Electronic device with deployable display

Abstract

An electronic device may have: a housing; a deployable display, the deployable display being mounted to the housing; and a frame for supporting the deployable display. The housing, the display, and the frame may be operable in a deployed state and a retracted state. In the retracted state, an exposed portion of the display is visible on an outside of the device, while a retractable portion of the display is enclosed within the housing and hidden behind the exposed portion of the display. When the device transitions from the retracted state to the deployed state, the retractable portion of the display may be crimped around an axis to the front of the device to increase the size of the visual display area. The frame may have a rigid portion of predominantly solid metal, the rigid portion supporting the exposed portion of the display, and a flexible portion formed of parallel metal strips, the flexible portion supporting the retractable portion of the display.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 301,911 filed on April 17, 2023 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 333,457 filed on April 21, 2022, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to electronic devices having displays. Background Art

[0003] Electronic devices often have a display. Portability may be a concern for some devices, which often limits the space available for the display. Summary of the invention

[0004] An electronic device may include a housing and an expandable display coupled to the housing. The housing and the display may be operable in an expanded state and a retracted state. The expandable display may have an exposed portion and a retractable portion, the exposed portion remaining exposed on an outer surface of the device, the retractable portion curling between a retracted position and a visible position, the retracted position being hidden behind the exposed portion, the visible position being coplanar with the exposed portion.

[0005] The display may be mounted to and supported by a frame. In the retracted state, the retractable portion of the display and the frame are enclosed within the housing and hidden behind the exposed portion of the display. When the device transitions from the retracted state to the deployed state, the retractable portion of the display and the frame may be rolled around an axis to the front of the device to increase the size of the visible display area. When the device transitions from the deployed state to the retracted state, the retractable portion of the display and the frame may be rolled back around the axis to the retracted position within the housing.

[0006] The frame may have a rigid portion of primarily solid metal supporting the exposed portion of the display and a flexible portion formed of parallel metal strips supporting the retractable portion of the display. The parallel metal strips may curl around an axis and slide along a guide rail when the display transitions between an extended state and a retracted state.

[0007] One or more tensioning structures may be coupled to one of the metal strips and may apply tension to the display. The tensioning structure may include a first tensioning rod and a second tensioning rod that rotate about an axis during deployment and retraction.

[0008] The slider mechanism may include a first rack and a second rack and a pinion mechanism coupled by a common drive shaft to ensure that the top and bottom edges of the display are moved in unison during deployment and retraction. Each rack and a pinion mechanism may include upper and lower racks and upper and lower gears to ensure that the upper and lower housing portions do not swing away from each other during deployment and retraction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronic device with an expandable display in a retracted state according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronic device with an expandable display in an expanded state according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is a top view of an illustrative electronic device with an expandable display in a retracted state according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 is a top view of an illustrative electronic device with an expandable display in an expanded state according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronic device having an expandable display mounted to a frame having a rigid portion and a segmented portion according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of an illustrative electronic device with a display frame in a retracted state according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of an illustrative electronic device with a display frame in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronic device having a display frame with z-constraint features to help prevent bulging of the display during deployment and retraction according to one embodiment.

[0018] Fig.10 is a rear view of an illustrative electronic device in an unfolded state having a tensioning structure for tensioning an unfoldable display according to one embodiment.

[0019] Fig.11 is a rear view of an illustrative electronic device in a retracted state having a tensioning structure for tensioning an expandable display according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig.12 is a rear view of an illustrative electronic device having a rack and pinion based slider mechanism coupled by a common drive shaft to ensure that the top and bottom edges of the display move in unison during deployment and retraction, according to one embodiment.

[0021] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative rack-and-pinion based slider mechanism for mitigating vertical misalignment of a display during deployment and retraction, according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative display having a magnetic display frame and a magnetic roller according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig.15 is a front view of an illustrative display support structure with magnets according to one embodiment.

[0024] Fig.16 is a side view of an illustrative display in a deployed state and tensioned using a tensioning member according to one embodiment.

[0025] Fig.17 is a side view of an illustrative display in a retracted state and tensioned using a tensioning member according to one embodiment.

[0026] Fig.18 is a side view of an illustrative display in a deployed state and tensioned with a timing belt mechanism according to one embodiment.

[0027] Fig.19 is a side view of an illustrative display in a retracted state and tensioned with a timing belt mechanism according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] An electronic device may be provided with a display. The display may be used to display images to a user. The display may be formed from an array of light emitting diode pixels or other pixels. For example, a device may have an organic light emitting diode display or a display formed from an array of micro light emitting diodes (e.g., light emitting diodes formed from crystalline semiconductor dies).

[0029] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic device with a display is shown. Device 10 may be a cellular phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wristwatch device or other wearable device, a television, a stand-alone computer display or other monitor, a computer display with an embedded computer (e.g., a desktop computer), a system embedded in a vehicle, a multimedia terminal or other embedded electronic device, a media player or other electronic equipment. Configurations in which device 10 is a cellular phone, a tablet computer or other portable electronic device may sometimes be described herein as an example. This is exemplary. Generally speaking, device 10 may be any suitable electronic device with a display.

[0030] Device 10 may include control circuitry 20. Control circuitry 20 may include storage and processing circuitry for supporting the operation of device 10. The storage and processing circuitry may include storage devices such as non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically programmable read-only memory configured to form a solid-state drive), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random access memory), etc. The processing circuitry in control circuitry 20 may be used to collect inputs from sensors and other input devices, and may be used to control output devices. The processing circuitry may be based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, baseband processors and other wireless communication circuits, power management units, audio chips, application specific integrated circuits, etc. During operation, control circuitry 20 may provide visual output and other output to a user using a display and other output devices.

[0031] To support communication between device 10 and external equipment, control circuit system 20 may use communication circuit system 22 for communication. Circuit system 22 may include an antenna, a radio frequency transceiver circuit system (wireless transceiver circuit system), and other wireless communication circuit systems and / or wired communication circuit systems. Circuit system 22, which may sometimes be referred to as a control circuit system and / or a control and communication circuit system, may support two-way wireless communication between device 10 and external equipment via wired and / or wireless links (for example, circuit system 22 may include a radio frequency transceiver circuit system, such as a wireless local area network transceiver circuit system configured to support communication via a wireless local area network link, a near field communication transceiver circuit system configured to support communication via a near field communication link, a cellular telephone transceiver circuit system configured to support communication via a cellular telephone link, or a transceiver circuit system configured to support communication via any other appropriate wired or wireless communication link). For example, link, Wireless communications may be supported by a wireless link, a wireless link operating at a frequency between 6 GHz and 300 GHz, a 60 GHz link or other millimeter wave link, a cellular telephone link, a wireless local area network link, a personal area network communication link, or other wireless communication link. Device 10 may include power circuits for sending and / or receiving wired and / or wireless power, if desired, and may include a battery or other energy storage device. For example, device 10 may include a coil and a rectifier to receive wireless power provided to the circuit system in device 10.

