Electronic device display
By rotating the display section and base section, combining decorative parts and backlight components, and using reworkable adhesives and flexible connectors, the problem of limited effective display area and aesthetic features in traditional electronic devices is solved, achieving maximum display size and functional optimization.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202111440315.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-07-22
- Filing Date
- 2021-11-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-11-30
AI Technical Summary
The component design of traditional electronic devices limits the effective area of the display and the aesthetic features of the device, and traditional assembly methods may inhibit device performance and functionality.
Featuring a rotatable display section and base section design, combined with an innovative configuration of trim, backlight components and camera module, the display unit is fixed with a reworkable adhesive and electrical connections are achieved using flexible connectors and magnets, optimizing the effective area and aesthetic appearance of the display.
Maximize the effective area of the display, reduce bezels, maintain or improve display performance, while allowing for the functional positioning of cameras and other components, thus achieving aesthetic and functional optimization of the device.
Smart Images

Figure CN114721468B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-reference to related applications
[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 133,519, filed January 4, 2021, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISPLAY,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0003] The described embodiments generally relate to components for electronic devices. More specifically, these embodiments relate to components and structures for electronic devices including displays. Background Technology
[0004] Components of an electronic device (such as the housing and associated parts of the electronic device) may include structures with features tailored to the specific purpose for which they are employed. Components may be configured to provide physical support or protection to other components of the electronic device, provide heat transfer, provide airflow through or around the electronic device, or achieve any number of other purposes. Components of an electronic device may be designed to provide a unique and pleasing visual experience to the user. Additionally, components may be designed to optimize one or more dimensions of the device, such as the amount of effective area of the device.
[0005] Recent advancements in electronic devices have achieved high levels of performance. However, existing components, structures, and assembly methods may limit the performance levels of such devices. For example, conventional housings can limit the amount or relative percentage of the active area of a display. Similarly, conventional device assembly methods may include features or components that inhibit device performance, even when using non-traditional housing structures. Furthermore, conventional structures and methods for assembling electronic devices can undesirably limit one or more dimensions of the device relative to the individual dimensions of each component. In this regard, further adjustments to the components used in electronic devices can provide additional or enhanced functionality, desired dimensions, and pleasing aesthetic features. Summary of the Invention
[0006] According to some aspects of this disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing that includes a trim that at least partially defines an opening and a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device. A display unit may be positioned at the opening and secured to the housing, the display unit contacting the trim.
[0007] In some aspects, the housing may further include a casing that at least partially defines an internal volume, the casing including sidewalls that define a channel and at least partially define the outer surface. The decorative element may be disposed in the channel and extend beyond the portion of the outer surface defined by the sidewalls. The decorative element may fix the display unit in position along an axis orthogonal to the aperture. The decorative element may define a mounting surface parallel to and offset from the visible surface, the display unit being contactable with the mounting surface, and the visible surface at least partially defining the outer surface of the electronic device. The mounting surface may extend around the periphery of the aperture and have a width between about 0.1 mm and about 1 mm. The display unit may be spaced apart from a protrusion of the decorative element, the decorative element defining the visible surface with a width between about 0.1 mm and about 0.3 mm. The display unit may be secured to the housing by a reworkable adhesive. The reworkable adhesive may include a stretchable adhesive, and the housing may at least partially define an access point where the stretchable adhesive communicates with the surrounding environment. The housing may define a cavity at least partially disposed below the decorative element, and a magnet may be disposed within the cavity. The device may also include a backlight component below the display unit, disposed within an internal volume defined by the housing. The backlight component may define a notch and a camera module positioned at the notch adjacent to the decorative element and below the display unit. The camera module includes a camera and a light-blocking element positioned between the camera and the backlight component. The housing may be a display portion housing, and the electronic device may also include a base portion to which the display portion housing is rotatably mounted. The housing may include a rear wall opposite the display unit and a front wall adjacent to an edge of the display unit, the front wall defining a portion of an outer surface parallel to the surface of the display unit. The device may also include a flexible connector electrically communicating with the display unit and with electronic components disposed within the internal volume defined by the base portion. The display unit may include a glass or ceramic cover that at least partially defines the outer surface of the electronic device. The backlight component may define an aperture surrounded by an effective area of the backlight component, and the housing may include a post disposed in the aperture.
[0008] According to some aspects, an electronic device may include a display portion rotatably mounted to a base. The display portion may include a display housing, a first electronic component disposed within a display internal volume at least partially defined by the display housing, a flexible connector electrically coupling the first electronic component to a second electronic component disposed within a base internal volume at least partially defined by the base, and a grounding component disposed within the display internal volume. The grounding component electrically grounds the flexible connector to the display housing.
[0009] In some aspects, the display portion may include a display unit defining a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device, and the display housing may include a front wall adjacent to a portion of the periphery of the display unit and side walls adjacent to the remaining portion of the periphery, the front wall defining a portion of the outer surface parallel to the surface of the display unit. The first electronic component may include a controller disposed in a portion of the internal volume of the display at least partially defined by the front wall and adjacent to the display unit. The flexible connector may be a first flexible connector, and the electronic device may include a second flexible connector that electrically couples a third electronic component disposed in the internal volume of the display to a fourth electronic component disposed in the internal volume of the base. The grounding component may include a metal bracket attached to the display housing. The electronic device may also include a conductive washer fixed to the display housing and in contact with the flexible connector, and the grounding component may apply pressure to the flexible connector against the conductive washer.
[0010] According to some aspects, a camera module for an electronic device may include a base, a flexible electrical connector fixed to the base, and a housing covering and fixed to the flexible electrical connector at a first location. The housing may be fixed to the base at a second location, the housing and the base at least partially defining a camera volume, and camera components may be disposed within the camera volume on the base.
[0011] In some aspects, the housing may include: a first sidewall fixed to the flexible electrical connector at a first location; and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, fixed to the base at a second location. The first and second sidewalls may at least partially define an opening disposed above the camera component. The housing may define a portion of an outer surface of the camera module, and this portion of the outer surface may have the reflectivity of machined aluminum. The housing includes a surface coating on this portion of the outer surface. The housing may be fixed to the flexible electrical connector by an adhesive. The adhesive may be substantially opaque. The housing may include a plastic material having a light-reflecting material disposed therein. The light-reflecting material may include a ceramic material. The camera module may also include an ambient light sensor disposed within the camera volume. The flexible electrical connector may communicate with a processor disposed on the base. An electronic device may include the camera module. The electronic device may include a housing that at least partially defines an internal volume, and a backlight component disposed within the internal volume, the backlight component defining a notch, and a camera module disposed at the notch adjacent to the backlight component within the internal volume. Attached Figure Description
[0012] This disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar structural elements, and wherein:
[0013] Figure 1 A perspective view of the electronic device is shown.
[0014] Figure 2A A front view of the display portion of an electronic device is shown.
[0015] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A An exploded view of the display portion of an electronic device.
[0016] Figure 2C It shows Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the display area of an electronic device.
[0017] Figure 2D It shows Figure 2A An alternative sectional view of the display area of an electronic device.
[0018] Figure 2E It shows components including parts Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the display area of an electronic device.
[0019] Figure 2F It shows components including parts Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the display area of an electronic device.
[0020] Figure 3A A front view of the display portion of an electronic device is shown.
[0021] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A A front view of the display area of an electronic device.
[0022] Figure 3C It shows Figure 3A A perspective sectional view of the display portion of an electronic device.
[0023] Figure 3D It shows Figure 3A A perspective sectional view of the display portion of an electronic device.
[0024] Figure 3E It shows Figure 3A A perspective view of the modules of an electronic device.
[0025] Figure 3F It shows Figure 3A A perspective view of the display area of an electronic device.
[0026] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a module of an electronic device is shown.
[0027] Figure 4B It shows Figure 4A The top view of the module.
[0028] Figure 5A A front view of the display component of an electronic device is shown.
[0029] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the display component.
[0030] Figure 6A It shows Figure 3A A perspective view of the display area of an electronic device.
[0031] Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A front view of the display area of an electronic device.
[0032] Figure 6C It shows Figure 6A A perspective sectional view of the area of the display section.
[0033] Figure 6D It shows Figure 6A A perspective sectional view of the area of the display section.
[0034] Figure 7A A perspective sectional view of the display portion of an electronic device is shown.
[0035] Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of the display portion and base portion of an electronic device in the closed position is shown.
[0036] Figure 7C A cross-sectional view of the display portion and base portion of an electronic device in the open position is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0037] Reference will now be made specifically to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. Rather, the following description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the substance and scope of the embodiments defined by the appended claims.
