Case for electronic device, and electronic device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a case for an electronic device, and an electronic device. The case comprises a case body region, a first functional region, and a second functional region. The first functional region is used to arrange a first display screen, and the second functional region is provided with a touch keyboard module. When the touch keyboard module is powered on, the touch keyboard module develops a touch keyboard in the second functional region and enables a touch function of the touch keyboard. When the touch keyboard module is powered off, the touch keyboard module hides the touch keyboard in the second functional region and turns off the touch function of the touch keyboard. On the basis of the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application, the use functions of the case of the electronic device can be broadened, so that greater use convenience is provided for a user.

Description

Housings for electronic devices and electronic devices

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 22, 2024, with application number 202410087597.1 and application name “Casing for electronic device and electronic device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of electronic devices, and in particular to a housing for an electronic device and the electronic device. Background Art

[0004] With the continuous development of electronic device technology, users have increasingly demanded more personalized features for electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets. The housing of electronic devices has become a key consideration in meeting these needs. Expanding the functionality of electronic device housings to provide greater user convenience is a major research topic for those skilled in the art.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a housing for an electronic device and the electronic device, so as to expand the use functions of the housing of the electronic device and provide more convenience for users.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present application, a shell for an electronic device is provided, which includes a shell body area, a first functional area and a second functional area, wherein the first functional area is used to set a first display screen, and the second functional area is provided with a touch keyboard module. When the touch keyboard module is powered on, the touch keyboard module displays a touch keyboard in the second functional area and turns on the touch function of the touch keyboard. When the touch keyboard module is powered off, the touch keyboard module hides the touch keyboard in the second functional area and turns off the touch function of the touch keyboard.

[0008] The housing of the embodiment of the present application not only has a display function, but also has a touch keyboard function. When the touch keyboard module is powered on, the user can input commands through the touch keyboard displayed in the second functional area. When the touch keyboard module is powered off, the touch keyboard can be hidden in the second functional area, thereby giving the housing a relatively simple and coordinated overall appearance. Therefore, when the housing is applied to an electronic device, on the one hand, it can provide a touch keyboard function, expand the functional use of the housing, and thus provide more convenience for the user. On the other hand, the expansion of the functional use of the housing has little impact on the overall appearance of the electronic device, and the housing of the electronic device can still have a relatively simple and coordinated overall appearance.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the touch keyboard module is powered off, the second functional area merges with the outer shell body. This embodiment can reduce or even eliminate the impact of the touch keyboard module on the overall appearance of the outer shell when powered off, resulting in a simpler and more coordinated appearance. This allows for greater flexibility and variety in the outer shell design.

[0010] In some embodiments, the touch keyboard module includes an electrochromic display layer and a transparent touch layer, and the housing includes an inner support layer and an exterior layer. The inner support layer, electrochromic display layer, transparent touch layer, and exterior layer are stacked in this order. This simplifies the manufacturing process and facilitates a lightweight and thin housing design.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electrochromic display layer includes a first transparent electrode layer, an electrochromic material layer, and a second transparent electrode layer stacked in sequence, or the electrochromic display layer includes a first transparent electrode layer, an electrochromic material layer, an electrolyte layer, an ion storage layer, and a second transparent electrode layer stacked in sequence, wherein the electrochromic material layer has a pattern consistent with the touch keyboard. When the touch keyboard module is powered off, the electrochromic material layer exhibits a first visual characteristic. When the touch keyboard module is powered on, an electric field is formed between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, causing the electrochromic material layer to exhibit a second visual characteristic. The second visual characteristic has a different color and / or transparency than the first visual characteristic.

[0012] Because electrochromic materials are bi-stable, the electrochromic display layer consumes virtually no power when powered on to display the touch keyboard pattern, resulting in excellent energy efficiency. Consequently, the touch keyboard module consumes less power. Furthermore, compared to other display technologies, electrochromic display layers offer advantages such as blind spot mitigation, high contrast, increased reliability, thinness, and lower cost.

[0013] In some embodiments, the exterior layer is colorless and transparent, and the first visual characteristic is colorless and transparent. When the touch keyboard module is powered off, the electrochromic material layer exhibits the first visual characteristic of colorless and transparent, thereby making the touch keyboard module appear colorless and transparent, allowing it to be hidden in the second functional area. In this case, the visual characteristics of the inner support layer become the primary factor affecting the appearance of the housing, resulting in a simpler and more coordinated overall appearance and greater design flexibility.

[0014] In some embodiments, the exterior layer is a colorless and transparent exterior layer, and the inner support layer includes a laminated base layer and an ink layer. The ink layer is located on the side of the base layer facing the exterior layer, and the first visual characteristic is consistent with the visual characteristic of the ink layer. The material and appearance of the ink layer can be selected and designed based on the first and second visual characteristics of the electrochromic material layer. This, on the one hand, allows for a wider range of material options for the electrochromic material layer, and more flexible and diverse exterior design for the housing. On the other hand, through appropriate material selection and design, the second visual characteristic of the electrochromic material layer can be made more prominent against the background, thereby allowing the touch keyboard to be more clearly displayed in the second functional area.

