Display assembly for a foldable electronic device

Abstract

A display assembly (1) for an electronic device (2), the display assembly (1) comprising a foldable display element (3) and a foldable frame (4). The display assembly (1) is adapted to be disposed at at least one of a folded end position (P1) and an extended end position (P2). The frame (4) includes a first folding portion (5), a second folding portion (6), and a pivot hinge (7) that interconnects the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6) such that the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6) are pivotable relative to each other about a component rotation axis (C) extending through the pivot hinge (7). The first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6) together form a first frame surface (4a) and a second frame surface (4b), the second frame surface (4b) extending parallel to the first frame surface (4a); the display element (3) at least partially surrounds the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6). At least one of the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6) includes a first element (5a, 6a) and a second element (5b, 6b); the second element (5b, 6b) is adapted to move relative to the first element (5a, 6a) in a direction perpendicular away from the component rotation axis (C) in response to the display assembly (1) being unfolded, and to move relative to the first element (5a, 6a) in a direction perpendicular towards the component rotation axis (C) in response to the display assembly (1) being folded. The display element (3) is adapted to slide at least partially along the second frame surface (4b) in response to movement of the second element (5b, 6b). This allows the width of the device (including the display assembly) to be as small as possible without unduly increasing the depth of the device when folded together, and allows the display element of the device to be as large as possible at least during use and in the extended state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display assembly for an electronic device, the display assembly including a foldable display element and a foldable frame. Background Art

[0002] When designing portable electronic devices such as tablet computers and mobile phones, an important consideration is their size. To provide the best possible electronic device, the external size of the device must be as small as possible while still allowing the device's display to be as large as possible, at least during use.

[0003] This problem can be solved by making the electronic device foldable, for example by using hinges to interconnect several frame parts and covering the frame parts with a large display. The frame parts and the display can be folded together to make the width of the electronic device as small as possible, and can be unfolded to provide as large a display as possible. The width of the electronic device can be reduced, but since the multiple housing parts are stacked on top of each other, the depth of the electronic device increases. The depth can even be greater than the width, and thus, such foldable electronic devices are both bulky and unattractive.

[0004] In addition, since the folded display area is subjected to very high stresses and accumulates an excessive folding length, continuous folding and unfolding of the display may cause permanent deformation due to fatigue.

[0005] One possible solution is to provide the electronic device with a rollable or rather slidable display, such that the frame parts of the device can expand or move outwards as the display unfolds, while the frame parts provide support for the expanded display. However, the possible amount of expansion is limited to a ratio of 2:1 between the expanded width of the display and the original width of the device. In addition, manually sliding (e.g., using the thumb) the display may cause creases or dents in the display. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved display assembly. The above and other objects are achieved by the features claimed in the independent claims. Other implementations are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a display assembly for an electronic device is provided. The display assembly includes a foldable display element and a foldable frame, and the display assembly is configured to be disposed at at least one of a folded end position and an extended end position; when moving from the folded end position towards the extended end position, the display assembly unfolds; when moving from the extended end position towards the folded end position, the display assembly folds; the frame includes a first folding portion, a second folding portion, and a pivot hinge that interconnects the first folding portion and the second folding portion such that the first folding portion and the second folding portion are pivotable relative to each other about a component rotation axis extending through the pivot hinge, wherein the first folding portion and the second folding portion together form a first frame surface and a second frame surface that extends parallel to the first frame surface; the display element at least partially surrounds the first folding portion and the second folding portion by at least partially extending through the first main frame surface and at least partially extending through the second main frame surface, wherein at least one of the first folding portion and the second folding portion includes a first element and a second element; the second element is configured to move relative to the first element in a direction perpendicular away from the component rotation axis in response to the unfolding of the display assembly, and move relative to the first element in a direction perpendicular towards the component rotation axis in response to the folding of the display assembly; the display element is configured to slide at least partially along the second frame surface in response to the movement of the second element.

[0008] Such a solution makes the width of the device (including the display assembly) as small as possible without overly increasing the depth of the device when folded together, and makes the display element of the device as large as possible at least during use and extension. In addition, since the actual folding area of the display element is distributed over a larger area, the stress applied to the display element due to folding is also distributed over a larger area, thereby reducing the risk of permanent deformation of the display element.

[0009] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, each of the first folding portion and the second folding portion has a first edge surface and a second edge surface, the first edge surface and the second edge surface are between the first frame surface and the second frame surface and extend parallel to the component rotation axis, the first edge surface of the first folding portion and the first edge surface of the second folding portion extend adjacent to the component rotation axis, and the display element extends through at least one of the second edge surface of the first folding portion and the second edge surface of the second folding portion. By extending a display element through the edge to the opposite side of the frame element, the display element can be extended without any visible gap between the plurality of display portions.

