Foldable portable display device

Abstract

To improve the visual appearance of a display.SOLUTION: An exemplary display assembly includes a continuous display, a primary support plate, a first assisting support plate, and a second assisting support plate, the continuous display including: a first rigid segment mounted on the interior surface of a first assembly of a foldable device and being substantially coplanar with the interior surface; a second rigid segment mounted on the interior surface of a second assembly of the foldable device and being substantially coplanar with the interior surface; a primary flexible segment; a third rigid segment disposed between the second rigid segment and the primary flexible segment; and a fourth rigid segment disposed between the first rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the primary support plate being attached to the continuous display; a first auxiliary support plate being attached to the primary support plate adjacent to the third rigid segment; and a second auxiliary support plate being attached to the primary support plate adjacent to the fourth rigid segment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] background A device that includes a display can be referred to as a display device. In general, it may be desirable to increase the size of the display (e.g., the area on which an image is displayed) as much as possible. Increasing the size of the display may make the device that includes the display larger and more cumbersome. For example, a device with a larger display may not fit easily in a pocket, bag, etc. One way to increase the size of the display without unduly increasing the size of the device is to make the device foldable, so that the display can be folded (e.g., in half). However, foldable displays may exhibit creases where the display bends. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0002] overview In general, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a folding device including a span-supported, foldable, continuous display. The folding device can include at least two assemblies (e.g., panels) and a mechanism configured to position the assemblies in a folded state, in which the device is considered closed, and an unfolded state, in which the device is considered open. When the device is in the unfolded state, the display is viewable and can cover at least a portion of the interior surfaces of all of the assemblies. The device can therefore be considered a continuous display (i.e., because the device is continuous across the boundaries between the assemblies). By utilizing such a folding device, the device can include a display with a relatively large length and / or width (e.g., display area) without excessively increasing the length and / or width of the device when in the folded state. In this manner, the "pocketability" of large-screen portable devices can be improved.

[0003] However, in some instances, some designs for mechanisms that can move the assembly may result in one or more drawbacks. For example, some designs may result in a large portion of the display being unsupported or inadequately supported when the device is in the unfolded state. The unsupported or inadequately supported portion of the display may be a span in the display (i.e., the primary flexible segment of the display connecting each halves of the folding device). Various factors, including lack of sufficient support and repeated bending, may cause folds to form in the span. Such folds may be undesirable because they may result in an undesirable visual appearance and / or undesirable tactile feedback. The visual appearance and tactile feedback caused by a fold may be significantly correlated with the depth of the fold. Therefore, minimizing the depth of the fold may be desirable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a folding device can include multiple support plates configured to provide support to a span of the continuous display of the folding device (e.g., the portion of the display between the main assemblies of the folding device). For example, the folding device can include a primary support plate that supports substantially all of the continuous display, and two auxiliary support plates attached to the primary support plate that provide additional support to the span. The inclusion of an auxiliary support plate can reduce the depth of the fold in the continuous display, which can improve the visual appearance of the display and / or reduce the tactile feedback caused by the fold.

[0005] In one example, a folding device includes a first assembly having an inner surface and an outer surface, a second assembly having an inner surface and an outer surface, a continuous display including a first rigid segment attached to the inner surface of the first assembly and substantially coplanar with the inner surface of the first assembly, a second rigid segment attached to the inner surface of the second assembly and substantially coplanar with the inner surface of the second assembly, a primary flexible segment, a third rigid segment disposed between the second rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the third rigid segment being articulatable to the second rigid segment, and a fourth rigid segment disposed between the first rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the fourth rigid segment being articulatable to the first rigid segment, a primary support plate attached to the continuous display, a first auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent to the third rigid segment of the continuous display, and a second auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent to the fourth rigid segment of the continuous display.

[0006] In another example, a display assembly of a folding device includes a continuous display including a first rigid segment attached to an inner surface of a first assembly of the folding device and substantially coplanar with the inner surface of the first assembly of the folding device, a second rigid segment attached to an inner surface of a second assembly of the folding device and substantially coplanar with the inner surface of the second assembly of the folding device, a primary flexible segment, a third rigid segment disposed between the second rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the third rigid segment being articulatable to the second rigid segment, and a fourth rigid segment disposed between the first rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the fourth rigid segment being articulatable to the first rigid segment; a primary support plate attached to the continuous display; a first auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent to the third rigid segment of the continuous display; and a second auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent to the fourth rigid segment of the continuous display.

