Flexible display screen trim

Abstract

This application relates to a flexible display screen trim. An electronic device can include a foldable display screen that bends along a bend axis. A display screen trim can extend around a perimeter of the display screen. The display screen trim can include a rigid polymer, an elastomeric polymer, and a metal support structure. The rigid polymer can have a gap on each of four sides of the display screen. The elastomeric polymer can span each of the gaps and can allow the display screen trim to stretch laterally during a display screen assembly operation and to bend during folding. The rigid polymer can be overmolded on the metal support structure. The metal support structure can include four L-shaped members that support respective corners of the display screen. In other arrangements, the display screen trim can be formed from one or more adhesive shots that are molded directly to the display screen (e.g., to a display screen cover glass) and span the bend axis.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 558,921, filed March 6, 2026; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 917,027, filed November 13, 2025; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 796,852, filed April 29, 2025, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more specifically to electronic devices having a display screen. Background Technology

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

[0004] An electronic device may have a foldable housing that allows the device to fold and unfold about a bending axis. A flexible display screen may be mounted within the foldable housing. The flexible display screen may have a pixel array forming a display panel. The display panel may be configured to bend along the bending axis when the device is folded.

[0005] A display trim may extend around the perimeter of the foldable display screen. The display trim may have a rigid polymer, an elastomeric polymer, and a metal support structure. The rigid polymer may have a first, second, third, and fourth gap on respective first, second, third, and fourth sides of the display screen. The elastomeric polymer may span each of the four gaps and may allow the display trim to extend laterally during assembly operations as the display screen is inserted into the display trim. The elastomeric polymer may also allow the display trim to bend along a bending axis when the device is folded and unfolded. The rigid polymer may be overmolded onto the metal support structure and may form a lip hooking above the top surface of the display screen. The metal support structure may include four L-shaped members supporting respective corners of the display screen. During opening and closing, the display screen may be configured to shear relative to the display trim, and the display trim may be configured to shear relative to the rear housing wall.

[0006] In some arrangements, the display trim may be formed by an adhesive directly molded to the display. The display may include a display panel with a pixel array and a cover glass overlapping the pixel array. The display may have a first display portion and a second display portion folded relative to each other along a bending axis. A first support structure and a second support structure may overlap the first display portion and the second display portion, respectively. The first support structure and the second support structure may be separated from each other by a gap overlapping the bending axis. Each of the first support structure and the second support structure may have an upper surface supporting the peripheral edge of the cover glass. A compliant layer (such as foam, double-sided adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive, elastic adhesive, or other compliant layer) may be bonded between the support structure and the cover glass to form a compliant joint that allows the cover glass to shear relative to other display layers.

[0007] During manufacturing, the display screen can be placed in a molding tool, and one or more adhesive injections can be injected into the molding tool to form a display screen trim. The adhesive can be a low-viscosity adhesive that flows throughout the mold at low pressure and low temperature to avoid damaging the display screen. A light source, heat source, or other energy source can be used to cure the adhesive. In some arrangements, an infrared light source can be used to accelerate curing by heating the adhesive without overheating the display screen. After curing, the mold can be peeled off from the display screen trim. The display screen trim can extend continuously around the entire perimeter of the covering glass, can extend across a bending axis, and can span the gap between a first support structure and a second support structure. The support structure may include interlocking engagement features that mechanically interlock with the adhesive. If multiple adhesive injections are used (e.g., a first injection to form the display screen trim in the curved area of ​​the display screen; and a second injection to form the display screen trim in the non-curved area of ​​the display screen), different types of adhesives can be molded together with the interlocking engagement features to mechanically interlock with each other. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of exemplary electronic devices based on some implementation schemes.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic device with a display screen, which is surrounded by display screen trim, according to some implementation schemes.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a side view of an exemplary electronic device according to some implementation schemes.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a side view of an exemplary electronic device in a folded state, according to some implementation schemes.

[0012] Figure 5It is a side view of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state according to some implementation schemes.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a side view of an exemplary electronic device according to some implementation schemes, showing how display trim can be configured in a non-curved area of ​​a long edge.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a side view of an exemplary electronic device based on some implementation schemes, showing how display trim can be configured in a curved area.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a side view of an exemplary electronic device based on some implementation schemes, showing how the display trim can be configured along the outer section of the short edge.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a side view of an exemplary electronic device based on some implementation schemes, showing how the display trim can be configured along the central section of a short edge.

[0017] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary electronic device according to some implementation schemes, the exemplary electronic device having a display screen, a backing layer, and a display screen trim.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a side view of an exemplary electronic device according to some implementations, showing how a display trim can be molded onto the display in a non-curved area of ​​a long edge.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a side view of an exemplary electronic device according to some implementations, showing how a display trim can be molded onto the display in a curved area with a long edge.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a side view of an exemplary electronic device according to some implementations, showing how a display trim can be molded onto the display in a non-curved area with a short edge.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a diagram of an exemplary molding tool for molding display decorative elements onto a display screen, according to some implementation schemes. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Electronic devices may be equipped with a display screen. The display screen can be used to display images to a user. The display screen may be formed from an array of light-emitting diode pixels or other pixels. For example, the device may have an organic light-emitting diode display screen or a display screen formed from an array of micro light-emitting diodes (e.g., diodes formed from crystalline semiconductor dies).

[0023] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic device with a display screen is shown. Device 10 may be a cellular phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, wristwatch or other wearable device, television, stand-alone computer display or other monitor, computer display with an embedded computer (e.g., desktop computer), system embedded in a vehicle, multimedia terminal or other embedded electronic device, media player or other electronic equipment. Configurations in which device 10 is a cellular phone, tablet computer or other portable electronic device are sometimes described herein as examples. This is exemplary. In general, device 10 may be any suitable electronic device with a display screen.

[0024] Device 10 may include control circuitry 20. Control circuitry 20 may include storage and processing circuitry for supporting the operation of device 10. This 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 acquire input from sensors and other input devices, and may be used to control output devices. This 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 use displays and other output devices to provide visual output and other outputs to the user.

[0025] To support communication between device 10 and external equipment, control circuitry 20 may communicate using communication circuitry 22. Circuitry 22 may include an antenna, radio frequency transceiver circuitry (wireless transceiver circuitry), and other wireless communication circuitry and / or wired communication circuitry. Circuitry 22, sometimes referred to as control circuitry and / or control and communication circuitry, may support bidirectional wireless communication between device 10 and external devices via a wireless link (e.g., circuitry 22 may include radio frequency transceiver circuitry, such as a wireless LAN transceiver circuitry configured to support communication via a wireless LAN link, a near-field communication transceiver circuitry configured to support communication via a near-field communication link, a cellular transceiver circuitry configured to support communication via a cellular phone link, or a transceiver circuitry configured to support communication via any other suitable wired or wireless communication link). For example, this may be possible via Bluetooth. ® Link, WiFi ®The link, a wireless link operating at frequencies between 6 GHz and 300 GHz, a 60 GHz link or other millimeter-wave link, a cellular phone link, a wireless LAN link, a personal area network communication link, or other wireless communication link supports wireless communication. Device 10 (if desired) may include power circuitry for transmitting and / or receiving wired and / or wireless power, 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 supplied to the circuitry in device 10.