[0032] Device 10 may include input-output devices, such as device 24. Input-output devices 24 may be used to collect user input, to collect information about the user's surroundings, and / or to provide output to the user. Device 24 may include one or more displays, such as display 14. Display 14 may be an organic light emitting diode display, a liquid crystal display, an electrophoretic display, an electrowetting display, a plasma display, a micro-electromechanical system display, a display having an array of pixels formed by crystalline semiconductor light emitting diode dies (sometimes referred to as micro-LEDs), and / or other displays. Configurations in which display 14 is an organic light emitting diode display or a micro-LED display are sometimes described herein as examples.

[0033] The display 14 may have a pixel array configured to display an image to the user. The pixel may be formed as part of a display panel that can be bent. This allows the device 10 to bend around a bending axis. For example, a flexible (bendable) display in the device 10 may be partially or completely rolled up so that the device 10 can be placed in a compact shape for storage and can be spread out when it is desired to view an image on the display. Displays with bendable portions may sometimes be referred to herein as rollable displays, rollable displays, deployable displays, retractable displays, flexible displays, or bendable displays. A rollable display may be fully rollable (e.g., flexible over its entire area) or may be partially rollable (e.g., one or more edge portions of the display may be provided with sufficient flexibility to be rolled up, while one or more other portions of the display may be less flexible and / or may be fixed in a planar state). The display 14 may have one or more retractable portions. When the retractable portion of the display 14 is retracted in the housing, the exposed effective area of ​​the display 14 in which the image is displayed may span the first surface area. When the retractable portion of display 14 is extended (e.g., exposed on an exterior surface of the housing rather than enclosed within the housing), the exposed active area of ​​display 14 in which an image is displayed may span a second surface area that is larger than the first surface area. If desired, control circuitry 20 may automatically adjust the image on display 14 based on the size of the surface area of ​​display 14 that is viewable on the exterior side of device 10. This may include, for example, adjusting the layout of the image, the size of the image, the position of the image, whether the image is displayed in a landscape orientation or a portrait orientation, etc.

[0034] The sensors 16 in the input-output device 24 may include force sensors (e.g., strain gauges, capacitive force sensors, resistive force sensors, etc.), audio sensors (such as microphones), touch and / or proximity sensors (such as capacitive sensors, for example, two-dimensional capacitive touch sensors integrated into the display 14, two-dimensional capacitive touch sensors overlapping with the display 14 and / or touch sensors forming buttons, touch pads, or other input devices not associated with the display), and other sensors. If desired, sensors 16 may include optical sensors (such as optical sensors that emit and detect light), ultrasonic sensors, optical touch sensors, optical proximity sensors and / or other touch sensors and / or proximity sensors, monochrome and color ambient light sensors, image sensors, fingerprint sensors, temperature sensors, sensors for measuring three-dimensional contactless gestures ("air gestures"), pressure sensors, sensors for detecting position, orientation and / or motion (e.g., accelerometers, magnetic sensors (such as compass sensors), gyroscopes, and / or inertial measurement units that include some or all of these sensors), health sensors, radio frequency sensors, depth sensors (e.g., structured light sensors and / or depth sensors based on stereo imaging devices that capture three-dimensional images), optical sensors (such as self-mixing sensors and light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors that collect time-of-flight measurements), humidity sensors, moisture sensors, gaze tracking sensors, and / or other sensors. In some arrangements, device 10 may use sensors 16 and / or other input-output devices to collect user input. For example, buttons can be used to collect button press inputs, touch sensors overlapping the display can be used to collect user touch screen inputs, touch pads can be used to collect touch inputs, microphones can be used to collect audio inputs, accelerometers can be used to monitor when a finger contacts the input surface and therefore can be used to collect finger press inputs, etc.

[0035] If desired, the electronic device 10 may include additional components (see, for example, other devices 18 in the input-output devices 24). Additional components may include tactile output devices, audio output devices (such as speakers), light emitting diodes for status indicators, light sources (such as light emitting diodes) that illuminate portions of the housing and / or display structure, other optical output devices, and / or other circuitry for collecting input and / or providing output. The device 10 may also include a battery or other energy storage device, a connector port for supporting wired communication with auxiliary equipment and for receiving wired power, and other circuitry.

[0036] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronic device having an expandable display in a retracted state. Figure 2As shown, device 10 may include a display 14 mounted to housing 12. Housing 12, which may sometimes be referred to as a casing or housing, may be formed of plastic, glass, ceramic, fiber composite materials, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), other suitable materials, or a combination of any two or more of these materials. Housing 12 may be formed using a unitary configuration in which a portion or all of housing 12 is machined or molded into a single structure, or may be formed using multiple structures (e.g., an internal frame structure, one or more structures forming an external housing surface, etc.).

[0037] Display 14 may have an exposed portion, such as exposed portion 90A, and a retractable portion, such as retractable portion 90B. Exposed portion 90A may face a user of the electronic device during use and may sometimes be referred to as an exposed active area or outward-facing portion of display 14. Retractable portion 90B may be enclosed within housing 12 and may face away from the user. The outline of exposed portion 90A of display 14 may be rectangular or may have other suitable shapes when viewed by the user.

[0038] Display 14 may have an array of pixels, such as an array of light-emitting pixels (e.g., a rectangular array of light-emitting diodes). During operation, the array of pixels of display 14 may produce an image that passes through a transparent protective layer and can be seen by a user in front of device 10. The protective layer may include a transparent polymer, transparent glass, and / or other transparent structures that allow the image to be seen while providing support (e.g., rigidity) and protection (e.g., protection from scratches and other damage) to display 14. For example, a glass layer attached to the outer (front-facing) surface of display 14 may be used to prevent display 14 from deforming and becoming damaged when a user's finger, a computer stylus, or other external object contacts the front side of device 10. The protective polymer layer and / or other protective layers may be formed as a coating on the glass layer to help prevent scratching of the glass layer. The substrate used to form display 14 may be flexible (e.g., display 14 may have an array of pixels formed on a flexible polymer substrate or other flexible substrate). The protective display cover layer may also be formed of a flexible structure. Thus, part or all of the area of ​​display 14 may be flexible, which allows part or all of display 14 to be retracted, rolled up, or otherwise stowed.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, when device 10 is in the compact state or retracted state, display 14 has a U-shape, wherein exposed portion 90A and retractable portion 90B of display 14 are substantially parallel to and overlap each other. Figure 2 When in the compact state, the retractable portion 90B of the display 14 may include a curved portion that is curved about the axis 64 (sometimes referred to as the curling axis 64). Figure 2 In the closed or retracted state shown, the device 10 and display 14 have more compact dimensions, wherein the exposed portion 90A spans dimension D1. During operation by the user, the pixels on the exposed portion 90A can be used to display an image across dimension D1. The pixels on the retractable portion 90B (e.g., in an arrangement in which the housing 12 includes a transparent portion on the back of the device 10) may be inactive or may be active. When the display 14 is in the retracted state, the compact shape of the device 10 may be convenient for the user in several different scenarios: such as when the user is transporting the device 10, when the user is fitting the device 10 in a pocket or bag, or when the user is otherwise using the device 10 in a situation where a smaller device is desired.

