Dust-proof integration solution of foldable display

Abstract

An example foldable computing device comprises a first housing assembly that includes a first subset of a plurality of electrical components and a second housing assembly that includes a second subset of the plurality of electrical components. The foldable computing device further comprises a hinge assembly coupled to the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly. The foldable computing device further comprises a foldable display disposed over at least a portion of an interior portion of the first housing assembly, at least as portion of an interior portion of a second housing assembly, and at least a portion of the hinge assembly. The foldable computing device further comprises an elastomer structure joined to the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly across the hinge assembly, wherein the elastomer structure flexes as the first housing assembly moves relative to the second housing assembly.

Description

DUST-PROOF INTEGRATION SOLUTION OF FOLDABLE DISPLAYBACKGROUND

[0001] Foldable designs of mobile computing devices (such as smartphones, smartwatches, portable gaming devices, laptops, etc.) use flexible displays that are configured to fold, such that the mobile computing devices can be designed with a significantly larger screen (as compared to standard non-foldable computing devices). These foldable mobile computing devices may include a first housing assembly mechanically coupled to a second housing assembly and a folding mechanism that allows the first housing assembly to close relative to the second housing assembly.SUMMARY

[0002] In general, aspects of this disclosure are directed to a foldable device including an elastomer structure joined to a foldable display module backplate to mitigate dust ingression. A foldable computing device (e.g., a foldable smartphone, a foldable tablet, etc.) may include at least two assemblies (e.g., panels) and a mechanism configured to allow the assemblies to be moved into a collapsed or folded state in which the device is considered closed and an expanded state in which the device is considered open. For example, a foldable computing device may comprise a first housing assembly that includes a first subset of a plurality of electrical components and a second housing assembly that includes a second subset of the plurality of electrical components. A hinge assembly may be coupled to the first housing assembly such that the hinge assembly facilitates opening and closing of the first housing assembly relative to the second housing assembly. However, at edges of these foldable mobile computing devices, gaps may be present (e.g., between electrical components of the housing assemblies and the mechanical components that provide the folding mechanism). Dust, water, sand, and other particles can enter into these gaps and make contact with the components of the device, which can negatively affect or damage the device's normal functionality.

[0003] In accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure, the foldable computing device may further include an elastomer structure (e.g., a silicone rubber bonding structure) joined to the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly. The elastomerstructure may flex (or stretch) as the first housing assembly moves relative to the second housing assembly (via, e.g., the hinge assembly). The foldable computing device may further include a foldable display module including a backplate and a foldable display that span at least a portion of the foldable display module and at least a portion of the hinge assembly. The elastomer structure may be disposed between an interior of the first housing assembly and a portion of a first region of the backplate, and between an interior of the second housing assembly and a portion of a second region of the second backplate. As such, the elastomer structure may create one or more seals over one or more gaps between the hinge assembly, the interiors of the first and second housing assemblies, and the backplate, which may be present at one or more edges of the foldable computing device. In this way, the elastomer structure may improve resistance of foldable computing devices to dust, water, sand, and other particulates.

[0004] In one example, a foldable computing device comprises a first housing assembly that includes a first subset of a plurality of electrical components; a second housing assembly that includes a second subset of the plurality of electrical components; a hinge assembly coupled to the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly; a foldable display disposed over at least a portion of an interior portion of the first housing assembly, at least as portion of an interior portion of a second housing assembly, and at least a portion of the hinge assembly; and an elastomer structure joined to the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly across the hinge assembly, wherein the elastomer structure flexes as the first housing assembly moves relative to the second housing assembly.

[0005] 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 DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a foldable device including a first housing assembly mechanically joined to a second housing assembly by a hinge assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the foldable device of FIG. 1 in which an elastomer structure provided in accordance with one or more aspects of thisdisc losure is disposed between an interior of the first housing assembly and a portion of a backplate.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a foldable device having an elastomer structure joined to one or more regions of a foldable display backplate, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 4A-4D are diagrams illustrating a sequence in which the elastomer structure of FIG. 3 stretches to accommodate the first housing assembly closing with respect to the second housing assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 is another diagram illustrating a side-view of the foldable device of FIG. 1 in which an elastomer structure provided in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure creates a seal between the hinge assembly, the interiors of the first and second housing assemblies, and the foldable display backplate.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a foldable device including a first housing assembly mechanically joined to a second housing assembly by a hinge assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, a foldable mobile computing device 100 includes foldable display 101, a first housing assembly 102, a second housing assembly 104, and a hinge assembly 106. Second housing assembly 104 may be mechanically coupled to first housing assembly 102 via hinge assembly 106. Foldable mobile computing device 100 may represent any foldable device, including a smartphone, smartwatch, a portable gaming system, a laptop computer, an electronic reading device (so-called “e-reader”), or any other mobile computing device capable of having an expanded display (inc luding a rollable display in which the screen unrolls to expand the display), such as foldable display 101. Moreover, while described with respect to a mobile computing device, various aspects of this disclosure may apply to computer monitors, smart televisions, all-in-one computers, or any other computing device having an expandable display, but which may receive power from a fixed or constant power source and lacks a battery or other portable power source to enable mobile operation.