[0026] Device 10 may include input-output devices, such as device 24. Input-output device 24 may be used to acquire user input, to acquire information about the user's surrounding environment, 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 microelectromechanical system (MEMS) display, a display having a pixel array formed of crystalline semiconductor light-emitting diode dies (sometimes referred to as microLEDs), and / or other displays. Configurations in which display 14 is an organic light-emitting diode display or a microLED display are sometimes described herein as examples.

[0027] Display screen 14 may have an array of pixels configured to display images to a user. The pixels may be formed as part of a flexible display panel. This allows device 10 to fold and unfold about a bending axis. For example, the flexible (bendable) display screen in device 10 can be folded so that device 10 can be placed in a compact shape for storage and unfolded when it is desired to view an image on the display screen.

[0028] 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, e.g., two-dimensional capacitive touch sensors integrated into the display 14, two-dimensional capacitive touch sensors overlapping the display 14 and / or touch sensors forming buttons, touchpads or other input devices not associated with the display), and other sensors. If desired, sensor 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 and / or proximity sensors, monochrome and color ambient light sensors, image sensors, fingerprint sensors, temperature sensors, sensors for measuring three-dimensional non-contact posture (“aerial posture”), 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 containing 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, eye-tracking sensors, and / or other sensors. In some arrangements, device 10 may use sensor 16 and / or other input-output devices to acquire user input. For example, buttons can be used to capture button press input, touch sensors overlapping the display can be used to capture user touchscreen input, touchpads can be used to capture touch input, microphones can be used to capture audio input, accelerometers can be used to monitor when a finger touches the input surface and therefore can be used to capture finger press input, etc.

[0029] If needed, electronic device 10 may include additional components (see, for example, other devices 18 in input-output device 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) illuminating portions of the housing and / or display structure, other optical output devices, and / or other circuitry for collecting input and / or providing output. Device 10 may also include batteries or other energy storage devices, wired communication for supporting auxiliary equipment, connector ports for receiving wired power, and other circuitry.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an electronic device 10 in an exemplary configuration, where device 10 is a portable electronic device, such as a cellular phone or tablet computer. Figure 2As shown, device 10 may have a display screen such as display screen 14. Display screen 14 may cover part or all of the front of device 10. Touch sensor circuitry, such as two-dimensional capacitive touch sensor circuitry, may be integrated into display screen 14.

[0031] Display screen 14 may be mounted within housing 12. Housing 12 may form the front and rear housing walls, side wall structures, and / or internal support structures (e.g., frames, optional intermediate plate members, etc.) of device 10. Glass structures, transparent polymer structures, and / or other transparent structures covering other portions of display screen 14 and device 10 may provide structural support for device 10 and may sometimes be referred to as housing structures. For example, a transparent housing portion such as a glass or polymer housing structure that covers and protects the pixel array in display screen 14 may act as a display overlay for the pixel array and also as a housing wall on the front of device 10. In configurations where the display overlay is formed of glass, the display overlay may sometimes be referred to as a display cover glass or display cover glass layer. Portions of housing 12 on the side and rear walls of device 10 may be formed of glass or other transparent and / or opaque structures. The side and rear wall structures may be formed as extensions to the front portion of housing 12 (e.g., as an integral part of the display overlay) and / or may include separate housing wall structures.

[0032] Device 10 may be a foldable electronic device that folds along one or more bending axes, such as bending axis 28. Figure 2 In the example, device 10 includes a first portion 60 and a second portion 60 joined by a flexible portion 62. The portions 60 of device 10 (e.g., portions 60 of display 14 and housing 12, sometimes referred to as the non-flexible areas of device 10, display 14, and / or housing 12) are rotatable relative to each other about axis 28. When one portion 60 rotates relative to the other portion 60 (e.g., during the folding and unfolding of device 10), the flexible portion 62 of display 14 is flexible and flexible (e.g., when portion 60 remains flat).

[0033] The housing 12 may have a flexible structure (e.g., a bendable housing wall structure) and / or a hinge structure, such as hinge 30. Hinge 30 may have a hinge axis aligned with the bending axis 28 of the device. The hinge 30 and / or the flexible housing structure overlapping the bending axis 28 may allow the housing 12 to bend about the bending axis 28. For example, a portion 60 of the housing 12 may be located on one side of the bending axis 28, and another portion 60 of the housing 12 may be located on the opposite side of the bending axis 28. The portions 60 of the housing 12 may be connected by hinge 30 to allow rotational movement about axis 28.

[0034] When the housing 12 bends about the bending axis 28, the flexibility of the display screen 14 allows it to bend about the axis 28. In an exemplary configuration, the housing 12 and the display screen 14 can be bent 180º. This allows the display screen 14 to fold backward on itself (with the first outward-facing portion and the second outward-facing portion of the display screen 14 facing each other). The ability to position the device 10 in a folded configuration in this way helps to make the device 10 compact, allowing it to be stored efficiently. When it is desired to view an image on the display screen 14, the device 10 can be unfolded about the axis 28 to position the device 10 in a folded configuration. Figure 2 The unfolded configuration allows the display 14 to lie flat and allows the user to view a flat image on the display 14. The ability to fold the display 14 onto itself allows the device 10 to exhibit inward folding behavior. The display 14 can be flexible enough to allow the device 10 to fold outward and / or inward.

[0035] Figure 2 Device 10 has a rectangular outline (rectangular perimeter) with four corners. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the first pair of parallel edges, such as edge 96 (sometimes referred to as long edge 96), may be longer than the second pair of parallel edges, such as edge 94 (sometimes referred to as short edge 94). Edge 96 may be oriented at a right angle to edge 94. In this type of configuration, the housing 12 extends along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the bending axis 28. If desired, the housing 12 may have other shapes (e.g., a shape in which the housing 12 has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the bending axis 28). Utilizing Figure 2 The arrangement shown can reduce the length of the device 10 along its longitudinal axis by folding the device 10 around axis 28.

[0036] The housing 12 may include a rear housing wall 12R and a display screen trim 12T. The rear housing wall 12R may form the back of the device 10. If desired, the rear housing wall 12R may extend continuously across a flexible region 62 of the device 10, or the rear housing wall 12R may have gaps in the region 62, such as a gap 78 that overlaps with and extends parallel to the bending axis 28.

[0037] The display trim 12T may extend partially or entirely around the periphery of the display 14. In some arrangements, the display trim 12T may be used to attach the display 14 to other parts of the housing 12, such as the rear housing wall 12R. In other arrangements, the display trim 12T may be attached to the display 14 but not directly to other parts of the housing 12, such as the rear housing wall 12R. For example, in an arrangement where the display 14 is configured to shear relative to the rear housing wall 12R when the device 10 is opened and closed, the trim 12T may be coupled to the display 14 but not directly to the rear housing wall 12R, such that the trim 12T and the display 14 are movable relative to the housing 12 when the device 10 is folded.

[0038] If desired, the display trim 12T may form an uninterrupted, continuous rectangular ring around the display 14. To accommodate curvature in region 62 while providing adequate display protection, the display trim 12T may be formed of one or more different types of materials. For example, in an exemplary configuration, the display trim 12T may comprise one or more different types of polymers, one or more different types of adhesives, and / or one or more metal support structures. A first type of polymer or adhesive (e.g., a rigid polymer, such as polycarbonate or other rigid polymers) may be used in the non-curved regions 60 (e.g., at the four corners of the display 14 and along other non-curved regions of the display 14), while a second type of polymer or adhesive (e.g., a flexible polymer, such as silicone or other elastomeric materials) may be used in the curved regions 62. If desired, part or all of the trim 12T may comprise both the first and second type polymers, or each segment of the trim 12T may comprise only one of the two types of polymers.

