Mobile electronic device with spring-loaded deployable display

Abstract

To provide a mobile electronic device with a spring-loaded deployable display that enables a display size to be multiplied, for example three-fold, making it suitable for viewing video contents.SOLUTION: There is provided a self-deployable mobile electronic device which includes an unfolded display, and in which access to contents will become ubiquitous with adoption of 5G cellular service. In the device, gas springs are used to provide desirable damping and locking features, and by holding the device face-down 601 and double-pushing both sides toward each other 603, the springs are unlocked, and then, the folded display self-deploys 605. In another embodiment, the device senses when it is being held face-down and electronically unlocks the springs for self-deployment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] A tri-foldable portable electronic device was featured in the "Flexible Display Flexu" released on December 6, 2012. No. 20120307423, entitled "Rail Assembly" , which is incorporated herein by reference. Of particular interest is Figure 4 thereof. Further improvements to this type of device are desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0002] A portable electronic device with a spring-loaded deployable display can adjust the size of the display, e.g. The expanded display is suitable for watching video content. Access to content will become ubiquitous with the adoption of 5G mobile phone services. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device is self-deploying. A gas spring can be used to provide the locking function. The two sides can be pushed towards each other twice. The spring is unlocked. In another embodiment, the device displays the table. It senses when it is held downwards and electronically unlocks the spring for self-deployment.

[0003] In one aspect, the portable electronic device comprises a body housing a main processor and a display. an extension member; a hinge mechanism coupled to the first display extension member and the main body; and and a flexible display coupled to the display extension member. In the folded state, the flexible display wraps around the body, and the display surface of the flexible display is in contact with the body. It is configured to overlap the main body on the back side of the main body so that it faces outward when viewed from the and configured to support the flexible display in an unfolded, flat state. The hinge mechanism has a spring-loaded member that moves outwardly and away from the side of the body during deployment. The flexible display is configured to move to take up slack in the flexible display during deployment.

[0004] In another aspect, a portable electronic device includes a body housing a main processor and a first display. a splay extension member and a first hinge coupled to the first display extension member and the body; The portable electronic device further includes a second display extension member and a second a second hinge mechanism coupled to the display extension member and the main body; and a second hinge mechanism coupled to the main body and the first display. a flexible display coupled to the play extension member and the second display extension member; The first and second screen extension members are wound around the main body in the folded state. The flexible display is attached to the back of the main body so that the display surface faces outward when viewed from the main body. and in the unfolded state, the flexible display is configured to fit in a flat unfolded state. The first and second hinge mechanisms may each be configured to support The spring members may be configured to move outwardly away from each side of the body during deployment. to take up slack in the flexible display during deployment. can.

[0005] In another aspect, a display device includes a main body, a folding and unfolding display, and a screen extension. A method for stretching a display of a portable electronic device is provided. The user holds the handheld electronic device face down and performs manual actions on the device. In response to manual movement, the springs push the screen extension , unfolds and extends away from the edge of the device to increase the size of the front-facing display Make it big.

[0006] In another aspect, a display device includes a main body, a folding and unfolding display, and a screen extension. A method for stretching a display of a portable electronic device is provided. The user turns the portable electronic device face down. The portable electronic device detects the turn and In response to a turn, the portable electronic device releases the spring to push the edge of the body against the screen extension. It unfolds and extends away from the screen, thereby increasing the size of the forward-facing display. Can.

[0007] In another aspect, the portable electronic device includes a main body, a screen extension, and a display unit. A display that is combined and folds and unfolds, and a display that is combined with the main body and the screen extension The portable electronic device further includes a front-facing camera housed within the body. a module, wherein in the folded state, a portion of the display faces rearward; The portable electronic device is operable to display information to a user, the portable electronic device including a camera module. Rotate the wheel backwards for view finding and camera control. Take rear-facing photos by using the rear-facing part of the display to It is configured as follows.

[0008] In another aspect, a mobile phone includes an integral foldable display and includes only a front-facing camera. A method for taking a photograph using an electronic device is provided, according to which a user , rotate the camera backwards and fold it down for viewfinding and camera control The rear-facing part of the foldable display is used to take rear-facing photos.

