Portable electronic device with spring-loaded deployable display

Abstract

A portable electronic device with a spring-loaded unfoldable display allows the display size to be increased, for example, three times larger. The unfolded display is suitable for viewing video content, and access to content will become ubiquitous with the adoption of 5G mobile phone services. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device is self-deploying. Gas springs (101A, 101B) can be used to provide the desired damping and locking functions. The portable electronic device is held face-down and the two sides can be double-pushed toward each other (step 603). When the springs are unlocked, the folding display self-deploys (step 605). In another embodiment, the device senses when it is held face-down (step 703) and electronically unlocks the springs for self-deployment.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] A tri-fold portable electronic device is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120307423, entitled "Flexible Display Flexural Assembly," published December 6, 2012, and 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 unfolding display allows the display size to be increased, e.g., three times larger. The unfolded display is suitable for viewing video content, and access to content will become ubiquitous with the adoption of 5G cellular service. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device is self-deploying. A gas spring can be used to provide the desired damping and locking functions. The portable electronic device can be held face-down and the two sides can be pressed toward each other twice. When the spring is unlocked, the folding display self-deploys. In another embodiment, the device senses when it is held face-down and electronically unlocks the spring for self-deployment.

[0003] In one aspect, a portable electronic device includes a main body housing a main processor, a display extension member, a hinge mechanism coupled to a first display extension member and the main body, and a flexible display coupled to the main body and the display extension member. In the folded state, the display extension member is configured to wrap around the main body and overlap the main body at a rear side of the main body so that the display surface of the flexible display faces outward when viewed from the main body, and in the unfolded state, the display extension member can be configured to support the flexible display in an unfolded, flat state. The hinge mechanism has a spring member configured to move outward away from the side of the main body during unfolding to take up slack in the flexible display that occurs during unfolding.

[0004] In another aspect, a portable electronic device includes a main body housing a main processor, a first display extension member, and a first hinge mechanism coupled to the first display extension member and the main body. The portable electronic device further includes a second display extension member, a second hinge mechanism coupled to the second display extension member and the main body, and a flexible display coupled to the main body, the first display extension member, and the second display extension member. In the folded state, the first and second display extension members are configured to wrap around the main body and overlap on the back of the main body with the display surface of the flexible display facing outward from the main body, and in the unfolded state, they can be configured to support the flexible display in an unfolded, flat state. The first and second hinge mechanisms can each have a spring member configured to move outward, away from the respective side of the main body, during unfolding to take up slack in the flexible display that occurs during unfolding.

[0005] In another aspect, a method for extending a display of a portable electronic device including a body, a folding and unfolding display, and a screen extension is provided, in which a user holds the portable electronic device face-down and performs a manual action on the device to initiate display extension, and in response to the manual action, a spring causes the screen extension to unfold and extend away from an edge of the body to increase the forward-facing display size.

[0006] In another aspect, a method for extending a display of a portable electronic device including a body, a folding and unfolding display, and a screen extension is provided, wherein a user rotates the portable electronic device face-down, the portable electronic device senses the rotation, and in response, the portable electronic device releases a spring to unfold and extend the screen extension away from an edge of the body, thereby increasing the size of the front-facing display.

[0007] In another aspect, a portable electronic device includes a body, a screen extension, a folding and unfolding display coupled to the body and the screen extension, and a hinge mechanism coupled to the body and the screen extension. The portable electronic device further includes a front-facing camera module housed within the body, wherein in a folded state, a portion of the display faces rearward and is operable to display information to a user, and the portable electronic device is configured to take rear-facing pictures by rotating the camera module rearward and using the rear-facing portion of the display for view finding and camera control.

[0008] In another aspect, a method of taking a photograph using a portable electronic device including an integrated foldable display and including only a front-facing camera is provided, whereby a user rotates the camera rearward and takes a rear-facing photograph using the rear-facing portion of the foldable display for viewfinding and camera control.

[0009] In another aspect, a self-deploying portable electronic device includes a main body, a folding display that, in a folded state, wraps around the main body and overlaps the rear surface of the main body, an assembly including a screen extension and a hinge mechanism, and at least one spring mechanism with damping and locking functions. During self-deployment, the locking function of the spring mechanism is released, causing movement of the screen extension to increase the forward-facing display size. The at least one spring mechanism can include a gas spring. The locking function of the spring mechanism can be manually controlled. Alternatively, the locking function of the spring mechanism can be electronically controlled.