[0039] In some arrangements, a second type of polymer (e.g., silicone or other elastomeric materials) may be used along certain non-bending sections of the trim 12T in the non-bending region 60 to allow the trim 12T to extend laterally outward during assembly operations to receive and accommodate the display screen 14. For example, an elastomeric polymer may be used in the central section 98 of the short edge 94 of the trim 12T, while a rigid polymer may be used in the outer section 102 of the short edge 94 of the trim 12T. With this type of arrangement, the elastomeric polymer can bridge gaps in the rigid polymer (e.g., gaps in section 98 of the short edge 94 and gaps in the bending region 62 of the long edge 96). This allows the trim 12T to extend laterally outward during assembly operations as the display screen 14 is mounted in the trim 12T. Due to the elastic properties of the elastomeric polymer in the trim 12T, the trim 12T may return to its initial size after the display screen 14 is inserted into the trim 12T. After insertion, the decorative piece 12T can be hooked above the top and bottom surfaces of the display screen 14 if needed.

[0040] The decorative element 12T may also include a metal support structure (sometimes referred to as an end cap). The metal support structure of the decorative element 12T may be configured to support the non-bending regions 60 of the display screen 14 (e.g., the four corners of the display screen 14 and other non-bending regions). To allow the display screen 14 to bend and flex in the bending regions 62, the metal support structure may be absent in the bending regions 62. The metal support structure may include, for example, a pair of L-shaped metal support structures in each of the two non-bending regions 60 of the decorative element 12T. The two L-shaped metal support structures may be disengaged from each other at the central segment 98 of each short side 94 to allow the decorative element 12T to extend laterally outward during assembly operations to receive and accommodate the display screen 14. If desired, the polymer material of the decorative element 12T may be overmolded onto the metal support structure. The polymer material of the decorative element 12T may provide a consistent appearance on the exterior of the decorative element 12T, making the decorative element 12T appear to be formed by a single structure continuously extending around the entire perimeter of the display screen 14. The use of a metal support structure is merely illustrative. If desired, the support structure of the decorative element 12T (e.g., end cap) may be formed of a rigid polymer or other suitable material.

[0041] In some arrangements, the decorative element 12T can be assembled onto the display screen 14 after the decorative element 12T has been formed. In other arrangements, the decorative element 12T can be directly molded onto the display screen 14. For example, the display screen 14 can be placed in a molding tool (e.g., Figure 14The molding tool 120 (including two or more molds, three or more nested molds, etc.) contains a liquid adhesive (e.g., a two-component polyurethane adhesive, a one-component UV-curable acrylic adhesive, or other suitable adhesive) that can be dispensed into the molding tool. To ensure that the display screen 14 is not damaged during the molding process, the adhesive forming the decorative part 12T can be a low-viscosity adhesive capable of flowing through the mold under low pressure (e.g., at room temperature in a vacuum environment). Once the adhesive has flowed throughout the molding tool to surround the perimeter of the display screen 14, heat and / or light can be applied to cure the adhesive. For example, heat can be applied to accelerate the curing of a two-component polyurethane adhesive, or light can be applied to cure a one-component acrylic adhesive. If desired, heat can be applied via an infrared light source without placing the entire mold and display screen in an oven. The infrared light source can be configured to heat the adhesive relatively quickly without overheating the display screen. For example, if desired, the heat applied to cure the adhesive in the molding tool can be kept below 65 degrees Celsius to avoid damaging the display screen in the molding tool. The adhesive forming the decorative element 12T can form the outermost exposed surface of the device 10 and can be configured to withstand repeated operation and contact by the user.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative foldable electronic device. Figure 3 The device 10 can be bent about a bending axis 28. The bending axis 28 can be aligned with the display overlay 14CG or other structures in the device 10. For example, the bending axis 28 can pass through a portion of the display overlay 14CG, or it can be located above or below the layer 14CG.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the display screen 14 includes a pixel P array of a display panel 14P formed under the inward-facing surface of the display screen cover layer 14CG. The display panel 14P can be, for example, a flexible organic light-emitting diode display or a micro-LED display, wherein the light-emitting pixels are formed on a flexible substrate layer (e.g., a flexible layer of polyimide or a sheet of other flexible polymers). The flexible support layer for the display screen 14 can also be formed of flexible glass, flexible metal and / or other flexible structures.

[0044] The display overlay 14CG may be formed of a polymer, glass, a crystalline material such as sapphire, other materials, and / or combinations of these materials. To enhance flexibility, a portion of layer 14CG overlapping the bending axis 28 may be locally thinned (e.g., this portion may be thinner relative to a portion of layer 14CG not overlapping the bending axis 28). The thickness of layer 14CG (e.g., the non-thinned portion of layer 14CG) may be 50-200 micrometers, 70-150 micrometers, 100-200 micrometers, 100-600 micrometers, at least 100 micrometers, at least 200 micrometers, less than 600 micrometers, less than 400 micrometers, less than 250 micrometers, less than 150 micrometers, less than 100 micrometers, at least 50 micrometers, or other suitable thicknesses.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In the example, housing 12 has a portion 12R forming a rear housing wall on its back surface R, a side portion forming a side wall 12W, and a decorative portion forming a display trim 12T (e.g., a frame surrounding the display 14). If desired, some or all of the rear housing wall 12R, side walls 12W, and display trim 12T may be formed from the same material and / or as a single structure. For example, if desired, the display trim 12T may also form the side wall 12W. The rear housing wall 12R of housing 12 may form a support layer for components in device 10. Housing 12 may also have one or more internal support layers (e.g., a frame structure, such as an optional intermediate plate). These internal support layers and the rear housing wall may have a first portion and a second portion connected to opposite sides of a hinge aligned with the bending axis 28 (see example...). Figure 2 The hinge 30) or is flexible enough to bend around the bending axis 28.

[0046] Electronic component 32 may be installed inside device 10 (e.g., between display screen 14 and the rear of housing 12). Component 32 may include... Figure 1 The circuits shown are of the type shown (e.g., control circuit 20, communication circuit 22, input-output device 24, battery, etc.). The display screen 14 can be mounted on the front F of the device 10. When the device 10 is folded about axis 28, the display screen cover 14CG, the display panel 14P, and other structures of the device 10 that overlap with the bending axis 28 can flex and bend to accommodate the folding.