[0038] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an electronic device (such as a laptop computer) including a display portion rotatably attached to or mounted to a base portion. The display portion may include a display housing comprising a casing that at least partially defines an internal volume and an outer surface of the display portion. The display housing may also include a trim member that is positioned within a channel defined by the casing and defines an aperture and a portion of the outer surface of the display portion. A backlight component defining a notch is positioned within the internal volume, and a camera module is also positioned at the notch within the internal volume adjacent to the backlight component. A display unit is positioned at the aperture in contact with the trim member and above the backlight component and the camera module. The display unit may be secured to the housing, for example, by a reworkable adhesive. The trim member may act as a reference and fix the position of the display unit in one or more directions, such as in a direction orthogonal to the aperture.
[0039] The architecture and components of the electronic devices described herein, including the display portion, allow the electronic device to be configured to maximize the effective area of the display or display unit within the display portion, while still providing visual access to one or more components of the device that may need to be positioned user-facing at the display portion to achieve a desired level of functionality. In conventional electronic device configurations, such as laptops utilizing a conventional design including a user-facing camera, the display portion may include a relatively large area or bezel above the effective area of the display unit, which may extend across the entire width of the display portion to accommodate the camera. Additionally, conventional laptop display portion designs may include a relatively large bezel surrounding most or all of the periphery of the display unit to conceal components used for mounting the display unit within the display portion housing, such as components that may fix the position of the display unit relative to the display housing in one or more directions.
[0040] Furthermore, the need to transmit relatively large amounts of data and signals from the display unit to one or more controllers in the base section of a conventionally designed laptop may require relatively large and numerous electrical connectors passing between the display section and the base section. The inability to allow fixtures or other components to pass through these flexible connectors may mean that the bezel area near the bottom of the display section, adjacent to the display unit, may need to be undesirably large.
[0041] In contrast, the components, features, and configurations described herein allow display portion designs to maximize the user-facing effective area of the display while minimizing or even eliminating bezels adjacent to the display unit, and maintaining or even improving display performance levels. For example, the display portion described herein may have a relatively small bezel area surrounding at least two edges or sides of the display unit, or even no bezel area at all, wherein the relatively small bezel or chin is positioned along the bottom edge of the display unit. In some examples, the display portion may include one or more user-facing components, such as cameras and ambient light sensors, which may be positioned at the edges of the display but may not require bezels or ineffective areas extending across the entire dimension of the display.
[0042] In some examples, an electronic device comprising two parts capable of moving relative to each other may have an open position and a closed position. The electronic device may be designed such that, when in the open position, the edge of the display portion occupies the space above the support surface. The electronic device may be considered to be in the open position when the display portion rotates or moves away from the base portion such that the display portion is no longer substantially parallel to the base portion or contacts the base portion at a location other than one or more attached positions.
[0043] In this description, the terms "first part," "display part," and "upper part" may refer to the cover of a computing device. Generally, the cover of a computing device is configured to be in a substantially vertical position so that a user can view the display housed within the cover while operating the device. However, in some examples, the cover part may be positioned in any desired position relative to the base part. In the following description, the terms "second part," "main housing," "base part," and "lower part" may refer to the base of the computing device, which is movably attached to the cover part and typically includes connectors to input components for user interaction with the computing device.
[0044] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 7C These examples, and others, will be discussed here. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the detailed descriptions given herein with reference to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.
[0045] Figure 1A front perspective view of an electronic device 100 is shown. The electronic device 100 may be a laptop computer or notebook computer, but this is merely a representative example of a device according to this disclosure. For example, the electronic device 100 may correspond to, for example, a portable media player, media storage device, portable digital assistant (“PDA”), tablet computer, computer, mobile communication device, GPS unit, remote control device, and other similar electronic devices. The electronic device 100 may be referred to as an electronic device or a consumer device. The electronic device 100 may include a housing having a base portion 104, which may be movably, pivotally, or rotatably connected or attached to a display portion 102, for example, via a hinge assembly 103. The display portion 102 and the base portion 104 may be referred to as different segments or portions of a single housing of the electronic device 100. The display portion 102 may pivot or otherwise move relative to the base portion 104 from a closed position to an open position, and return again by means of the hinge assembly 103. Although shown as pivotally attached to base portion 104, in some examples, display portion 102 can move relative to base portion 104 in any desired manner. For example, display portion 102 can slide laterally relative to base portion 104. In some examples, display portion 102 can move relative to base portion 104 in any combination of directions. For example, display portion 102 can rotate relative to base portion 104, and / or slide laterally relative to base portion 104.
[0046] In the closed position, the display portion 102 may be positioned substantially on or above at least a portion of the top surface 114 of the base portion 104. In some examples, the display portion 102 may directly contact the top surface 114 of the base portion 104. In some examples, when in the closed position, the display portion 102 may be substantially parallel to the top surface 114 of the base portion 104. In the open position, the display portion 102 may be positioned at an angle relative to the top surface 114 of the base portion, for example, substantially perpendicular to the top surface 114 of the base portion 104. In some examples, in the open position, the display portion 102 and the base portion 104 may form a substantially obtuse angle. In some examples, the electronic device 100 may still be considered to be in the open position when an angle of less than 90 degrees is formed between the display portion 102 and the base portion 104.
[0047] In some examples, the base portion 104 may include various user input devices, such as a keyboard 118 and a touchpad 120, capable of receiving touch or other finger gesture input from a user. In some examples, one or more of the input components 118, 120 may at least partially define the top surface 114 and may be at least partially positioned in one or more openings defined by the base portion 104. The base portion 104 and the display portion 102 may each define an internal volume, chamber, or cavity for housing internal components of the electronic device 100. The display portion 102 may also define an opening or aperture and may include a display 108 disposed therein. In some examples, the display portion 102 may include a rear housing or back cover 110 that may be disposed opposite the opening and / or the display 108. Thus, the display portion 102 and the base portion 104 may serve as a housing for the internal components.
[0048] Display 108 can be any form of display, component, or device for displaying visual content to a user. For example, display 108 can be an LED display, OLED display, LCD display, etc. In some examples, display 108 can be any form of display known in the prior art or that can be developed in the future. In some examples, display 108 can be a touchscreen display or can have touch detection capabilities. However, in some examples, the computing device may be able to detect the user's touch and / or the position of the user's limbs through components other than display 108. In some examples, display portion 102 may also include one or more user-facing components, such as camera module 112, which may be disposed in a notch defined by one or more components of display 108. References are made below. Figures 2A to 2E More details about electronic device 100 are provided.
[0049] Figure 2A A front view of a display portion 202 of an electronic device is shown. The electronic device may be substantially similar to any of the electronic devices described herein, such as electronic device 100, and may include some or all of the features of that electronic device. In some examples, the display portion 202 may include: a display housing 210 that at least partially defines an internal volume; and a display 208 that is at least partially disposed within the internal volume and attached or secured to the display housing 210. The display housing 210 may also include a trim 209 that at least partially defines an opening and at least a portion of the outer surface of the display portion 202. The display 208 may be positioned at the opening and in contact with the trim 209, as further described herein.
[0050] The display housing 210 may also include a front wall 211 (also referred to as a chin) adjacent to the aperture and the edge of the display 208. In some examples, a portion of the outer surface defined by the front wall 211 may be substantially parallel, flush, coplanar, and / or aligned with a portion of the outer surface defined by the display 208. As can be seen, the effective portion of the display 208 may constitute the majority of the user-facing surface of the display portion 202, wherein the display portion 202 has a relatively thin or small bezel extending around the display 208, except along the edge adjacent to the front wall 211 of the display 208. Furthermore, the display 208 or a portion thereof may define a recess, notch, or other feature 232, and one or more components or modules may be disposed or positioned at the notch 232. For example, a camera module 212 may be positioned at the notch 232. This geometry (having an effective area of display 208 or at least partially surrounding a module or component (such as camera module 212)) allows for maximizing the effective display area while still providing space for components or modules that may need to be positioned on the user-facing surface of display portion 202.
[0051] In some examples, and as further described herein, camera module 212 may include any number of components. In some examples, these components may be positioned on a user-facing surface to achieve a desired level of functionality. For example, camera module 212 may include camera component 222, camera indicator light 223, and sensor 221 (such as an ambient light sensing component). References below Figure 2B More details about the construction and architecture of the display section 202 are provided.
[0052] Figure 2B An exploded view of the display portion 202 is shown, illustrating the display housing 210, trim 209, backlight component 230, and display unit 240. In some examples, one or more backlight components 230 and display unit 240 may be considered together as a display 208. As can be seen, the display housing 210 may define a front wall 211 and may at least partially define an internal volume 213. In some examples, the display housing may comprise a metallic material, such as titanium, stainless steel, and / or aluminum or alloys thereof. In some examples, the display housing 210 may be substantially one-piece or a single component. However, in some examples, the display housing 210 may comprise multiple components that can be joined or otherwise secured together to form the display housing 210. The display housing 210 may also be referred to as a shell or display housing and may include sidewalls that may at least partially define the display internal volume 213. In some examples, the sidewalls may further define a channel 214 that may at least partially surround the display internal volume 213.