[0010] In another aspect, a method for self-unfolding a portable electronic device having a body, a folding display, an assembly including a screen extension and a hinge mechanism, and at least one spring mechanism with damping and locking functions is provided. According to the method, a user positions the device face-down and applies a pressure input to the device to release the locking function of the spring mechanism. The screen extension is moved by the at least one spring mechanism, thereby increasing the forward-facing display size.

[0011] In another aspect, a method for self-unfolding a portable electronic device having a main body, a folding display, an assembly including a screen extension and a hinge mechanism, and at least one spring mechanism with damping and locking functions is provided. According to the method, a user positions the device face-down. The device senses the device's movement and positioning and, in response, releases the locking function of the spring mechanism. The screen extension is moved by the at least one spring mechanism, thereby increasing the forward-facing display size.

[0012] In another aspect, a modular portable electronic device includes a main body module, a foldable display module including a flexible display, and one or more connectors for connecting the main body module and the foldable display module. In the folded state, the foldable display module is configured to overlap the main body at a rear side of the main body with a display surface of the flexible display facing outward from the main body, and in the unfolded state, the flexible display is configured to be supported in an unfolded, flat state. The foldable display module can 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 Figure 1, a front view of a portable electronic device 100 with a spring-loaded unfoldable display is shown in a folded state. In the illustrated embodiment, the portable electronic device is a "tri-fold, foldable" device that is provided with a flexible touch display of a known type. When the portable electronic device is unfolded, the display area increases by three times. The portable electronic device is configured so that the display folds outward like a scroll (rather than inward like a book).

[0016] Within the body of the portable electronic device, springs (101A, 101B) are provided, in some embodiments a single spring may be provided.

[0017] An end view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. The body 201 is flanked on either side by an assembly including hinge mechanisms (203A, 203B) and screen extension members ("screen extensions," 205A, 205B). The screen extensions provide support for the folding and unfolding portions of the display. In the folded position shown, the screen extensions overlap the back of the body. A foldable display 207 is supported by the body on the front of the portable electronic device, wraps around the hinge members, overlaps the back of the body, and is supported by the overlapping screen extensions. In this configuration, the active viewing sides of the foldable display are the front-facing and rear-facing.

[0018] A front view of the portable electronic device of Figure 1 in an unfolded state is shown in Figure 3. Dashed lines are used to indicate the three-fold increase in display area, but the foldable display 207 is continuous and uninterrupted.

[0019] A rear view of the portable electronic device of Figure 1 in the unfolded state is shown in Figure 4. In the unfolded state, the assemblies 203A / 205A and 203B / 205B are arranged so that the screen extensions (205A, 205B) are extended outward in a plane defined by the front of the body 201, instead of overlapping at the back of the body. The hinge mechanisms (203A, 203B) are supported by rods and are spaced a distance from the body 201 to take up slack in the display that occurs during unfolding. During unfolding, the hinge mechanisms gradually move away from the sides of the body to assume the final position shown in Figure 4.

[0020] In one embodiment, the spring can be a two-way gas spring with damping and locking capabilities. In the locked state, the rod is held within the cylinder. When unlocked, the rod is forced outward with a damped movement. Unlocking the rod can occur with a light push, or "double push," on the rod. This type of spring is available, for example, from HXL Gas Spring Co., Ltd., Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.

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

[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 may be "self-deploying" as described herein.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 6, according to one embodiment, the device is held in portrait orientation and face down (step 601). The user then double-pushes both sides of the device toward each other (step 603). The user then holds their hand flat, allowing the device to deploy (step 605). In response to the double-push, the gas spring rod is released, allowing the device to extend in a damped manner until fully deployed. The user then grasps the device and flips it forward for use (step 607).

[0025] Alternatively, "self-deployment" can be electronically controlled. Referring to FIG. 7, according to one embodiment, a user rotates the device into portrait orientation and face-down (step 701). This positioning of the device constitutes a movement gesture recognized by the device. The device recognizes the gesture and unlocks the spring (step 703). The user then holds their hand flat, allowing the device to deploy (step 705). In response to the unlocking, the gas spring rod is released, allowing the device to extend in a damped manner until fully deployed. The user then grasps the device and rotates it forward for use (step 707).

[0026] Referring to FIG. 8 , another embodiment of a portable electronic device 800 is shown. The device can be provided with a camera module 803. The camera module 803 can incorporate some or all of the cameras found in state-of-the-art smartphones. In particular, the camera module can incorporate the camera that may be rear-facing in state-of-the-art smartphones. Conversely, creating a front-facing camera avoids interference with the foldable display.

[0027] The device may be provided with springs 801A and 801B, similar to the device of Figure 1. The signal from the camera module 803 may be routed around spring 801A.