[0012] First housing assembly 102 may represent a housing assembly configured to house or otherwise secure a subset of electrical components that form foldable mobile computingdevice 100. First housing assembly 102 may be formed from any suitable material, such as carbon fiber, plastic or other polymers, aluminum or other metals, glass, or combinations thereof. Generally, a housing assembly, such as first housing assembly 102, may refer to an exterior shell of the foldable mobile computing device, including any inner molding or other supports to house the subset of electrical components and physical inputs (e.g., buttons, sliders, ports, etc.) and / or provide outlets for outputs (e.g., speaker holes, microphone holes, camera openings, etc. ). Second housing assembly 104 may be similar, if not substantially similar, to first housing assembly 102 in terms of material, and general form factor, but may differ in supports, cutouts, and molding to secure a different subset of the electrical components and inputs (e.g., buttons, sliders, ports - such as headphone ports, charging ports, and the like - etc.) and provide different outlets for outputs.

[0013] Hinge assembly 106 may provide a hinge or folding mechanism, or facilitate opening and closing of foldable computing device 100 in which first housing assembly 102 is operable to rotate around hinge assembly 106 in order to cover, when closed, at least a portion of the interior (which is the top face shown in the example of FIG. 1, where the exterior of housing assemblies 102 / 104 is not shown for ease of illustration) of second housing assembly 104 (and potentially cover the entirety of the interior of second housing assembly 104). In some examples, hinge assembly 106 may be a mechanical hinge. Hinge assembly 106 may also facilitate opening of foldable computing device 100 in which first housing assembly is operable to rotate around hinge assembly 106 to uncover at least the portion of second housing assembly 104. Although described with respect to first housing assembly 102 rotating around hinge assembly 106, one of or both first housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104 may rotate around hinge assembly 106. For example, first housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104 may be configured to rotate about axis 105, which defines a middle axis of hinge assembly 106 in the x-direction.

[0014] Each of first housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104 may include an inner surface or interior and an outer surface or exterior. The outer surface of first housing assembly 102 may be visible when looking down at foldable computing device 100 in the z- axis and the outer surface of second housing assembly 104 may be visible when looking up at device foldable computing 100 in the z-axis. The inner surfaces of first housing assembly102 and second housing assembly 104 may not be externally visible when device 100 is closed.

[0015] As described herein, foldable computing device 100 may include a foldable (or flexible) display 101. Foldable display 101 may be one continuous display that can flex or bend without breaking when first housing assembly 102 moves relative to second housing assembly 104. Foldable display 101 may be disposed, in some instances, over the entirety (or nearly the entirety considering bezels and other holes for placement of ports or other openings to accommodate the electrical components, such as a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a fingerprint reader, etc.) of the interior portion of both first housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104. Foldable display 101 may be capable of rendering data into images viewable by a user of foldable computing device 100. For example, foldable display 101 may include a matrix of pixels that are individually controllable. Examples of foldable display 101 include, but are not limited to, liquid ciystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) displays, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, micro light-emitting diode (microLED) displays, an active matrix OLED (AMOLED, any other display capable of bending or otherwise flexing along an axis (e.g., a middle line of the display either length- or width- wise, such as axis 105), or any similar monochrome or color displays capable of outputting visible information to a user of foldable computing device 100.

[0016] In addition, although not shown in the example of FIG. 1, foldable computing device 100 may include a portable power source (e.g., a battery, such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery) that powers foldable computing device 100 when disconnected from a constant, or continuous power source (such as a direct power supply provided by an electrical outlet). The portable power source may provide a constrained or limited power supply to the electronic components of foldable computing device 100. Such electronic components may include the foldable display, one or more sensors (e.g., a camera - including an infrared camera, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a temperature sensor, a hygrometer, etc.), a fingerprint reader, a processor - including a graphical processing unit, a central processing unit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital analogue converter (DAC ), a video compression processor, or any other processing circuitry, a memory or other storage device (including both volatile and non-volatile memory), or any other electrical component commonly included within smartphones or other computing devices.

[0017] The subset of electrical components housed in first housing assembly 102 to the subset of electrical components housed in second housing assembly 104 may be electrically coupled by, for example, an electrical inter-assembly connecting circuit (e.g., a printed circuit board - PCB). In some examples, the PCB may include physical couplers that facilitate the electrical coupling, where such physical couplers may introduce a vector at which particulates (e.g., dust, sand, etc.) and water may enter one or more of first housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104 that may impact operation of the electrical components supporting operation of foldable computing device 100.

