Spring-loaded deployable display mobile electronic device

Abstract

A spring loaded unfolding display mobile electronic device enables the display size to be doubled, for example tripled. The expanded display is ideal for viewing video content, access to which will become more common with the adoption of 5G cellular services. In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device is self-unfolding. Gas springs (101A, 101B) that provide the desired damping and locking features may be used. The mobile electronic device may be held face down and the sides may be double pushed together (603). The springs unlock and the folded display self-unfolds (605). In another embodiment, the device senses when it is held face down (703) and electronically unlocks the springs for self-unfolding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to mobile electronic devices, and more particularly, to a spring-loaded deployable display mobile electronic device. Background Art

[0002] A tri-fold mobile electronic device is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20120307423, entitled “Flexible Display Flexural Assembly,” published on December 6, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference. Figure 4 Further improvements in devices of this type are desirable. Summary of the invention

[0003] A spring loaded deployable display mobile electronic device enables the display size to be doubled, for example tripled. The expanded display is well suited for viewing video content, access to which will become more ubiquitous with the adoption of 5G cellular services. In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device is self-deploying. Gas springs may be used to provide the desired damping and locking features. The mobile electronic device may be held face down and the sides may be double pushed together. The springs unlock and the folded display self-deploys. In another embodiment, the device senses when it is held face down and electronically unlocks the springs for self-deployment.

[0004] In one aspect, a mobile electronic device includes: a main body that houses a main processor; a display extension member; a hinge mechanism that is connected to a first display extension member and the main body; and a flexible display that is connected to the main body and the display extension member. The screen extension member can be configured to: in a folded state, wrap around the main body and overlap the main body at the back side of the main body, with the display side of the flexible display facing away from the main body; and in an unfolded state, support the flexible display in an unfolded flat state. The hinge mechanism includes a spring action member and is configured to move outward from one side of the main body during unfolding to tighten the slack of the flexible display generated during unfolding.

[0005] In another aspect, a mobile electronic device includes: a main body that houses a main processor; a first display extension member; and a first hinge mechanism that is connected to the first display extension member and the main body. The mobile electronic device further includes: a second display extension member; a second hinge mechanism that is connected to the second display extension member and the main body; and a flexible display that is connected to the main body, the first display extension member, and the second display extension member. The first and second screen extension members may be configured to: in a folded state, wrap around the main body and overlap at the back side of the main body, with the display side of the flexible display facing away from the main body; and in an unfolded state, support the flexible display in an unfolded flat state. The first and second hinge mechanisms may each include a spring-action member and be configured to move outward from the corresponding side of the main body during unfolding to tighten the slack of the flexible display generated during unfolding.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of extending a display of a mobile electronic device is provided, the mobile electronic device comprising a main body, a folded and unfolded display, and a screen extension. According to the method, a user holds the mobile electronic device face down and performs a manual action on the device to initiate the unfolding of the display. In response to the manual action, a spring causes the screen extension to unfold and extend from the edge of the main body, so that the size of the front display increases.

[0007] In another aspect, a method for extending a display of a mobile electronic device is provided, the mobile electronic device comprising a main body, a folded and unfolded display, and a screen extension. According to the method, a user rotates the mobile electronic device to face downward. The mobile electronic device senses the rotation, and in response to the rotation, the mobile electronic device releases a spring, thereby causing the screen extension to unfold and extend from the edge of the main body, so that the size of the front display increases.

[0008] In another aspect, a mobile electronic device includes: a main body; a screen extension; a foldable and unfoldable display coupled to the main body and the screen extension; and a hinge mechanism coupled to the main body and the screen extension. The mobile electronic device further includes a front-facing camera module housed within the main body, wherein, in a folded state, a portion of the display is rear-facing and operable to display information to a user, and the mobile electronic device is configured to take rear-facing photos by rotating the camera module to rear-facing and using the rear-facing portion of the display for framing and camera control.

[0009] In another aspect, a method of taking a photo using a mobile electronic device is provided, the mobile electronic device including an integral folding display and only including a forward-facing camera. According to the method, a user turns the camera to be rearward-facing and uses the originally rearward-facing portion of the folding display for framing and camera control to take a rearward-facing photo.

[0010] In another aspect, a self-deploying mobile electronic device comprises: a body; a folding display; which wraps around the body in a folded state to overlap with the back of the body; an assembly, which includes a screen extension and a hinge mechanism; and at least one spring mechanism, which has a damping feature and a locking feature. During self-deployment, the locking feature of the spring mechanism is released, thereby causing movement of the screen extension so that the front display size increases. The at least one spring mechanism may include a gas spring. The locking feature of the spring mechanism may be manually controlled. Alternatively, the locking feature of the spring mechanism may be electronically controlled.

[0011] In another aspect, a method for performing self-deployment of a mobile electronic device is provided, the mobile electronic device having: a main body; a folding display; an assembly including a screen extension and a hinge mechanism; and at least one spring mechanism having a damping feature and a locking feature. According to the method, a user positions the device face down and applies a pressure input to the device to release the locking feature of the spring mechanism. The screen extension is moved by the at least one spring mechanism so that the front display increases in size.

