Spring loaded display mobile electronic device

Abstract

A spring loaded expanded display mobile electronic device enables the size of the display to be multiplied, such as three times. The extended display is well suited for viewing video content to which access will become more general with the adoption of 5G cellular services. In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device is self-deploying. Gas springs (101A, 101B) that provide desired damping and locking features may be used. The mobile electronic device can be held face down and the sides can be pushed together (603). The spring unlocks and the folding display self-deploys (605). In another embodiment, the device senses when it is held down (703) and electronically unlocks the spring for self-deployment.

Description

[0001] Information about divisional applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application. The parent application is an invention patent application filed on September 3, 2020, with application number 202080061643.0 and the invention title being “Spring-Loaded Expandable Display Mobile Electronic Device.” Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to mobile electronic devices, and more particularly, to a spring-loaded deployable display mobile electronic device. Background Art

[0004] A tri-fold mobile electronic device is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20120307423, entitled “Flexible Display Flexural Assembly,” published on December 6, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference. Figure 4 Further improvements in devices of this type are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A spring-loaded, expandable display mobile electronic device enables the display size to be doubled, for example, tripled. The expanded display is ideal for viewing video content, which will become more accessible with the adoption of 5G cellular services. In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device is self-expanding. Gas springs can be used to provide the desired damping and locking features. The mobile electronic device can be held face down, and the sides can be pushed together. The springs unlock, and the foldable display self-expands. In another embodiment, the device senses when it is held face down and electronically unlocks the springs for self-expanding.

[0006] In one aspect, a mobile electronic device includes: a main body housing a main processor; a display expansion member; a hinge mechanism coupled to a first display expansion member and the main body; and a flexible display coupled to the main body and the display expansion member. The screen expansion member can be configured to: in a folded state, wrap around the main body and overlap the main body at a back side thereof, with the display side of the flexible display facing away from the main body; and in an unfolded state, support the flexible display in an unfolded, flat state. The hinge mechanism includes a spring-action member and is configured to move outward from one side of the main body during unfolding to take up any slack in the flexible display that occurs during unfolding.

[0007] In another aspect, a mobile electronic device includes: a main body that houses a main processor; a first display extension member; and a first hinge mechanism that is connected to the first display extension member and the main body. The mobile electronic device further includes: a second display extension member; a second hinge mechanism that is connected to the second display extension member and the main body; and a flexible display that is connected to the main body, the first display extension member, and the second display extension member. The first and second screen extension members can be configured to: in a folded state, wrap around the main body and overlap at the back side of the main body, with the display side of the flexible display facing away from the main body; and in an unfolded state, support the flexible display in an unfolded, flat state. The first and second hinge mechanisms can each include a spring-action member and be configured to move outward from the respective sides of the main body during unfolding to tighten slack in the flexible display generated during unfolding.

[0008] In another aspect, a method for extending the display of a mobile electronic device is provided. The mobile electronic device includes a main body, a display that folds and unfolds, and a screen extension. According to the method, a user holds the mobile electronic device face-down and performs a manual action on the device to initiate the unfolding of the display. In response to the manual action, a spring causes the screen extension to unfold and extend from the edge of the main body, thereby increasing the size of the front-facing display.

[0009] In another aspect, a method for expanding the display of a mobile electronic device is provided. The mobile electronic device includes a main body, a display that folds and unfolds, and a screen extension. According to the method, a user rotates the mobile electronic device to face downward. The mobile electronic device senses the rotation and, in response to the rotation, releases a spring, causing the screen extension to unfold and extend from the edge of the main body, thereby increasing the size of the front-facing display.

[0010] In another aspect, a mobile electronic device includes: a main body; a screen extension; a foldable and unfoldable display coupled to the main body and the screen extension; and a hinge mechanism coupled to the main body and the screen extension. The mobile electronic device further includes a front-facing camera module housed within the main body, wherein, in a folded state, a portion of the display is rear-facing and operable to display information to a user, and the mobile electronic device is configured to take rear-facing photos by rotating the camera module to rear-facing and using the rear-facing portion of the display for framing and camera control.

[0011] In another aspect, a method for taking a photograph using a mobile electronic device including an integral foldable display and only a forward-facing camera is provided. According to the method, a user rotates the camera to a rearward-facing position and uses the rearward-facing portion of the foldable display for framing and camera control to take a rearward-facing photograph.

[0012] In another aspect, a self-deploying mobile electronic device includes: a main body; a folding display that wraps around the main body in a folded state to overlap the back of the main body; an assembly including a screen extension and a hinge mechanism; and at least one spring mechanism having a damping feature and a locking feature. During self-deployment, the locking feature of the spring mechanism is released, causing the screen extension to move, causing the front-facing display to increase in size. The at least one spring mechanism may include a gas spring. The locking feature of the spring mechanism may be manually controlled. Alternatively, the locking feature of the spring mechanism may be electronically controlled.

