.

[0159] If there is no liquid at position 1, the control unit can again activate the current source in the sensing circuit of the detection module. The current source outputs a detection current. Since the sensing circuit and the detection pin PIN and GND pin form a return circuit, the detection current can pass through the conductive loop formed by the liquid between the detection pin PIN and GND pin. Because there is water at position 2, the impedance between the detection pin PIN and GND pin in the diagram becomes lower. The voltage sampling circuit can obtain the voltage value between the detection pin PIN and GND pin. The detection module can send the voltage value and the current value from the current source to the control unit. If the resistance between the detection pin PIN and GND pin, determined by the control unit based on the voltage and current values, is less than a preset resistance threshold, it can be determined that there is liquid at position 2, and the electrical interface is wet.

[0160] If liquid is present in both positions 1 and 2, it is equivalent to the presence of water in position 1. The sensing circuit can first detect the voltage of the detection pin. If the voltage value of the detection pin exceeds the preset potential threshold, it can be determined that the electrical interface is damp.

[0161] Similarly, if it is determined that the electrical interface is damp, the control unit can output a high-level or low-level signal to control the source and drain of the MOSFET in the switching unit to disconnect, thereby controlling the power input line VIN in the charging circuit to disconnect, fundamentally cutting off the charging power supply to the device and preventing a short circuit at the electrical interface. It can also send a prompt signal to the first information prompt component, so that the first information prompt component can issue a prompt message to remind the user that the electrical interface is damp. On the other hand, if the nursing device itself is equipped with a second information prompt component, the control unit can also send a signal to the nursing device to utilize the second information prompt component in the nursing device to issue a prompt message to remind the user.

[0162] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0163] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A transmission cable, characterized by The transmission cable includes: a detection module, a switching unit, a control unit, and a charging circuit; The detection module is configured to detect a first electrical signal between a first pin and a second pin in the electrical interface. The first electrical signal is used to reflect whether there is a conductive foreign object at the electrical interface. The electrical interface is the transmission cable interface in the transmission cable that is connected to the device; or, the device interface in the device that is connected to the transmission cable. The switching unit is configured to control the on / off state of the charging circuit; The control unit is configured to receive a first electrical signal from the detection module, and to control the switching unit to disconnect when the first electrical signal indicates the presence of a conductive foreign object at the electrical interface.

2. The transmission cable of claim 1, wherein, The detection module includes a sensing circuit; The sensing circuit is connected to at least the first pin and the second pin to form a return circuit; The control unit is configured to power on the return circuit.

3. The transmission cable of claim 2, wherein, The sensing circuit includes a current source; The control unit is specifically configured as follows: Send a first control command to the sensing circuit, the first control command being used to control the sensing circuit to turn on the current source and power on the return circuit; A second control command is sent to the sampling circuit in the detection module. The second control command is used to control the sampling circuit to collect the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin.

4. The transmission cable of claim 3, wherein, The first electrical signal is a signal that includes the current value in the return circuit and the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin; The control unit is specifically configured as follows: Calculate the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin based on the current value in the return circuit and the voltage value between the first pin and the second pin. The switching unit is controlled to be turned on or off based on the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin.

5. The transmission cable of claim 4, wherein, The control unit is specifically configured as follows: If the resistance value between the first pin and the second pin is less than a preset resistance threshold, the switching unit is controlled to disconnect.

6. The transmission cable of claim 3, wherein, Before the sensing circuit turns on the current source to power on the return circuit, the control unit is further configured to: A third control command is sent to the sampling circuit; the third control command is used to control the sampling circuit to acquire the second electrical signal at the first pin. The potential at the first pin is determined based on the second electrical signal; the potential at the first pin is used to reflect whether there are conductive foreign objects at the electrical interface; If the potential at the first pin is greater than a preset potential threshold, the switching unit is controlled to disconnect.

7. The transmission cable of claim 1, wherein, The switching unit has an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal; the input terminal and the output terminal are connected in series in the charging circuit; the control terminal is connected to the output pin of the control unit.

8. The transmission cable of claim 7, wherein, The switching unit is a MOSFET; the source and drain of the MOSFET are connected in series in the charging circuit; the gate of the MOSFET is connected to the output pin of the control unit.

9. The transmission cable of claim 1, wherein, The transmission cable includes wire and the electrical interface; The detection module, the switching unit, and the control unit are configured in the wire; or, The detection module, the switching unit, and the control unit are configured in the electrical interface; or, In the detection module, the switching unit, and the control unit, some structures are configured in the wire, and other structures are configured in the electrical interface.

10. The transmission cable of claim 1, wherein, The transmission cable also includes a first information prompting component connected to the control unit. The first information prompting component is used to issue a prompting message to the user that there is a conductive foreign object in the electrical interface.

11. The transmission cable of claim 10, wherein, The first information prompting component includes at least one of a visual prompting component, a verbal prompting component, and a tactile prompting component; If the potential of the first pin is greater than a preset potential threshold, or if the resistance between the first pin and the second pin is less than a preset resistance threshold, then the first information prompt component displays in a first state. If the potential of the first pin is less than the preset potential threshold, and the resistance between the first pin and the second pin is greater than the preset resistance threshold, then the first information prompt component displays in the second state.

12. The transmission cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission cable also includes a signal transmission line for transmitting a third electrical signal to the device; the device includes a second information prompting component for issuing a prompt message to alert the user that there is a conductive foreign object at the electrical interface; the third electrical signal is the signal output by the control unit when the first electrical signal indicates the presence of a conductive foreign object at the electrical interface.

13. A nursing device, characterized in that, The nursing device includes the transmission cable as described in any one of claims 1-12.

14. The nursing equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, The nursing equipment includes oral care equipment and facial care equipment.

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