[0010] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, each of the first folding portion and the second folding portion has a third edge surface and a fourth edge surface, the third edge surface and the fourth edge surface are between the first frame surface and the second frame surface and extend perpendicular to the component rotation axis and perpendicular to the first edge surface and the second edge surface, and the display element extends through at least one of the third edge surface and the fourth edge surface. By extending a display element onto the edge surface, the display element can be folded and extended to a certain extent without any significant impact on the size of the electronic device.

[0011] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the display element is configured to: when the display assembly is unfolded, slide along the second frame surface of at least one of the first folding portion and the second folding portion in a first direction parallel to the component rotation axis, or pivot away from the first folding portion or the second folding portion; and is configured to: when the display assembly is folded, slide along the second frame surface of at least one of the first folding portion and the second folding portion in a second direction parallel to the component rotation axis, or pivot towards the first folding portion or the second folding portion. This enables the display element to extend along two axes, thereby further increasing the extended size of the display.

[0012] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the direction perpendicular to and away from the component rotation axis extends from the first edge surface towards the second edge surface of the first folding portion and the second folding portion, and the direction perpendicular to and towards the component rotation axis extends from the second edge surface towards the first edge surface of the first folding portion and the second folding portion.

[0013] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first direction parallel to the component rotation axis extends outward from the first folding portion and the second folding portion, and the second direction parallel to the component rotation axis extends inward toward the first folding portion and the second folding portion.

[0014] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, when the display component is in the folded end position, the first folding portion and the second folding portion overlap each other; when the display component is in the extended end position, the first folding portion and the second folding portion extend at an angle to each other, thereby providing a maximum width range for the component.

[0015] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the angle is between 180° and 240°, so that the extended end position can be either a tablet mode or a desktop stand mode.

[0016] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second element is used to apply a contact force on the display element, such that a part of the display element slides along the second frame surface in a direction vertically away from the component rotation axis in response to the unfolding of the display component; the second element is used to apply a shaping force on the display element, such that a part of the display element slides along the second frame surface in a direction vertically toward the component rotation axis in response to the folding of the display component; compared with when the display component is in the extended end position, when the display component is in the folded end position, the area of the display element covering the second frame surface is larger. This is a reliable mechanical solution, which can be accommodated within the device housing during folding; during extension, the solution can not only extend the display element but also provide support for the extended display element.

[0017] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, at least one of the first folding portion and the second folding portion includes at least one other second element, and the other second element is used to move relative to the first element, such that the display element unfolds in the first direction in response to the unfolding of the display component, and such that the display element folds in the second direction in response to the folding of the display component. This can support and extend the display element along another axis.

[0018] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the display component further includes at least one extension mechanism, and the extension mechanism is used to move the second element relative to the first element.

[0019] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the extension mechanism includes at least one elongated connecting element; when the display assembly is unfolded, the elongated connecting element has sufficient rigidity to move the second element in a direction perpendicular to and away from the assembly rotation axis or in the first direction away from it; and / or when the display assembly is folded, the elongated connecting element has sufficient flexibility to bend about the assembly rotation axis. These features enable the extension mechanism to move automatically in response to the folding and unfolding of the device, thereby causing the second element to operate automatically and, consequently, causing the display element to fold and extend automatically.

[0020] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the elongated connecting element extends at least partially parallel to the assembly rotation axis.

[0021] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first end of the elongated connecting element is connected to the second element of one of the first folding portion and the second folding portion, and the second end of the elongated connecting element is connected to the other of the first folding portion and the second folding portion, preferably, to the first element of the first folding portion or the second folding portion. This interconnection between the first folding portion and the second folding portion enables the two folding portions to pivot simultaneously about the assembly rotation axis, and the elongated connecting element moves stably and reliably in response.

[0022] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second end of the elongated connecting element is connected to the first folding portion or the second folding portion by a connecting device, and movement of at least one element of the connecting device causes movement of the elongated connecting element.

[0023] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the connecting device includes a slidable body and a groove for receiving the slidable body; the groove is provided in the first folding portion or the second folding portion and extends parallel to the second frame surface; the slidable body is configured to slide in the groove in response to folding or unfolding of the display assembly. The device is mechanically simple but very reliable and cost-effective. In addition, since the device can generally be disposed within the wall of the folding portion, a large space is not required within the device housing.

[0024] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the slidable body is a pin.

[0025] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first folding portion or the second folding portion further includes a notch for receiving the elongate connecting element; a first portion of the notch extends at least partially about the assembly rotation axis such that when the display assembly is in the folded end position, the notch intersects the groove at a first notch position, and such that when the display assembly is in the extended end position, the notch intersects the groove at a second notch position. The notch helps to hold the elongate connecting element in the correct position and provides additional support for the elongate connecting element when an increasing force is applied on the second element of the folding portion.