[0047] The decorative element 12T may extend partially or completely around the perimeter of the device 10. For example... Figure 3As shown, the decorative element 12T may include a polymer portion 90 and a metal portion 46. The polymer portion 90 may be overmolded onto the metal portion 46. The metal portion 46 may form a metal support structure in a non-bending region 60 of the decorative element 12T. The metal portion 46 of the decorative element 12T may have an upper surface 92 supporting the display panel 14P. If desired, one or more conforming layers (e.g., foam layers, adhesive layers, etc.) may be interposed between the upper surface 92 and the display panel 14P to provide additional support for the display screen 14. The metal portion 46 of the decorative element 12T may have a lower surface 44 that slides relative to the rear housing wall 12R. Specifically, when the device 10 is opened and closed, the display screen 14 and the decorative element 12T may slide relative to the rear housing wall 12R to accommodate the bending of the display screen 14. The use of metal to form the portion 46 is merely illustrative. If desired, the portion 46 of the decorative element 12T may be formed of a polymer (e.g., a rigid polymer) or any other suitable rigid material. Arrangements in which the portion 46 is formed of metal are sometimes described herein as illustrative examples.

[0048] As described above Figure 2 As discussed, the decorative element 12T may have a different construction in the non-curved region 60 of the display screen 14 than it does in the curved region 62 of the display screen 14. Specifically, the polymer portion 90 of the decorative element 12T may be formed of a rigid polymer in the non-curved region 60 and of a flexible polymer such as an elastomeric polymer in the curved region 62. The metal portion 46 may be absent in the curved region 62 of the decorative element 12T.

[0049] If desired, certain sections of the trim 12T may include discontinuities (e.g., gaps, joints, etc.) in the rigid polymer and metal support structure to allow the trim 12T to extend laterally outward during assembly operations as the display 14 is mounted in the trim 12T. An elastomeric polymer (such as silicone or other elastomers) may span gaps in the rigid polymer within the non-bending region 60 to allow this type of lateral extension during assembly operations.

[0050] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A side view of the device 10 in its folded and open states is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the decorative element 12T can span the curved region 62 and can overlap via a hinge 30 in the curved region 62. The hinge 30 can be a roller hinge with one or more rollers (such as cylindrical roller 34). The roller 34 can extend parallel to the curved axis 28.

[0051] From device 10 Figure 4 The folded (e.g., closed) state moves to Figure 5In its unfolded (e.g., open) state, the decorative element 12T (and the display screen 14 surrounded by the decorative element 12T) can slide relative to the rear housing wall 12R. Specifically, when the device 10 is in its unfolded (e.g., open) state... Figure 4 The folded state moves to Figure 5 When in the unfolded state, the outer edges of the display screen 14 and the decorative element 12T (e.g., Figure 2 The short edge 94) can move inward toward the hinge 30. When device 10 moves from... Figure 5 Move the unfolded state to Figure 4 When folded, the short edge 94 of the display screen 14 and the decorative element 12T can move outward away from the hinge 30. The metal housing portion 46 of the decorative element 12T can slide relative to the rear housing 12R to accommodate this movement of the decorative element 12T and the display screen 14 relative to the rear housing wall 12R.

[0052] Figure 6 The side view of device 10 shows how the display trim 12T can be configured along the long edge 96 in the non-curved region 60. Figure 6 The side view is along Figure 2 Line 36 is cut off and viewed in direction 38. In the non-curved region 60, the display screen 14 may be supported by a backing member such as backing member 48. Backing member 48 (sometimes referred to as a back plate or metal back plate) may be formed of metal, polymer, glass and / or other suitable materials. The display screen 14 and backing member 48 may be received within a rectangular opening such as opening 80 of the decorative element 12T.

[0053] In the non-bending region 60, the decorative element 12T may include a polymer portion 90 and a metal portion 46. The polymer portion 90 in region 60 may comprise a polymer material 64. Since the decorative element 12T does not need to bend in region 60, the polymer material 64 may be a rigid polymer, such as polycarbonate or other suitable rigid polymers (e.g., polymers with a higher elastic modulus than silicone). The polymer material 64 may be overmolded onto the metal portion 46 (e.g., a metal support structure 46). If desired, the metal support structure 46 may have an interlocking engagement structure, such as an interlocking structure 66, which helps ensure proper mechanical engagement between the polymer material 64 and the metal support structure 46. The polymer material 64 may have a lip portion, such as a lip portion 72 hooked above the top of the display screen 14. The metal support structure 46 may include an upper surface 92 supporting the display screen 14. A compliant layer, such as compliant layer 50 (e.g., a foam layer, a double-sided adhesive layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, an elastic adhesive layer, or other compliant layer), may be interposed between the display screen 14 and the upper surface 92 of the metal support structure 46. If desired, the edge of the display screen 14 and the compliant layer 50 may be sandwiched between the lip portion 72 and the surface 92 of the trim piece 12T. The lower surface 44 of the trim piece 12T may be configured to slide relative to the rear housing wall 12R during the opening and closing of the device 10 (e.g., shearing occurs).

[0054] Figure 7 The side view of device 10 shows how the display trim 12T can be configured along the long edge 96 in the curved region 62. Figure 7 The side view is along Figure 2 The line 52 is cut and viewed in direction 54. In the curved region 62, the backing member 48 may be absent to provide additional flexibility for the display screen 14 in region 62.

[0055] In the bending region 62, the decorative element 12T may include a polymer portion 90. The polymer portion 90 in region 62 may contain a polymer material 70. Since the decorative element 12T needs to bend and flex in region 62, the polymer material 70 may have a lower modulus of elasticity compared to the polymer material 64. For example, the polymer material 70 may be a flexible polymer, such as silicone or other elastomeric polymers. The metal portion 46 may be absent from the decorative element 12T in the bending region 62. The rigid polymer material 64 may also be absent from the bending region 62 if desired. The polymer material 70 may have a lip portion, such as a lip portion 72 hooked above the top of the display screen 14. A soft adhesive (e.g., an elastic adhesive) such as adhesive 68 may bond the polymer material 70 to the underside of the display screen 14. If desired, the edge of the display screen 14 may be sandwiched between the lip portion 72 and the adhesive 68.

[0056] Figure 8This is a side view of device 10, showing how the outer segment 102 ( ) can be positioned along the short edge 94 in the non-curved region 60. Figure 2 ) Configure display screen decorative parts 12T. Figure 8 The side view is along Figure 2 The line 40 is cut off and observed in direction 42.

[0057] In the non-bending region 60, the display 14 may be supported by a backing member 48, and the decorative element 12T may include a polymer portion 90 and a metal portion 46. The polymer portion 90 in region 60 may comprise a polymer material 64 (e.g., the same material formed along the long edge 96 in the non-bending region 60, or other suitable rigid polymers). Since the decorative element 12T does not need to bend in region 60, the polymer material 64 may be a rigid polymer, such as polycarbonate or other suitable rigid polymers. The polymer material 64 may be overmolded onto the metal support structure 46. The polymer material 64 may have a lip portion, such as a lip portion 72 hooked over the top of the display 14. The metal support structure 46 may include an upper surface 92 supporting the display 14. Compliant layers such as compliant layers 50 (e.g., foam layers, elastomer layers, double-sided adhesive layers, pressure-sensitive adhesive layers, elastic adhesive layers, or other compliant layers) may be interposed between the display 14 and the upper surface 92 of the metal support structure 46. If desired, the edge of the display 14 and the conformability layer 50 may be sandwiched between the lip portion 72 and the surface 92 of the trim 12T. An air gap, such as an air gap 74, may be formed between the lip portion 72 and the conformability layer 50 to allow the display 14 to shear relative to the trim 12T within the air gap 74 during the opening and closing of the device 10. The lower surface 44 of the trim 12T may also be configured to slide (e.g., shear) relative to the rear housing wall 12R during the opening and closing of the device 10.