[0018] As described herein, hinge assembly 106 may be disposed between first housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104. Hinge assembly 106 may facilitate opening and closing of first housing assembly 102 relative to second housing assembly 102. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, hinge assembly 106 may be arranged such that there is a first gap 108 A between first housing assembly 102 and hinge assembly 106 and a second gap 108B between second housing assembly 104 and hinge assembly 106. Gap 108 A, gap 108B, and other gaps not shown in the example of FIG. 1 (which may be collectively referred to herein as “gaps 108”) may be present along edges of foldable computing device 100 between hinge assembly 106, first housing assembly 102, second housing assembly 104, and / or between other mechanical structures and electrical components of foldable computing device 100. Thus, if gaps 108 are left unsealed, particulates (e.g., dust, sand, etc.) and water may contact or ingress the electrical components included in first housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104, which may lead to various damages such as delamination, growing dark spots (GDS), horizontal (H)-line, and ultra-thin glass (UTG) crack, which can negatively affect the functionality and longevity of foldable computing device 100.

[0019] First housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104 may include one or more rigid segments (not shown in FIG. 1) positioned on an inner surface of first housing assembly 102 second housing assembly 104 to provide structure for foldable computing device 100. First housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104 may also include one or more flexible segments (not shown in FIG. 1 ) to facilitate closure or folding of foldable computing device 100. In accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure,foldable computing device 100 may include one or more supporting plates (e.g., “backer plates” or “backplates”) (not shown in FIG. 1) configured to render segments of foldable display 101 flexible or rigid. The one or more backplates, which are described with respect to FIG. 2, may be positioned between emissive elements of foldable display 101 (e.g., OLEDs) and the inner surfaces of first housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104.

[0020] In accordance with various aspects described in this disclosure, foldable computing device 100 may also include an elastomer structure 112 joined to first housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104. Elastomer structure 112 may span across hinge assembly 106 and may flex as first housing assembly 102 moves relative to second housing assembly 104 (e.g., as foldable computing device 100 is opened and closed). Furthermore, elastomer structure 112 may span first gap 108 A between the first housing assembly 102 and hinge assembly 106 and second gap 108B between second housing assembly 104 and hinge assembly 106. “Span”, as used throughout this disclosure, may be defined as covering or extending over a specific distance, or covering or extending over a portion or entirety of a specific element / component. Thus, elastomer structure 112 may cover or extend over a portion or the entirety of hinge assembly 106, first gap 108A, and second gap 108B. As such, aspects of this disclosure may provide means for sealing any gaps 108 between hinge assembly 106 and first housing assembly 102 and between hinge assembly 106 second housing assembly 104, such that the electrical components of first housing assembly 102 and second housing assembly 104 are protected from particulate or water ingression. Although only one edge of foldable display 101 is illustrated and described throughout this disclosure, the aspects of this disclosure may be applied to other edges along foldable display 101, such that foldable display 101 may include two or more flexible elastomer structures that seal any gaps between other ends or edges of hinge assembly 106, first housing assembly 102, and second housing assembly 104.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the foldable device of FIG. 1 in which an elastomer structure provided in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure is disposed between an interior of the first housing assembly and a portion of a backplate. Foldable computing device 200 may represent an example of computing device 100, where foldable computing device 200 includes first housing assembly 202, secondhousing assembly 204, and hinge assembly 206 that each represent respective examples of first housing assembly 102, second housing assembly 104, and hinge assembly 106.

[0022] Foldable computing device 200 may include foldable display module 216, which may include a foldable display similar to foldable display 101 of FIG. 1 along with one or more other components, such as backplate 217 that may provide structural support to the foldable display. For instance, foldable display module 216 may comprise backplate 217 having a first region 218 that that may provide structural support to portions of the foldable display proximate to first housing assembly 202, a second region 220 that may provide structural support to portions of the foldable display proximate to second housing assembly 204, and a flexible region 221 that may provide structural support to portions of the foldable display that bend (e.g., proximate to hinge assembly 206).

[0023] In the example of FIG. 2, foldable computing device 200 includes a foldable display edge 210 overlaid on top of a portion of foldable display module 216 and hinge assembly 206 at an edge of foldable computing device 200. Foldable display module 216 further includes backplate 217, which may provide structural support for display components (e.g., pixels or other emissive elements) of display module 216. In some examples, backplate 217 may comprise one or more of stainless steel, aluminum, polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or glass. Foldable display edge 210 may be considered a decorative trim that surrounds one or more edges of a display, such as foldable display 101 of FIG. 1. Foldable display edge 210 may act as a bumper or bezel that absorbs shocks or impacts and prevents direct contact with the display or any components of a foldable display module, such as foldable display module 216. Foldable display edge 210 may be adhered (at least partially) on top of foldable display module 216 and / or hinge assembly 206. In some examples, foldable computing device 200 may include double sided tape 215 that adheres or otherwise joins foldable display edge 210 to a portion of hinge assembly 206.