[0053] In some examples, and as described herein, the backlight component 230 may be at least partially disposed within the display internal volume 213. The backlight component 230 may define a notch 232 that can be positioned along an edge of the backlight component 230. In some examples, the camera module 212 may be at least partially disposed within the display internal volume 213 and positioned at the notch 232. For example, the backlight component 230 may also define other features that may facilitate the mounting or positioning of the backlight component 230 relative to one or more other components, such as the display housing 210. For example, the backlight component 230 may define one or more holes 234 that intersect with or receive a feature (such as a post (not shown)) attached to the display housing 210.
[0054] In some examples, the display housing 210 may also include a trim or trim member 209. The trim member 209 may at least partially define an aperture and a portion of the outer surface of the display portion 202. In some examples, the trim member 209 may be disposed in a channel 214 and may at least partially surround the display internal volume 213. The display portion 202 may also include a display unit 240 that can be positioned at an aperture at least partially defined by the trim member 209. The display unit 240 may be secured to the display housing 210. In some examples, the display unit 240 may contact the trim member 209. In some examples, the display unit 240 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit, although any form of display unit, such as an LED display unit, an OLED display unit, a plasma display unit, a quantum dot display unit, and other display units or combinations thereof, may be used as needed. Reference is made below. Figure 2C More details about the construction and architecture of the display section 202 are provided.
[0055] Figure 2C It shows Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the area of the display portion 202 shown. As shown relative to... Figure 2B The display portion 202 may include a display housing 210 that at least partially defines an internal volume 213 of the display, wherein the backlight component 230 is disposed within the internal volume 213. In some examples, the backlight component 230 may be fixed or attached to the display housing 210 (such as the rear wall of the display housing 210) by an adhesive 239. Furthermore, as shown, the backlight component 230 may include or be formed of multiple layers or components, such as a light-emitting component 236, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED or micro-LED array). The backlight component 230 may also include one or more layers or components to enhance the light-emitting capability or spectrum of the light-emitting component 236, such as one or more fluorescent, phosphorescent, and / or polarizing layers 237. The backlight component 230 may also include one or more diffuse layers 238.
[0056] As described herein, the display housing 210 (e.g., its sidewall portions) may define a channel 214. In some examples, a decorative element 209 may be disposed in the channel 214 and may be secured or attached to the display housing 210 by an adhesive 215 or any other technique. The decorative element 209 may include a portion extending beyond the outer surface defined by the display housing 210. In some examples, the decorative element 209 may have a stepped or layered geometry defining a plurality of surfaces that may be offset relative to each other. For example, as shown, the decorative element 209 may define a visible surface forming a portion of the outer surface of the display portion 202, and a mounting surface that may be substantially parallel to and offset from the visible surface. In some examples, the display unit 240 may contact the mounting surface of the decorative element 209.
[0057] In some examples, adhesive 215 and / or any other adhesive described herein (such as adhesive 243 described below) may comprise a reprocessable adhesive. In some examples, adhesive 215 may be a reprocessable pressure-sensitive adhesive, such as a reactive hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive. Furthermore, adhesive 215 may be used as a single-component material in a warm or heated state, subsequently cooled and / or reacted with ambient moisture to fix trim 209 to housing 210. In some examples, adhesive 215 may comprise one or more polymers capable of crosslinking in one or more forms, and in a cooled state may comprise a crosslinked urethane polymer network. In some examples, adhesive 215 may comprise polyurethane. Adhesive 215 may adhere to materials that bind trim 209 and housing 210, including metals such as aluminum or stainless steel, ceramics such as glass, and plastics.
[0058] In some examples, display unit 240 may be positioned at an opening at least partially defined by trim 209 and may be secured to display housing 210, for example, by adhesive 243. In some examples, adhesive 243 may be in the form of adhesive material beads and may be positioned substantially entirely around the periphery of internal volume 213 and / or display unit 240. However, in some examples, adhesive 243 may be positioned at one or more locations around the periphery or edge region of display unit 240. Display unit 240 may cover and at least partially define display internal volume 213. In some examples, display unit 240 may include multiple components or layers. For example, display unit 240 may include display layer 242 (such as LCD or other display layer 242) and transparent cover 241. Transparent cover 241 may define the outer surface of display unit 240 and thus define a portion of the outer surface of display portion 202. In some examples, transparent cover may include one or more of any substantially transparent materials, such as plastic, glass, ceramic materials, or combinations thereof.
[0059] In some examples, the display unit 240 may contact the mounting surface of the trim 209. In some examples, this portion of the trim 209 may be used to fix the position of the display unit 240, for example, during the manufacture of the display portion 202. In some examples, the adhesive 243 may be bead-dispensed onto the display housing 210, and the position of the display unit 240 may be fixed along an axis substantially perpendicular to or orthogonal to the orifice defined by the trim 209 and / or the mounting surface itself. In this way, the position of the display unit 240 along this axis can be controlled without additional components or manufacturing processes, thereby allowing the display portion 202 to have thin bezels surrounding multiple sides or edges of the display unit 240. In some examples, the adhesive 243 may be a reworkable adhesive, such as a releasable adhesive or a stretchable releasable adhesive. Furthermore, in some examples, the display housing or housing 210 may define one or more access points (such as holes, slots, or orifices) where the adhesive 243 may communicate with the surrounding environment. These access points allow the adhesive to be approached from the surrounding environment to physically stretch, pull, or otherwise remove the adhesive in order to release the display unit 240 from the housing 210.
[0060] In some examples, when the display unit 240 is attached to the adhesive, the adhesive 243 may have a thickness of about 50 micrometers to about 1000 micrometers. In some examples, the adhesive 243 may have a thickness of about 100 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, or about 150 micrometers to about 250 micrometers, for example, about 250 micrometers. In some examples, the adhesive 243 may comprise polyurethane. In some examples, the adhesive 243 may have a hardness between about 50 and 100 Duroc hardness, for example, about 75 Duroc hardness.
[0061] In some examples, the trim 209 may have a width W1 between about 0.25 mm and about 10 mm, between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 0.75 mm and about 2.5 mm, for example, about 1 mm. In some examples, the mounting surface of the trim 209 may have a width W2 between about one-quarter and about one-third of the width W1. In some examples, the width W2 may be between about 0.1 mm and about 1 mm, for example, about 0.5 mm. In some examples, the display unit 240 may substantially contact the entire width W2 of the mounting surface. However, in some examples, the display unit 240 may only contact a portion of the mounting surface, and a gap may exist between the edge of the display unit 240 and the wall or protrusion of the adjacent mounting surface of the trim 209. In some examples, the gap may have a width W3 between about 0 mm and about 0.5 mm, or between about 0.1 mm and about 0.3 mm. In some examples, the width W3 may be about 0.2 mm.
[0062] Figure 2DIt shows Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the area of the display portion 202 shown. In some examples, for instance, during the manufacture of the display portion 202, one or more additional components (such as component 244) may be used to secure or assist in securing the position of the display unit 240. (As relative to...) Figure 2C In some examples, adhesive 243 may be bead-dispensed onto the display housing 210, and the position of the display unit 240 may be secured along an axis substantially perpendicular to or orthogonal to the aperture defined by the trim 209 and / or the mounting surface itself by component 244, trim 209, or a combination of component 244 and trim 209. Therefore, in some examples, the position of the display unit 240 may be secured by component 244 and may not be secured by trim 209. In some examples, the display unit 240 may not contact trim 209. However, in some examples, the display unit 240 may contact trim 209 but may not be secured in place by trim 209. Therefore, in some examples, component 244 may act as a spacer between the surface of the display unit 240 and the surface of the housing 210 to secure the position, or help secure the position of the display unit 240 in at least one direction, and thereby also secure the thickness of the adhesive layer 243.
[0063] Figure 2E It shows Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the area of the display portion 202 shown. In some examples, for instance, during the manufacture of the display portion 202, a portion 245 of the housing 210 may be used to fix or assist in fixing the position of the display unit 240. That is, a portion 245 of the housing 210 may be used as a reference for the display unit 240. (As relative to...) Figure 2C In some examples, adhesive 243 may be bead-dispensed onto the display housing 210, and the position of the display unit 240 may be secured along an axis substantially perpendicular to or orthogonal to the aperture defined by the trim 209 and / or the mounting surface itself by portion 245, trim 209, or a combination of portion 245 and trim 209. Therefore, in some examples, the position of the display unit 240 may be secured by portion 245 and may not be secured by trim 209. In some examples, the display unit 240 may not contact trim 209. However, in some examples, the display unit 240 may contact trim 209 but may not be secured in place by trim 209. Therefore, in some examples, portion 245 may act as a gasket or reference between the surface of the display unit 240 and the surface of the housing 210 to secure the position, or help secure the position of the display unit 240 in at least one direction, and thereby also secure the thickness of the adhesive layer 243.