[0058] Figure 9 This is a side view of device 10, showing how it can be positioned along the central segment 98 of the short edge 94 in the non-curved region 60. Figure 2 ) Configure display screen decorative parts 12T. Figure 9 The side view is along Figure 2 The line 56 is cut off and observed in direction 58.

[0059] In the non-bending region 60, the display 14 may be supported by a backing member 48, and 12T may include a polymer portion 90 and a metal portion 46. Although the polymer portion 90 does not need to be bent in this region, it is desirable to use a flexible (e.g., elastomeric) polymer instead of a rigid polymer along the segments 98 of the short edges 94 of the trim 12T to allow lateral extension of the trim 12T during assembly operations. Specifically, the central segment 98 of each short edge 94 of the trim 12T may include a gap in a rigid polymer material 64 spanned by an elastomeric polymer material 70. This allows the trim 12T to extend laterally outward as the display 14 is mounted into the opening 80 of the trim 12T. The metal support structure 46 may also have interruptions (e.g., joints or cut-off portions) along the central segment 98 of each short edge 94 of the trim 12T to allow this type of lateral extension.

[0060] Polymer material 70 may be overmolded onto metal support structure 46. Polymer material 70 may have a lip portion, such as a lip portion 72 hooked above the top of display screen 14. Metal support structure 46 may include an upper surface 92 supporting display screen 14. Compliant layers such as compliant layer 50 (e.g., foam layer, elastomer layer, double-sided adhesive layer, pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, elastic adhesive layer, or other compliant layers) may be interposed between display screen 14 and upper surface 92 of metal support structure 46. If desired, edges of display screen 14 and compliant layer 50 may be sandwiched between lip portion 72 and surface 92 of trim 12T. Air gaps such as air gap 74 may be formed between lip portion 72 and compliant layer 50 to allow display screen 14 to shear relative to trim 12 within air gap 74 during opening and closing of device 10. The lower surface 44 of the decorative element 12T can also be configured to slide relative to the rear housing wall 12R during the opening and closing of the device 10 (e.g., shearing occurs). Figure 10 The image shows including Figures 2 to 9 An exploded perspective view of device 10, including the display screen trim 12T. (See attached image.) Figure 10 As shown, the decorative element 12T can form a continuous ring around a rectangular opening, such as opening 80. The display screen 14 and the backing layer 48 can be received within opening 80. The backing layer 48 may include back plates 48-1 and 48-2 in a non-bent region 60 separated by a gap 76 in the bent region 62. Back plate 48-1 can support a first portion of the display screen 14 on a first side of the hinge 30, and back plate 48-2 can support a second portion of the display screen 14 on a second opposite side of the hinge 30.

[0061] The decorative element 12T may include a polymer portion 90 overmolded onto a metal portion 46. The metal portion 46 may include one or more metal support structures, such as metal support structures 46-1, 46-2, 46-3, and 46-4. If desired, metal support structures 46-1, 46-2, 46-3, and 46-4 may each have an L-shaped portion supporting a corresponding corner of the four corners of the display screen 14. Metal support structures 46-1 and 46-2 may be located in a non-bending region 60 on a first side of axis 28, and metal support structures 46-3 and 46-4 may be located in a non-bending region 60 on an opposite second side of axis 28. To allow the decorative element 12T to bend along axis 28, the metal portion 46 may be absent in the bending region 62. Figure 10 As shown, for example, metal support structures 46-2 and 46-3 may be separated by a first gap 84 in the bending region 62 (e.g., on the first side of the display screen 14), and metal support structures 46-1 and 46-4 may be separated by a second gap 84 in the bending region 62 (e.g., on the second opposite side of the display screen 14).

[0062] The polymer portion 90 of the decorative element 12T may contain an elastomeric polymer 70 in the bending region 62 and a rigid polymer material 64 in the non-bending region 60. The elastomeric polymer material 70 may span each gap 84 in the bending region 62 of the decorative element 12T. Since the display 14 is not supported by the metal support structure 46 in this gap, a soft adhesive layer such as Figure 6 The adhesive 68 can attach the underside of the display 14 to the elastomeric polymer 70.

[0063] The metal support structure 46 may extend laterally into the opening 80 and may form a shelf that helps support the peripheral edge of the display screen 14 (see example). Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The surface 92 and the conformability layer 50). The display 14 can be received within the opening 80 of the trim 12T, and the outer edge of the display 14 can be sandwiched between the lip 72 of the polymer portion 90 and the upper surface 92 of the metal support structure 46. Since the lateral dimension of the display 14 can be larger than the opening defined by the lip 72, the trim 12T can be configured to in Figure 10 It extends laterally outward in dimensions X and Y to accommodate the insertion of the display 14 and backing layer 48 into the opening 80.

[0064] To accommodate this type of stretching, the trim piece 12T may include discontinuities and / or gaps in a rigid material along its short edge 94. Specifically, the central section 98 of the trim piece 12T may include a gap 84 in a rigid polymer material 64 spanned by an elastomeric polymer material 70. The central section 98 of the trim piece 12T may also include discontinuities in the metal portion 46, such as discontinuity 82, which allow the metal support structure 46-1 to move away from the metal support structure 46-2 and the metal support structure 46-3 to move away from the metal support structure 46-4 during the stretching of the trim piece 12T during assembly operations.

[0065] When the display screen 14 and the back panel 48 are installed into the decorative element 12T, the decorative element 12T can be inserted into the opening 80 in the Z direction along with the display screen 14. Figure 10 It extends laterally outward in the X and Y directions. The elastomeric polymer 70 is stretchable and extendable, the metal support structure 46-1 is movable away from the metal support structure 46-2, and the metal support structure 46-3 is movable away from the metal support structure 46-4 to accommodate the insertion of the display screen 14 and the backing layer 48. Once the display screen 14 and the backing layer 48 are inserted, the decorative piece 12T can retract to its initial size, and the outer peripheral edge of the display screen 14 can be clamped between the metal support structure 46 and the lip 72 of the polymer portion 90. Air gaps such as air gap 74 ( Figure 8 and Figure 9 This provides space for the display screen 14 to slide and shear within the trim 12 during the opening and closing of the device 10. The lower surface of the metal support structure 46 (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The lower surface 44) can also slide and shear relative to the rear housing wall 12R during the opening and closing of the device 10. The foregoing example in which the support structure 46 is a metal support structure is merely illustrative. If desired, the support structure 46 of the decorative element 12T (e.g., the decorative element 12T in any of the foregoing figures) can be formed of a rigid polymer or any other suitable material.

[0066] Figures 11 to 13 It shows Figure 2 The side view of the alternatively arranged device 10 shows a display trim 12T directly molded onto the display screen 14. This is in contrast to the arrangement where the display trim 12T is formed separately and subsequently assembled onto the display screen 14. Figures 6 to 9 The implementation plans are different. Figures 11 to 13 The display decorative part 12T is made using molding tools such as Figure 14 The molding tool 120 directly molds the material onto the display screen 14.

[0067] Figure 11 The side view of device 10 shows how the display trim 12T can be configured along the long edge 96 in the non-curved region 60. Figure 11 The side view is along Figure 2 The line 36 is intercepted and observed in direction 38.