[0007] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a folding device having a multiple rigid segment flexible display according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a folding device having a multiple rigid segment flexible display according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a folding device having multiple flexible displays in folded states, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A]1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating cross sections of a folding device having a flexible display with support platforms in various positions, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating cross sections of a folding device having a flexible display with support platforms in various positions, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of an exemplary folding device having a multiple rigid segment flexible display according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of another exemplary folding device having a multiple rigid segment flexible display, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a support plate of a folding device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Detailed Description 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a foldable device having a multiple rigid segment flexible display according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Examples of device 100 include foldable mobile computing devices such as foldable smartphones, foldable tablets, foldable electronic readers, foldable gaming systems, or any other foldable portable device that includes a display.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1A , device 100 includes a first assembly 102, a second assembly 104, a continuous display 106, and a hinge assembly 122. First assembly 102 can be configured to rotate about a first axis 116A defining a first axis in the y-direction, and second assembly 104 can be configured to rotate about a second axis 116B defining a second axis in the y-direction. Each of first assembly 102 and second assembly 104 can include an interior surface and an exterior surface. When looking down on device 100 along the z-axis, the exterior surface of first assembly 102 can be seen, and when looking up on device 100 along the z-axis, the exterior surface of second assembly 104 can be seen. The interior surfaces of first assembly 102 and second assembly 104 are not visible from the outside when device 100 is closed.

[0011] 1A, the first assembly 102 can include a main logic board 134, and the second assembly 104 can include a battery 136. This is merely one example arrangement of components between the first assembly 102 / second assembly 104, and other arrangements are possible. For example, both the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 104 can include a respective battery.

[0012] The continuous display 106 can render data into an image viewable by a user of the device 100. For example, the continuous display 106 can include a matrix of pixels that can be individually controlled. Examples of the continuous display 106 include, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a micro light emitting diode (microLED) display, or a similar monochrome or color display that can output visual information to a user of the device 100.

[0013] In some examples, device 100 can include one or more displays in addition to continuous display 106. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A , device 100 can include a first additional display on an exterior surface of first assembly 302 (e.g., display 198). In some examples, device 100 can further include a second additional display on an exterior surface of second assembly 104.

[0014] One or more of the continuous display 106, the first additional display, and / or the second additional display may be a presence-responsive display. In some examples, the presence-responsive display may detect objects in front of and / or near the screen. As an example range, the presence-responsive display may detect an object, such as a finger or stylus, present within two inches of the screen. A presence-sensitive display can determine the screen location (e.g., (x, y) coordinates) where an object is detected. In another exemplary range, a presence-sensitive display can detect an object within 6 inches of the screen, although other ranges are possible. A presence-sensitive display can use capacitive, inductive, and / or optical recognition techniques to determine the screen location selected by a user's finger. In some examples, a presence-sensitive display also provides output to a user using tactile, audio, or video stimuli.

[0015] The continuous display 106 includes a first rigid segment 110 attached to the first assembly 102 (e.g., disposed on an inner surface of the first assembly 102 and substantially coplanar with the inner surface of the first assembly 102), a flexible segment 108, and a second rigid segment 112 attached to the second assembly 104 (e.g., disposed on an inner surface of the second assembly 104 and substantially coplanar with the inner surface of the first assembly 102). As can be seen from the example of Figure 1, the flexible segment 108 further includes a rigid segment 124 connecting the rigid segment 110 to the flexible segment 108, and a rigid segment 126 connecting the rigid segment 112 to the flexible segment 108. When device 100 is fully open, rigid segment 124 can be substantially coplanar with the interior surface of first assembly 102 (e.g., + / - 5 degrees or + / - 1 degree), and rigid segment 126 can be substantially coplanar with the interior surface of second assembly 104 (e.g., + / - 5 degrees or + / - 1 degree). However, when device 100 is fully closed, rigid segment 124 cannot be coplanar with the interior surface of first assembly 102, and rigid segment 126 cannot be coplanar with the interior surface of second assembly 104. Rigid segment 124 can be articulated to rigid segment 110 at hinge point 130. Rigid segment 126 can be articulated to rigid segment 112 at hinge point 132.