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

[0029] In some cases, the same camera module 803 can be used to take forward-facing and rear-facing photos. If the camera is a variable-focus camera, the device can sense the orientation of the device (forward-facing or rear-facing) and adjust the focus accordingly.

[0030] Referring to Figure 9, to take a rear-facing photo, the user uses the touch display to select "camera" and then "rear-facing" (step 901). The user now rotates the phone so that the normally forward-facing camera module is rear-facing (step 903). The formerly rear-facing portion of the display is now forward-facing and activated for viewing and control (step 905). The user then takes the photo in the normal manner (step 907).

[0031] In some cases, a separate rear-facing camera module with more advanced capabilities may be provided so that the camera is covered when the display is folded. During display unfolding, the camera may be activated by default in preparation for taking pictures. Switching between portrait and landscape orientation may be accomplished by touch input or gesture without changing the device orientation.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 10, a rear exploded view of a modular portable electronic device is shown. One module 1001 can be a main body containing a main processor. Another module 1003 can be a folding screen module. The folding screen module can include a screen extension, hinge mechanism, and springs arranged largely as in the previous embodiment. The folding screen module can also include a camera module as described in connection with FIG. 9. The folding screen module can also include snap-fit ​​connectors 1005A and 1005B. The main body 1001 can include complementary snap-fit ​​connectors that allow it to snap into the folding screen module. FIG. 11 shows a portable electronic device with a snap-fit ​​main body. If any module is damaged, it can be easily replaced. The damaged module can be sent for repair. The main body allows for greater waterproofing than would be possible with a fully integrated device. FIG. 12 shows a front view of the device of FIG. 11.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. 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 flexible display coupled to the body and the first display extension member; Equipped with The first display extension member includes: In the folded state, the flexible display is configured to overlap the rear surface of the main body so that a display surface of the flexible display faces outward when viewed from the main body, in an unfolded state, configured to support the flexible display in an unfolded, flat state; the first hinge mechanism has a spring mechanism and is configured to move outwardly away from a side of the main body during deployment to take up slack in the flexible display that occurs during deployment; the flexible display, in a folded state, wraps around the main body and overlaps the rear surface of the main body; the spring mechanism has a damping function and a locking function; During self-deployment, a user rotates the portable electronic device face down, the portable electronic device senses the rotation, and the locking mechanism is released, causing movement of the first display extension member to increase the size of the display. Portable electronic devices.

2. 10. The portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a second display extension member; and a second hinge mechanism coupled to the second display extension member and the body; the flexible display is coupled to the body, the first display extension member, and the second display extension member; The first display extension member and the second display extension member include: In the folded state, the flexible display is configured to overlap the rear surface of the main body so that a display surface of the flexible display faces outward when viewed from the main body, in an unfolded state, configured to support the flexible display in an unfolded, flat state; the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism each have a spring mechanism and are configured to move outwardly away from the respective side of the body during deployment to take up slack in the flexible display that occurs during deployment; Portable electronic devices.

3. 10. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein each spring mechanism comprises a gas spring.

4. 10. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the locking function of each spring mechanism is manually controlled.

5. 10. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the locking function of each spring mechanism is electronically controlled.

6. 10. The portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a forward-facing camera module housed within the body; 1. A portable electronic device, wherein in a folded state, a portion of the flexible display faces rearward and is operable to display information to a user, and wherein the portable electronic device is configured to take rearward-facing photographs using the rearward-facing portion of the display for viewfinding and camera control.

7. 10. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device comprises: one or more connectors for connecting the main body and the folding display; The folding display comprises: In a folded state, the flexible display overlaps the main body at a rear surface of the main body so that a display surface of the flexible display faces outward when viewed from the main body. In the deployed state, the device is supported in a flat deployed state. Consists of Portable electronic devices.

8. 8. The portable electronic device of claim 7, wherein the foldable display includes at least one camera.

9. 1. A method for extending a display of a portable electronic device including a body, a folding and unfolding display, a display extension, and a hinge mechanism having at least one spring mechanism with a locking function, the method comprising: sensing a user turning the portable electronic device face down; In response to the portable electronic device sensing the rotation, the portable electronic device releases the spring mechanism to deploy the display extension; Including, Furthermore, the portable electronic device releasing the locking feature in response to sensing the roll, the locking feature of the spring mechanism being released, causing the display extension portion to extend and increase a forward-facing display size to take up slack in the display that occurs during deployment; Including, method.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, the portable electronic device comprises a forward-facing camera; The method further includes the step of a user rotating the camera rearward and taking a rearward-facing photograph using a rearward-facing portion of the foldable display for viewfinding and camera control.

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