[0040] If desired, housing 12 may also have a retractable structure that allows housing 12 to be expanded and retracted. For example, housing 12 may have portions that are movable relative to each other, such as housing portion 12A and housing portion 12B. Housing portion 12A may form a first side wall of device 10, and housing portion 12B may form a second, opposing side wall of device 10. Figure 2 In the closed or retracted state, the side walls formed by housing portions 12A and 12B can be spaced apart by distance D1. When it is desired to unfold display 14 and operate device 10 with a larger form factor, housing portions 12A and 12B can be moved away from each other in direction 30.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, display 14 has opposing first and second ends, such as first end 14A and opposing second end 14B. First end 14A may form part of exposed portion 90A of display 14 and may always be exposed on the outside of device 10. First end 14A of display 14 may be fixed to portion 12A of housing 12, while second end 14B of display 14 may be able to move relative to housing 12B. Thus, when housing portions 12A and 12B are moved apart in direction 30, housing portion 12A pulls end 14A, causing end 14B to move relative to housing 12B in direction 68 and curl about axis 64 in direction 66 until end 14B is exposed on the outside of device 10, as shown. Figure 3 During opening (eg, unfolding), exposed portion 90A of display 14 may remain flat and exposed on the outside of device 10 , while retractable portion 90B of display 14 is rolled in direction 66 about roll axis 64 .

[0042] When the housing parts 12A and 12B are pulled apart in the direction 30, the distance between the opposing side walls formed by the housing parts 12A and 12B is expanded to Figure 3 The distance D2 (greater than the distance D1) can thus be such that the retracted portion of the housing 12 (such as Figure 3 The retracted portion 12C) can be pulled out of the housing 12 (for example, it can be pulled out of the housing portion 12B). Figure 3 In the unfolded or opened state, the entirety of the display 14 (e.g., the exposed portion 90A and the retractable portion 90B) is exposed to the outside, wherein the end 14A of the display 14 is connected to the first side wall formed by the housing portion 12A, and the end 14B of the display 14 is connected to the opposite second side wall formed by the housing portion 12B. Figure 3 In the unfolded state, the display 14 may be planar (e.g., the exposed portion 90A and the retractable portion 90B may be located in a common plane) or may have a certain curvature. Figure 3 In the unfolded state, all of the pixels of display 14 can be used to display images across dimension D2. This increases the size of the display surface area that can be seen by the user without requiring the user to fold or unfold device 10. During closure (e.g., retraction), exposed portion 90A of display 14 can remain flat and exposed on the outside of device 10, while retractable portion 90B of display 14 rolls back in direction 70 about axis 64 to a retracted position behind exposed portion 90A.

[0043] Device 10 and display 14 may be capable of being deployed along a single dimension (e.g., along a width direction, a length direction, a left-right direction, an up-down direction, etc.) or may be capable of being deployed along a single or multiple dimensions (e.g., a left-right direction and an up-down direction). Arrangements in which device 10 is capable of being deployed along a width direction or a left-right direction are sometimes described herein as examples. If desired, the size of the viewable area of ​​display 14 may be continuously adjustable (e.g., adjustable to any desired position between a fully extended state and a fully retracted state), or may be adjustable between fixed discrete positions (e.g., display 14 may be adjustable only between a fully extended state and a fully retracted state, or may be adjusted to one or more fixed positions between a fully extended state and a fully retracted state). Deployment (e.g., opening) and retraction (e.g., closing) of device 10 may be accomplished manually by a user (e.g., by the user manually pulling housing portions 12A and 12B apart or pushing housing portions 12A and 12B back together), and / or may be an automated slider mechanism involving motors, electromechanical actuators, electromagnetic actuators (e.g., solenoids), piezoelectric actuators, and / or other actuators. For example, device 10 may include a slider mechanism having one or more motors and one or more rack and pinion mechanisms configured to slide housing 12 and display 14 between a deployed state and a retracted state (e.g., by moving housing portions 12A and 12B away from and toward each other). In combination Fig.12 and Fig.13 This type of rack and pinion based slider mechanism is described in more detail.

[0044] Figure 4 and Figure 5 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 A top view of an illustrative device 10 of the type shown, illustrating how display 14 and device 10 may be in a retracted state ( Figure 4 ) and expanded state ( Figure 5 ) Figure 4 As shown, when display 14 is in the retracted state, the visible portion of display 14 (formed by exposed portion 90A of display 14) may have a first width DI. End 14A of display 14 may be exposed on the outside of device 10, while retractable portion 90B and opposite end 14B of display 14 are retracted within the housing and hidden from view by the user. Retractable portion 90B is stored behind exposed portion 90A, parallel and overlapping, so that device 10 does not need to be too thick (if necessary).

[0045] When the side walls of device 10 are moved apart in direction 30 (e.g., by a user and / or by an internal sliding mechanism within device 10), end 14A of display 14 may pull opposite end 14B of display 14 toward the front of device 10, as shown. Figure 5 When display 14 is in the extended state, the visible portion of display 14 (formed by exposed portion 90A and retractable portion 90B of display 14) may have a second width D2. This increases the visible surface area of ​​display 14 (e.g., by 100%, 90%, 80%, 50%, 30%, less than 30%, greater than 15%, greater than 100%, and / or any other suitable amount). Figure 5 In the unfolded state, both ends 14A and 14B are exposed on the front side of the device 10.