[0015] In some embodiments, the touch keyboard includes an input method keyboard. Based on the design of this embodiment, the housing of the electronic device not only has a display function, but also has text input and editing functions, and the user can conveniently input and edit text through the input method keyboard displayed in the second function area.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing body is provided with an on / off key, which is used to trigger the touch keyboard module to switch between power on and power off, thereby making it easier for the user to switch the touch keyboard module between power on and power off.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing further includes at least one third functional area, each of which is used to house a functional module, including at least one of a camera, a flash, a sensor, a speaker, or a microphone. This embodiment can further expand the functional capabilities of the housing of the electronic device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electronic device is a candy-bar electronic device and the housing is a candy-bar housing; or the electronic device is a foldable electronic device and the housing is a foldable housing, the housing comprising a first portion and a second portion located on either side of the folding axis thereof, wherein the housing body area, the first functional area, and the second functional area are located in the first portion. The housing designed in the embodiments of the present application can be used with any electronic device in any form.

[0019] In some embodiments, the electronic device is a foldable electronic device, and the housing is a foldable housing. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion located on either side of a folding axis thereof, wherein the housing body area, the first functional area, and the second functional area are located in the first portion, and the first functional area and the second functional area are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the folding axis, or the first functional area and the second functional area are arranged in a direction parallel to the folding axis. The electronic device can be a foldable electronic device that is unfolded by flipping the cover upward, flipping the cover downward, flipping the cover leftward, or flipping the cover rightward.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present application, an electronic device is provided, comprising a housing according to any of the aforementioned embodiments, and a first display screen disposed in a first functional area of ​​the housing. The electronic device of the embodiment of the present application can take into account both functional expansion of the housing and the coordination of the overall appearance.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electronic device further includes a processing chip electrically connected to the first display screen and the touch keyboard module. The processing chip is configured to: when the touch keyboard module is powered on, obtain keystroke messages from the touch keyboard; and send input instructions matching the keystroke messages to the first display screen, so that the first display screen displays a response based on the input instructions. In this way, the instructions entered by the user through the touch keyboard can be displayed in real time on the first display screen.

[0022] In some embodiments, the touch keyboard module is switched between power on and power off by triggering at least one of a physical key, a virtual key, or software. The user can choose to turn the touch keyboard module on or off according to usage requirements.

[0023] In some embodiments, the electronic device is a foldable electronic device, the shell is a foldable shell, the shell includes a first part and a second part located on both sides of its folding axis, wherein the shell body area, the first functional area and the second functional area are located in the first part; the electronic device also includes a second display screen, the second display screen is a foldable display screen, the second display screen is connected to the folding inner side of the first part and the second part, and is arranged back to the first display screen.

[0024] When the electronic device is folded, its first display can display some information, such as clock information, weather information, incoming call information, text messages, or notification messages. If the user needs to use the second display, the electronic device can be unfolded to obtain a better screen experience. If the user does not need or does not want to use the larger second display, the user can use the powered touch keyboard module in the folded state to input commands, which is very convenient and portable.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first portion further includes at least one third functional area; the electronic device further includes at least one functional module corresponding to the at least one third functional area, each of the at least one functional module including at least one of a camera, a flash, a sensor, a speaker, or a microphone. This embodiment places the functional modules in the first portion of the housing, thereby further expanding the functionality of the housing and providing greater convenience for users using the electronic device.

[0026] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a foldable mobile phone, a foldable tablet computer, or a foldable wearable device. The specific product type of the electronic device is not limited. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a front structural view of a housing for an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present application, wherein the left figure illustrates a touch keyboard module in a power-off state, and the right figure illustrates a touch keyboard module in a power-on state;

[0028] FIG2A is a schematic diagram of a front view of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0029] FIG2B is a front structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0030] FIG2C is a schematic diagram of a rear view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0031] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a housing at AA in FIG1 according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a disassembled laminated structure of a second functional area of ​​a housing according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0033] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a disassembled laminated structure of a second functional area of ​​a housing according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the housing for an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present application, wherein the left figure illustrates the situation where the touch keyboard module is in a power-off state, and the right figure illustrates the situation where the touch keyboard module is in a power-on state.