[0064] In some examples, portion 245 of housing 210 may include integrally formed protrusions, edges, ridges, or other features of housing 210. In some examples, portion 245 may be formed on housing 210 by machining or by performing any subtractive manufacturing process at one or more desired locations. In some examples, portion 245 may be formed on housing 210 by an additive manufacturing process, and / or may be adhered, welded, brazed, or otherwise attached to housing 210 at desired locations.
[0065] Figure 2F This shows the process during manufacturing or assembly. Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a region of the display portion 202 shown. In this example, during the manufacture of the display portion 202, components such as fasteners 250 may be used to secure or assist in securing the position of the display unit 240. In some examples, fasteners 250 may be secured to a surface of the display unit 240, such as its top surface. In some examples, fasteners 250 may be removably secured to the display unit 240 by any known technique, such as by removable adhesive or by suction devices or vacuum. Fasteners 250 may include protrusions designed to abut against a desired surface of the display portion 202 (such as the surface of the housing 210) when the display unit 240 is in the desired position. In some examples, fasteners 250 may hold the display unit 240 in the desired position while adhesive 243, already beaded onto the display housing 210, is allowed to cure, harden, or solidify. Once the adhesive 243 has cured or solidified to secure the display unit 240 in position in at least one direction, fasteners 250 may be removed from the display unit 240.
[0066] Despite Figure 2F A specific fixing device 250 is shown, but in some examples, the fixing device 250 may have any form or shape as needed. In some examples, multiple fixing devices 250 may be used to fix or assist in fixing the position of the display unit 240 relative to the display housing 210. In addition, methods and components (such as fixing devices 250, portions 245, components 244, and / or decorative elements 209) for fixing the position of the display unit 240 in one or more directions may be used in any combination as needed.
[0067] Any number or type of components in any configuration described herein may be included in an electronic device. Components may include any combination of the features described herein and may be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of an electronic device having a housing with the structure described herein and defining an internal volume, as well as the concepts regarding engaging and retaining features, are applicable not only to the specific examples discussed herein but also to any combination of any number of embodiments. The following references... Figures 3A to 4B Various embodiments of an electronic device comprising components having various features arranged in various ways are described.
[0068] Figure 3A A front view of a display portion 302 of an electronic device is shown. The display portion 302 may be substantially similar to a display portion described herein (such as display portion 202) and may include some or all of the features of a display portion described herein. Like display portion 202, display portion 302 may include a display housing or enclosure 310 that at least partially defines an internal volume and an opening or aperture. In some examples, this opening or aperture may be at least partially defined by decorative elements as described herein. Display portion 302 may also include a backlight element 330 that is at least partially positioned within the internal volume. Figure 3A In the illustrated example, for illustrative purposes, a display unit that may cover the backlight component 330 at the aperture as described herein is not shown. The display housing 310 may include a front wall 311 that may define a front surface that is flush with, aligned with, coplanar with, or parallel to the outer surface defined by the display unit (not shown). In some examples, the front wall 311 may be integral or integral with other portions of the display housing 310. However, in some examples, the front wall 311 may include a separate component joined to the display housing 310. In some examples, the front wall 311 may include any desired material and may include composite materials such as a first material (which is embedded in a matrix of a second, different material). In some examples, the front wall may include a ceramic-polymer composite material. The display portion 302 may also include one or more flexible electronic connectors 352, 354 that are electrically connectable to one or more components of the display portion 302, such as electronic components that may be positioned within an internal volume behind the front wall 311, as described herein. References are made below. Figures 3B to 3C More details about the construction and architecture of the display section 302 are provided.
[0069] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A The front view of the area of the display portion 302 shown. Specifically, Figure 3B A close-up of the upper left corner of the display section 302 is shown. However, in some examples, relative to... Figure 3BThe features described in the illustrated area can be located at any or various locations on the display housing 310. As described herein, the display housing 310 may include sidewalls that extend at least partially around an internal volume defined by the display housing 310. In some examples, the sidewalls of the display housing 310 may define one or more cavities 361, 363 positioned along or adjacent to a first edge of the backlight component 330. The display housing 310 may further define additional cavities, such as cavities 365 and 367 positioned along or adjacent to one or more other edges of the backlight component 330. Although cavities 361, 363, 365, and 367 are shown as having relatively elliptical or extended shapes, in some examples, the cavities may have substantially any desired shape.
[0070] Figure 3C It shows Figure 3B The diagram shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a region of the display portion 302. Like the display portion 202, the display portion 302 may include a display housing 310, a backlight component 330 disposed within an internal volume defined by the display housing 310, a decorative element 309 that at least partially defines an outer surface and a mounting surface of the display portion 302, and a display unit 340 that contacts and is fixed to the display housing 310 with respect to the mounting surface of the decorative element 309. A cavity 361 defined by the display housing 310 may be located below at least a portion of the decorative element 309 and / or below a channel defined by the display housing 310 in which the decorative element 309 is disposed. In some examples, the cavity 361 may be positioned directly below or below the decorative element 309, such that the decorative element 309 may completely obscure or block openings or apertures leading into the cavity 361.
[0071] In some examples, a magnet or magnetic component 362 may be disposed within cavity 361. In some examples, an additional magnet or magnetic component may be disposed within any other cavity defined by display housing 310, such as... Figure 3BAs shown. In some examples, magnet 362 may be a permanent magnet, such as a bonded or sintered magnet. In some examples, magnet 362 may be an electromagnet. In some examples, the top surface of magnet 362 may be substantially flush, coplanar, or aligned with the bottom surface of the channel defined by display housing 310. In some examples, magnet 362 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of cavity 361, such that the magnet substantially fills the entire cavity 361. However, in some examples, magnet 362 may have substantially any desired shape, and additional material or components may fill the remainder of cavity 361. Magnet 362 may be secured in cavity 361 by any desired technique, such as by adhesive, by retaining member, or by trim 309. Additionally, in some examples, adhesive 315 may be disposed above cavity 361 and magnet 362 to secure trim 309 to display housing 310. Magnets (such as magnet 362) may interact with corresponding magnets, magnetic materials, or components located in the base portion of the electronic device. In some examples, when the electronic device is in a closed configuration, magnet 362 may provide a retaining force on the display portion 302 relative to the base portion. Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic field generated by the magnet (such as magnet 362) may be detected by one or more sensors in the base portion to provide information about the position of the display portion 302 relative to the base portion. In some examples, one or more magnets (such as magnet 362) may include a Halbach array.
[0072] Figure 3D It shows Figure 3B A corresponding cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the area of display portion 302 shown. Like display portion 202, display portion 302 may include a display housing 310, a backlight component 330 disposed within an internal volume defined by the display housing 310, a decorative element 309 that at least partially defines an outer surface and a mounting surface of display portion 302, and a display unit 340 that contacts and is fixed to the display housing 310 with respect to the mounting surface of the decorative element 309. A cavity 361 defined by the display housing 310 may be located below at least a portion of the decorative element 309 and / or below a channel defined by the display housing 310 in which the decorative element 309 is disposed. In some examples, cavity 361 may be positioned directly below or below the decorative element 309 such that the decorative element 309 can completely obscure or block openings or apertures leading into cavity 361.
[0073] and relative to Figure 3C The magnetic component described is the same as 362. Figure 3DThe magnetic component 362 shown may be disposed within the cavity 361 and below the trim 309. In some examples, the magnetic component 362 may be secured to one or more surfaces of the defined cavity of the housing 310 by an adhesive 364. In some examples, the magnet 362 may be as wide as or wider than the trim 309. In some examples, the magnet 362 may be positioned such that the area of the magnet 362 extends across one or more edges of the trim 309. Furthermore, in some examples, the magnet 362 may include a protrusion or projection 366 that may be positioned close to or adjacent to the trim 309. This protrusion 366 may be used to increase the volume of the magnetic material, thereby increasing the total force exerted by the magnet 362, and may also be used to assist in aligning or positioning the trim 309 thereon. Reference below... Figure 3E More details are provided regarding the construction, architecture, and components of the display section 302.