[0024] As described above, foldable computing device 200 may include an elastomer structure 212 joined to first housing assembly 202 and second housing assembly 204. Elastomer structure 212 may be configured to flex when first housing assembly 202 is at least partially closed relative to second housing assembly 204. As shown in the example of FIG. 2, elastomer structure 212 may span gap 208 A between first housing assembly 202 and hinge assembly 206 and any other gaps (not shown in FIG. 2) between second housingassembly 204 and hinge assembly 206. As such, elastomer structure 212 may be configured to create a seal between hinge assembly 206 and first housing assembly 202 and between hinge assembly 206 second housing assembly 204. Furthermore, as described above, elastomer structure 212 may create a seal that protects the electrical components of first housing assembly 202 and second housing assembly 204 (such as any components of foldable display module 216) from particulate or water ingression.

[0025] Elastomer structure 212 may be flexible and preserve elastomer performance when folding foldable computing device 200. In some examples, elastomer structure 212 is configured to remain flat (with little to no bend or no excess length) when first housing assembly 202 is open relative to second housing assembly 204. Elastomer structure 212 may be configured to flex (e.g., stretch) when first housing assembly 202 is closed relative to second housing assembly 204. As such, elastomer structure 212 may not inhibit the folding mechanism provided by hinge assembly 206.

[0026] Flexible elastomer structure 212 may, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, span hinge assembly 206 and at least a portion of first housing assembly 202 and at least a portion of second housing assembly 204. Flexible elastomer structure 212 may also span at least a majority (e.g., 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%) of a length of hinge assembly 206, and may also span a width of hinge assembly 206 (e.g., 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of the width of hinge assembly 206). As shown in the example of FIG. 2, portions of flexible elastomer structure 212 adjacent to hinge assembly 206 may be joined to a majority of the length of hinge assembly 206 so as to create a barrier. Additionally, flexible elastomer structure 212 may be adhered or joined to backplate 217 of foldable display module 216. Specifically, elastomer structure 212 may be disposed between at least a portion of interior surface 214 of first housing assembly 202 and at least a portion of first region 218 of backplate 217, and between at least a portion of an interior surface of second housing assembly 204 and at least a portion of second region 220 of backplate 217.

[0027] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, elastomer structure 212 spans gap 208A between first housing assembly 202 and hinge assembly 206. As such, elastomer structure 212 may be disposed in gap 208A that is present between hinge assembly 206, first housing assembly 202, foldable display module 216, and any other mechanical and electrical structures described herein. Elastomer structure 212 may create a first seal between hinge assembly206, the portion of interior 214 of first housing assembly 202, and first region 218 of backplate 217. Elastomer structure 212 may create a second seal between hinge assembly 206, the portion of the interior of second housing assembly 204 (not shown in FIG. 2), and second region 220 of backplate 217. In this respect, flexible elastomer structure 212 may be a barrier (e.g., waterproof barrier) that reduces contact of one or more particulates (dust, sand, etc.) and water with the subset of electrical components housed by first housing assembly 202 and the subset of electrical components housed by second housing assembly 204.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a foldable device having an elastomer structure joined to one or more regions of a foldable display backplate, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Foldable computing device 300 of FIG. 3 may be an example of foldable computing device 100 of FIG. 1 and / or foldable computing device 200 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, foldable computing device 300 may include backplate 317 and flexible elastomer structure 312, which may respectively be examples of backplate 217 and flexible elastomer structure 212 of FIG. 2 .

[0029] Similar to backplate 217 of FIG. 2, backplate 317 of FIG. 3 may include first region 318, second region 320, and flexible region 321. Flexible region 321 may be a bending region that includes one or more holes 319 that provide flex when the first housing assembly is at least partially closed relative to the second housing assembly. In some examples, holes 319 may be patterned according to a flex geometry (which may follow axis 105 of FIG. 1 or a middle axis and adjacent portions of hinge assembly 306) that enables foldable computing device 300 to remain flat when the first housing assembly is open relative to the second housing assembly and flex (or stretch) when the first housing assembly is closed relative to the second housing assembly. Holes 319 described herein may be considered etching holes that are etched in the one or more bending regions (e.g., flexible region 321) and / or one or more non-bending regions of backplate 317. In some examples, holes 319 may extend a length ofbackplate 317 (e.g., along all axis 105 ofFIG. I). Holes 319 may include various shapes or geometries. In some examples, holes 319 are formed from one or more of laser etching or chemical etching.