[0016] Rigid segments 110 and 112 may be referred to as primary rigid segments, while rigid segments 124 and 126 may be referred to as secondary rigid segments. In some examples, the width (e.g., in the x-direction) of the primary rigid segments may be substantially wider than the width of the secondary rigid segments. For example, the width of rigid segment 124 may be one-quarter (25%) or less of the width of rigid segment 110. Similarly, the width of rigid segment 126 may be one-quarter (25%) or less of the width of rigid segment 112.

[0017] The secondary rigid segments can be articulated relative to adjacent primary rigid segments. As an example, rigid segment 124 can be articulated relative to rigid segment 110 at hinge point 130. As another example, rigid segment 126 can be articulated relative to rigid segment 112 at hinge point 132. In some examples, the articulation connection points between the secondary rigid segments and the primary rigid segments (e.g., hinge points 130 and 132) can have a large radius and limited movement compared to the radius and movement of the primary flexible segment 108. As an example, rigid segment 124 can be configured to articulate relative to rigid segment 110 at up to 45 degrees. As another example, rigid segment 126 can be configured to articulate relative to rigid segment 112 at up to 45 degrees.

[0018] Primary flexible segment 108 can connect a rigid segment on one side of device 100 to a rigid segment on the other side of device 100. For example, as shown in Figure 1, primary flexible segment 108 can connect rigid segment 124 to rigid segment 126. Primary flexible segment 108 can be configured to fold at least 180 degrees (e.g., to allow device 100 to be easily closed).

[0019] According to one or more techniques of the present disclosure, device 100 can include one or more support plates (e.g., backer plates) configured to make segments of continuous display 106 flexible or rigid. The support plates can be disposed between the emissive elements of continuous display 106 (e.g., OLED) and the interior surfaces of first assembly 102 and second assembly 104.

[0020] In some examples, device 100 may include respective support plates for the segments of continuous display 106. For example, the one or more support plates may include a first support plate attached to first rigid segment 110, a second support plate attached to second rigid segment 112, a third support plate attached to rigid segment 124, and / or a fourth support plate attached to rigid segment 126.

[0021] In some examples, the one or more support plates can include a respective support plate for each of the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 104 that supports a segment of the continuous display 106 on the respective assembly. For example, the one or more support plates can include a first support plate attached to the first rigid segment 110 and the rigid segment 124 configured to allow flexure between the first rigid segment 110 and the rigid segment 124, and a second support plate attached to the second rigid segment 112 and the rigid segment 126 configured to allow flexure between the second rigid segment 112 and the rigid segment 126.

[0022] In some examples, the one or more support plates can include a single support plate attached to segments of the continuous display 106 on both the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 104. For example, the one or more support plates can include a single support plate attached to the primary flexible segment 108 and all of the primary and secondary rigid segments (e.g., first rigid segment 110, second rigid segment 112, rigid segment 124, and rigid segment 126). The single support plate can be configured to allow for flexure between the segments. To allow for flexure between the segments, the support plate can be etched and / or perforated at the boundaries between adjacent segments.

[0023] 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a folding device having a multi-rigid segment flexible display including multiple secondary rigid segments, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1B, display 106 can include primary rigid segments 110 and 112, primary flexible segment 108, and secondary rigid segments 124 and 126.

[0024] In some examples, the hinge assembly 122 can include a cavity into which at least a portion of the display 106 can retract when the device 100 is fully closed. For example, as discussed in more detail below, a central region of the hinge assembly 122 can be "hollowed out" to receive at least a portion of the primary flexible segment 108. As shown in FIG. 1B , when the folding device 100 is fully closed, the apex of the primary flexible segment (e.g., the apex 109 of the primary flexible segment 108) is closer to the outer surface of the hinge assembly (e.g., the outer surface 123 of the hinge assembly 122) than to a plane parallel to the first and second axes (e.g., the plane 150 parallel to the first and second axes 116A and 116B). By retracting at least a portion of the display 106 when the device 100 is fully closed, the device 100 can avoid the need for a rotation and sliding mechanism. In this manner, the design of a folding display device can be simplified. can be simplified.