[0026] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first notch position is adjacent to one end of the notch.

[0027] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first portion of the notch intersects the groove at an angle between 30° and 90°.

[0028] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the intersection angle between the notch and the groove changes when the display assembly is folded or unfolded.

[0029] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first portion of the notch extends about the assembly rotation axis by at least 270° in a plane perpendicular to the assembly rotation axis, thereby enabling an elongate connecting element of maximum length.

[0030] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, a second portion of the notch extends through the first element of the first folding portion or the second folding portion between the second element and the assembly rotation axis.

[0031] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first portion of the notch has a curved shape (preferably, an oval or spline shape) that partially surrounds the assembly rotation axis. By increasing the perimeter of the notch in this way, the maximum ejection length of the elongate connecting element can be achieved without affecting the thickness of the display assembly.

[0032] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the display component further includes at least one holding mechanism. A first end of the holding mechanism is connected to the display element, and the display element is adjacent to the second frame surface of one of the first folding portion and the second folding portion. The holding mechanism is configured to apply a tensile force on the display element in the direction towards the component rotation axis and / or in the second direction. The holding mechanism ensures that the display element is always in a stretched state regardless of the position of the display component.

[0033] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the holding mechanism includes another elongated connecting element and is connected to the first folding portion or the second folding portion by another connecting device. At least one element of the another connecting device moves in response to folding or unfolding of the display component, and the movement adjusts the tensile force applied on the display element.

[0034] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the another connecting device includes: another slidable body; another groove for accommodating the another slidable body, the another groove being provided in the first folding portion or the second folding portion; and another notch for accommodating the another elongated connecting element and intersecting the another groove at an angle between 30° and 90°. The device is mechanically simple but very reliable and cost-effective. In addition, since the device can generally be provided within the wall of the folding portion, a large space is not required within the device housing.

[0035] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the extension mechanism and / or the holding mechanism is provided at a position adjacent to at least one edge surface of the first folding portion or the second folding portion, and the edge surface extends perpendicular to the component rotation axis.

[0036] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the extension mechanism is provided at a position closer to the third edge surface or the fourth edge surface than the holding mechanism.

[0037] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the display component includes a first extension mechanism and a second extension mechanism. The first extension mechanism is provided at a position adjacent to the third edge surface of the first folding portion or the second folding portion, and the second extension mechanism is provided at a position adjacent to the fourth edge surface of the first folding portion or the second folding portion, so as to evenly distribute the force on the display element.

[0038] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the display component includes a first holding mechanism and a second holding mechanism. The first holding mechanism is disposed at a position adjacent to the third edge surface of the first folding portion or the second folding portion, and the second holding mechanism is disposed at a position adjacent to the fourth edge surface of the first folding portion or the second folding portion, so as to keep the display element evenly stretched.

[0039] According to a second aspect, there is provided an electronic device including the display component as described above. When such devices are folded together, they have the smallest possible width without increasing their depth, while having a display that can be significantly enlarged at least during use when the device is extended. In addition, since the actual folding areas of the display element are distributed over a larger area, the stress applied to the display element due to folding is also distributed over a larger area, thereby reducing the risk of permanent deformation of the display element.

[0040] This aspect and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In the following detailed description of the present invention, various aspects, embodiments, and implementations are explained in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 Schematic side views of the prior art at the folding end position, the intermediate position, and the extended end position are shown;

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic side view of a display component provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of an electronic device including the display component provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view of a display component provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 5 a to Figure 5 d show Figure 4 Schematic side views of the components of the embodiment shown;

[0047] Figures 6a to 6c Show Figure 4 And Figure 5 a to Figure 5 d show cross-sectional side views of the embodiment shown, where the display component is in the extended end position, the intermediate position, and the folding end position;

[0048] Figure 7 Shows a cross-sectional side view of a display component provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 8 a to Figure 8 c show Figure 4 a schematic side view of the components of the illustrated embodiment;

[0050] Figures 9a to 9c Show Figure 7 and Figure 8 a to Figure 8 c cross-sectional side views of the illustrated embodiment, where the display component is in an extended end position, an intermediate position, and a folded end position;

[0051] Figure 10 Shows a schematic perspective view of a display component provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 11a and Figure 11b show cross-sectional side views of display components provided by two different embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 12a and Figure 12b respectively show a schematic perspective view and a cross-sectional side view of an electronic device including a display component provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 13 Shows a schematic perspective view of an electronic device including a display component provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 14a and Figure 14b show exploded views of parts of display components provided by two different embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 15 Shows a schematic perspective view of an electronic device including a display component provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0057] Figure 1 Shows a foldable electronic device 2 provided by the prior art, such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. The device 2 shown in the figure is in a folded end position P1, an intermediate position, and an extended end position P2 from left to right. As shown by the arrows in the figure, the hinge area of the device 2 accumulates an excessive folding length, which causes the center of the display 3 to bulge when the device 2 is in the extended end position P2.