[0074] Figure 3E It shows Figure 3A A perspective view of the area of display portion 302 shown, although the display unit is not shown. Figure 3E The area shown may be referred to as the camera area or the notch area. In some examples, the camera module 320 may be positioned in the notch area of the display portion. In this particular example, for simplicity, the display unit 340 and the backlight component 330 have been omitted.
[0075] In some examples, camera module 320 may include camera component 322, camera indicator light 323 providing a visual indication of when camera component 322 is in use, and one or more sensors (such as ambient light sensor 321). Ambient light sensor 321 may provide information to camera component 322 or a processor controlling camera component 322, such as via electrical connector 331 electrically coupled to one or more other components of device 300. For example, this information may allow the processor to adjust the exposure level of camera component 322 to achieve a desired image quality. Ambient light sensor 321 may also provide information, for example, that can be used by the processor to automatically adjust the brightness of backlight component 330 based on ambient lighting conditions to achieve a desired image quality level.
[0076] In some examples, one or more posts 335, 337 may be positioned adjacent to or closer to the camera module 320 in the notch area. In some examples, posts 335, 337 may be integral with, attached to, or otherwise secured to the display housing 310. (As relative to...) Figure 3F Further described, the pillars can help secure or stabilize one or more display components (such as backlight component 330) in one or more directions.
[0077] Camera module 320 may include a housing 324 that at least partially defines a camera volume, which may contain various components of camera module 320, such as light sensor 321, camera component 322, and / or camera indicator 323. In some examples, and as described herein, housing 324 may define one or more apertures or openings aligned with components of the camera module, such as light sensor 321, camera component 322, and / or camera indicator 323. In some examples, housing 324 may include one or more protrusions 325, 326. In some examples, protrusions 325, 326 may define one or more apertures or openings, as shown. Although this example includes two protrusions 325, 326 located near a corner of housing 324, protrusions 325, 326 may be positioned at one or more locations extending along some or all of the periphery of housing 324. In some examples, device 300 may also include one or more alignment members 338, 339. In some examples, one or more alignment members 338, 339 may be secured, fastened, adhered, integrated, or otherwise attached to the display portion housing 310, as shown. In some examples, openings defined by protrusions 325, 326 may be aligned with posts or other features extending from the alignment members 338, 339, such that these features can pass through the openings and fix the housing 324 in position in one or more directions relative to the display portion housing 310. In some examples, the alignment members 338, 339 may be secured or attached to the housing 324, for example, by adhesive, by welding, or by mechanical means such as by threaded engagement or press-fit engagement.
[0078] Now for reference Figure 3F The display unit 340 includes a backlight component 330. In some examples, a bracket 328 may be positioned above the camera module. In some examples, the bracket 328 may include a sheet of material, such as a sheet of metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the bracket 328 may include a sheet of steel or aluminum. The bracket 328 may be used to protect the camera module 320 and further assist in securing the camera module 320 in a desired position. In some examples, the bracket 328 may define one or more holes or openings that can be aligned with components of the camera module 320, such as components 321, 322, 323, to provide visual access to components 321, 322, 323 as needed. The top surface of the bracket 328 may be positioned below the mounting surface of the trim 309. However, in some examples, the top surface of the bracket 328 may be positioned above the mounting surface of the trim 309, and the display unit 340 may include a recessed area or cavity (e.g., a cavity defined by its bottom layer) whose size and position are configured to correspond to the bracket 328.
[0079] As described herein, the backlight component 330 may define a notch, cutout, recess, or indentation 332 that can be positioned along the edge of the backlight component 330. In some examples, the notch or indentation 332 may have substantially any desired shape and may be rectangular, circular, triangular, or a combination thereof. For example, as shown, the notch may have a substantially trapezoidal shape. The camera module 320 may be positioned at the notch 332 within an internal volume defined by the display housing 310. The camera module 320 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the notch 332. In some examples, the top surface of the camera module 320 may be substantially horizontal, coplanar, or flush with the top surface of the backlight component 330. Although in this particular example the notch or cutout 322 is depicted as positioned along the edge of the backlight component 330 and / or the display unit 340, it should be understood that in some examples, the cutout, notch, or indentation 322 may be positioned relative to the backlight component 330 and / or the display unit 340 at any desired location. For example, the notch 332 may be at least partially or even completely surrounded by the effective areas of the backlight component 330 and / or the display unit 340. That is, the backlight component 330 and / or the display unit 340 may define openings, apertures, and / or ineffective areas surrounded by the effective areas of the backlight component 330 and / or the display unit 340, and the camera module 320 may be positioned at such openings, apertures, and / or ineffective areas. In some examples, the camera module 320 may include multiple components that utilize visual access to the surrounding environment and / or user visibility to achieve a desired level of functionality. Therefore, the positioning of the camera module 320 at the notch 332 allows for maximizing the effective areas of the backlight component 330 and any overlying display units, while still providing visual access to the camera module 320.
[0080] In some examples, the backlight component 330 may define an effective area or a light-emitting area. The effective area or light-emitting area is the region of the backlight component 330 that actively generates or emits light visible through the overlying display unit. In some examples, the backlight component 330 may define one or more holes 334, 336 that are at least partially surrounded by the effective area of the backlight component 330. The holes 334, 336 may have substantially any desired shape, such as a circular shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the holes 334, 336 may have a non-circular shape. For example, the holes 334, 336 may have a substantially elliptical or extended shape as shown, including a rectangular central portion with semi-circular end portions. In some examples, a first post 335 may be disposed in the first hole 334, and a second post 337 may be disposed in the second hole 336. In some examples, the posts 335, 337 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the holes 334, 336. One or more posts 335, 337 may be integral with, attached to, or otherwise secured to the display housing 310. When the posts 335, 337 extend through the holes 334, 336, they can secure or stabilize the backlight component 330 in one or more directions. For example, the posts 335, 337 can secure or position the backlight component 330 in one or more directions perpendicular to or orthogonal to the direction in which the posts extend from the rear wall of the display housing 310. Additionally, the posts 335, 337 can prevent the backlight component 330 from rotating about an axis parallel to the direction in which the posts 335, 337 extend from the rear wall of the display housing 310.
[0081] In some examples, the first hole 334 and the first post 335 may be positioned adjacent to a first side of the notch 332, and the second hole 336 and the second post 337 may be positioned adjacent to a second side of the notch 332 opposite to the first side. In some examples, holes 334 and 336 may be positioned at substantially the same or similar distance from the notch 332 or its edge. For example, holes 334 and 336 may be positioned between about 1 mm and about 20 mm from the edge of the notch, such as about 5 mm. Posts (such as post 335) may have any desired dimensions. In some examples, post 335 may have a width between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm, such as about 1 mm. In some examples, post 335 may have a length between about 0.5 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, such as about 3 mm. Although this example shows two posts 335, 337 disposed in two corresponding holes 334, 336, in some examples, the backlight component 330 may be defined with any number of holes at any number of locations, and the display housing 310 may include any number of corresponding posts disposed thereon.
[0082] Furthermore, bracket 324 may be positioned above the camera module and may extend over at least some effective areas of the backlight component 330. In some examples, bracket 324 may comprise a sheet of material, such as a sheet of metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination thereof. In some examples, bracket 324 may comprise a sheet of steel or aluminum. In some examples, bracket 324 may extend at least partially above holes 334, 336 and posts 335, 337. Bracket 324 may be used to protect camera module 320 and further assist in securing camera module 320 in a desired location. In some examples, bracket 324 may define one or more holes or openings that can be aligned with components of camera module 320, such as components 321, 322, 323, to provide visual access to components 321, 322, 323 as needed. The top surface of bracket 324 may be positioned below the mounting surface of trim 309. However, in some examples, the top surface of the bracket 324 may be positioned above the mounting surface of the trim 309, and the display unit 340 may include a recessed region or cavity (e.g., a cavity defined by its bottom layer) whose size and position are configured to correspond to the bracket 324. (See below for reference.) Figure 4A More details about the construction and architecture of the camera module are provided.
[0083] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a camera module 420 disposed in a display portion of an electronic device is shown. For example, the display portion is substantially similar to display portion 302 and includes some or all of the features of that display portion. The camera module 420 may also be substantially similar to a camera module described herein (such as camera module 320) and may include some or all of the features of a camera module described herein.
[0084] In some examples, camera module 420 may include a reinforcement or base 490. Base 490 may include one or more of any desired materials. In some examples, base 490 may include plastic, metal, ceramic, or a combination thereof. In some examples, base 490 may include metallic materials such as steel or aluminum. Base 490 may be secured to the rear wall of display housing 410 at a desired location using adhesives 481, 482, for example, as... Figure 3A and Figure 3D As shown. One or more electrical connectors (e.g., flexible electrical connectors 428, 429) may be disposed on and secured to the base 490. In some examples, at least one of the flexible electronic connectors 428, 429 may be adjacent to an edge of the base 490. In some examples, one flexible electronic connector 428 may be adjacent to an edge of the base 490, and a second flexible electronic connector 429 may not be directly adjacent to an edge of the base 490.