[0013] In another aspect, a method for performing self-deployment of a mobile electronic device is provided. The mobile electronic device comprises: a main body; a folding display; an assembly including a screen extension and a hinge mechanism; and at least one spring mechanism having a damping feature and a locking feature. According to the method, a user positions the device face-down and applies a pressure input to the device to release the locking feature of the spring mechanism. The at least one spring mechanism moves the screen extension, causing the front-facing display to increase in size.

[0014] In another aspect, a method for performing self-deployment of a mobile electronic device is provided. The mobile electronic device comprises: a main body; a folding display; an assembly including a screen extension and a hinge mechanism; and at least one spring mechanism having a damping feature and a locking feature. According to the method, a user positions the device face-down. The device senses the movement and positioning of the device and, in response, releases the locking feature of the spring mechanism. The screen extension is moved by the at least one spring mechanism, causing the front-facing display to increase in size.

[0015] In another aspect, a modular mobile electronic device includes a main body module; a foldable display module including a flexible display; and one or more connectors for connecting the main body module and the foldable display module. The foldable display module is configured such that: in a folded state, the flexible display overlaps the main body at a back side thereof, with the display side of the flexible display facing away from the main body; and in an unfolded state, the flexible display is supported in an unfolded, flat state. The foldable display module includes at least one camera. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The present invention may be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 is a front view of the foldable mobile electronic device.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 End view of the device.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Front view of the device in the unfolded state.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Rear view of the device.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 End view of the device.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of the self-expanding operation.

[0023] Figure 7 is another flowchart of a self-expanding operation.

[0024] Figure 8 is a front view of another foldable mobile electronic device.

[0025] Figure 9 is to use something like Figure 8 A flowchart of taking photos by a device.

[0026] Figure 10 is a diagram of a modular mobile electronic device.

[0027] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Another diagram of a modular mobile electronic device.

[0028] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Front view of a modular mobile electronic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Now refer to Figure 1 , showing a front view of a spring-loaded, unfolding-display mobile electronic device 100 in a folded position. In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile electronic device is a "tri-fold, outside-fold" device with a known type of flexible touch display. When the mobile electronic device is unfolded, the display area is tripled. The mobile electronic device is configured so that the display folds outward like a scroll (rather than folding inward like a book).

[0030] Within the body of the mobile electronic device, a spring (101A, 101B) is provided. In some embodiments, a single spring may be provided.

[0031] Figure 1 End view of a mobile electronic device in Figure 2 . The main body 201 is adjoined on either side by an assembly comprising hinge mechanisms (203A, 203B) and screen extension components ("screen extensions," 205A, 205B). The screen extensions provide support for a portion of the display that folds and unfolds. In the folded state as shown, the screen extensions overlap the back of the main body. The foldable display 207 is supported by the main body in the front of the mobile electronic device, wrapped around the hinge components, and overlapped at the back of the main body, supported by the overlapping screen extensions. In this configuration, the active display side of the foldable display is front- and rear-facing.

[0032] Figure 3 Shown in expanded state Figure 1 Although dotted lines are used to indicate the threefold increase in display area, the foldable display 207 is continuous and uninterrupted.

[0033] Figure 4 Shown in expanded state Figure 1 201. The rear view of the mobile electronic device. In the unfolded state, the assemblies 203A / 205A and 203B / 205B are arranged so that the screen extensions (205A, 205B) extend outward within a plane defined by the front of the main body 201, rather than overlapping at the back of the main body. The hinge mechanism (203A, 203B) is supported by a rod and is spaced a distance from the main body 201 to take up slack in the display that occurs during unfolding. During unfolding, the hinge mechanism gradually moves away from the side of the main body to present Figure 4 The final position shown in .

[0034] In one embodiment, the spring may be a bidirectional gas spring with damping and locking features. In the locked state, the rod is retained within the cylinder. When the lock is released, the rod is pushed outward in a damped motion. The rod can be unlocked by a small push or "double push" on the rod. This type of spring is available, for example, from HXL Gas Spring Co., Ltd. in Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.

[0035] In other embodiments, unlocking occurs electronically. An electric current is applied to an element within the cylinder to cause it to expand or contract to release the lock.

[0036] In other embodiments, the spring may be a coil spring or other type of spring.

[0037] As currently described, Figures 1 to 5The mobile electronic device may be "self-deployable".