[0009] In another aspect, a self-deploying portable electronic device includes a main body and, in a folded state, A folding display that wraps around the device and overlaps with the back of the device, and a screen extension and An assembly including a hinge mechanism and at least one spring mechanism with damping and locking functions. During self-deployment, the spring mechanism releases its locking function, causing the screen extension to move. At least one spring mechanism is a gas spring. The locking function of the spring mechanism can be controlled manually. As such, the locking function of the spring mechanism can be electronically controlled.

[0010] In another aspect, a device includes a main body, a folding display, a screen extension, and a hinge mechanism. A portable phone having an assembly and at least one spring mechanism with damping and locking functions. A method for implementing self-deployment of child devices is provided, according to which a user Position the device in the desired orientation and apply pressure to the device to release the locking function of the spring mechanism. The screen extension is moved by at least one spring mechanism, which causes the screen extension to Increase the display size.

[0011] In another aspect, a device includes a main body, a folding display, a screen extension, and a hinge mechanism. A portable phone having an assembly and at least one spring mechanism with damping and locking functions. A method is provided for implementing self-deployment of child devices, whereby a user can Position the device face down. The device senses the movement and positioning of the device. In response to this, the locking function of the spring mechanism is released. It is moved by a spring mechanism, thereby increasing the forward-facing display size.

[0012] In another aspect, a modular portable electronic device includes a main body module and a flexible display module. The foldable display module includes a foldable display module and a main module and a foldable display module. and one or more connectors for connecting a display module. In the folded state, the flexible display is The surface is configured to overlap the main body at the back of the main body so that it faces outward when viewed from the main body, and is unfolded. In the unfolded state, the flexible display is configured to be supported in a flat, unfolded state. The foldable display module may include at least one camera.

[0013] The present invention can be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a folding portable electronic device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an end view of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the device of FIG. 1 in an unfolded state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an end view of the device of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a self-deployment operation. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of another self-deployment operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view of another foldable portable electronic device. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart for taking a photograph using a device similar to that of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a modular portable electronic device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is another view of the modular portable electronic device of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of the modular portable electronic device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Referring now to FIG. 1, a mobile phone with a spring-loaded deployable display in a folded position is shown. A front view of the electronic device 100 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the portable electronic device is It is a "tri-fold, foldable" device equipped with a flexible touch display of the type When the portable electronic device is unfolded, the display area increases three times. The display folds outward like a scroll (rather than inward like a book). It is configured to fold.

[0016] The springs (101A, 101B) are provided within the body of the portable electronic device. In this embodiment, a single spring may be provided.

[0017] An end view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. The main body 201 is attached to a hinge mechanism (203A , 203B) and a screen extension member ("screen extensions", 205A, 205B) The screen extensions are the support for the folding and unfolding parts of the display. When folded as shown in the figure, the screen extension overlaps on the back of the main body. The foldable display 207 is supported on the front of the portable electronic device by the body. , wraps around the hinge member and overlaps at the back of the body, and is held in place by the overlapping screen extensions. In this configuration, the active viewing side of the foldable display faces forward. It is forward and backward facing.

[0018] A front view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 1 in an unfolded state is shown in FIG. 3. The dashed line indicates the display area. Although the foldable display 207 is used to show a three-fold increase in It will never be possible.

[0019] A rear view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 1 in the unfolded state is shown in FIG. The bodies 203A / 205A and 203B / 205B are screen extensions (205A, 205B). Instead of overlapping at the rear of the body, they extend outward in a plane defined by the front of the body 201. The hinge mechanism (203A, 203B) is supported by a rod. The display is separated from the main body 201 by a certain distance to take up the slack that occurs during deployment. During deployment, the hinge mechanism gradually moves away from the side of the body, as shown in Figure 4. Assume the final position shown.

[0020] In one embodiment, the spring may be a two-way gas spring with damping and locking capabilities. In the locked state, the rod is held in the cylinder. The rod is forced outward with a damped movement. This can be caused by a gentle push or "double push" on the rod. This type of spring is manufactured by, for example, HXL Gas Spray Co., Ltd. in Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China. These are available from various manufacturers.