[0046] Care must be taken to ensure that display 14 can be smoothly extended and retracted without causing bulges, ripples, or twists in the display. In addition, the back side of display 14 should be adequately supported in both the extended state and the retracted state. In order to provide adequate support to the back side of display 14 and reduce display bulge due to display stiffness, device 10 may include a display frame having a solid and / or rigid portion for supporting the exposed portion of display 14 and a segmented and / or flexible portion for supporting the retractable portion of display 14. This type of arrangement is Figure 6 Example in.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, the display 14 may be supported by a frame (such as a display frame 26). The display frame 26 may be formed of metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), plastic, glass, ceramic, fiber composite material, other suitable materials, or a combination of any two or more of these materials. The display frame 26 may have a first portion (such as the first portion 26A) supporting the exposed portion 90A of the display 14 and a second portion (such as the second portion 26B) supporting the retractable portion 90B of the display 14. An adhesive layer or other attachment mechanism (e.g., screws, welds, clamps, etc.) may be used to attach the display 14 to the frame 26. The display 14 may, for example, include a backside metal layer (sometimes referred to as a metal backplane) or other support layer, and the frame 26 may be coupled to the backside metal layer of the display 14.

[0048] Portion 26A of frame 26 is thicker, more rigid, and / or stronger than portion 26B of frame 26 because portion 26A does not need to bend or curl as much as portion 26A during deployment and retraction. Portion 26B of frame 26 may be thinner, more flexible, and / or segmented to allow for smooth curling about curling axis 64. For example, Figure 6As shown, the frame portion 26B may be formed from a plurality of smaller frame structures, such as frame segments 28. The frame segments 28 may be strips of metal, plastic, or other material. The frame segments 28 may be rectangular or may have other suitable shapes. The frame segments 28 may be able to move relative to each other to allow the frame portion 26B to bend about the axis 64. Figure 6 6B has a flat portion that is located behind and generally parallel to frame portion 26A, and has a curved portion that is curved about axis 64 and coupled to frame portion 26A. When device 10 is unfolded and end 14B of display 14 is pulled out from behind exposed portion 90A and pulled onto the front face of device 10, frame segments 28 may also be pulled out from behind exposed portion 90A and may be curled about axis 64 in direction 66 onto the front face of housing 12. When device 10 is fully unfolded, entire frame 26 may be located on the front face of device 10, with portion 26A supporting exposed portion 90A of display 14 and portion 26B supporting retractable portion 90B of display 14. Portions 26A and 26B of frame 26 may be coplanar when device 10 is in the unfolded state.

[0049] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a front perspective view of device 10, illustrating how display frame 26, together with the display and housing of device 10, transitions between a retracted state and an extended state. Figure 7 In the retracted state, frame portion 26A is located on front face F of device 10 and is configured to support exposed portion 90A ( Figure 7 Frame portion 26B has opposing first and second ends, the first end coupled to frame portion 26A on front face F of device 10 and the opposing second end coupled to end 14B of display 14 on rear face R of device 10.

[0050] The frame segments 28 may be a series of parallel strips that are each parallel to the curl axis 64 (e.g., parallel to Figure 7 Frame segment 28 may extend continuously between the top and bottom edges of display 14 or may be further segmented along its length. Figure 7As shown, for example, each frame segment 28 may have a plurality of longitudinal segments 28S extending along the length of the frame segment 28 and coupled between guide rails (such as guide rails 32). Each longitudinal segment 28S may have opposing first and second ends that mate with a corresponding guide rail 32. The guide rail 32 may have frame guide features (such as slots, flanges, recesses, channels) and / or other mating features that mate with corresponding features on the segment 28S and help constrain movement of the display 14 in the z-direction. During opening and closing, the segment 28S may be moved in a direction perpendicular to the curling axis 64 (e.g., parallel to the curling axis 64). Figure 7 The display 14 may be configured to extend along and slide relative to the guide rails 32 (the x-axis of the display 14). If desired, some of the guide rails 32 (such as the top edge guide rail 32R and the bottom edge guide rail 32R) may be aligned with a rack and pinion mechanism that drives the opening and closing of the housing 12 during the deployment and retraction of the display 14.

[0051] The frame segments 28 can be movably coupled to each other using mating engagement features, such as engagement features 36. The engagement features 36 can be mating (e.g., interlocking) recesses and protrusions, hinge structures, and / or other attachment structures for attaching adjacent frame segments 28 while allowing each segment 28 to move (e.g., rotate) relative to an adjacent segment. The interlocking engagement features 36 can allow the frame portion 26B to curl around the curling axis 64 during opening and closing of the device 10. When the frame segments 28 are aligned with each other in the same plane (e.g., when the frame segments 28 are located on the front face F when the device 10 is in the deployed or expanded state), the interlocking engagement features 36 can form a strong rigid surface.

[0052] exist Figure 8 During the illustrated deployment of device 10, frame segment 28 may be pulled out from rear face R of device 10 and pulled toward front face F of the device, thereby curling about axis 64 in direction 66 as the viewable portion of display 14 is deployed (e.g., when retractable portion 90B of display 14 is rolled up to the front of device 10 to deploy the viewable display area). Rail 32 may move relative to frame portion 26A as device 10 is deployed. Specifically, rail 32 may be mounted within an opening, such as opening 34 in frame portion 26A. As device 10 is deployed along Figure 8 When the device 10 is in the unfolded state, the guide rail 32 can slide within the opening 34 as the frame portion 26A moves away from the guide rail 32. Although the opening 34 in the frame portion 26A is exposed to the underside of the display 14 when the device 10 is in the unfolded state, the remainder of the frame 26A can be solid (e.g., without an opening) so that the display 14 can be opened when the device 10 is in the unfolded state. Figure 8For example, the frame 26A may be formed of solid metal that has no openings in the area between the guide rail openings 34 .

[0053] In addition to providing support for display 14 , frame 26 may have features that constrain movement of display 14 in the z-direction to help prevent the display from bulging or floating during deployment and retraction. Fig. 9 Exemplary z-constraint features that may be included in display frame 26 are shown.

[0054] like Fig. 9 As shown, display 14 may include a display layer, such as display layer 14D having an array of pixels for displaying an image. Display layer 14D may be laminated to a backplate, such as a metal backplate 14P. Backplate 14P may be connected to frame segments 28 (e.g., via screws, adhesives, welds, other suitable attachment structures, etc.). Display 14 (e.g., display layer 14D and backplate 14P) and frame segments 28 may be configured to slide in the x-direction relative to rails 32. If care is not taken, the stiffness of display 14 may cause display 14 to lift upward and bulge outward. To help prevent display 14 from bulging outward (e.g., during Fig. 9 In order to allow the frame segments 28 to float in the z-direction away from the track 32), the track 32 and the frame segments 28 may have mating engagement features that help constrain movement of the frame segments 28 in the z-direction. For example, the track 32 may have a z-constraint feature 92 (e.g., a recess, groove, channel, etc.), and the frame segments 28 may have a mating z-constraint feature 94 (e.g., a protrusion, rib, etc.). The feature 92 on the track 32 may include an upper lip and a lower lip that overlap with the feature 94 on the frame segments 28. This helps constrain movement of the frame segments 28 in the z-direction while allowing the frame segments 28 to move within and relative to the track 32 (e.g., along the track 32) during deployment and retraction. Fig. 9 Because the display 14 is attached to the frame segments 28, the z-constraint features of the frame segments 28 and the tracks 32 can help prevent the display 14 from floating outwardly away from the tracks 32 during deployment and retraction.