[0025] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a folding device having multiple flexible displays in a folded state according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As can be seen in FIG. 2, at least a portion of the primary flexible segment of the display resides within the hinge assembly while the folding device is closed. As also shown in FIG. 2, when the folding device is fully open, the inner surface of the first assembly is coplanar with the inner surface of the second assembly.

[0026] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating cross sections of a folding device having a flexible display with support platforms in various positions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Folding device 300 may be an example of device 100 discussed above. FIG. 3A illustrates folding device 300 in a fully closed position, and FIG. 3B illustrates folding device 300 in a fully open position. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, folding device 300 includes a first assembly 302, a second assembly 304, a hinge assembly 322, a continuous display 306, a first foldable support platform 382, ​​a second foldable support platform 384, a primary support plate 390, a first auxiliary support plate 392, and a second auxiliary support plate 394. First assembly 302, second assembly 304, hinge assembly 322, and continuous display 306 of Figures 3A and 3B may be examples of first assembly 102, second assembly 104, hinge assembly 122, and continuous display 106 of Figures 1A and 1B. Similarly, primary flexible segment 308, rigid segment 310, rigid segment 312, rigid segment 324, rigid segment 326, hinge point 330, and hinge point 332 of continuous display 306 of Figures 3A and 3B may be examples of primary flexible segment 108, rigid segment 110, rigid segment 112, rigid segment 124, rigid segment 126, hinge point 130, and hinge point 132 of continuous display 106 of Figures 1A and 1B.

[0027] As discussed above, in some examples, a folding device such as device 300 can include multiple support plates. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, device 300 can include a primary support plate 390. Primary support plate 390 can be a single support plate attached to the primary flexible segment and all primary and secondary rigid segments (e.g., first rigid segment 110, second rigid segment 112, rigid segment 124, and rigid segment 126) of display 306. Primary support plate 390 can be configured to allow flexure between the segments. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, primary support plate 390 can be etched and / or perforated at the boundaries between adjacent segments (e.g., hinge points 330 and 332 (which can be referred to as secondary flexible segments) and primary flexible segment 308).

[0028] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, in addition to the primary support plate 390, the device 300 may include a first auxiliary support plate 392 and a second auxiliary support plate 394. The first auxiliary support plate 392 and the second auxiliary support plate 394 may be attached to the primary support plate 390. For example, the first auxiliary support plate 392 may be attached to the primary support plate 390 at a location adjacent to the third rigid segment of the continuous display 306. Similarly, the second auxiliary support plate 394 may be attached to the primary support plate 390 at a location adjacent to the fourth rigid segment of the continuous display 306. In this context, the term adjacent may refer to the location of the primary support plate above / below an identified portion of the continuous display 306.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3B, when the device 300 is fully opened, the first auxiliary support plate A portion of support plate 392 supports a portion of the primary flexible segment of continuous display 306 , and a portion of second auxiliary support plate 394 supports another portion of the primary flexible segment of continuous display 306 .

[0030] The widths of the first and second auxiliary support plates 392, 394 can be greater than the widths of the third and fourth rigid segments of the continuous display 306. In other words, the dimension of the first auxiliary support plate 392 along a particular axis perpendicular to the folding axis of the folding device 300 (e.g., the X-axis in FIG. 3B ) is greater than the dimension of the third rigid segment along that particular axis, and the dimension of the second auxiliary support plate 904 along that particular axis is greater than the dimension of the fourth rigid segment along that particular axis. Because the widths of the auxiliary support plates 392 / 394 are greater than the widths of the rigid segments to which they are attached, the auxiliary support plates 392 / 394 can be positioned such that when the folding device 300 is fully unfolded (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B ), the excess width of the auxiliary support plates 392 / 394 resides below the primary flexible segments. 3B , when device 300 is fully unfolded, folding support platforms 382 and 384 can press auxiliary support plates 392 / 394, respectively, against the rear / bottom surface of continuous display 306 to further improve support. In this manner, auxiliary support plates 392 / 394 can provide additional rigidity and / or stiffness to primary flexible segment 308. Thus, auxiliary support plates 392 / 394 can reduce the depth of the fold in primary flexible segment 308.