[0058] Figure 2 and Figure 3An embodiment of a display assembly 1 and an electronic device 2 including the display assembly 1 provided in one embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0059] The display assembly 1 includes a foldable display element 3 and a foldable frame 4. The display assembly 1 is configured to be positioned at at least one of a folded end position P1 and an extended end position P2. Furthermore, the display assembly 1 may be positioned at any number of intermediate positions. When moving from the folded end position P1 toward the extended end position P2, the display assembly 1 unfolds; when moving from the extended end position P2 toward the folded end position P1, the display assembly 1 folds.

[0060] The frame 4 includes a first folding part 5, a second folding part 6 and a pivot hinge 7, which interconnects the first folding part 5 and the second folding part 6 so that the first folding part 5 and the second folding part 6 can pivot relative to each other around an assembly rotation axis C extending through the pivot hinge 7.

[0061] When the display assembly 1 is at the folding end position P1, the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6 overlap each other. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6c 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9c as well as Figures 10 to 11b When the display assembly 1 is in the extended end position P2, the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6 extend at an angle to each other. Preferably, the angle is between 180° and 240°. Figure 6a and Figure 9a shows an angle of about 180°, Figure 12a 、 Figure 12b and Figure 15 An angle of about 240° is shown. In the case where an angle greater than 180° is allowed, a desktop stand function is enabled for the device, for example, so that the display element area extending through the first folding part 5 can be used as a keyboard, and the display element area extending the second folding part 6 can be used as a display. In this case, the pivot hinge 7 also serves as Figure 12b The rear stand shown acts to tilt the device slightly towards the user and make keyboard placement more ergonomic.

[0062] The first folded portion 5 and the second folded portion 6 together form a first frame surface 4a and a second frame surface 4b, the second frame surface 4b always extending substantially parallel to the first frame surface 4a. Figure 6a 、 Figure 9a andFigure 12b is most obvious. Since the first folding part 5 and the second folding part 6 are two separate components that are interconnected and separated to a certain extent by the pivot hinge 7, both the first frame surface 4a and the second frame surface 4b include two sub-surface regions, that is, along the opposite sides of the first folding part 5 and the second folding part 6, the first frame surface 4a extends through the first folding part 5 and the second folding part 6, and correspondingly, the second frame surface 4b also extends through the first folding part 5 and the second folding part 6. When in the extended end position P2 at 180°, the two sub-surface regions of the first frame surface 4a are aligned and arranged such that they extend in one plane, as Figure 6a and Figure 9a shown. Correspondingly, the two sub-surface regions of the second frame surface 4b are aligned and arranged such that they also extend in one plane. In this case, the first frame surface 4a and the second frame surface 4b extend parallel to each other, the first frame surface 4a can be described as the top surface, and the second frame surface 4b can be described as the bottom surface.

[0063] When in the folded end position P1, the two sub-surface regions of the first frame surface 4a and the two sub-surface regions of the second frame surface 4b are both substantially parallelly arranged, as Figure 6c and Figure 9c shown. In this case, the two sub-surface regions of the first frame surface 4a can be described as the outer top surface and the outer bottom surface, and the two sub-surface regions of the second frame surface 4b can both be arranged as the inner surfaces. The inner surface (i.e., the second frame surface 4b) is only visible when the display component 1 is in the extended end position P2.

[0064] When in the intermediate position (such as the hose shown in Figure 6b and Figure 9b ), the two sub-surface regions of the first frame surface 4a extend at an angle to each other, and the two sub-surface regions of the second frame surface 4b also extend at an angle to each other. The angles are substantially the same.

[0065] The display element 3 can be an OLED or LED display element, including any number of necessary layers and built-in display functions.

[0066] The display element 3 is arranged to at least partially surround the first folding part 5 and the second folding part 6 by at least partially extending through the first frame surface 4a and at least partially extending through the second frame surface 4b. As Figure 3 and Figure 12aAs shown, the display element 3 may extend completely through the first frame surface 4a as shown in the directions (D1, D2) perpendicular to the component rotation axis C, and only partially extend through the first frame surface 4a as shown in the first direction D3 and the second direction D4 parallel to the component rotation axis C. However, as Figure 15 shown, the display element 3 may extend completely through the first frame surface 4a as shown in the directions (D1, D2) perpendicular to the component rotation axis C and in the first direction D3 and the second direction D4 parallel to the component rotation axis C.