[0055] To prevent display 14 from buckling during deployment and retraction, one end of display 14 (such as end 14B) may be tensioned using a tensioning member, while the opposite end of display 14 (such as end 14A) may be attached to housing 12 using a rigid attachment mechanism (as an example). The tensioning member may move to accommodate the movement of display 14 while maintaining tension on the display as device 10 is deployed and retracted. If desired, only one end of display 14 may be tensioned using a tensioning member, or both ends of display 14 may be tensioned using respective tensioning members. The tensioning member may be formed from a rotating rod, a metal or polymer spring, a spring formed from a stretched planar elastomeric member, or other materials that may be used to tension display 14. Fig.10 and Fig.11 An arrangement is shown in which the display 14 has been tensioned using one or more tensioning structures.

[0056] exist Fig.10 and Fig.11 In an example of the embodiment of the present invention, one or more tensioning structures (such as first and second tensioning rods 38, 38) may be coupled between frame 26 and housing 12. Since display 14 is mounted to frame 26, applying tension to frame 26 using structures 38 may also apply tension to display 14. Each tensioning rod 38 may have opposing first and second ends. First end 38A of tensioning rod 38 may be coupled to frame 26 using a first attachment mechanism (such as attachment mechanism 50A), while opposing second end 38B of tensioning rod 38 may be coupled to housing 12 using a second attachment mechanism (such as attachment mechanism 50B). Attachment mechanisms 50A and 50B may be screws, rotating shafts, rods, pins, and / or other structures. In an exemplary arrangement, tensioning rod 38 includes slots, and attachment mechanisms 50A and 50B include pins that each slide within a corresponding one of the slots during deployment and retraction of display 14.

[0057] The segmented frame portion 26B may have opposing first and second ends, with one segment 28 at the first end coupled to the frame portion 26A and another segment at the second end forming an end segment, such as end segment 28T (sometimes referred to as end segment 28T). End segment 28T may be coupled to end 14B of display 14. Thus, first end 38A of tension rod 38 may be coupled to end segment 28T of segmented frame 26B to apply tension to end 14B of display 14. Second end 38B of tension rod 38 may be coupled to housing 12.

[0058] When device 10 is Fig.10 The expanded state moves to Fig.11When the device 10 is in the retracted state, the tension rod 38 can rotate about the corresponding axis 40 in the direction 76, thereby causing the end 38A to pull the end frame segment 28T in the direction 78 while the end 38B remains fixed to the housing 12. The axis 40 can be perpendicular to the curling axis 64. The tension applied by the rod 38 on the end frame segment 28T helps prevent display buckling and / or display corrugation during display retraction. Fig.11 The retracted state moves to Fig.10 When in the deployed state of the device 10, the tension rod 38 can be rotated about the corresponding axis 40 in the direction 80, thereby allowing the end 38A to move with the frame segment 28T while the end 38B remains fixed to the housing 12 when the device 10 is deployed.

[0059] Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a top view of the device 10 showing how a connected drive shaft may be used to ensure smooth deployment and retraction of the device 10. Fig.12 As shown, device 10 may include one or more rack-and-pinion-based slider mechanisms, such as a first rack-and-pinion mechanism 84 that drives a first edge of housing 12 (and thus displays 14 and frame 26) along direction 48 and a second rack-and-pinion mechanism 84 that drives a second edge of housing 12 (and thus displays 14 and frame 26) along direction 48. Each rack-and-pinion mechanism 84 may include one or more racks 42 and one or more gears 44. Gears 44 may have teeth that mate with corresponding teeth in racks 42. Rack-and-pinion mechanisms 84 may be coupled to housing portion 12A and / or housing portion 12B ( Figure 2 ). For example, rack and pinion mechanism 84 may be coupled to housing portion 12B and may be used to slide housing portion 12B relative to housing portion 12A during deployment and retraction of device 10. When housing portions 12A and 12B are pushed apart by rack and pinion-based slider mechanism 84, a viewable portion of display 14 may be deployed as retractable portion 90B slides to the front of device 10 relative to housing portion 12B. When housing portions 12A and 12B are pushed toward each other by rack and pinion mechanism 84, a viewable portion of display 14 may be retracted as retractable portion 90B slides rearward relative to housing portion 12B behind exposed display portion 90A.

[0060] To ensure that the top and bottom edges of display 14 move together in direction 48 (e.g., Fig.12In order to prevent any twisting in the xy plane of the display 14 (without any twisting in the xy plane of the display 14), the top rack and pinion mechanism 84 and the bottom rack and pinion mechanism 84 can be coupled together using a common drive shaft (such as drive shaft 46). Drive shaft 46 can extend parallel to the curling axis about which the display 14 curls during deployment and retraction. Drive shaft 46 can couple the movement of one rack and pinion mechanism 84 with the movement of the other rack and pinion mechanism 84 so that the top and bottom edges of the housing 12 (and therefore the top and bottom edges of the display 14 and the frame 26) move together in unison in direction 48. Even if only one of the rack and pinion mechanisms 84 drives the movement of the display 14 and the frame 26, the common drive shaft 46 can ensure that both rack and pinion mechanisms 84 move the top and bottom edges of the display 14 and the frame 26 simultaneously.

[0061] Although the connected drive shaft 46 can be used to prevent Fig.12 However, care should also be taken to prevent twisting in the xy plane of the device 10 during deployment and retraction. Fig.12 Twist in the z direction. Fig.13 is a cross-sectional side view of device 10 showing how rack and pinion mechanism 84 may include upper and lower portions for preventing twisting in the z-direction.