[0030] In accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure, elastomer structure 312 may be joined to backplate 317 via one or more holes in backplate 317. In some examples, first region 318 and / or second region 320 of backplate 317 may include holes configured tojoin with elastomer structure 312. For instance, as shown in the example of FIG. 3, backplate 317 may include one or more holes 322 and one or more holes 324, and elastomer structure 312 may be molded through or joined to holes 322 and holes 324. In some examples, holes 322, holes 324, and / or other additional holes may be etched into regions of backplate 317 that are outside of the bending regions (e.g., outside of flexible region 321). For instance, holes 322 may be included in first region 318 and holes 324 may be included in second region 320. Thus, elastomer structure 312 may be molded through or joined to holes 322, holes 324 and / or additional holes outside of the bending regions. In some examples, at least some of holes 322 and holes 324 may be etched into the one or more bending regions of backplate 317 (e.g., into flexible region 321). Holes 322 and holes 324 may include various shapes or geometries. In some examples, holes 322 and holes 324 are formed from one or more of laser etching or chemical etching.

[0031] In some examples, elastomer structure 312 may be joined to backplate 317 (and molded through holes 322 and holes 324) by one or more of injection molding, compression molding, or co-molding. In some examples, elastomer structure 312 may be chemically joined to backplate 317 (and holes 322 and holes 324) by, for example, an adhesive. Thus, regardless of how elastomer structure 312 is joined to backplate 317, elastomer structure 312 may be incorporated by holes 322 and holes 324. As such, while backplate 317 may be configured as a base structure for a foldable display module of a foldable computing device, backplate 317 may be additionally etched with holes 322 and holes 324 such that backplate 317 is additionally configured to incorporate elastomer structure 312. In this way, backplate 317 may be reused to incorporate elastomer structure 312, and thereby reduce the number of additional components needed to incorporate elastomer structure 312 into the foldable computing device.

[0032] Elastomer structure 312 may vary in size, shape, and / or thickness so as to span one or more gaps between the first housing assembly and the hinge assembly, between the second housing assembly and the hinge assembly, and / or between any other mechanical or electrical components of foldable computing device 300. Specifically, elastomer structure 312 may vary in size, shape, and / or thickness so as to create one or more seals between the hinge assembly, a portion of the interior of the first housing assembly, and backplate 317, between the hinge assembly, the portion of the interior of the second housing assembly, and backplate317, and / or between any other mechanical or electrical components of foldable computing device 300. In some examples, elastomer structure 312 may create a thin seal or micro-seal. Elastomer structure 312 may comprise a thickness between about 20 micrometers (+ / -20%) and about 100 micrometers (+ / - 20%). In some examples, elastomer structure 312 may create a moderately thick seal. Elastomer structure 312 may comprise a thickness between about 100 micrometers (+ / -20%) and about 1000 micrometers (+ / -20%).

[0033] FIGS. 4A-4D are diagrams illustrating a sequence in which the elastomer structure of FIG. 3 stretches to accommodate the first housing assembly closing with respect to the second housing assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. In the examples of FIGS. 4A-4D, elastomer structure 412 may represent an example of elastomer structure 312 shown in FIG. 3, in which elastomer structure 412 may be joined to first housing assembly 404 and second housing assembly 404 across hinge assembly 406, and may flex as first housing assembly 404 moves relative to second housing assembly 404. As described above, foldable computing device 400 (which may be similar if not substantially similar to foldable computing device 100 of FIG. 1, foldable computing device 200 of FIG.2, and / or foldable computing device 300 of FIG. 3) may include one or more foldable display modules (not shown in FIGS. 4A-4D but may be similar if not substantially similar to foldable display module 216 of FIG. 2) including backplate 417 (which may be similar if not substantially similar to backplate 217 of FIG. 2 and backplate 317 of FIG. 3) to which elastomer structure 412 may be joined.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4 A, the shape of elastomer structure 412 may conform to a shape of at least a portion of the gaps present between mechanical and electrical components or structures of foldable computing device 400 (e.g., gaps 108 of FIG. 1) at edges of foldable computing device 400. Elastomer structure 412 may be formed from any suitable flexible elastomer, such as silicone rubber, hi some examples, elastomer structure 412 may comprise one or more of fluoroelastomer, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, chloroprene (neoprene), styrene-butadiene rubber, or polyurethane. In some examples, elastomer structure 412 may comprise one or more of natural rubber, butyl rubber, Hypalon, or polyacrylate.

[0035] As shown in the example of FIG. 4B, elastomer structure 412 may be joined to backplate 417. Backplate 417 may comprise any material suitable for providing the desiredflexibility and bendability of foldable computing device 400. In some examples, as described above, backplate 417 may comprise one or more of stainless steel (SUS), aluminum, polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or glass. In some examples, backplate 417 may comprise other plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. In some examples, backplate 417 may comprise composite materials, such as a combination of fiberglass and resins or carbon fiber composites. In some examples, backplate 417 may comprise magnesium alloys. In some examples, backplate 417 may comprise hybrid substrates including flexible polymers with thin layers of materials such as metal foils or glass. In some examples, backplate 417 may comprise organic materials, such as organic polymers and thin- film organic semiconductors. Thus, the materials chosen for elastomer structure 412 and backplate 417 may be configured to flex and / or fold without breaking or distorting the display (e.g., foldable display 101 of FIG. 1) of foldable computing device 400 when first housing assembly 404 moves relative to second housing assembly 404.