[0067] When the display assembly 1 is in the folded end position P1, the display element 3 may partially or completely extend through the second frame surface 4b as shown in the directions (D1, D2) perpendicular to the component rotation axis C. At the extended end position P2, the display element 3 only partially extends through the second frame surface 4b as shown in the directions (D1, D2) perpendicular to the component rotation axis C. The display element 3 may partially or completely extend through the second frame surface 4b as shown in the directions (D3, D4) parallel to the component rotation axis C.

[0068] The display element 3 is configured to: when the display assembly 1 is unfolded, slide along the second frame surface 4b of at least one of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6 in the direction D1 perpendicular and away from the component rotation axis C. Correspondingly, the display element 3 is configured to: when the display assembly 1 is folded, slide along the second frame surface 4b of at least one of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6 in the direction D2 perpendicular and toward the component rotation axis C. In other words, compared with when the display assembly 1 is in the extended end position P2, when the display assembly 1 is in the folded end position P1, the display element 3 covers a larger area of the second frame surface 4b, as Figure 6a and Figure 6c and Figure 9a and Figure 9c shown.

[0069] Each of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6 has a first edge surface 8a and a second edge surface 8b, and the first edge surface 8a and the second edge surface 8b extend between the first frame surface 4a and the second frame surface 4b and are parallel to the component rotation axis C. The first edge surface 8a of the first folding portion 5 and the first edge surface 8a of the second folding portion 6 extend adjacent to the component rotation axis C (i.e., adjacent to the pivot hinge 7). As Figure 5As shown in a, the display element 3 extends through at least one of the second edge surfaces 8b of the first folding portion 5 and the second edge surfaces 8b of the second folding portion 6, that is, from the first frame surface 4a to the second frame surface 4b.

[0070] Each of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6 has a third edge surface 15a and a fourth edge surface 15b, and the third edge surface 15a and the fourth edge surface 15b extend between the first frame surface 4a and the second frame surface 4b perpendicular to the component rotation axis C and perpendicular to the first edge surface 8a and the second edge surface 8b. The display element 3 may extend through at least one of the third edge surface 15a and the fourth edge surface 15b, as Figure 15 shown.

[0071] In other words, the direction D1 perpendicular and away from the component rotation axis C extends from the first edge surface 8a towards the second edge surfaces 8b of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6, and correspondingly, the direction D2 perpendicular and towards the component rotation axis C extends from the second edge surface 8b towards the first edge surface 8a of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6. The first direction D3 parallel to the component rotation axis C extends outwards from the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6, and the second direction D4 parallel to the component rotation axis C extends inwards towards the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6.

[0072] At least one of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6 includes a first element (5a, 6a) and a second element (5b, 6b), as Figure 5 a to Figure 5 d and Figure 8 a to Figure 8 c shown. The second element (5b, 6b) is configured to move relative to the first element (5a, 6a) in the direction D1 perpendicular and away from the component rotation axis C in response to the unfolding of the display assembly 1. Correspondingly, the second element (5b, 6b) is configured to move relative to the first element (5a, 6a) in the direction D2 perpendicular and towards the component rotation axis C in response to the folding of the display assembly 1. In other words, the first element (5a, 6a) is substantially stationary, while the second element (5b, 6b) is non-stationary. As Figure 5 shown in b, the first element 5a may include a notch that houses a portion of the second element 5b. Correspondingly, as Figure 8As shown in b, the first element 6a may include a notch that houses a portion of the second element 6b.

[0073] As described above, the display element 3 is configured to: slide along the second frame surface 4b when the display assembly 1 is folded or unfolded, as Figures 6a to 6c and Figures 9a to 9c shown. The sliding is in response to the movement of the second elements (5b, 6b).

[0074] When the display assembly 1 is unfolded, the display element 3 may also slide along the second frame surface 4b of at least one of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6 in the first direction D3 parallel to the assembly rotation axis C (not shown). Conversely, the display element 3 may pivot away from the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6, or more precisely, away from the third edge 15a or the fourth edge 15b, about an axis parallel to the third edge 15a or the fourth edge 15b and parallel to the directions (D1, D2), as Figure 15 shown. On one or both of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6, and only on one or both of the third edge 15a and the fourth edge 15b, the display element 3 may slide or pivot in the directions (D3, D4).

[0075] Accordingly, when the display assembly 1 is unfolded, the display element 3 may also slide along the second frame surface 4b of at least one of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6 in the second direction D4 parallel to the assembly rotation axis C (not shown). Conversely, the display element 3 may pivot towards the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6, or more precisely, towards the third edge 15a or the fourth edge 15b, about an axis parallel to the third edge 15a or the fourth edge 15b and parallel to the directions (D1, D2), as Figure 15 shown.