[0068] The display screen 14 may include a display panel 14P and a display cover layer 14CG. The display panel 14P includes an array of pixels P that display images through the cover layer 14CG. The display panel 14P may be, for example, a flexible organic light-emitting diode display or a micro-LED display, wherein the light-emitting pixels are formed on a flexible substrate layer (e.g., a flexible layer of polyimide or a sheet of other flexible polymers). The flexible support layer for the display screen 14 may also be formed of flexible glass, flexible metal, and / or other flexible structures.

[0069] The display cover layer 14CG may be formed of polymers, glass, crystalline materials such as sapphire, other materials, and / or combinations of these materials. Arrangements in which the display cover layer 14CG is formed of glass are sometimes described herein as examples. To enhance flexibility, a portion of the cover layer 14CG (sometimes referred to as the cover glass) overlapping the bending axis 28 may be locally thinned (e.g., this portion may be thinner relative to the portion of the layer 14CG that does not overlap with the bending axis 28). The thickness of the layer 14CG (e.g., the non-thinned portion of the layer 14CG) may be 50-200 micrometers, 70-150 micrometers, 100-200 micrometers, 100-600 micrometers, at least 100 micrometers, at least 200 micrometers, less than 600 micrometers, less than 400 micrometers, less than 250 micrometers, less than 150 micrometers, less than 100 micrometers, at least 50 micrometers, or other suitable thicknesses. This is merely illustrative. If desired, the cover glass 14CG may have a uniform thickness across the non-bending region 60 and the bending region 62.

[0070] In the non-curved region 60, the display screen 14 may be supported by a backing member such as backing member 48. Backing member 48 (sometimes referred to as a back panel or metal back panel) may be formed of metal, polymer, glass and / or other suitable materials. The display screen 14 and backing member 48 may be received within a rectangular opening such as opening 80 of the decorative element 12T.

[0071] In the non-curved region 60, the display screen 14 may be supported by one or more support structures, such as support structure 150. A first support structure 150 may overlap with a first non-curved region 60 of the display screen 14, and a second support structure 150 may overlap with a second non-curved region 60 of the display screen 14. The first and second support structures 150 may be separated from each other by a gap in the curved region 62 that overlaps with the bending axis 28. The support structure 150 may be formed of metal, polymer, glass, ceramic, and / or any other suitable material, or a combination of these materials. The support structure 150 may include a surface 132 that supports the display panel 14P. Figure 11 As shown, an optional adhesive layer (such as adhesive 88) can be used to attach the back panel 48 of the display 14 to the upper surface 132 of the support structure 150. If desired, adhesive 88 may allow the back panel 48 to be sheared relative to the support structure 150 during the opening and closing of the device 10.

[0072] The support structure 150 may include an upper surface 92 of a peripheral edge 130 supporting the display cover glass 14CG. The edge 130 of the cover glass 14CG may extend beyond the edge of the display panel 14P (e.g., the edge 130 may not overlap with the display panel 14P). A compliance layer, such as a compliance layer 50 (e.g., foam, elastomeric polymer, double-sided adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive, elastic adhesive, or other compliance layer), may be interposed between the edge 130 of the cover glass 14CG and the upper surface 92 of the support structure 150. The compliance layer 50 may provide a seal around the display panel 14P and may support the cover glass 14CG while allowing shear displacement between the cover glass 14CG and the display panel 14P.

[0073] The decorative element 12T can be formed by an adhesive such as adhesive 86, which is directly molded onto the cover glass 14CG and the support structure 150. During manufacturing, the display 14 can be formed by attaching the display panel 14P to the cover glass 14CG, the back plate 48, and the support structure 150. A conformability layer 50 can be used to bond the cover glass 14CG to the support structure 150. These display layers (e.g., cover glass 14CG, display panel 14P, back plate 48, support structure 150, conformability layer 50, etc.) can be placed in a molding tool (e.g., Figure 14 In the molding tool 120, liquid adhesive 86 can be dispensed into the molding tool.

[0074] To ensure that components of the display panel 14P, such as pixels P, are not damaged during the molding process, the adhesive 86 (e.g., a two-component polyurethane adhesive, a one-component UV-cured acrylic adhesive, or other suitable adhesive) can be a low-viscosity adhesive capable of flowing through the mold in a vacuum environment under low pressure and at room temperature. Once the adhesive 86 has flowed throughout the molding tool and around the perimeter of the display 14, the adhesive 86 can directly contact the cover glass 14CG, the conformal layer 50, and the support structure 150. Figure 11 As shown, the support structure 150 may include interlocking engagement features 100 (e.g., protrusions, recesses, etc.) that receive and / or protrude into the adhesive 86 to form a mechanical interlock between the adhesive 86 and the support structure 150. If desired, the adhesive 86 may hook onto the top surface of the cover glass 14CG, such as... Figure 11 As shown. While the display 14 is in a molding tool with adhesive 86, heat and / or light can be applied to cure the adhesive 86 to form the display trim 12T. If desired, an infrared light source can be used to apply heat, which rapidly heats the adhesive 86 without overheating the display 14 (and eliminates the need to place the entire display in an oven for curing). If desired, the adhesive 86 forming the trim 12T can form the outermost exposed surface of the device 10 and can be configured to withstand repeated gripping and contact by the user.

[0075] Figure 12 The side view of device 10 shows how the display trim 12T can be configured along the long edge 96 in the curved region 62. Figure 12 The side view is along Figure 2 The line 52 is intercepted and observed in direction 54.

[0076] In the bending region 62, the backplate 48 and support structure 150 may be absent to provide additional flexibility for the display screen 14 in the bending region 62. The decorative element 12T may be formed by adhesive 86F in the bending region 62. Adhesive 86F may extend across the bending axis 28 and may span... Figure 11 The gap between the support structures 150. Adhesive 86F can be the same adhesive 86 used to form the decorative element 12T in the non-bending region 60, or adhesive 86F can be a more compliant adhesive (e.g., an adhesive with a lower modulus of elasticity than adhesive 86 in the non-bending region 60) to provide additional flexibility in the bending region 62. Figure 12 As shown, if desired, adhesive 86F can be hooked above the top surface of the cover glass 14CG and below the lower surface of the conformability layer 50.

[0077] In which adhesive 86F is formed Figure 11In an arrangement where the adhesive 86 is the same type of adhesive, the segment of trim 12T may be formed during the same molding step in forming trim 12T in the non-bending region 60. In an arrangement where the adhesive 86F is a different type of adhesive than adhesive 86, the segment of trim 12T may be formed during a separate molding step, which occurs before or after molding trim 12T in the non-bending region 60. For example, using a molding tool with nested molds, a first adhesive 86F injection may be injected and cured to form trim 12T in the bending region 62, followed by an injection and curing of a second adhesive 86 injection to form trim 12T in the non-bending region 60. If desired, more than two polymer or adhesive injections may be used to form trim 12T. For example, a third adhesive injection may form a thin outer layer over the first and second injections to mask any mismatch in appearance between the adhesive 86 in the non-bending region 60 and the adhesive 86F in the bending region 62. This is merely illustrative. If necessary, coatings, films, or other outer layers can be used to mask the appearance differences between the different adhesives forming the decorative element 12T. Arrangements in which the decorative element 12T is formed entirely of a single injection of adhesive 86 extending continuously around the periphery of the display screen 14 are sometimes described herein as examples.