[0012] In another aspect, a method for performing self-deployment of a mobile electronic device is provided, the mobile electronic device having: a body; a folding display; an assembly including a screen extension and a hinge mechanism; and at least one spring mechanism having a damping feature and a locking feature. According to the method, a user positions the device face down. The device senses the movement and positioning of the device and releases the locking feature of the spring mechanism in response. The screen extension is moved by the at least one spring mechanism so that the front-facing display increases in size.

[0013] In another aspect, a modular mobile electronic device includes: a main body module; a folding display module including a flexible display; and one or more connectors for connecting the main body module and the folding display module. The folding display module is configured so that: in a folded state, the flexible display overlaps the main body at the back side of the main body, with the display side of the flexible display facing away from the main body; and in an unfolded state, the flexible display is supported in an unfolded flat state. The folding display module includes at least one camera. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention may be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 is a front view of a foldable mobile electronic device.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 End view of the device.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Front view of the device in the unfolded state.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Rear view of the device.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 End view of the device.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of the self-expanding operation.

[0021] Figure 7 is another flowchart of a self-expanding operation.

[0022] Figure 8 is a front view of another foldable mobile electronic device.

[0023] Fig. 9 is to use something like Figure 8 A flow chart of taking photos by a device.

[0024] Fig.10 is a diagram of a modular mobile electronic device.

[0025] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Another diagram of a modular mobile electronic device.

[0026] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Front view of a modular mobile electronic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Reference now Figure 1 , showing a front view of a spring-loaded unfolding display mobile electronic device 100 in a folded state. In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile electronic device is a "tri-fold, outside-fold" device having a flexible touch display of a known type. When the mobile electronic device is unfolded, the display area is increased threefold. The mobile electronic device is configured so that the display folds outward like a scroll (rather than folding inward like a book).

[0028] Within the body of the mobile electronic device, a spring (101A, 101B) is provided. In some embodiments, a single spring may be provided.

[0029] Figure 1 End view of a mobile electronic device in Figure 2 . The body 201 is adjoined on either side by an assembly including a hinge mechanism (203A, 203B) and a screen extension member ("screen extension", 205A, 205B). The screen extension provides support for a portion of the display that is folded and unfolded. In the folded state as shown, the screen extension overlaps the back of the body. The foldable display 207 is supported by the body in the front of the mobile electronic device, wrapped around the hinge member, and overlapped at the back of the body, supported by the overlapping screen extension. In this configuration, the active display side of the foldable display is front- and rear-facing.

[0030] Figure 3 Display in expanded state Figure 1 Although dotted lines are used to indicate the threefold increase in display area, the foldable display 207 is continuous and uninterrupted.

[0031] Figure 4 Display in expanded state Figure 1 201. The rear view of the mobile electronic device. In the unfolded state, the assemblies 203A / 205A and 203B / 205B are arranged so that the screen extensions (205A, 205B) expand outwardly in a plane defined by the front of the main body 201, rather than overlapping at the back of the main body. The hinge mechanism (203A, 203B) is supported by a rod and is spaced a distance from the main body 201 to tighten the slack in the display that occurs during unfolding. During unfolding, the hinge mechanism gradually moves away from the side of the main body to present Figure 4 The final position shown in .

[0032] In one embodiment, the spring may be a bi-directional gas spring with damping and locking features. In the locked state, the rod is retained in the cylinder. When the locked state is released, the rod is pushed outward in a damped motion. Unlocking of the rod may occur by a small push or "double push" on the rod. For example, this type of spring may be obtained from HXL Gas Spring Company, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.

[0033] In other embodiments, unlocking occurs electronically. An electric current is applied to an element within the cylinder to cause it to expand or contract to release the lock.

[0034] In other embodiments, the spring may be a coil spring or other type of spring.

[0035] As currently described, Figures 1 to 5The mobile electronic device may be "self-deployable".

[0036] refer to Figure 6 According to one aspect, the device is held face down in a longitudinal orientation (601). The user then double pushes the sides of the device toward each other (603). The user then places his or her hands flat, allowing the device to unfold (605). In response to the double push, the rod of the gas spring is released and expands in a damped manner until the device is fully unfolded. The user then grabs the device and turns it forward for use (607).

[0037] Alternatively, the "self-deployment" can be controlled electronically. Figure 7 According to one aspect, a user turns the device to face down in a portrait orientation (701). This placement of the device constitutes a motion gesture recognized by the device. The device recognizes the gesture and unlocks the spring (703). The user then places his or her hand flat, allowing the device to unfold (705). In response to the unlocking, the rod of the gas spring is released and expands in a damped manner until the device is fully unfolded. The user then grabs the device and turns it forward for use (707).

[0038] refer to Figure 8 , shows a mobile electronic device 800 according to another aspect. The device may be provided with a camera module 803. The camera module 803 may incorporate some or all of the cameras in a state-of-the-art smartphone. In particular, the camera module may incorporate a camera that may be rear-facing in a state-of-the-art smartphone. Changing the camera to front-facing avoids interference with the folding display.