[0076] As Figures 6a to 6c and Figures 9a to 9c shown, the second elements (5b, 6b) are configured to apply a contact force (i.e., a thrust) on the display element 3 such that the display element 3 slides along the second frame surface 4b in the direction D1 perpendicular to and away from the assembly rotation axis C in response to the display assembly 1 being unfolded and the second elements (5b, 6b) moving in the direction D1 perpendicular to and away from the assembly rotation axis C.

[0077] Accordingly, the second elements (5b, 6b) are configured to apply a shaping force on the display element 3 such that the display element 3 remains in a folded state on at least one of the second edge surfaces 8b of the first folding portion 5 and the second edge surfaces 8b of the second folding portion 6. This enables the display element 3 to move along the second frame surface 4b in a direction D2 perpendicular to the component rotation axis C in response to folding of the display assembly 1 and movement of the second elements (5b, 6b) in the direction D2 perpendicular to the component rotation axis C.

[0078] At least one of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6 may include at least one further second element (5b, 6b) (not shown) configured to move relative to the first elements (5a, 6a) such that the display element 3 unfolds in the first direction D3 in response to unfolding of the display assembly 1 and such that the display element 3 folds in the second direction D4 in response to folding of the display assembly 1.

[0079] The display assembly 1 may further include at least one extension mechanism 9 configured to move the second elements (5b, 6b) relative to the first elements (5a, 6a). The extension mechanism 9 may include at least one elongate connecting element (e.g., a strip); the elongate connecting element may have sufficient rigidity to move the second elements (5b, 6b) in a direction D1 perpendicular and away from the component rotation axis C or in the first direction D3 away therefrom when the display assembly 1 unfolds. Additionally, the elongate connecting element 9 may have sufficient flexibility to bend about the component rotation axis C when the display assembly 1 folds.

[0080] As Figure 14a shown, the elongate connecting element 9 may extend substantially parallel to the directions (D1, D2) such that the display element 3 can slide in a direction (D1, D2) perpendicular to the component rotation axis C. As Figure 14b shown, the elongate connecting element 9 may also extend at least partially parallel to the component rotation axis C such that the display element 3 can slide or pivot in a direction (D3, D4) parallel to the component rotation axis C. Figure 5 c and 8b also schematically show the elongate connecting element 9 and its first end 9a and second end 9b.

[0081] The first end 9a of the elongate connecting element 9 is connected to the second element (5b, 6b) of one of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6; the second end 9b of the elongate connecting element 9 is connected to the other of the first folding portion 5 and the second folding portion 6, preferably to the first element (5a, 6a) of the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6, as Figure 4 , Figures 6a to 6c , Figure 7 and Figures 9a to 9c shown.

[0082] The second end 9b of the elongate connecting element 9 is connected to the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6 by a connecting device 10 such that movement of at least one element of the connecting device 10 causes movement of the elongate connecting element 9, as Figures 6a to 6c and Figures 9a to 9c shown.

[0083] As Figure 14a and Figure 14b shown, the connecting device 10 includes a slidable body 10a (e.g., a pin) and a groove 10b for receiving the slidable body 10a. The groove 10b is provided in the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6 and extends parallel to the second frame surface 4b. The slidable body 10a is adapted to slide in the groove 10b in response to folding or unfolding of the display assembly 1.

[0084] As Figure 5 b and Figure 8 a shown, the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6 may include a notch 11 for receiving and guiding the elongate connecting element 9. The first portion of the notch 11 extends at least partially around the assembly rotation axis C such that when the display assembly 1 is in the folded end position P1, the notch 11 intersects the groove 10b at a first notch position, as Figure 4 , Figure 6c , Figure 7 and Figure 9c shown. Further, when the display assembly 1 is in the extended end position P2, the notch 11 intersects the groove 10b at a second notch position, as Figure 6a and Figure 9a shown. The first notch position is substantially adjacent to one end of the notch 11.

[0085] The first portion of the notch 11 may intersect the groove 10b at an angle α, where the angle α is between 30° and 90°, as Figure 4 , Figure 6a , Figure 7 andFigure 9a As shown. Preferably, the intersection angle is not constant, but changes as the display component 1 is folded or unfolded. The first part of the notch 11 has a curved shape (preferably, an elliptical or spline shape), and the shape partially surrounds the component rotation axis C. In addition, the first part of the notch 11 may also extend around the component rotation axis C in a plane perpendicular to the component rotation axis C by at least 270°.