[0085] In some examples, the camera module 420 may also include a housing 470, which may also be referred to as camera housing 470. Camera housing 470 may be positioned above base 490 and, together with base, may at least partially define camera volume 471. In some examples, camera housing 470 may include a first sidewall 472 that can be secured to a flexible electronic connector 428. Sidewall 472 may be secured or fastened to flexible electronic connector 428 by any desired technique, such as by adhesive. In some examples, sidewall 472 may not directly contact base 490 and may be secured to base 490 by its attachment or fastening to flexible electronic connector. In some examples, camera housing 470 may also include a second sidewall 473 that can be positioned opposite to the first sidewall 472. In some examples, second sidewall 473 may be secured to base 490 by any desired technique, such as by adhesive. In some examples, sidewall 473 may be secured to base 490 at a location adjacent to flexible electronic connector 429. In some examples, the sidewall 473 may be fixed to the base 490 in a certain position, such that at least some of the flexible electronic connectors 429 are disposed in the camera volume 471 defined by the housing 470.
[0086] Camera module 420 may be disposed within an internal volume defined by display housing 410, for example, adjacent to backlight component 430 at a recess defined by backlight component 430. Therefore, camera component 422 of the camera module may be disposed near a relatively bright light-emitting component in backlight component 430. Positioning of a photosensitive component (such as camera component 422) near a component emitting relatively bright light may pose challenges relative to undesirable light entering camera module 420 and / or camera component 422 from backlight component 430. Undesirable exposure of components of the camera module to light from backlight component 430 can lead to undesirable degradation or noise in the image captured by camera component 422. To reduce the amount of light from backlight component 430 that may undesirably affect camera component 422, camera housing 470 and sidewalls 472, 473 may comprise substantially opaque or light-blocking materials. In some examples, camera housing 470 may comprise a relatively reflective material. For example, the outer surface of the camera housing 470, defined by one or more of the sidewalls 472 and 473, may have a relatively high reflectivity, such that light from the backlight component 430 ( Figure 4A (As shown by the dashed arrow) can be reflected from the housing 470 and guided away from the camera component 422.
[0087] Furthermore, in some examples, the outer surface of the camera module 420 defined by the housing 470 may have a reflectivity substantially similar to or the same as that of the material of the display housing 410 defining the internal volume in which the backlight component 430 and the camera module 420 are disposed. Therefore, in some examples, the housing 470 (such as the outer surface of the sidewall 473) may have a reflectivity substantially similar to or the same as that of machined metals (such as machined titanium, aluminum, and / or steel). In this way, light generated by the backlight component 430 will be reflected by the camera housing 470, having the same intensity as light reflected by the display housing 410, thereby providing substantially uniform illumination from the backlight component 430 along its entire perimeter.
[0088] In some examples, housing 470 may include a light-reflective material. In some examples, housing 470 may include a matrix material comprising a light-reflective material disposed or dispersed therein. For example, housing 470 may include a polymeric or plastic material having light-reflective particles or dyes (such as titanium dioxide or other ceramic particles) dispersed therein. In some examples, some or all of the outer surfaces defined by housing 470 may include a surface coating to provide a desired reflectivity. In some examples, the surface coating may include paint, a metallic layer, a ceramic layer, a physical vapor deposition layer, an ink, a dye, or any combination thereof. In some examples, housing 470 may be produced by a two-stage molding process, wherein the reflective material may be molded around a first material defining the camera volume. Furthermore, any adhesive material used in camera module 420 may be opaque to prevent or reduce any total internal reflection (TIR) path from the outside of module 420 through the adhesive to the internal volume. For example, the adhesive used to secure sidewall 473 to base 490 may be substantially opaque. In some examples, the adhesive may include dyes, inks, or other materials configured to provide a desired level of opacity.
[0089] In some examples, the camera housing 470 may define an opening located above the camera component 422 within volume 471. In some examples, sidewalls 472, 473 may at least partially define the opening. In some examples, some or all of the housing 470 (e.g., sidewalls 472, 473) may be secured, engaged, sealed, or otherwise attached or attached to the display unit 440 at the location covering the camera housing 470. In some examples, an opaque gasket or other material (such as foam 485) may be disposed between the housing 470 and the display unit 440 to prevent or reduce light entering volume 471 from the backlight component 430. In some examples, multilayer adhesives or other materials 483, 484, 486 may be used to secure foam 485 to the housing 470 and the display unit 440, thereby substantially isolating volume 471 of the camera module 420 from any light generated by the backlight component 430. Figure 4B More details of the camera module 420 are shown.
[0090] In some examples, the camera housing 470 (not shown) may extend around substantially the entire periphery of the base 490. Therefore, in some examples, additional components may be disposed within the volume 471 defined by the housing 470 and the base 490. For example, one or more printed circuit boards 402, 403 may be disposed on the base and may be at least partially disposed within the volume 471. In some examples, the printed circuit board 403 may have a camera indicator light 423 or other components attached thereto disposed within the volume 471. In some examples, the housing 470 (such as its sidewalls) may be positioned above or fixed to the base adjacent to the periphery of the printed circuit board 403. The camera module 420 may also include a sensor, such as an ambient light sensor 421, which may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 402 disposed on the base. The sensor 421 may be connected to the printed circuit board 402 via a flexible connector, and in some examples, may be folded over the printed circuit board 402 so that the sensor 421 is also disposed within the camera volume 471.
[0091] As relative to Figure 4AThe camera module 420 may include a first flexible electronic connector 428 fixed to a base 490. The first flexible electronic connector 428 may communicate with one or more components, such as a processor also disposed on the base. The camera module 420 may include a second flexible electronic connector 429 fixed to the base 490. The second flexible electronic connector 429 may communicate with one or more components, such as a processor also disposed on the base. In some examples, the flexible electronic connectors 428 and 429 may provide electronic signals between components that can be positioned on opposite sides of the base 490 (e.g., components disposed on opposite sides of the camera component 422). In some examples, a sidewall 472 (not shown) of the housing 470 may be fixed to the first flexible electronic connector 428 at a first position 492 overlying the flexible electronic connector 428. Simultaneously, a second sidewall 472 may be fixed to the base 490 at a second position 491 adjacent to the second flexible electronic connector 429. In some examples, camera module 420 may also include one or more additional connection components, such as electronic or board-to-board connector 401, which can electrically connect camera module 420 to one or more other components of the display portion and / or devices including the display portion.
[0092] Any number or type of components in any configuration described herein may be included in an electronic device. Components may include any combination of the features described herein and may be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of an electronic device having a housing with the structure described herein and defining an internal volume, as well as the concepts regarding engaging and retaining features, are applicable not only to the specific examples discussed herein but also to any combination of any number of embodiments. The following references... Figures 5A to 6D Various embodiments of an electronic device comprising components having various features arranged in various ways are described.
[0093] Figure 5AA front view of a display unit 540 of an electronic device is shown. The display unit 540 may be substantially similar to a display unit described herein (such as display unit 240) and may include some or all of the features of a display unit described herein. The display unit 540 may also be included in a display portion (such as display portion 202) of an electronic device as described herein. As can be seen, the display unit 540 may have a substantially rectangular shape, although in some examples, the display unit 540 may have substantially any shape as required. In some examples, the display unit 540 may include a thin-film transistor (TFT) LCD display. In some examples, one or more electronic connectors 561, 562, 563 may be electrically connected to one or more components of the display unit 540 (such as a TFT LCD unit (not shown)) to provide electronic communication and signals to and from the components of the display unit 540. In some examples, the electronic connectors 561, 562, 563 may be disposed along the edge of the display unit 540 (e.g., its bottom edge or lower edge). Therefore, in some examples where the display unit 540 may be included in a display portion (such as display portion 202), electronic connectors 561, 562, 563 and any components connected thereto (such as electronic component 560) may be disposed in a portion of the internal volume of the display portion 302 that is at least partially defined by the front wall 311.
[0094] In some examples, electronic connectors 561, 562, and 563 may be connected to and communicate with electronic component 560. In some examples, electronic component 560 may include a printed circuit board having one or more electronic components thereon. In some examples, electronic component 560 may include a controller for display unit 540, such as a timing controller. In some examples, electronic component 560 may therefore include a timing controller (T-Con) board. In some examples, one or more flexible electronic connectors 552 and 554 may be electrically connected to or coupled to the T-Con board and one or more additional electronic components of the device, including display unit 540 as described herein, such as one or more electronic components disposed in the base portion of the electronic device.