[0062] like Fig.13 As shown, the rack and pinion mechanism 84 may include an upper rack 42F, a lower rack 42R, an upper gear 44F, and a rear gear 44R. The upper gear 44F may have teeth that engage with the teeth 56F of the upper rack 42F. The upper rack 42F may be coupled to an upper portion of the housing 12 (e.g., a portion of the housing 12B on the front face F and / or an internal support structure). The lower gear 44R may have teeth that engage with the teeth 56R of the lower rack 42R. The lower rack 42R may be coupled to a lower portion of the housing 12 (e.g., a portion of the housing 12B on the back face R and / or an internal support structure). In addition, the teeth of the upper gear 44F and the lower gear 44R may engage with each other so that the movement of the upper rack 42F is coupled to the movement of the lower rack 42R. As upper gear 44F rotates about axis 58F in direction 62, lower gear 44R may rotate about axis 58R in direction 60. Rotation of upper gear 44F in direction 62 causes upper rack 42F to move relative to gear 44F in direction 86, while rotation of lower gear 44R in direction 60 causes lower rack 42R to move in direction 86. This helps ensure that the upper and lower portions of housing 12B do not rock relative to each other during deployment and retraction of device 10.

[0063] In some arrangements, magnetic structures may be incorporated into display 14, display frame 26, and / or elsewhere in housing 12. The magnetic structures may be used to prevent display 14 from floating or bulging upward during opening and closing. Fig.14 is a side view of device 10 in an exemplary configuration in which magnetic structures may be incorporated into device 10 to reduce float and bulging of the display during deployment and retraction.

[0064] like Fig.14 As shown, the deployable display 14 may be attached to a display frame, such as display frame 26 . Fig.14 The display frame 26 may be formed of a magnetic material such as a steel material or other suitable ferromagnetic material. The steel material of the display frame 26 may be arranged in elongated parallel metal strips (e.g., in Fig.14 108 ) to allow the display frame 26 to bend and curl about the curl axis 108 during deployment and retraction. The display 14 can be mounted to the display frame 26 and can be configured to move with the display frame 26 (e.g., with the display frame 26). Fig.14 The display frame 26 is bent and curled together about the curling axis 108).

[0065] The display 14 and the display frame 26 can be bent and curled around a magnetic roller, such as the magnetic roller 98. The magnetic roller 98 may include a magnet formed on an axis, such as the axis 96. The magnetic roller 98 may be configured to rotate around a curling axis 108 of the axis 96. The magnetic material of the magnetic roller 98 may form a sheath or other outer layer on the axis 96. The magnetic roller 98 may include a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or other suitable magnet. The magnetic material of the magnetic roller 98 may completely span the roller 98, or may be positioned in the form of strips or segments along the axis 96. The magnetic material of the display frame 26 may be attracted to the magnetic roller 98 so that the display 14 and the display frame 26 do not float or protrude outward during the expansion or retraction of the housing 12.

[0066] Additional magnets may be used on the front and back of device 10 to keep display 14 flat (e.g., in the open configuration). Fig.14 As shown, device 10 may include one or more flat magnets, such as flat magnets 104 (sometimes referred to as magnetic strips 104), on the front and back of an internal support structure, such as support structure 102. Magnets 104 may include permanent magnets, electromagnets, or other suitable magnets. The magnetic material of display frame 26 may be attracted to magnets 104 so that display 14 and display frame 26 do not float or protrude outwardly in the deployed state of housing 12, in the retracted state of the housing, during deployment of the housing, or during retraction of the housing. When display 14 is in the deployed state, the display frame 26 may be positioned relative to the display 14. Fig.14When in the retracted state of display 14, magnetic strip 104 may be interposed between the exposed portion and the retracted portion of display 14.

[0067] Fig.15 1 is a perspective view of device 10, showing how flat magnets 104 may include parallel flat magnet strips that slide within grooves 106 in support structure 102. When display 14 is in the unfolded state, the magnetic attraction between display frame 26 of display 14 and flat magnets 104 helps keep display 14 flat (without any protrusions). When housing 12 is closed, flat magnets 104 may slide within grooves 106 to accommodate retraction of display 14 while preventing display 14 from buckling or floating.

[0068] Fig.16 , Fig.17 , Fig.18 , Fig.19 1 is a side view of display 14 showing how a tensioning member, such as tensioning member 134, may be used to tension end 14B of display 14 during closure of device 10 (e.g., when housing 12 is being retracted) to prevent display buckling. Fig.14 When the magnetic roller 98 is used, the tension member 134 can be particularly beneficial, but the tension member 134 can also be used in other roller configurations. Generally speaking, the tension member 134 can be used in combination with any of the embodiments described above.

[0069] exist Fig.16 In an example of the embodiment of the present invention, display 14 is in an expanded state, and tensioning member 134 may include a sheet of material (such as material 118). In some arrangements, material 118 may be a thin layer of fabric, such as a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a braided fabric, and / or any other suitable type of fabric. Material 118 may be formed from interwoven strands of material (such as polymer strands, nylon strands, polyester strands, Vectran strands, Kevlar strands, and / or other suitable strands of material). In other arrangements, material 118 may be a wire or rope formed from one or more metal strands, polymer strands, or other suitable strands of material. Arrangements in which tensioning material 118 is formed from other structures or materials may also be used.

[0070] If desired, multiple strips of material 118 may be attached to end 14B of display 14. For example, first and second strips of fabric, first and second wires, and / or other suitable materials 118 may be attached to respective first and second corners of end 14B of display 14. Each material 118 may have opposing first and second ends, the first end coupled to end 14B of display 14, and the opposing second ends coupled to housing 12 via a rigid support structure, such as rigid support structure 120. If desired, material 118 may have one or more U-shaped turns. For example, material 118 may be wrapped around one or more pulleys, such as pulley 112 that rotates about axis of rotation 122.

[0071] When the display 14 changes from Fig.16 The expanded state moves to Fig.17 When in the retracted state of device 10 (e.g., housing 12), housing 12 pushes support structure 120 in direction 116, which in turn causes material 118 to pull end 14B of display 14 in direction 114 as display 14 is rolled around roller 98. This helps avoid any buckling in display 14 when device 10 (e.g., housing 12) is closed to the retracted position.

[0072] exist Fig.18 In an example of , display 14 is in an unfolded state, and tensioning member 134 includes a timing belt mechanism having a toothed belt, such as toothed belt 128. Belt 128 may be a mechanical drive belt having teeth molded or otherwise formed on an inner surface of belt 128. Belt 128 may be wrapped around a first pulley and a second pulley, such as pulley 136 and pulley 124. Pulleys 136 and 124 may have corresponding teeth that engage with teeth on belt 128. Pulleys 136 and 124 may be configured to rotate about respective rotation axes 126 and 138. Belt 128 may be coupled to housing 12 via a rigid structure, such as rigid attachment structure 146. Movement of belt 128 may be coupled to movement of display 14 via coupling structures 130 and 132. Coupling structure 130 may be coupled to end 14B of display 14. Coupling structure 132 may be coupled between coupling structure 130 and belt 128.