[0031] Auxiliary support plates 392 / 394 can be attached to primary support plate 390 in a variety of ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B , auxiliary support plates 392 / 394 can be attached to primary support plate 390 via double-sided tape 393 / 395, respectively. Thus, device 300 can include double-sided tape 393 configured to attach auxiliary support plate 392 to primary support plate 390 adjacent rigid segment 324, and double-sided tape 395 configured to attach auxiliary support plate 394 to primary support plate 390 adjacent rigid segment 326. Attaching auxiliary support plates 392 / 394 using double-sided tape can provide various advantages. For example, double-sided tape can be used to attach auxiliary support plates 392 / 394 to primary support plate 390 more tightly than other attachment means.

[0032] As mentioned above, primary support plate 390 can be etched or otherwise modified to allow for bending / flexing. Such modifications can result in the formation of voids in primary support plate 390. The ingress of dust or other particulate matter into the voids can result in damage or other undesirable effects. The level of etching can vary from section to section. For example, the depth of the etching and / or perforations in primary support plate 390 adjacent primary flexible segment 308 can be deeper than the depth of the etching and / or perforations in primary support plate 390 at the boundary between rigid segment 310 and rigid segment 324 (e.g., the etching adjacent primary flexible segment 308 can be deeper than the etching adjacent hinge point 330).

[0033] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a protective membrane 396 can be attached to at least a portion of primary support plate 390. For example, protective membrane 396 can be attached to a portion of primary support plate 390 adjacent to or attached to primary flexible segment 308. Protective membrane 396 can prevent and / or mitigate the intrusion of particulate matter into voids in primary support plate 390. Protective membrane 396 is shown in FIG. 3B as covering only the portion of primary support plate 390 adjacent to or attached to primary flexible segment 308. However, protective membrane 396 is not limited thereto. For example, as discussed below and shown in FIG. 5, protective membrane 396 can extend from a portion of primary support plate 390 adjacent rigid segment 324 to a portion of primary support plate 390 adjacent rigid segment 326. In this manner, protective membrane 396 can provide additional protection and / or be more securely attached.

[0034]

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of an exemplary folding device having a multiple rigid segment flexible display according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, folding device 400 includes a first assembly 402, a second assembly 404, a continuous display 406, a primary support plate 490, a first auxiliary support plate 492, and a second auxiliary support plate 494. First assembly 402, second assembly 404, and continuous display 406 of Figure 4 may be examples of first assembly 102, second assembly 104, and continuous display 106 of Figures 1A and 1B. Similarly, primary flexible segment 408, rigid segment 410, rigid segment 412, rigid segment 424, rigid segment 426, hinge point 430, and hinge point 432 of continuous display 406 in Figure 4 may be examples of primary flexible segment 108, rigid segment 110, rigid segment 112, rigid segment 124, rigid segment 126, hinge point 130, and hinge point 132 of continuous display 106 in Figures 1A and 1B. Double-sided tape 493, double-sided tape 495, and protective film 496 in Figure 4 may be examples of double-sided tape 393, double-sided tape 395, and protective film 396 in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0035] As discussed above, the continuous display can be attached to a primary support plate. As shown in FIG. 4, the continuous display can be attached to a primary support plate 490 via adhesive 485 and adhesive 487. Adhesive 485 can attach sections 410, 430, and 424 of the continuous display to primary support plate 490, while adhesive 487 can attach sections 412, 426, and 432 of the continuous display to primary support plate 490. As shown in FIG. 4, in some examples, primary flexible segment 408 may not be adhered to primary support plate 490.

[0036]

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of another exemplary folding device having a multiple rigid segment flexible display according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, folding device 500 includes a first assembly 502, a second assembly 504, a continuous display 506, a primary support plate 590, a first auxiliary support plate 592, and a second auxiliary support plate 594. First assembly 502, second assembly 504, and continuous display 506 of Figure 5 may be examples of first assembly 102, second assembly 104, and continuous display 106 of Figures 1A and 1B. Similarly, primary flexible segment 508, rigid segment 510, rigid segment 512, rigid segment 524, rigid segment 526, hinge point 530, and hinge point 532 of continuous display 506 of Figure 5 may be examples of primary flexible segment 108, rigid segment 110, rigid segment 112, rigid segment 124, rigid segment 126, hinge point 130, and hinge point 132 of continuous display 106 of Figures 1A and 1B. Double sided tape 593, double sided tape 595, adhesive 585, adhesive 587, and protective film 596 of Figure 5 may be examples of double sided tape 493, double sided tape 495, adhesive 485, adhesive 487, and protective film 496 of Figure 4.