[0036] As described with respect to FIG. 3, elastomer structure 412 may be joined to backplate 417 through a first plurality' of holes 422 etched into first region 418 of backplate417 and a second plurality of holes (not shown in FIGS. 4A-4D) etched into second region 420 of backplate 417. As shown in the example of FIG. 4B, elastomer structure 412 may be molded through the first plurality of holes 422 etched into first region 418 and the second plurality of holes etched into second region 420 by one or more of injection molding, compression molding, or co-molding. As discussed above, the holes in non-bending portions of backplate 417 (e.g., holes 422) may be separate from other holes that facilitate bending in flexible region 421 of backplate 417 (e.g., holes 419 of FIG. 4B), which connects first region418 and second region 420 of backplate 417.

[0037] In the example of FIG. 4B, backplate 417 is shown in a closed position, or when first housing assembly 404 is closed relative to second housing assembly 404 (as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D), which bends elastomer structure 412 along a middle axis and adjacent portions of hinge assembly 406 ( as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D). As such, elastomer structure 412 may stretch to accommodate the curvature created when the first housing assembly (and first region 418 of backplate 417) is partially closed or fully closed relative to the second housing assembly (and second region 420 of backplate 417). Furthermore, elastomer structure 412 may not include an extra width or length to accommodate the curvature created when the firsthousing assembly (and first region 418 of backplate 417) ) is closed relative to the second housing assembly (and second region 420 of backplate 417).

[0038] In the example of FIG. 4C, first housing assembly 404 is closed relative to second housing assembly 404, which bends elastomer structure 412 along a middle axis and adjacent portions of hinge assembly 406. As described herein, elastomer structure 412 may increasingly bend, stretch, or flex as first housing assembly 404 moves relative to second housing assembly 404, such that elastomer structure 412 is maximally stretched or flexed when first housing assembly 404 is almost fully closed relative to bottom housing assembly 404.

[0039] As described above, elastomer structure 412 may be joined to first housing assembly 402, first region 418 of backplate 417, second housing assembly 404, and second region 420 of backplate 417 by one or more of injection molding, compression molding, or co-molding. In the example of injection molding, or liquid injection molding, liquid or molten material may be injected into a mold cavity to form elastomer structure 412. In some examples, the mold cavity’ may be representative of the gaps present between the components of computing device 400. In other examples, the material may be injected directly into the gaps present between the components of computing device 400 to form elastomer structure 412.Elastomer structure 412 may be disposed between at least a portion of interior surface 414 of first housing assembly 402 and at least a portion of first region 418 of backplate 417, and between at least a portion of interior surface 423 of second housing assembly 404 and at least a portion of second region 420 of backplate 417. In these examples, the specific material of elastomer structure 412 may be compatible with the electrical and mechanical components of foldable computing device 400 such that damage (e.g., melting or warping) does not occur due to the temperature or chemical properties of the material when it is injected.Additionally, in some examples, elastomer structure 412 may not come into direct contact with sensitive electronic components of foldable computing device 400 by use of proper mold design, gating, and / or venting to control the flow of material.

[0040] In the example of rubber co-molding, also known as over-molding or two-shot molding, a layer of rubber or elastomeric material may be molded over or around the components of foldable computing device 400 (e.g., the material may fill the cavities or gaps between the components of foldable computing device 400) to create elastomer structure412. In these examples, backplate 417, first interior surface 414 of first housing assembly 402, and / or second interior surface 423 of second housing assembly 404 may be considered base structures or rigid substrates that elastomer structure 412 is molded, bonded, fused, or adhered to. In some examples, a combination of heat and pressure may be applied to elastomer structure 412 and other components of computing device 400 to cure and bond the materials together and create a unified part.

[0041] In the example of compression molding, a predetermined amount of material may be placed into a heated mold cavity to form elastomer structure 412. In some examples, the heated mold cavity may be representative of the gaps present between the components of computing device 400. Heat and pressure may be applied to the mold to cure or set the material within the mold and form elastomer structure 412, which may then be adhered or joined to computing device 400.

[0042] As described above, in some examples, elastomer structure 412 may be chemically joined to first housing assembly 402, second housing assembly 404, and / or backplate 417. Elastomer structure 412 may be molded and adhered to first housing assembly 402, second housing assembly 404, backplate 417, and / or hinge assembly 406 by an adhesive. For example, an adhesive may be applied to interior 414 of first housing assembly 402, interior 423 of second housing assembly 404, backplate 417, and / or an edge or surface of hinge assembly 406. In some examples, a curing process may be applied to elastomer structure 412 and any adhesive used to adhere elastomer structure 412 to first housing assembly 402, housing assembly 404, backplate 417, and / or an edge or surface of hinge assembly 406.