[0073] When device 10 is Fig.18 The expanded state moves to Fig.19 When the device 10 (e.g., housing 12) is in the retracted state, the housing 12 may push the attachment structure 146 in the direction 142, which causes the belt 128 to rotate in the direction 140 about the pulleys 136 and 124. The rotation of the belt 128 in the direction 140 pushes the coupling structures 132 and 130 in the direction 144, which in turn pulls the end 14B of the display 14 in the direction 144 during retraction. This helps to avoid any display buckling when the device 10 (e.g., housing 12) is closed into the retracted position.

[0074] As described above, one aspect of the present technology is to collect and use information, such as information from input-output devices. The present disclosure contemplates that, in some cases, data including personal information data may be collected that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, Twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, user name, password, biometric information, or any other identification or personal information.

[0075] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information in the present technology can be used to benefit the user. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that the user is more interested in. Therefore, the use of such personal information data enables the user to have planned control over the content delivered. In addition, the present disclosure also anticipates other uses of personal information data that benefit the user. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into the user's overall health status, or can be used as positive feedback to individuals who use technology to pursue health goals.

[0076] The disclosure anticipates that entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transmission, storage or other purposes of such personal information data will comply with sound privacy policies and / or privacy measures. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to the use of privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding the industry or government requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easy for users to access and should be updated as the collection and / or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legal and reasonable entity purposes and should not be shared or sold outside these legal purposes. In addition, such collection / sharing should be carried out after receiving the user's informed consent. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to protect and safeguard access to such personal information data, and ensure that other entities with access to personal information data comply with their privacy policies and procedures. In addition, such entities can subject themselves to third-party assessments to prove that they comply with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted to specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards including considerations of special jurisdictions. For example, in the United States, the collection or access of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws such as the Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy measures should be advocated for different types of personal data in each country.

[0077] Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates implementation schemes in which users selectively block the use or access of personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates hardware elements and / or software elements to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, the technology of the present invention may be configured to allow users to choose to "opt in" or "opt out" at any time during or after registration for a service to participate in the collection of personal information data. In another example, a user may choose not to provide certain types of user data. In yet another example, a user may choose to limit the length of time that user-specific data is maintained. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure also contemplates providing notifications related to access or use of personal information. For example, a user may be notified that their personal information data will be accessed when downloading an application ("app"), and then the user may be reminded again before the personal information data is accessed by the app.

[0078] Furthermore, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Once the data is no longer needed, the risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting the data. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect the privacy of users. Where appropriate, de-identification can be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or characteristics of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than the address level), controlling how the data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and / or other methods.

[0079] Thus, while the present disclosure broadly encompasses the use of information that may include personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that various embodiments may be implemented without requiring access to personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology will not fail to function properly due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data.

[0080] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, which includes: a housing; a display coupled to the housing, the display being capable of operating in an extended state and a retracted state, the display having an exposed portion and a retractable portion, the exposed portion being visible in both the extended state and the retracted state, the retractable portion being visible in the extended state and being retracted within the housing in the retracted state; and a frame supporting the display, the frame including a rigid portion and a segmented portion, the rigid portion supporting the exposed portion of the display, and the segmented portion supporting the retractable portion of the display.

[0081] According to another embodiment, when the display is in the retracted state, the retractable portion is located behind the exposed portion and is configured to curl around an axis when the display transitions between the deployed state and the retracted state.

[0082] According to another embodiment, the segmented portion comprises a frame segment extending parallel to the axis.

[0083] According to another embodiment, the frame segments include interlocking engagement features that mate with each other and form a strong rigid surface when the frame segments are located in a common plane.

[0084] According to another embodiment, the electronic device also includes a guide rail installed in a corresponding opening in the frame, and when the display is transformed between the expanded state and the retracted state, the frame segment slides along the guide rail in a first direction, and the guide rail includes a recess that cooperates with a corresponding protrusion in the frame segment to constrain the movement of the frame and the display in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0085] According to another embodiment, the display includes opposing first and second ends, the first end being secured to the housing and the second end being tensioned by a tensioning structure.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the tensioning structure includes a tensioning rod having a first end coupled to the segmented portion of the frame and a second end coupled to the housing, the tensioning rod being configured to rotate about an axis when the display transitions between the extended state and the retracted state.

[0087] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a first rack and pinion mechanism and a second rack and pinion mechanism, and the first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism are configured to move the display between the expanded state and the retracted state. The first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism are located on opposite edges of the display and are engaged by a common drive shaft.

[0088] According to another embodiment, each of the first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism includes an upper rack, a lower rack, an upper gear and a lower gear, the upper gear drives the upper rack and the lower gear, and the lower gear drives the lower rack.

[0089] According to another embodiment, when the display is in the extended state, the exposed portion and the retractable portion lie in a common plane.

[0090] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a housing capable of operating in an extended state and a retracted state; a flexible display coupled to the housing, wherein a visible area of ​​the flexible display increases when the housing changes from the retracted state to the extended state; and a frame supporting the flexible display, the frame having a rigid portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion is located behind the rigid portion when the housing is in the retracted state, and the flexible portion is coplanar with the rigid portion when the housing is in the extended state.

[0091] According to another embodiment, the flexible portion of the frame comprises parallel metal strips that are movable relative to each other.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes rails mounted in rail openings in the frame, and the rigid portion of the frame includes solid metal having no openings in the area between the rail openings.

[0093] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a first tensioning rod and a second tensioning rod configured to apply tension to an end of the flexible display when the housing transitions between the retracted state and the extended state.

[0094] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a first rack and pinion mechanism and a second rack and pinion mechanism, and the first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism are configured to move the housing between the expanded state and the retracted state, and the first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism are aligned with the corresponding first edge and second edge of the flexible display, and the first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism are coupled by a common drive shaft.

[0095] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, which includes: a housing; an expandable display coupled to the housing, the expandable display having an exposed portion and a retractable portion, the retractable portion being configured to curl around a curling axis from a retracted position located behind the exposed portion to a visible position coplanar with the exposed portion; and a metal frame supporting the expandable display, the metal frame having a first portion formed of solid metal and a second portion formed of parallel metal strips, the first portion supporting the exposed portion of the expandable display, and the second portion supporting the retractable portion of the expandable display.

[0096] According to another embodiment, the second portion of the metal frame has opposing first and second ends, the first end being coupled to the first portion of the metal frame, and the second end being coupled to a tensioning structure.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the tensioning structure is configured to rotate about an additional axis perpendicular to the curling axis when the retractable portion is curled about the curling axis.