[0037] As discussed above, in some examples, the protective membrane can span different sections of the primary support plate. As shown in FIG. 4, protective membrane 496 can span the area of ​​primary support plate 490 adjacent to primary flexible segment 408. As shown in FIG. 5, protective membrane 596 can span the area of ​​primary support plate 490 adjacent to primary flexible segment 508. 5, where auxiliary support plates 592 / 594 are attached to primary support plate 590 via protective membrane 596, auxiliary support plates 592 / 594 can also be considered to be attached to primary support plate 590.

[0038] 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a support plate of a folding device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, device 600 can include a primary support plate 690, a first auxiliary support plate 692, and a second auxiliary support plate 694. Device 600, primary support plate 690, first auxiliary support plate 692, and second auxiliary support plate 694 can be examples of device 500, primary support plate 590, first auxiliary support plate 592, and second auxiliary support plate 594 of FIG. 5.

[0039] The following numbered examples may illustrate one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Example 1. A folding device comprising: a first assembly having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a second assembly having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a continuous display including: a first rigid segment attached to the interior surface of the first assembly and substantially coplanar with the interior surface of the first assembly; a second rigid segment attached to the interior surface of the second assembly and substantially coplanar with the interior surface of the second assembly; a primary flexible segment; a third rigid segment disposed between the second rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the third rigid segment being articulatable relative to the second rigid segment; and a fourth rigid segment disposed between the first rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the fourth rigid segment being articulatable relative to the first rigid segment; a primary support plate attached to the continuous display; a first auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent to the third rigid segment of the continuous display; and a second auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent to the fourth rigid segment of the continuous display.

[0040] Example 2. The folding device of example 1, wherein when the folding device is fully open, a portion of the first auxiliary support plate supports the primary flexible segment and a portion of the second auxiliary support plate supports the primary flexible segment.

[0041] Example 3. The folding device of Example 1, wherein the dimension of the first auxiliary support plate along a particular axis perpendicular to the folding axis of the folding device is greater than the dimension of the third rigid segment along that particular axis, and the dimension of the second auxiliary support plate along that particular axis is greater than the dimension of the fourth rigid segment along that particular axis.

[0042] Example 4. The folding device of Example 1, further comprising a first double-sided tape configured to attach the first auxiliary support plate to the primary support plate adjacent the third rigid segment, and a second double-sided tape configured to attach the second auxiliary support plate to the primary support plate adjacent the fourth rigid segment.

[0043] Example 5. The folding device of Example 1, wherein the primary support plate includes a single support plate attached to the primary flexible segment, the first rigid segment, the second rigid segment, the third rigid segment, and the fourth rigid segment, wherein the single support plate is configured to allow flexion between the segments.

[0044] Example 6. The folding device of example 5, further comprising a protective membrane attached to a portion of the single support plate attached to the primary flexible segment.

[0045] Example 7. The folding device of example 6, wherein the protective membrane is further attached to a portion of the single support plate attached to the third rigid segment and a portion of the single support plate attached to the fourth rigid segment.

[0046] Example 8. The folding device of example 5, wherein the primary support plate is etched and / or perforated at the interface between adjacent segments to allow for curvature between the segments.

[0047] Example 9. The folding device of Example 8, wherein the depth of the etching and / or perforation in the primary support plate adjacent to the primary flexible segment is greater than the depth of the etching and / or perforation in the primary support plate at the interface between the first rigid segment and the fourth rigid segment.

[0048] Example 10. The folding device of example 1, further comprising: a first collapsible support platform attached to the first assembly and configured to support the first auxiliary support plate when the folding device is fully open; and a second collapsible support platform attached to the second assembly and configured to support the second auxiliary support plate when the folding device is fully open.