[0021] In other embodiments, the unlocking occurs electronically. An electric current is applied in such a way as to unlock. The force is applied to an element within a cylinder that expands or contracts in a controlled manner.

[0022] In other embodiments, the spring may be a wound spring or other type of spring.

[0023] The portable electronic devices of Figures 1-5 are "self-deploying" as described herein. It is possible.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 6, according to one embodiment, the device is held face down in portrait orientation. (Step 601). Next, the user places both sides of the device facing each other. Next, the user holds their hand flat and pushes the device (step 603). In response to the double push, the device is deployed (step 605). The spring rod is released and the device extends in a damped manner until fully deployed. The user grasps the device and turns it forward to use it (step 607).

[0025] Alternatively, the "self-deployment" can be electronically controlled. According to an embodiment, the user rotates the device face down in portrait orientation (step 701 ). This arrangement of the device constitutes a motor gesture that is recognized by the device. The device recognizes the gesture and unlocks the spring (step 703). , the user can hold their hand flat to deploy the device (step In response to the unlocking, the gas spring rod is released, allowing the device to fully The device then extends in a damped manner until deployed. The user then grasps the device and is turned forward and used (step 707).

[0026] Referring to Figure 8, a portable electronic device 800 according to another embodiment is shown. The camera module 803 can be provided in the The technology can incorporate some or all of the cameras found in smartphones. In particular, the camera module may be rear-facing in state-of-the-art smartphones. The camera can be built in. Conversely, creating a camera facing forward is a folding device. Avoid interference from the display.

[0027] The device may be provided with springs 801A and 801B, similar to the device of FIG. The signal from the camera module 803 can be routed around the spring 801A. This can be done.

[0028] The camera module 803 has a speaker, microphone, buttons, and ports along its top surface. etc., as desired. The camera module 803 may further include an It may also include a tena.

[0029] In some cases, the same camera module is used to take both front- and rear-facing photos. If the camera is a variable focus camera, the device can use It can sense the orientation of the device (forward or backward) and adjust the focus accordingly. This can be done.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 9, to take a rear-facing photo, the user touches the touch display. Use the arrow to select "Camera" and then select "Rear Facing" (step 901). The user now turns the phone so that the normally forward-facing camera module faces backwards. (Step 903). The rear-facing portion of the display is now facing forward. and activated for viewfinder and control (step 905). The user takes a photo in the usual way (step 907).

[0031] In some cases, a separate rear-facing camera module with more advanced capabilities may be used. The display may be arranged so that the camera is covered when the display is folded. During deployment, the camera can be activated by default in preparation for taking pictures. Switching between portrait and landscape orientation is possible with touch input or It can be performed by gestures.

[0032] Referring to Figure 10, an exploded rear view of the modular portable electronic device is shown. One module 1001 can be a main body containing a main processor. The module 1003 may be a folding screen module. The model mainly comprises a screen extension, hinge mechanism and springs arranged as in the previous embodiment. The folding screen module may also include a folding screen module as described in connection with FIG. It can also include a camera module. The folding screen module can also be snap-fit. The main body 1001 may include connectors 1005A and 1005B. Includes a complementary snap-fit ​​connector that allows it to be snapped onto a surface module FIG. 11 shows a portable electronic device with the body snapped together. If a module is damaged, it can be easily replaced. The module can be sent in for repair. The main body is a fully integrated device. 12 shows the device of FIG. A front view is shown.

[0033] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing description is to be construed as illustrative in all respects. The scope of the invention is limited only by the foregoing description and not by the accompanying drawings. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included. is intended to be included within

Claims

1. 1. A self-deploying portable electronic device, the device comprising: A main body (201), In the folded state, the folding portion wraps around the main body and overlaps the back surface of the main body. a folding display (207); an assembly having a screen extension and hinge mechanism (203, 205); At least one spring mechanism (101A) with damping and locking functions; Equipped with During self-deployment, the locking function of the spring mechanism is released, causing the screen extension to move. This increases the size of the display. device.

2. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring mechanism comprises a gas spring. Do, device.

3. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking function of the spring mechanism is manually controlled. The device.

4. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking function of the spring mechanism is electronically controlled. The device to be used.

5. 1. A portable electronic device, comprising: a main body that houses a main processor; a display extension member; a hinge mechanism coupled to a first of the display extension members and the body; a flexible display coupled to the body and the display extension member; Equipped with The screen extension member is In the folded state, the display surface of the flexible display faces outward when viewed from the main body. configured to overlap the main body at a rear surface of the main body so as to face the main body; In the unfolded state, the flexible display is supported in a flat unfolded state. It is composed of The hinge mechanism has a spring-loaded member that moves away from the side of the body during deployment. configured to move outward to take up slack in the flexible display during deployment. Ru, device.

6. 1. A portable electronic device, comprising: a main body that houses a main processor; a first display extension member; a first hinge mechanism coupled to the first display extension member and the body; a second display extension member; and a second hinge mechanism coupled to the second display extension member and the body; the main body, the first display extension member, and the second display extension member; a flexible display to be coupled thereto; Equipped with The first screen extension member and the second screen extension member are In the folded state, the display surface of the flexible display faces outward when viewed from the main body. configured to overlap on the back surface of the main body so as to face in the direction In the unfolded state, the flexible display is supported in a flat unfolded state. It is composed of The first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism each have a spring action member and are expandable. During deployment, the flaps move outwardly away from the respective sides of the body, configured to take up slack in the flexible display; device.

7. A portable electronic device including a main body, a folding and unfolding display, and a screen extension.

1. A method for extending a display of a chair, the method comprising: The user, holding the portable electronic device face down; A step of performing a manual action on the device to initiate the unfolding of the display. Top and In response to the manual movement, a spring moves the screen extension away from the edge of the body. and unfolding and extending the A method comprising:

8. A portable electronic device including a main body, a folding and unfolding display, and a screen extension.

1. A method for extending a display of a chair, the method comprising: a user turning the portable electronic device face down; sensing the turn by the portable electronic device; In response to the rotation, the portable electronic device releases a spring to bias the screen extension. deploying and extending the body away from an edge of the body; A method comprising:

9. a main body, a screen extension, and a folding device coupled to the main body and the screen extension; and a hinge mechanism coupled to the main body and the screen extension. a portable electronic device including a front-facing A camera module is provided, and in the folded state, a portion of the display faces rearward. and operable to display information to a user, said portable electronic device comprising: The camera module can be rotated backwards for viewfinding and camera control. By using the rear-facing portion of the display for The device is configured to capture true.

10. Portable electronic device with integrated foldable display and front-facing camera only 1. A method for taking a photograph using a camera, the method comprising: and rotating the folding camera for viewfinding and camera control. taking a rear-facing photograph using a rear-facing portion of the handheld display; A method comprising:

11. A body, a folding display, an assembly having a screen extension and a hinge mechanism, and a reduction and at least one spring mechanism having damping and locking functions.

1. A method for performing self-deployment, the method comprising: The user positions the device face down and applies a pressure input to the device. releasing the locking function of the spring mechanism; The screen extension is moved by the at least one spring mechanism to increasing the play size; A method comprising:

12. A body, a folding display, an assembly having a screen extension and a hinge mechanism, and a reduction and at least one spring mechanism having damping and locking functions.

1. A method for performing self-deployment, the method comprising: a user positioning the device face down; The device senses the movement and positioning of the device and responsively releasing the locking function of the spring mechanism; The screen extension is moved by the at least one spring mechanism to increasing the play size; A method comprising:

13. 1. A modular portable electronic device, comprising: A main body module; a foldable display module having a flexible display; one for connecting the main body module and the folding display module; The above connectors and Equipped with The foldable display module includes: In the folded state, the flexible display The surface of the cover is configured to overlap the main body at the rear surface of the main body so that the surface faces outward when viewed from the main body. It is done, In the unfolded state, the flexible display is supported in an unfolded, flat state. It is configured as follows: device.

14. 14. The modular portable electronic device of claim 13, wherein the folding display The image module is a device having at least one camera.

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