[0043] In the example of FIG. 4D, first housing assembly 402 is closed relative to second housing assembly 404, in which elastomer 412, which is molded through holes (e.g., holes 422) of first region 418 and second region 420 of backplate 417, flexes or stretches in accordance first housing assembly 402, second housing assembly 404, and backplate 417. In some examples, elastomer 412 may be molded through or joined to flexible region 421 of backplate 417 (e.g., elastomer 412 may be molded through or joined to holes 419 of flexible region 421). In some examples, elastomer structure 412 may be joined to first housing assembly 404, second housing assembly 404, and / or backplate 417 such that appropriate spacing exists between the electrical and / or mechanical structures of computing device 400 in the x-, y-, and z- directions. For example, hinge assembly 406 or an area adjacent to hingeassembly 406 may include a cavity into which at least a portion of elastomer structure 412 or other components of computing device 400 may recede when foldable computing device 400 is fully closed. As such, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 4A-4D, elastomer structure 412 may flex (or stretch) around hinge assembly 406 as first housing assembly 404 moves relative to second housing assembly 404 without inhibiting the functionality of hinge assembly 406 and / or any other electrical and / or mechanical structures of computing device 400. In some examples, elastomer structure 412 may not span or fill all gaps present along the edges of computing device 400, such that relevant gaps are maintained between the mechanical and / or electrical structures of computing device 400 in the x-, y-, and z- directions, and the elastomer performance of elastomer structure 412 is maintained when folded with foldable computing device 400.

[0044] FIG. 5 is another diagram illustrating a side-view of the foldable device of FIG. 1 in which an elastomer structure provided in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure creates a seal between the hinge assembly, the interiors of the first and second housing assemblies, and the foldable display backplate. As described herein, elastomer structure 512 may be disposed between at least a portion of interior 514 of first housing assembly 502 and at least a portion of backplate 517, and may be disposed between at least a portion of interior 523 of second housing assembly 504 and at least a portion of backplate 517. Elastomer structure 512 may further span at least an edge of hinge assembly 506, such that elastomer structure 512 may span a length of hinge assembly 506 and a width of hinge assembly 506. Elastomer structure 512 may further create a first seal between hinge assembly 506, the portion of interior 514 of first housing assembly 502, and first region 518 of backplate 517, and create a second seal between hinge assembly 506, the portion of interior 523 of second housing assembly 504, and second region 520 of backplate 517. Backplate 517 (which may be similar if not substantially similar to backplate 217 of FIG. 2, backplate 317 of FIG. 3, and backplate 417 of FIG. 4) may include flexible region 521 that may include one or more holes 519 that provide flex when first housing assembly 202 is at least partially closed relative to second housing assembly 204. Furthermore, backplate 517 may include first region 518 that may include a first plurality of holes 522, and second region 520 that may include a second plurality of holes 524. Elastomer structure 512 may be molded through and / or joined to one or more of holes 522, holes 524, holes 519, hinge assembly 506, firsthousing assembly 502, second housing assembly 504, and any other mechanical or structural components of foldable computing device 500.

[0045] Additionally shown in FIG. 5 are arrows 530A-538, which may represent a gradual decline of resistance from first housing assembly 502 and second housing assembly 504 toward a middle axis of hinge assembly 506 when first housing assembly 502 moves relative to second housing assembly 504, or when foldable computing device 500 is closed or folded. As shown in FIG. 5, first housing assembly 502 ( which may represent an example of first housing assembly 102, 202, 302, and 402, of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively) may provide a high level of resistance 530A (relative to resistance 532A-538). Second housing assembly 504 (which may represent an example of second housing assembly 104, 204, 304, and 404, of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively) may provide a similar, if not substantially similar, high level of resistance 530B. Therefore, portions of elastomer structure 512 farthest from the middle axis of hinge assembly 506, or at edges of elastomer structure 512, may also provide high levels of resistance 530A and 530B. As such, the edges of elastomer structure 512 farthest from the middle axis of hinge assembly 506 may experience an “edge effect”, in which the edges are anchored or constrained to adjacent structures, such as first housing assembly 502 and second housing assembly 504, and therefore experience the greatest amount of resistance. As shown in the example of FIG. 5, the middle of elastomer structure 512, or portions of elastomer structure 512 that are closest to the middle axis of hinge assembly 506 (e.g., proximate to flexible region 521 of backplate 517) may experience a “middle effect”, in which the middle portions are the farthest from the points of constraint or support (e.g., first housing assembly 502 and second housing assembly 504), and therefore experience the least amount of resistance. As such, the portions of elastomer structure 512 that are closest to the middle axis of hinge assembly 506 (e.g., portions of elastomer structure 512 that are proximate to and / or joined to flexible region 521 and / or holes 519 of flexible region 521) may be relatively free to deform or bend over or around hinge assembly 506 when hinge assembly 506 provides a hinge or folding mechanism to close or move first housing assembly 502 relative to second housing assembly 504.