[0095] Figure 5A The components shown can be arranged in one or more different locations when disposed in a display housing (such as display housing 310), because the flexibility of the electronic connectors 561, 562, 563 allows the T-Con board 560 to rotate or move relative to the display unit 540. Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of a display unit 540 is shown, which includes a T-Con plate in a configuration available when the display unit 540 is disposed in a display housing (such as display housing 310), wherein the T-Con plate is positioned behind the front wall 311.
[0096] In some examples, and such as Figure 5B As shown, the T-Con board can be folded back so that it is positioned below or above at least a portion of the display unit 540. The flexibility of the electronic connectors 561, 562, and 563 allows the T-Con board to be positioned in this manner while maintaining an electrical connection with the display unit 540. In some examples, the T-Con board 560 may be positioned near or substantially adjacent to the surface of the display unit 540. The T-Con board 560 may also include one or more connectors thereon, such as board-to-board connectors 565, which can electronically connect the T-Con board 560, and thus the display unit 540, to one or more electronic components, such as components disposed in the base portion of the electronic device. In some examples, a flexible electronic connector 552 may engage with connector 565 to provide such a connection. This architecture (where the size and shape of the T-Con board can be configured to be disposed within a portion of a display volume defined by a front wall positioned along the lower edge of the display unit) allows signal processing and timing procedures to be performed by components disposed in the display portion of the electronic device, and thus reduces or minimizes the size, width, and amount of connectors required to pass from the display portion to the base portion to achieve the desired performance level. The following is for reference. Figures 6A to 6D It describes more details about the construction, architecture, and components of electrical connectors for electronic devices.
[0097] Figure 6A A perspective view showing the exploded area of the display portion of an electronic device, for example, in Figure 3A The area of display portion 302 is indicated by a dashed circle. As can be seen, the display portion may include display units 640 that can be fixed to display housing 610. Display housing 610 may be substantially similar to display housings described herein (such as display housing 302) and may include some or all of the features of display housings described herein. Additionally, display units 640 may be substantially similar to display units described herein (such as display unit 540) and may include some or all of the features of display units described herein. Like display unit 540, display unit 640 may include two flexible electronic connectors 652, 654 that are electrically coupled to display unit 640, for example, via a T-Con plate or one or more other components. The display portion may also include a grounding component 620 that helps, for example, electrically ground the flexible electronic connectors 652, 654 to display housing 610. The grounding component 620 can be an elongated component, which can be positioned above the flexible electronic connectors 652 and 654 and can apply pressure to the flexible electronic connectors 652 and 654 to push them against another component, thereby electrically grounding the flexible electronic connectors. Relative to Figures 6B to 6D More details about the display section are described.
[0098] Figure 6B A front view of the edge area of the display portion of an electronic device is shown, for example, adjacent to... Figure 6A The area shown is the region. As shown, the edge region may be a corner region of the display portion of an electronic device, and the display portion may include a hinge 670 that can be coupled to a corresponding base portion of the device, as described herein. Although only one hinge component 670 is shown, the device may include multiple hinge components 670 positioned along one or more edges of the display portion.
[0099] The display portion may include a display housing 610 as described herein, and a circuit board or T-Con board (not shown) electrically coupled to the display unit 640. The display portion may also include a grounding member 620 that helps, for example, electrically ground the circuit board (not shown) to the display housing 610. In some examples, the grounding member 620 may be secured to the display housing 610 by one or more retaining members that can engage a retaining feature of the grounding member. For example, the grounding member 620 may define a retaining feature, such as a hole or aperture, and a retaining member 633 may pass through the feature to be received by a corresponding feature in the display housing 610 and to which the grounding member 620 may be secured.
[0100] As described herein, the display unit 640 may be secured or stabilized relative to the display housing 610 in one or more directions by a plurality of components or techniques. In some examples, the display housing 610 may define a recess, depression, and / or groove 611, as described herein, which may be disposed beneath at least a portion of the display unit 640 when the display unit 640 is secured to the display housing 610. In some examples, an adhesive and / or glue 612 may be disposed in the groove 611 to secure at least a portion of the display unit 640 to the display housing 610. The adhesive 612 may be substantially similar to any adhesive or adhesive material described herein. Furthermore, the depth, width, and overall dimensions of the groove 611 may be selected such that a desired amount of adhesive (e.g., an amount that achieves a desired bond strength between the display unit 640 and the display housing 610) may substantially fill the groove 611, thereby simplifying the process for dispensing or applying the adhesive 612 to the display housing 610.
[0101] Despite Figure 6B The groove 611 is shown positioned along a single edge of the display housing 610, but the groove 611 and / or adhesive 612 may be positioned around some or all of the periphery of the display housing 610 and / or the display unit 640. In some examples, this text is relative to... Figure 6B The described configuration can be used to prevent or reduce cracking or other damage along the edge of the display unit 640 during high-force or high-stress events, such as drop events.
[0102] Figure 6C It shows Figure 6A The diagram shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a region of the display, including a display housing 610 that at least partially defines the internal volume of the display. As described herein, a T-Con plate 660 may be connected to a display unit (not shown) and may be disposed within the internal volume. A flexible electronic connector 652 may be connected to and extend from the T-Con plate 660. In some examples, a grounding member 620 may be secured to the display housing 610 by one or more retaining members that can engage a retaining feature of the grounding member. For example, the grounding member 620 may define a retaining feature 623, such as a hole or aperture, and a retaining member 633 may pass through the feature 623 to be received by a corresponding feature in the display housing 610 and to which the grounding member 620 is secured. This is merely one example of a retaining feature, and the grounding member 620 may be held or secured in a desired location as needed by any technology or combination of technologies.
[0103] In some examples, the grounding component 620 may include a bracket 622 that is substantially "L"-shaped or curved, and may be made of a material. In some examples, the bracket 622 may include a sheet of metal, such as aluminum or steel, formed into a desired "L" shape having a first portion at an angle (such as a right angle) to the second portion. In some examples, a retaining feature 623 may be defined by the bracket 622. The grounding component 620 may also include a flexible electronic connector guide 624 that can be used to physically contact and guide the flexible electronic connector 652 as the display portion rotates or moves relative to the base portion, ensuring that the flexible electronic connector 652 does not interfere with or become damaged by such rotation. In some examples, the flexible electronic connector guide 624 may be secured to the bracket 622 by any desired technique. A portion of the grounding component 620 (such as the bracket 622) may contact and press against the flexible electronic connector 652 at a desired location, such that the flexible electronic connector 652 makes electrical contact with the display housing 610. For example, the display housing may include a conductive washer 674 that defines a grounding component 620 abutting against the surface of its pressing flexible electronic connector 652 to provide electrical contact between them. In some examples, the conductive washer 676 may include a conductive polymer and / or a polymer comprising conductive material dispersed throughout. In some examples, the conductive washer 674 may be secured or attached to the display housing by an adhesive, such as conductive adhesive 676.
[0104] Figure 6D It shows Figure 6A The perspective sectional view of an alternative configuration of the area shown for the display portion includes a display housing 610 that at least partially defines the internal volume of the display. Although relative to... Figure 6CThe examples shown may include conductive gasket 674, but in some examples, and as... Figure 6D As shown, the housing 610 may include a protrusion or projection 675 that can be positioned opposite to or near the bracket 622. Similar to the bracket 622, it may be electrically contacted. Figure 6C In the manner of washer 674, bracket 622 can electrically contact protrusion 675. That is, protrusion 675 can define the grounding component 620 abutting against its surface pressing against the flexible electronic connector 652 to provide electrical contact between them. The following is relative to Figures 7A to 7C More details are described, including examples of flexible electrical connectors and various configurations of the display and base portions of electronic devices.
[0105] Figure 7A It shows something similar to Figure 6C A perspective cross-sectional view of the area shown, representing a portion of the display area. (Compared to...) Figure 6C The same as the display shown. Figure 7A The display portion may include a display housing 710 that at least partially defines the internal volume of the display. As described herein, display units and / or backlight components 760 may be attached to, secured to, and / or carried by the display housing 710. Although referred to as display unit 760, in some examples, display unit 760 may include any combination of display units and backlight components as described herein. Furthermore, grounding component 624 may include a flexible electronic connector guide that can be used to physically contact and guide flexible electronic connectors 752, 754 when the display portion rotates or moves relative to the base portion, ensuring that the flexible electronic connectors 752, 754 do not interfere with or become damaged by such rotation. Relative to Figure 7B and Figure 7C More details are described regarding the rotation or movement of the display section relative to the base section.