[0038] refer to Figure 6 According to one aspect, the device is held face-down in a longitudinal orientation (601). The user then double-pushes the device sides toward each other (603). The user then places his or her hands flat, allowing the device to unfold (605). In response to the double-pushes, the rod of the gas spring is released and expands in a damped manner until the device is fully unfolded. The user then grabs the device and turns it forward for use (607).

[0039] Alternatively, the "self-deployment" can be controlled electronically. Figure 7 According to one aspect, a user turns the device to face downward in a portrait orientation (701). This placement of the device constitutes a motion gesture recognized by the device. The device recognizes the gesture and unlocks the spring (703). The user then places his or her hand flat, allowing the device to unfold (705). In response to the unlocking, the rod of the gas spring is released and expands in a damped manner until the device is fully unfolded. The user then grasps the device and turns it forward for use (707).

[0040] refer to Figure 8 , shows a mobile electronic device 800 according to another aspect. The device may be provided with a camera module 803. Camera module 803 may incorporate some or all of the cameras found in state-of-the-art smartphones. Specifically, the camera module may incorporate a camera that may be rear-facing in state-of-the-art smartphones. Changing the camera to a forward-facing position avoids interference with the folding display.

[0041] The device may have springs 801A and 801B, similar to Figure 1 The signal from the camera module 803 can be routed around the spring 801A.

[0042] The camera module 803 may include speakers, microphones, buttons, ports, etc. along its top surface as desired. The camera module 803 may also include an antenna.

[0043] In some examples, the same camera module 803 can be used to take both front-facing and rear-facing photos. If the camera is a variable-focus camera, the device can sense the orientation of the device (forward or rear-facing) and adjust the focus accordingly.

[0044] refer to Figure 9 To take a rear-facing photo, the user uses the touch display to select "Camera" and then "Rear" (901). The user rotates the phone so that the normally forward-facing camera module is now rear-facing (903). The portion of the display that was originally rear-facing is now front-facing and activated for framing and controls (905). The user then takes the photo in the usual manner (907).

[0045] In some examples, a separate rear-facing camera module with more advanced functionality can also be provided, where the camera is covered when the display is folded. During the display's unfolded state, the camera can be activated by default so it's always ready to take photos. Switching between portrait and landscape orientations can be performed via touch input or gestures without changing the device's orientation.

[0046] refer to Figure 10 , showing a rear unfolded view of a modular mobile electronic device. One module 1001 may be a main body including a main processor. Another module 1003 may be a folding screen module. The folding screen module may include a screen extension, a hinge mechanism, and a spring, which are generally arranged as in the previously described embodiments. The folding screen module may also include the same as described with respect to Figure 9 The camera module described. The folding screen module may also include snap-in connectors 1005A and 1005B. The body 1001 may include complementary snap-in connectors, enabling it to snap into the folding screen module. Figure 11 A mobile electronic device is shown with the main body snapped into place. If any module is damaged, it can be easily replaced. The damaged module can be sent for repair. This allows the main body to be waterproofed to a greater extent than in a fully integrated device. Figure 12 exhibit Figure 11 Front view of the device.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The foregoing description is therefore intended in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A mobile electronic device comprising a main body, the main body comprising a housing and a flexible display, the flexible display being configured to fold around the housing in a folded state so that a portion of the flexible display overlaps with a rear portion of the housing, a viewing surface of the folded display faces outward, and forming an extended viewing plane in an unfolded state, further comprising at least one spring coupled to the folded display and configured so that in the unfolded state, the spring pulls the folded display away from the main body on the extended viewing plane.

2. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, comprising: a processor housed within the housing; a first display extension component; a first hinge mechanism coupled to the first display extension member and the main body; and The flexible display is coupled to the main body and the first display extension member; wherein the first hinge mechanism comprises a spring mechanism and is configured to move outward from one side of the body during unfolding to tighten slack of the flexible display generated during unfolding; wherein the spring mechanism has a damping feature and a locking feature; and During the self-expansion, the user rotates the mobile electronic device to face downward, and the mobile electronic device senses the rotation and takes action to cause the first display extension component to expand, so that the display size increases.

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

7. The mobile electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising a front-facing camera module housed within the body, wherein In the folded state, a portion of the display is rearward facing and operable to display information to a user, the mobile electronic device being configured to take rearward-facing photographs and use the rearward-facing portion of the display for framing and camera control.

8. The mobile electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising: One or more connectors for connecting the main body and the foldable display; The foldable display is configured such that: In the folded state, the flexible display overlaps the main body at a back side of the main body, wherein a display side of the flexible display faces away from the main body; and In the unfolded state, the flexible display is supported in an unfolded flat state.

9. The mobile electronic device of claim 8, wherein the folding display comprises at least one camera.

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