[0046] In this way, elastomer structure 512 may not inhibit the opening or closing of foldable computing device 500 (and from a user perspective, in terms of detecting different levels of resistance, provide a smooth and nonresistant transition from an open configuration to aclosed configuration for foldable computing device 500) or the operation of hinge assembly 506, in which resistance 532A / 532B is slightly (e.g., about 5%-l 0%) less than resistance 530A / 530B, resistance 534A / 534B is slightly (e.g., about 5%-10%) less than resistance 532A / 532B, resistance 536A''536B is slightly (e.g., about 5%-10%) less than resistance 534A / 534B, and resistance 538 is slightly (e.g., about 5%-10%) less than resistance 536A / 536B.

[0047] In this respect, elastomer structure 512 may not provide a uniform stiffness (or resistance) but instead may deform when subjected to stress (e.g., when first housing assembly 502 is closed relative to second housing assembly 504) and return to its original shape when the stress is removed (e.g., when first housing assembly 502 is open relative to second housing assembly 504). Furthermore, as described herein, elastomer structure 512 may reduce contact of one or more of particulates and water with the plurality' of electrical components of computing device 500. Thus, the aspects described may help to maintain the functionality of computing device 500 and improve the longevity of computing device 500 without inhibiting the flexibility or folding mechanisms of foldable computing device 500.

[0048] Various aspects have been described in this disclosure. These and other aspects are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A foldable computing device comprising: a first housing assembly that includes a first subset of a plurality of electrical components; a second housing assembly that includes a second subset of the plurality of electrical components; a hinge assembly coupled to the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly; a foldable display disposed over at least a portion of an interior portion of the first housing assembly, at least as portion of an interior portion of a second housing assembly, and at least a portion of the hinge assembly; and an elastomer structure joined to the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly across the hinge assembly, wherein the elastomer structure flexes as the first housing assembly moves relative to the second housing assembly.

2. The foldable computing device of claim 1, wherein the hinge assembly is disposed between the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly, wherein the hinge assembly facilitates opening and closing of the first housing assembly relative to the second housing assembly, and wherein the hinge assembly is arranged such that there is a first gap between the first housing assembly and the hinge assembly and a second gap between the second housing assembly and the hinge assembly.

3. The foldable computing device of claim 2, wherein the elastomer structure spans a length of the hinge assembly.

4. The device of any combination of claims 2 and 3, wherein the elastomer structure spans a width of the hinge assembly.

5. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 2-4, wherein the elastomer structure spans the first gap between the first housing assembly and the hinge assembly and the second gap between the second housing assembly and the hinge assembly.

6. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 1-5, further comprising: a backplate having a first region that supports portions of the foldable display proximate to the first housing assembly, a second region that supports portions of the foldable display proximate to the second housing assembly, and a flexible region that supports portions of the foldable display proximate to the hinge assembly.

7. The foldable computing device of claim 6, wherein the backplate comprises one or more of stainless steel, aluminum, polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or glass.

8. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 6 and 7, wherein the elastomer structure is disposed between at least a portion of an interior of the first housing assembly and at least a portion of the first region of the backplate, and wherein the elastomer structure is disposed between at least a portion of an interior of the second housing assembly and at least a portion of the second region of the backplate.

9. The foldable computing device of claim 8, wherein the elastomer structure creates a first seal between the hinge assembly, the portion of the interior of the first housing assembly, and the first region of the backplate, and wherein the elastomer structure creates a second seal between the hinge assembly, the portion of the interior of the second housing assembly, and the second region of the backplate.

10. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 6-9, wherein the flexible region of the backplate includes one or more holes that provide flex when the first housing assembly is at least partially closed relative to the second housing assembly.

11. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 6-10, wherein the first region of the backplate includes a first plurality of holes, wherein the second region of the backplate includes a second plurality of holes, and wherein the elastomer structure is molded through the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes.

12. The foldable computing device of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of holes and tire second plurality of holes are formed from one or more of laser etching or chemical etching.

13. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 6-12, wherein the elastomer structure is joined to the first housing assembly, the second housing assembly, and the backplate by one or more of injection molding, compression molding, or co-molding.

14. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 6-12, wherein the elastomer structure is chemically joined to the first housing assembly, the second housing assembly, and the backplate.

15. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 1-14, wherein the elastomer structure reduces contact of one or more of particulates and water with the first subset of the plurality of electrical components and the second subset of the plurality of electrical components.

16. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 1-15, wherein the elastomer structure comprises one or more of silicone rubber, fluoroelastomer, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, neoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, or polyurethane.

17. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 1-16, wherein the elastomer structure spans at least an edge of the hinge assembly.

18. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 1 -17, wherein the elastomer structure comprises a thickness between about 20 micrometers and about 100 micrometers.

19. The foldable computing device of any combination of claims 1-18, wherein elastomer structure comprises a thickness between about 100 micrometers and about 1000 micrometers.

Images