[0078] Figure 13 The side view of device 10 shows how the display trim 12T can be configured along the short edge 94 in the non-curved region 60. Figure 13 The side view is along Figure 2 The line 40 is cut off and observed in direction 42.

[0079] In the non-bending region 60, the display screen 14 may be supported by a back panel 48 and a support structure 150. The support structure 150 may include an upper surface 92 supporting an edge 130 of the display screen cover glass 14CG. The edge 130 of the cover glass 14CG may extend beyond the edge of the display panel 14P (e.g., the edge 130 may not overlap with the display panel 14P). A compliance layer 50 may be interposed between the edge 130 of the cover glass 14CG and the upper surface 92 of the support structure 150. The compliance layer 50 may provide a seal around the display panel 14P and may support the cover glass 14CG while allowing shear displacement between the cover glass 14CG and the display panel 14P.

[0080] Printed circuits, such as flexible printed circuit 134, may be attached to the edge of the display panel 14P. Flexible printed circuit 134 may be bent behind the display panel 14P and may be connected to the main logic board, display driver circuitry, and / or other circuitry behind the display panel 14P.

[0081] The decorative element 12T can be formed by an adhesive such as adhesive 86, which is directly molded onto the cover glass 14CG and the support structure 150. In some arrangements, a single injection of adhesive 86 can be used to form the entire decorative element 12T (e.g., Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The decorative element 12T can be formed from a single injection of adhesive 86. In other arrangements, Figure 11 and Figure 13 The adhesive 86 in the non-bending region 60 can be a first type of adhesive, and the adhesive 86F in the bending region 62 can be a second type of adhesive (e.g., a more compliant adhesive than the adhesive in the non-bending region 60). For example, using a molding tool with a nested mold, the first adhesive 86F injection can be injected and cured to form the decorative part 12T in the bending region 62. Figure 12 Afterwards, a second adhesive 86 injection is injected and cured to form the decorative element 12T in the non-bending area 60. Figure 11 and Figure 13 ).

[0082] Figure 14 For use as a combination Figure 2 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 A diagram of an exemplary molding tool for directly molding the display trim 12T onto the display screen 14 is shown.

[0083] like Figure 14 As shown, molding tool 120 may include two or more molds, such as a first mold 108 (e.g., a lower mold) and a second mold 106 (e.g., an upper mold). Molds 106 and 108 may be flexible annular molds that mate with each other at interface 110. Molds 106 and 108 may be formed of an elastomeric material such as silicone resin to enable molds 106 and 108 to be peeled off from display trim 12T after adhesive 86 has been dispensed and cured in tool 120.

[0084] During the molding operation, the display screen 14 can be placed in molds 106 and 108. The lower mold 108 can form a seal on the top surface 138 of the cover glass 14CG. The upper mold 106 can form a seal on the lower surface 140 of the support structure 150. Molds 106 and 108 can define recesses such as channels 136 (e.g., C-shaped channels, U-shaped channels, L-shaped channels, or other suitable shaped channels, depending on the desired location and profile of the trim 12T surrounding the display screen 14). Uncured liquid adhesive 86' can be dispensed into the channels 136 via inlet 142 by dispenser 104.

[0085] To ensure that the pixels and other circuitry of the display panel 14P are not damaged during the molding process, the adhesive 86' can be a low-viscosity adhesive capable of flowing through the channel 136 under low pressure, at room temperature, and in a vacuum environment. Once the adhesive 86' has flowed throughout the channel 136, the tool 112 can apply energy 114 to cure the liquid adhesive 86', forming a cured adhesive 86 in the channel 136. The tool 112 can be a heat source (e.g., an infrared heat source or other heat source), a light source, or other energy source, and the energy 114 can be heat, light (e.g., ultraviolet light), or other energy. In an arrangement where the adhesive 86' is a two-component polyurethane adhesive, the tool 112 can be a heat source that applies heat 114 to accelerate curing. In an arrangement where the adhesive 86' is a one-component acrylic adhesive, the tool 112 can be a light source that applies light 114 to cure the adhesive 86'.

[0086] If needed, tool 112 can be used to cure adhesive 86' without placing display screen 14 in an oven. Specifically, tool 112 can be an infrared light source that rapidly and locally heats adhesive 86' without overheating display screen 14 and without requiring the entire mold and display screen to be placed in an oven. For example, if needed, the heat applied to cure adhesive 86' in the molding tool can be kept below 65 degrees Celsius to avoid damaging display screen 14 in molding tool 120.

[0087] After the adhesive 86 has cured, molds 106 and 108 can be peeled off from the display trim 12T. If necessary, interface 110 can be positioned closer to the back side of display 14 (e.g., closer to support structure 150 than cover glass 14CG) to help reduce the visibility of any parting lines left on trim 12T by molding tool 120.

[0088] like Figure 14 As shown, the display screen 14 includes a first display screen portion and a second display screen portion folded relative to each other along a bending axis 28. A first support structure 150 supports the first display screen portion in a first non-bending region 60, and a second support structure 150 supports the second display screen portion in a second non-bending region 60. The first and second support structures 150 may be separated by a gap (such as gap 152) in the bending region 62 that overlaps with the bending axis 28. An adhesive 86 may extend along the entire long edge 96 and short edge 94 of the device 10. In the bending region 62, the adhesive 86 may extend across the bending axis 28 and may cross the gap 152 between the first and second support structures 150.

[0089] In an arrangement in which a single adhesive injection forms the entire decorative part 12T, the adhesive 86 spanning the gap 152 in the curved region 62 can be made of the same material and formed during the same molding step in which the adhesive 86 is formed in the non-curved region 60. In an arrangement in which multiple plastic injections are used to form the decorative part 12T, a first adhesive (e.g., Figure 12 The adhesive 86F) is injected to form the decorative element 12T in the gap 152 of the curved region 62, and a second adhesive (e.g., ) can be injected and cured. Figure 11 and Figure 13 The adhesive 86) is injected to form the decorative part 12T in the non-bending region 60. Using this type or arrangement, the molding tool 120 may include more than two molds to allow the decorative part 12T to be formed from multiple adhesive injections. The molds may include three or more nested molds (e.g., flexible elastomer rings) with interlocking engagement features between the molds to ensure that the different adhesive injections are mechanically interlocked with each other.

[0090] Device 10 can operate in systems that use personally identifiable information. It is well known that the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to the user.

[0091] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a flexible display screen configured to fold along a bending axis and a display screen trim surrounding the flexible display screen, wherein the display screen trim includes: a first metal support structure and a second metal support structure, each having an upper surface configured to support the flexible display screen, wherein the first metal support structure and the second metal support structure are separated by a gap overlapping the bending axis; a first polymer overmolded onto the first metal support structure and the second metal support structure; and a second polymer spanning the gap between the first metal support structure and the second metal support structure, wherein the second polymer has a lower elastic modulus than the first polymer.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the display screen decorative element optionally further includes a third metal support structure and a fourth metal support structure, each having an additional upper surface configured to support the flexible display screen, wherein the third metal support structure and the fourth metal support structure are separated by an additional gap overlapping the bending axis.

[0093] According to another embodiment, the second polymer optionally spans the additional gap between the third and fourth metal support structures.