[0086] The second part of the notch 11 may extend through the first element (5a, 6a) of the first folding part 5 or the second folding part 6, that is, substantially between the second element (5b, 6b) and the component rotation axis C.

[0087] The display component may further include at least one holding mechanism 12, such as Figure 10 , Figure 11a and Figure 11b As shown. The first end of the holding mechanism 12 is connected to the display element 3, and the display element 3 is adjacent to the second frame surface 4b of one of the first folding part 5 and the second folding part 6; the holding mechanism 12 applies a tensile force on the display element 3 in the direction D2 towards the component rotation axis C and / or in the second direction D4.

[0088] The holding mechanism 12 may be substantially the same as the extension mechanism 9 and is arranged at a position adjacent to the extension mechanism 9. The holding mechanism 12 includes another elongated connecting element and is connected to the first folding part 5 or the second folding part 6 by another connecting device 13, such as Figure 11b As shown. At least one element of the another connecting device 13 moves in response to the folding or unfolding of the display component 1, and the movement adjusts the tensile force applied on the display element 3.

[0089] Such as Figure 11a As shown, the another elongated connecting element 12 may include a tension spring, one end of the tension spring is connected to the display component adjacent to the second frame surface 4b of one of the first folding part 5 and the second folding part 6, and the other end is connected to the first folding part 5 and the second folding part 6. The spring extends within a notch 14 formed in the first folding part 5 or the second folding part 6.

[0090] Such as Figure 11bAs shown, the other connecting device 13 may include: another slidable body 13a (e.g., a pin); another groove 13b for receiving the another slidable body 13a, the another groove 13b being provided in the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6. Another notch 14 is for receiving the another elongate connecting element 12 and intersects the another groove 13b at an angle β, the angle β being between 30° and 90°. The another notch 14 may extend around the component rotation axis C in a plane perpendicular to the component rotation axis C by at least 270°.

[0091] The extension mechanism 9 and / or the retention mechanism 12 may be provided at a position adjacent to at least one edge surface (15a, 15b) of the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6. Compared with the retention mechanism 12, the extension mechanism 9 may be provided at a position closer to the third edge surface 15a or the fourth edge surface 15b.

[0092] The display assembly 1 may include a first extension mechanism 9 and a second extension mechanism 9, the first extension mechanism 9 being provided at a position adjacent to the third edge surface 15a of the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6, and the second extension mechanism 9 being provided at a position adjacent to the fourth edge surface 15b of the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6, as Figure 10 shown.

[0093] Similarly as Figure 10 shown, the display assembly 1 may include a first retention mechanism 12 and a second retention mechanism 12, the first retention mechanism 12 being provided at a position adjacent to the third edge surface 15a of the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6, and the second retention mechanism 12 being provided at a position adjacent to the fourth edge surface 15b of the first folding portion 5 or the second folding portion 6.

[0094] The present invention also relates to an electronic device 2 including the above display assembly 1. As Figure 13 shown by the ellipse in, the electronic device 2 may include other features, such as a protruding zoom camera, the zoom function of which is operably connected to the extension mechanism 9.

[0095] Various aspects and implementations have been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art, in practicing the claimed subject matter, will be able to understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. The recitation of certain measures in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided together with or as part of other hardware, and may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0096] The reference signs used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings (e.g., cross-hatching, component arrangement, scale, degrees, etc.) should be read in conjunction with the specification and should be considered part of the entire written description of the invention. The terms "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower," and their adjective and adverb derivatives (e.g., "horizontally," "to the right," "upward," etc.), used in the specification refer solely to the orientation of the structure shown when a particular drawing is facing the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or axis of rotation, as the case may be.

Claims

1. A display component (1) for an electronic device (2), characterized in that, The display assembly (1) includes a foldable display element (3), a foldable frame (4), and an elongate connecting element (9), and the display assembly (1) is configured to be disposed at least at one of a folded end position (P1) and an extended end position (P2); When moving from the folded end position (P1) towards the extended end position (P2), the display assembly (1) unfolds; When moving from the extended end position (P2) towards the folded end position (P1), the display assembly (1) folds; The foldable frame (4) includes a first folding portion (5), a second folding portion (6), and a pivot hinge (7), and the pivot hinge (7) interconnects the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6) such that the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6) are pivotable relative to each other about a component rotation axis (C) extending through the pivot hinge (7), wherein the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6) together form a first frame surface (4a) and a second frame surface (4b), and the second frame surface (4b) extends parallel to the first frame surface (4a); The display element (3) at least partially surrounds the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6), wherein at least one of the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6) includes a first element (5a, 6a) and a second element (5b, 6b); The second element (5b, 6b) is configured to move relative to the first element (5a, 6a) in a direction perpendicular to and away from the component rotation axis (C) in response to the unfolding of the display assembly (1), and to move relative to the first element (5a, 6a) in a direction perpendicular to and towards the component rotation axis (C) in response to the folding of the display assembly (1); The display element (3) is configured to slide at least partially along the second frame surface (4b) in response to the movement of the second element (5b, 6b); The elongate connecting element (9) includes a first end (9a) and a second end (9b), and the first end (9a) of the elongate connecting element (9) is connected to the second element (5b, 6b) of one of the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6), and the second end (9b) of the elongate connecting element (9) is connected to the other of the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6); When the display assembly (1) unfolds, the elongate connecting element (9) has sufficient rigidity to move the second element (5b, 6b) in a direction perpendicular to the component rotation axis (C); and / or When the display assembly (1) folds, the elongate connecting element (9) has sufficient flexibility to bend about the component rotation axis (C).