[0098] According to another embodiment, the unfoldable display has an upper edge and a lower edge, which extend perpendicular to the curling axis, and the electronic device includes a first rack and a second rack and a gear mechanism, which are respectively aligned with the upper edge and the lower edge of the unfoldable display and are coupled by a common drive shaft.

[0099] According to another embodiment, each of the first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism includes first and second racks and first and second gears, the first gear drives the first rack and the second gear, and the second gear drives the second rack.

[0100] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, which includes: a housing; an expandable display coupled to the housing, the expandable display having an exposed portion and a retractable portion; a magnetic roller that rotates around a curling axis, the retractable portion of the display being configured to curl around the curling axis from a retracted position located behind the exposed portion to a visible position coplanar with the exposed portion; and a metal frame that supports the expandable display, the metal frame being magnetically attracted to the magnetic roller.

[0101] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a magnetic strip located in the housing, the magnetic strip being interposed between the retractable portion and the exposed portion when the display is in the retracted position, and the metal frame being magnetically attracted to the magnetic strip.

[0102] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a tensioning member coupled to the retractable portion of the deployable display, the tensioning member being configured to apply tension to the deployable display, and the tensioning member being selected from the group consisting of: a fabric layer, a wire, and a timing belt.

[0103] The foregoing is merely illustrative and various modifications may be made to the embodiments described. The foregoing embodiments may be implemented independently or in any combination.

Claims

1. An electronic device, include: shell; a display coupled to the housing, the display operable in an extended state and a retracted state, wherein the display has an exposed portion and a retractable portion, the exposed portion being visible in both the extended state and the retracted state, the retractable portion being visible in the extended state and being retracted within the housing in the retracted state; and A frame supports the display, wherein the frame includes a rigid portion supporting the exposed portion of the display and a segmented portion supporting the retractable portion of the display.

2. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the display is in the retracted state, the retractable portion is located behind the exposed portion, and the retractable portion is configured to curl around an axis when the display transitions between the extended state and the retracted state. 3 . The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the segmented portion comprises a frame segment extending parallel to the axis. 4 . The electronic device of claim 3 , wherein the frame segments include interlocking engagement features that mate with each other and form a solid, rigid surface when the frame segments are located in a common plane.

5. The electronic device of claim 3, further comprising guide rails mounted in corresponding openings in the frame, wherein when the display transitions between the extended state and the retracted state, the frame segments slide along the guide rails in a first direction, and in, The guide rail includes a recess that cooperates with a corresponding protrusion in the frame segment to constrain movement of the frame and the display in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. 6 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the display comprises opposing first and second ends, wherein the first end is fixed to the housing and the second end is tensioned by a tensioning structure.

7. An electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the tensioning structure includes a tensioning rod having a first end coupled to the segmented portion of the frame and a second end coupled to the housing, wherein the tensioning rod is configured to rotate about an axis when the display transitions between the extended state and the retracted state.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a first rack and pinion mechanism and a second rack and pinion mechanism, wherein the first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism are configured to move the display between the extended state and the retracted state, in, The first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism are located on opposite edges of the display and are joined by a common drive shaft.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, in, Each of the first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism includes an upper rack, a lower rack, an upper gear, and a lower gear, wherein the upper gear drives the upper rack and the lower gear, and wherein the lower gear drives the lower rack.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein when the display is in the extended state, the exposed portion and the retractable portion are located in a common plane.

11. An electronic device, include: a housing operable in an extended state and a retracted state; a flexible display coupled to the housing, wherein a viewable area of ​​the flexible display increases when the housing transitions from the retracted state to the expanded state; and A frame supporting the flexible display, wherein the frame has a rigid portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion is located behind the rigid portion when the housing is in the retracted state, and the flexible portion is coplanar with the rigid portion when the housing is in the expanded state.

12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the flexible portion of the frame comprises parallel metal strips that are movable relative to each other.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, further comprising rails mounted within rail openings in the frame, wherein the rigid portion of the frame comprises solid metal having no openings in the area between the rail openings.

14. The electronic device according to claim 11, further comprising a first tensioning rod and a second tensioning rod, wherein the first tensioning rod and the second tensioning rod are configured to apply tension to one end of the flexible display when the housing transitions between the retracted state and the extended state.

15. The electronic device according to claim 11, further comprising a first rack and pinion mechanism and a second rack and pinion mechanism, wherein the first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism are configured to move the housing between the deployed state and the retracted state, in, The first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism are aligned with respective first and second edges of the flexible display, and wherein the first rack and pinion mechanism and the second rack and pinion mechanism are coupled by a common drive shaft.

16. An electronic device, include: shell; an expandable display coupled to the housing, wherein the expandable display has an exposed portion and a retractable portion, wherein the retractable portion is configured to roll about a roll axis from a retracted position behind the exposed portion to a viewable position coplanar with the exposed portion; and A metal frame supporting the deployable display, wherein the metal frame has a first portion formed of solid metal and a second portion formed of parallel metal strips, the first portion supporting the exposed portion of the deployable display and the second portion supporting the retractable portion of the deployable display.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16, in, The second portion of the metal frame has opposing first and second ends, wherein the first end is coupled to the first portion of the metal frame and the second end is coupled to a tensioning structure.

18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the tensioning structure is configured to rotate about an additional axis perpendicular to the curling axis when the retractable portion is curled about the curling axis.

19. An electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the unfoldable display has an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge and the lower edge extending perpendicular to the curling axis, and the electronic device also includes a first rack and a second rack and a gear mechanism, the first rack and the gear mechanism and the second rack and the gear mechanism are respectively aligned with the upper edge and the lower edge of the unfoldable display and are coupled by a common driving shaft.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein each of the first rack and the second rack and the second rack comprises first and second racks and first and second gears, wherein the first gear drives the first rack and the second gear, and wherein the second gear drives the second rack.

21. An electronic device, the electronic device include: shell; an expandable display coupled to the housing, wherein the expandable display has an exposed portion and a retractable portion; a magnetic roller that rotates about a curling axis, wherein the retractable portion of the display is configured to curl about the curling axis from a retracted position behind the exposed portion to a viewable position coplanar with the exposed portion; and A metal frame supports the deployable display, wherein the metal frame is magnetically attracted to the magnetic roller.

22. The electronic device of claim 21, further comprising a magnetic strip located in the housing, in, When the display is in the retracted position, the magnetic strip is interposed between the retractable portion and the exposed portion, and wherein the metal frame is magnetically attracted to the magnetic strip.

23. The electronic device of claim 21, further comprising a tensioning member coupled to the retractable portion of the deployable display, in, The tensioning member is configured to apply tension to the deployable display, and wherein the tensioning member is selected from the group consisting of: a fabric layer, a wire, and a timing belt.

Images