[0049] Example 11. The folding device of example 1, wherein the continuous display comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display or a micro light emitting diode display.

[0050] Example 12. A display assembly for a folding device comprising: a continuous display including a first rigid segment attached to an interior surface of a first assembly of the folding device and substantially coplanar with the interior surface of the first assembly of the folding device; a second rigid segment attached to an interior surface of a second assembly of the folding device and substantially coplanar with the interior surface of the second assembly of the folding device; a primary flexible segment; a third rigid segment disposed between the second rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the third rigid segment being articulatable relative to the second rigid segment; and a fourth rigid segment disposed between the first rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the fourth rigid segment being articulatable relative to the first rigid segment; a primary support plate attached to the continuous display; a first auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent to the third rigid segment of the continuous display; and a second auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent to the fourth rigid segment of the continuous display.

[0051] Various aspects have been described in this disclosure. These and other aspects are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. a first assembly having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a second assembly having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a first rigid segment attached to and substantially coplanar with the interior surface of the first assembly; a second rigid segment attached to and substantially coplanar with the interior surface of the second assembly; a primary flexible segment; a third rigid segment disposed between the second rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the third rigid segment being articulatable relative to the second rigid segment; and a fourth rigid segment disposed between the first rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the fourth rigid segment being articulatable relative to the first rigid segment; a continuous display including: a primary support plate attached to said continuous display; a first auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent the third rigid segment of the continuous display; a second auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent the fourth rigid segment of the continuous display; A folding device comprising:

2. The folding device of claim 1 , wherein when the folding device is fully open, a portion of the first auxiliary support plate supports the primary flexible segment and a portion of the second auxiliary support plate supports the primary flexible segment.

3. 3. The folding device of claim 1, wherein a dimension of the first auxiliary support plate along a particular axis perpendicular to a folding axis of the folding device is greater than a dimension of the third rigid segment along the particular axis, and a dimension of the second auxiliary support plate along the particular axis is greater than a dimension of the fourth rigid segment along the particular axis.

4. a first double-sided tape configured to attach the first auxiliary support plate to the primary support plate adjacent the third rigid segment; a second double-sided tape configured to attach the second auxiliary support plate to the primary support plate adjacent the fourth rigid segment; The folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

5. 5. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the primary support plate includes a single support plate attached to the primary flexible segment, the first rigid segment, the second rigid segment, the third rigid segment, and the fourth rigid segment, the single support plate configured to allow bending between the segments.

6. The folding device of claim 5 , further comprising a protective membrane attached to a portion of the single support plate that is attached to the primary flexible segment.

7. The protective membrane is attached to a portion of the single support plate attached to the third rigid segment and to a portion of the single support plate attached to the fourth rigid segment. The folding device of claim 6 further attached to a portion of the base.

8. A folding device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the primary support plate is etched and / or perforated at the boundaries between adjacent segments to allow for curvature between the segments.

9. 9. The folding device of claim 8, wherein the depth of etching and / or perforation of the primary support plate adjacent to the primary flexible segment is greater than the depth of etching and / or perforation of the primary support plate at the boundary between the first rigid segment and the fourth rigid segment.

10. a first collapsible support platform attached to the first assembly and configured to support the first auxiliary support plate when the folding device is fully open; a second collapsible support platform attached to the second assembly and configured to support the second auxiliary support plate when the folding device is fully open; The folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

11. The folding device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the continuous display comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display or a micro light emitting diode display.

12. 1. A display assembly for a folding device, comprising: a first rigid segment attached to an interior surface of a first assembly of the folding device and substantially coplanar with the interior surface of the first assembly of the folding device; a second rigid segment attached to an interior surface of a second assembly of the folding device and substantially coplanar with the interior surface of the second assembly of the folding device; a primary flexible segment; a third rigid segment disposed between the second rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the third rigid segment being articulatable relative to the second rigid segment; and a fourth rigid segment disposed between the first rigid segment and the primary flexible segment, the fourth rigid segment being articulatable relative to the first rigid segment; a continuous display including: a primary support plate attached to the continuous display; a first auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent the third rigid segment of the continuous display; a second auxiliary support plate attached to the primary support plate adjacent the fourth rigid segment of the continuous display; A display assembly for a folding device comprising:

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