2. The display component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display element (3) is configured to: when the display assembly (1) is unfolded, slide along the second frame surface (4b) of at least one of the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6) in a first direction parallel to the assembly rotation axis (C), or pivot away from the first folding portion (5) or the second folding portion (6); and configured to: when the display assembly (1) is folded, slide along the second frame surface (4b) of at least one of the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6) in a second direction parallel to the assembly rotation axis (C), or pivot towards the first folding portion (5) or the second folding portion (6).

3. The display assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the second element (5b, 6b) is configured to apply a contact force on the display element (3) such that a portion of the display element (3) slides along the second frame surface (4b) in a direction perpendicular to and away from the assembly rotation axis (C) in response to the unfolding of the display assembly (1); the second element (5b, 6b) is configured to apply a shaping force on the display element (3) such that a portion of the display element (3) slides along the second frame surface (4b) in a direction perpendicular to and towards the assembly rotation axis (C) in response to the folding of the display assembly (1); compared with when the display assembly (1) is in the extended end position (P2), the display element (3) covers a larger area of the second frame surface (4b) when the display assembly (1) is in the folded end position (P1).

4. The display component (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the first folding portion (5) and the second folding portion (6) includes at least one other second element (5b, 6b), the other second element (5b, 6b) is configured to move relative to the first element (5a, 6a) such that the display element (3) unfolds in the first direction in response to the unfolding of the display assembly (1), and such that the display element (3) folds in the second direction in response to the folding of the display assembly (1).

5. The display component (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second end (9b) of the elongate connecting element (9) is connected to the first folding portion (5) or the second folding portion (6) by a connecting device (10), and movement of at least one element of the connecting device (10) causes movement of the elongate connecting element (9).

6. The display component (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting device (10) includes a slidable body (10a) and a groove (10b) for receiving the slidable body (10a); the groove (10b) is provided in the first folding portion (5) or the second folding portion (6) and extends parallel to the second frame surface (4b); ​ 7. The display component (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first folding part (5) or the second folding part (6) further includes a notch (11) for receiving the elongate connecting element (9); At least a first part of the notch (11) extends at least partially around the assembly rotation axis (C) such that when the display assembly (1) is in the folded end position (P1), the notch (11) intersects the groove (10b) at a first notch position; And such that when the display assembly (1) is in the extended end position (P2), the notch (11) intersects the groove (10b) at a second notch position.

8. The display component (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first part of the notch (11) intersects the groove (10b) at an angle (α), the angle (α) being between 30° and 90°.

9. The display component (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, It further includes at least one holding mechanism (12), a first end of the holding mechanism (12) being connected to the display element (3), the display element (3) being adjacent to the second frame surface (4b) of one of the first folding part (5) and the second folding part (6); The holding mechanism (12) is configured to apply a tensile force on the display element (3) in a direction towards the assembly rotation axis (C) and / or in the second direction.

10. The display component (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The holding mechanism (12) includes another elongate connecting element and is connected to the first folding part (5) or the second folding part (6) by another connecting means (13); At least one element of the another connecting means (13) moves in response to folding or unfolding of the display assembly (1), the movement adjusting the tensile force applied on the display element (3).

11. The display component (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The another connecting means (13) includes: Another slidable body (13a); Another groove (13b) for receiving the another slidable body (13a), the another groove (13b) being provided in the first folding part (5) or the second folding part (6); Another notch (14) for receiving the another elongate connecting element and intersecting the another groove (13b) at an angle (β), the angle (β) being between 30° and 90°.

12. The display component (1) according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The elongate connecting element (9) and / or the holding mechanism (12) is provided at a position adjacent to at least one edge surface (15a, 15b) of the first folding part (5) or the second folding part (6), the edge surface (15a, 15b) extending perpendicular to the assembly rotation axis (C).

13. An electronic device (2), characterized in that, A display assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is included.

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