[0106] In some examples, component 720 of the display portion may include a lip or shelf, as shown, which may be positioned adjacent to or near the edge of display unit 760. In some examples, the shelf of component 720 may define a surface substantially parallel to the edge of display unit 760. In some examples, the shelf of component 720 may be separated from the edge of display unit 760 by a distance less than about 10 mm, less than about 5 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 1 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, or even less than about 0.1 mm or less. In some examples, the edge of display unit 760 may abut the shelf of component 720. In some examples, component 720 may be supported by, attached to, and / or disposed on a portion 712 of display housing 710.
[0107] In use, the shelf of component 720 can be used to help fix or maintain the position of display unit 760 relative to display housing 710 in one or more desired directions. For example, component 720 can act as a physical barrier to prevent some or all of the parts or films of display unit 760 from sliding or moving relative to display housing 710 during high-force or high-stress events (such as drop events). Therefore, in some examples, component 720 may not contact or fix the position of display unit 710, except during high-stress events or other scenarios that could cause undesirable movement of display unit 760 relative to display housing 710.
[0108] In some examples, component 720 may have additional functions beyond serving as a barrier or stop for display unit 760. For example, component 720 may include mounting components for circuit boards, LEDs, or other components of display portion 720. Additionally, some or all of components 720 may be positioned above a portion of display unit 760 (such as a portion of backlight component 736), as shown.
[0109] Figure 7B The base portion 714 coupled to the electronic device is shown. Figure 7A The display portion, as described herein. For simplicity, various details, features, and components of the base portion 714 are not shown. As can be seen, the base portion 714 and / or its components or features may define a volume or cavity 716 into which flexible electronic connectors 752, 754 may extend from the display portion. The flexible electronic connectors 752, 754 may then be electrically connected to one or more components of the base portion 714, as described herein. Figure 7B The illustrated electronic device is in a position that can be described as a closed position or closed configuration, whereby the base portion can cover or block all or substantially all of the effective area of the display unit 760. As can be seen, when the electronic device is in the closed position, the display housing 710 and the base portion 714 can be used to protect the flexible electronic connectors 752, 754 from the influence of the external environment.
[0110] Figure 7C Showing the open position or configuration Figure 7BThe display portion and base portion of the electronic device. That is, the display portion has been rotated or moved relative to the base portion 714, so that the effective area of the display unit 760 is no longer obstructed by the base portion, and the user can, for example, view the information or content displayed on the display unit 760. When the device is in the open position, the shape of the cavity 716 of the display housing 710 and the base portion continues to protect the flexible electronic connectors 752, 754 from the influence of the external environment. Furthermore, the display portion and the base portion can be shaped and oriented such that the flexible electronic connectors 752, 754 can have one or more desired bending radii. That is, the bending radius of any part of the flexible electronic connectors 752, 754 can be small enough to be accommodated within the base portion, but not so small or tight that undesirable curling or folding of the flexible electronic connectors 752, 754 can occur. In some examples, when in the open position, one or more parts of the flexible electronic connectors 752, 754 can have bending radii less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or even less than 1 mm, such as about 2.5 mm. In some examples, when in the closed position, one or more portions of the flexible electronic connectors 752, 754 may have a bending radius of less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or even less than 1 mm, such as about 2 mm.
[0111] While this disclosure generally describes components and features of the display portion of an electronic device, the components and features described herein can be used in any combination or sequence and with any desired component or electronic device. Furthermore, the components and features can take on any geometry, pattern, size, or combination of shape, pattern, and size. Additionally, the features described herein can be located on or extend from any desired housing and / or component surface.
[0112] Within the limits applicable to this technology, the collection and use of data from various sources can be used to improve the delivery of inspirational or other content that users may be interested in. This disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, such collected data may include personal information that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate specific individuals. Such personal information may include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, etc. ID, home address, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.
[0113] This disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the techniques of this invention can benefit users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of interest to the user. Therefore, the use of such personal information data enables users to have planned control over the delivered content. Furthermore, this disclosure also anticipates other uses of personal information data that are beneficial to users. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into a user's overall health status or as positive feedback for individuals using technology to pursue health goals.
[0114] This disclosure assumes that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing, or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as data collection and / or use change. Personal information from users should be collected for the entity's lawful and reasonable purposes and not shared or sold outside of these lawful uses. Furthermore, such collection / sharing should be conducted only after obtaining informed consent from users. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to protect and safeguard access to such personal information data and ensure that others with access to such personal information data comply with their privacy policies and processes. Additionally, such entities may be subject to third-party evaluations to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Furthermore, policies and practices should be adapted to the specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards, including specific considerations regarding jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, the collection or acquisition of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); while in other countries, health data may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different types of personal data in each country.
[0115] Regardless of the foregoing, this disclosure also contemplates implementation schemes for users to selectively prevent the use or access to personal information data. That is, this disclosure contemplates providing hardware and / or software components to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, with regard to advertising delivery services, the inventive technology can be configured to allow users to opt-in or opt-out at any time during or after service registration to participate in the collection of personal information data. In another example, users can choose not to provide emotion-related data for a targeted content delivery service. In yet another example, users can choose to limit the duration for which emotion-related data is retained, or completely prohibit the development of underlying emotional states. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, this disclosure envisions providing notifications related to access to or use of personal information. For example, users can be notified when downloading an application that their personal information data will be accessed, and then reminded again just before the application accesses the personal information data.
[0116] Furthermore, the purpose of this disclosure is to manage and process personal information data to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Once data is no longer needed, this risk can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data. Additionally, and where applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data deidentification can be used to protect user privacy. Deidentification can be facilitated, where appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than the address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data on users), and / or other methods.
[0117] Therefore, while this disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, it is also contemplated that various embodiments can be implemented without access to such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present invention will not be rendered inoperable due to the absence of all or part of such personal information data. For example, preferences can be inferred based on non-personal information data or a minimal amount of personal information, such as content requested by a device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery service, or publicly available information, thereby selecting content and delivering it to the user.
[0118] As used herein, the terms exterior, outside, interior, inside, top, and bottom are for reference only. An exterior portion or outer portion of a component may form part of the outer surface of the component, but may not necessarily form the entire exterior of the outer surface of the component. Similarly, an interior portion or inner portion of a component may form or define the interior portion or inner portion of the component, but may also form or define part of the outer surface or outer surface of the component. In some orientations of a component, the top portion of the component may be located above the bottom portion of the component, but may also be in a straight line with, below, or otherwise spatially related to the bottom portion, depending on the orientation of the component.
[0119] This document describes various inventions with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, as those set forth in the following claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications disclosed herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The terms “comprising” and “having” as used in the specification and claims shall have the same meaning as the term “including”.
[0120] For illustrative purposes, the foregoing description uses specific names to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing description of specific embodiments described herein is presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above.
Claims
1. An electronic device, comprising: Housing, the housing comprising: Sidewalls, the sidewalls defining the outer surface of the electronic device; and A decorative element, the decorative element at least partially defining an aperture and the decorative element including a visible portion defining the outer surface of the electronic device, the visible portion of the decorative element extending beyond the sidewall, the decorative element including a mounting surface raised relative to an adjacent portion of the sidewall; and The display unit includes a transparent cover and a display layer. The display unit contacts the decorative element at a mounting surface adjacent to the aperture. The transparent cover defines the outer surface, and the visible portion of the decorative element extends beyond the outer surface defined by the transparent cover. in: The decorative element includes at least one of aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic or plastic; The housing also includes a shell that defines a cavity at least partially disposed beneath the trim; The electronic device also includes a magnet disposed in the cavity and adjacent to the decorative element.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the housing at least partially defines the internal volume, wherein: The sidewall defines the channel; and The decorative element is disposed in the channel.
3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the decorative element fixes the display unit at a position along an axis orthogonal to the aperture.
4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The decorative element defines a mounting surface that is oriented parallel to and offset from the visible surface; The display unit contacts the mounting surface.
5. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The display unit is fixed to the housing by a reworkable adhesive; The reprocessable adhesive includes a stretchable release adhesive; and The housing at least partially defines the access point, wherein the stretching releases the adhesive to communicate with the surrounding environment.
6. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a backlight component below the display unit, the backlight component being disposed within an internal volume defined by the housing, wherein the backlight component defines a recess at least partially surrounded by an effective area of the backlight component.
7. The electronic device of claim 6, further comprising a camera module positioned at the recess adjacent to the decorative element and below the display unit, the camera module comprising: camera; and A light-blocking element is positioned between the camera and the backlight component.
8. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The housing is a display portion housing, and the electronic device also includes a base portion to which the display portion housing is rotatably mounted; and The housing includes a rear wall opposite the display unit and a front wall adjacent to the edge of the display unit, the front wall defining a portion of the outer surface parallel to the surface of the display unit.
Citation Information
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