[0039] The device may include springs 801A and 801B, similar to Figure 1 The signal from the camera module 803 can be routed around the spring 801A.

[0040] The camera module 803 may include speakers, microphones, buttons, ports, etc. along its top surface as desired. The camera module 803 may also include an antenna.

[0041] In some examples, the same camera module 803 can be used to take both front-facing and rear-facing photos. If the camera is a variable focal length camera, the device can sense the orientation of the device (front or rear-facing) and adjust the focus accordingly.

[0042] refer to Fig. 9 , to take a rear-facing photo, the user uses the touch display to select "Camera" and then selects "Rear" (901). The user rotates the phone so that the normally forward-facing camera module is now rear-facing (903). The portion of the display that was originally rear-facing is now front-facing and activated for framing and controls (905). The user then takes the photo in the usual manner (907).

[0043] In some examples, a separate rear-facing camera module with more advanced functionality may also be provided, where the camera is covered when the display is folded. During unfolding of the display, the camera may be activated by default so that it is always ready to take pictures. Switching between portrait and landscape orientations may be performed by touch input or gestures without changing the orientation of the device.

[0044] refer to Fig.10 , showing a rear unfolded view of a modular mobile electronic device. One module 1001 may be a main body including a main processor. Another module 1003 may be a folding screen module. The folding screen module may include a screen extension, a hinge mechanism, and a spring, which are generally arranged as in the previously described embodiments. The folding screen module may also include a hinge mechanism as described with respect to Fig. 9 The camera module described. The folding screen module may also include snap-in connectors 1005A and 1005B. The body 1001 may include complementary snap-in connectors, enabling it to snap into the folding screen module. Fig.11 A mobile electronic device is shown with the body snapped in. In the event that any module is damaged, the module can be easily replaced. The damaged module can be sent for repair. The body can be made waterproof to a greater extent than would be the case with a fully integrated device. Fig.12 exhibit Fig.11 Front view of the device.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes within the meaning and scope of its equivalents are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A mobile electronic device, comprising: a main body housing a main processor; a first display extension component; a first hinge mechanism coupled to the first display extension member and the main body; and a flexible display coupled to the main body and the first display extension member; The first display extension component is configured to: In a folded state, the flexible display overlaps the main body at the back side of the main body, wherein the display side of the flexible display faces away from the main body; and In the unfolded state, supporting the flexible display in an unfolded flat state; wherein the first hinge mechanism comprises a spring mechanism and is configured to move outwardly from one side of the body during unfolding to tighten slack of the flexible display generated during unfolding; wherein the flexible display is wrapped around the body in a folded state to overlap with a back surface of the body; wherein the spring mechanism has a damping feature and a locking feature; and During the self-expansion, the user rotates the mobile electronic device to face downward, the mobile electronic device senses the rotation, causes the locking feature to be released, and causes the first display extension component to unfold, so that the display size increases.

2. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: A second display expansion component; a second hinge mechanism coupled to the second display extension member and the main body; in The flexible display is coupled to the main body, the first display extension member, and the second display extension member; The first display extension component and the second display extension component are configured to: In a folded state, overlapping at a back side of the main body, wherein a display side of the flexible display faces away from the main body; and In the unfolded state, the flexible display is supported in an unfolded flat state; and The first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism each include a spring mechanism and are configured to move outward from a corresponding side of the body during unfolding to tighten slack of the flexible display generated during unfolding. The mobile electronic device of claim 1 , wherein each spring mechanism comprises a gas spring. The mobile electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the locking feature of each spring mechanism is manually controlled. The mobile electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the locking feature of the spring mechanism is electronically controlled.

6. The mobile electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a front-facing camera module housed within the body, wherein: In the folded state, a portion of the display is rearward facing and operable to display information to a user, and the mobile electronic device is configured to take rearward-facing photographs and use the rearward-facing portion of the display for framing and camera control.

7. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more connectors for connecting the main body and the foldable display; The foldable display is configured such that: In the folded state, the flexible display overlaps the main body at the back side of the main body, wherein the display side of the flexible display faces away from the main body; and In the unfolded state, the flexible display is supported in an unfolded flat state. The mobile electronic device of claim 7 , wherein the folding display comprises at least one camera.

9. A method for extending a display of a mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device comprising a main body, a foldable and unfoldable display, a display extension component, and a hinge mechanism, the hinge mechanism comprising a spring mechanism with a locking feature, the method comprising: The mobile electronic device senses that a user has turned the mobile electronic device into a face-down orientation; and In response to sensing that the mobile electronic device has been turned to face downward, the mobile electronic device releases the spring mechanism, thereby causing the display extension to unfold, The method further comprises: In response to the mobile electronic device sensing a face-down orientation, releasing the locking feature; wherein The deployment of the display extension member is caused by releasing the locking feature of the spring mechanism, causing a forward-facing display to increase in size.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the mobile electronic device includes a front-facing camera, the method comprising the user rotating the camera to be rear-facing and taking a rear-facing picture using a rear-facing portion of the foldable display for framing and camera control.

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