[0094] According to another embodiment, the gap and the additional gap are optionally located on the respective opposing first and second sides of the flexible display screen.

[0095] According to another embodiment, the flexible display optionally has a third side and a fourth side orthogonal to the opposing first and second sides, wherein the first polymer has a first discontinuity on the third side and a second discontinuity on the fourth side, and wherein the second polymer spans the first discontinuity and the second discontinuity in the first polymer.

[0096] According to another embodiment, the first metal support structure, the second metal support structure, the third metal support structure and the fourth metal support structure each optionally include an L-shaped member supporting the corresponding corner of the flexible display screen.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the second polymer optionally includes an elastomeric polymer.

[0098] According to another embodiment, the electronic device optionally further includes a compliant layer inserted between the upper surface and the flexible display screen.

[0099] According to another embodiment, the first polymer optionally has a lip that hooks above the top surface of the flexible display, and the flexible display is configured to slide within an air gap between the lip and the top surface.

[0100] According to another embodiment, the electronic device optionally further includes a rear housing wall, wherein the first metal support structure and the second metal support structure are interposed between the flexible display screen and the rear housing wall, and wherein the first metal support structure and the second metal support structure are configured to shear relative to the rear housing wall.

[0101] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes: a foldable display screen having a first portion and a second portion folded relative to each other along a bending axis; a display screen trim surrounding the periphery of the foldable display screen, wherein the display screen trim includes a metal portion and a plastic portion overmolded on the metal portion, and wherein an edge of the foldable display screen is sandwiched between the plastic portion and the metal portion; and a rear housing wall, wherein the metal portion is configured to shear relative to the rear housing wall when the foldable display screen is folded and unfolded.

[0102] According to another embodiment, the plastic portion optionally comprises a first polymer having a first elastic modulus and a second polymer having a second elastic modulus lower than the first elastic modulus.

[0103] According to another embodiment, the first polymer is optionally wrapped around the corresponding corner of the foldable display, and the second polymer overlaps with the bending axis.

[0104] According to another embodiment, the second polymer optionally spans the first gap, the second gap, the third gap, and the fourth gap in the first polymer.

[0105] According to another embodiment, the first gap, the second gap, the third gap, and the fourth gap are optionally located on the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side of the foldable display screen, respectively.

[0106] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes: a display screen configured to fold along a bending axis, wherein the display screen includes a pixel array and a cover glass overlapping the pixel array; and a display screen trim wrapped around the display screen, wherein the display screen trim includes an adhesive molded onto the peripheral edge of the cover glass.

[0107] According to another embodiment, the display screen optionally further includes a first display screen portion and a second display screen portion folded relative to each other along the bending axis, and a first support structure and a second support structure overlapping the first display screen portion and the second display screen portion respectively, wherein the first support structure and the second support structure are separated by a gap overlapping the bending axis, and wherein the display screen trim extends across the gap.

[0108] According to another embodiment, the first support structure and the second support structure optionally include interlocking engagement features that interlock with the adhesive.

[0109] According to another embodiment, each of the first support structure and the second support structure optionally has an upper surface supporting the cover glass, and the electronic device further includes a compliant layer connected between the peripheral edge of the cover glass and the upper surface.

[0110] According to another embodiment, the adhesive optionally forms the external exposed surface of the electronic device and is selected from the group consisting of two-component polyurethane adhesives and one-component acrylic adhesives.

[0111] The foregoing is merely illustrative and various modifications can be made to the described implementation scheme. The foregoing implementation scheme can be implemented individually or in any combination.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A flexible display screen configured to fold along a bending axis; and Display screen trim, the display screen trim surrounding the flexible display screen, wherein the display screen trim includes: A first metal support structure and a second metal support structure, each having an upper surface configured to support the flexible display screen, wherein the first metal support structure and the second metal support structure are separated by a gap overlapping the bending axis; A first polymer, the first polymer being overmolded onto the first metal support structure and the second metal support structure; and A second polymer, which spans the gap between the first metal support structure and the second metal support structure, wherein the second polymer has a lower elastic modulus than the first polymer.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the display screen decorative element further comprises: A third metal support structure and a fourth metal support structure, each having an additional upper surface configured to support the flexible display screen, wherein the third metal support structure and the fourth metal support structure are separated by an additional gap overlapping the bending axis.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the second polymer spans the additional gap between the third metal support structure and the fourth metal support structure.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the gap and the additional gap are located on corresponding opposing first and second sides of the flexible display screen.

5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the flexible display screen has opposing third and fourth sides orthogonal to the opposing first and second sides, wherein the first polymer has a first discontinuity on the third side and a second discontinuity on the fourth side, and wherein the second polymer spans the first discontinuity and the second discontinuity in the first polymer.

6. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the first metal support structure, the second metal support structure, the third metal support structure and the fourth metal support structure each include an L-shaped member supporting a corresponding corner of the flexible display screen.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second polymer comprises an elastomeric polymer.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a compliant layer inserted between the upper surface and the flexible display screen.

9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first polymer has a lip hooked above the top surface of the flexible display screen, and wherein the flexible display screen is configured to slide within an air gap between the lip and the top surface.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a rear housing wall, wherein the first metal support structure and the second metal support structure are interposed between the flexible display screen and the rear housing wall, and wherein the first metal support structure and the second metal support structure are configured to shear relative to the rear housing wall.

11. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A foldable display screen having a first portion and a second portion folded relative to each other along a bending axis; A display screen trim, the display screen trim wrapping around the periphery of the foldable display screen, wherein the display screen trim includes a metal portion and a plastic portion overlaid on the metal portion, and wherein the edge of the foldable display screen is sandwiched between the plastic portion and the metal portion; and The rear outer shell wall, wherein the metal portion is configured to shear relative to the rear outer shell wall when the foldable display is folded and unfolded.

12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the plastic portion comprises a first polymer having a first elastic modulus and a second polymer having a second elastic modulus lower than the first elastic modulus.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the first polymer is wrapped around a corresponding corner of the foldable display screen, and the second polymer overlaps with the bending axis.

14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the second polymer spans the first gap, the second gap, the third gap, and the fourth gap in the first polymer.

15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the first gap, the second gap, the third gap, and the fourth gap are respectively located on the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side of the foldable display screen.

16. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A display screen configured to fold along a bending axis, wherein the display screen includes a pixel array and a cover glass overlapping the pixel array; and A display screen trim that wraps around the display screen, wherein the display screen trim includes an adhesive molded onto the peripheral edge of the cover glass.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the display screen further comprises: A first display screen portion and a second display screen portion, wherein the first display screen portion and the second display screen portion are folded relative to each other along the bending axis; and A first support structure and a second support structure, the first support structure and the second support structure overlapping the first display screen portion and the second display screen portion respectively, wherein the first support structure and the second support structure are separated by a gap overlapping the bending axis, and wherein the display screen decorative element extends across the gap.

18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the first support structure and the second support structure include interlocking engagement features that interlock with the adhesive.

19. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein each of the first support structure and the second support structure has an upper surface supporting the cover glass, and the electronic device further includes a compliant layer connected between the peripheral edge of the cover glass and the upper surface.

20. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the adhesive forms the external exposed surface of the electronic device and is selected from the group consisting of two-component polyurethane adhesives and one-component acrylic adhesives.

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