[0035] Reference numerals:

[0036] 500 - electronic device; 100 - housing; 10 - housing body area; 101 - first functional area; 11 - first display screen; 102 - second functional area;

[0037] 21-touch keyboard module; 210-touch keyboard; 21a-power on state; 21b-power off state; 103-second function area; 31-function module;

[0038] 211 - electrochromic display layer; 212 - transparent touch layer; 104 - inner support layer; 105 - exterior layer; 1042 - ink layer; 107 - adhesive layer;

[0039] 111 - first transparent electrode layer; 112 - electrochromic material layer; 113 - second transparent electrode layer; 114 - electrolyte layer; 115 - ion storage layer;

[0040] 106 - power button; 100a - first part; 100b - second part; 120 - processing chip; 130 - second display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions "a", "an", "said", "above", "the", and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "a specific embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0044] In some related technologies, foldable electronic devices, such as foldable mobile phones and foldable tablets, have an external display screen on their housing. This external display screen can display information such as clock information, weather information, incoming call information, text messages, or notification messages when the foldable electronic device is folded. The shape and size of this external display screen can be designed as needed. It generally does not have a touch function, or, if it does have a touch function, it is limited to simple touch operations such as making calls and viewing messages.

[0045] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a housing for an electronic device and an electronic device, so as to expand the use functions of the housing of the electronic device and thus provide more convenience for users.

[0046] The specific product types of the electronic devices in the embodiments of the present application include but are not limited to bar-type mobile phones, folding mobile phones, bar-type tablet computers, folding tablet computers, bar-type wearable devices, or folding wearable devices, etc.

[0047] The electronic device in the embodiment of the present application may include one or more display screens.

[0048] For example, an electronic device such as a bar-type mobile phone or a bar-type tablet computer may include a secondary display screen located on the back shell (the secondary display screen is, for example, the first display screen mentioned in some embodiments below) and a main display screen located on the front.

[0049] For example, for electronic devices such as foldable mobile phones, foldable tablets, or foldable wearable devices, they may include a secondary display screen located on the outside of the fold and on one side of the folding axis (the secondary display screen is, for example, the first display screen mentioned below) and a foldable main display screen located on the inside of the fold (the foldable main display screen is, for example, the second display screen mentioned in some embodiments below).

[0050] For example, for electronic devices such as foldable mobile phones, foldable tablets, or foldable wearable devices, they may include a secondary display screen located on the outside of the fold and on one side of the folding axis (the secondary display screen is, for example, the first display screen mentioned below), and a main display screen located on the inside of the fold and on one side of the folding axis.

[0051] More product forms of the electronic devices according to the embodiments of the present application are not listed here one by one.

[0052] The housing in the embodiments of the present application can provide mounting, storage, support, and protection for other structures of the electronic device. As part of the exterior structure of the electronic device, the housing can be, but is not limited to, the back cover of a bar-type electronic device or the foldable housing of a foldable electronic device. The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, it is a schematic diagram of the main view structure of a housing 100 for an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present application, wherein "main view" can be understood as observing from the side of the housing 100 facing away from its accommodating space. The housing 100 includes a shell body area 10, a first functional area 101, and a second functional area 102, wherein the first functional area 101 is used to set a first display screen 11, and the second functional area 102 is provided with a touch keyboard module 21. As shown in the right figure in the figure, when the touch keyboard module 21 is powered on, that is, the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-on state 21a, in this case, the touch keyboard module 21 can display the touch keyboard 210 in the second functional area 102 and turn on the touch function of the touch keyboard 210 (in the right figure, the style of the touch keyboard 210 is only for illustration, and the actual product is not limited to being designed in this style). As shown in the left figure, when the touch keyboard module 21 is powered off, that is, the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-off state 21b, in this case, the touch keyboard module 21 hides the touch keyboard 210 in the second function area 102 and turns off the touch function of the touch keyboard 210 (in the left figure, the dotted box is only used to illustrate the second function area 102, which may not exist in the actual product).

[0054] In the embodiments of this application, the housing body area 10, the first functional area 101, the second functional area 102, and the third functional area 103 described below can be understood as areas of the housing 100 divided according to different design functions. For example, the housing body area 10 primarily provides installation, storage, support, and protection for other components and serves as part of the electronic device's exterior structure; the first functional area 101 primarily functions as a display; and the second functional area 102 primarily functions as a touch display. The touch keyboard 210 being visible or concealed within the second functional area 102 can be understood as being visible or concealed within the exterior of the second functional area 102.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present application, the first display screen 11 can be manufactured integrally with the housing 100, so that the product structure of the housing 100 includes the first display screen 11. In other embodiments of the present application, the first display screen 11 and the housing 100 can also be manufactured separately and then assembled together during the assembly process of the electronic device.

[0056] The housing 100 of the present embodiment not only has a display function but also a touch keyboard function. When the touch keyboard module 21 is in the powered-on state 21a (as shown in the right image of FIG1 ), the user can input commands via the touch keyboard 210 displayed in the second functional area 102. When the touch keyboard module 21 is in the powered-off state 21b (as shown in the left image of FIG1 ), the touch keyboard 210 can be hidden in the second functional area 102, thereby giving the housing 100 a relatively simple and harmonious overall appearance.

[0057] Therefore, the housing 100 of the embodiment of the present application is applied to an electronic device. On the one hand, it can provide a touch keyboard function, expand the usage function of the housing 100, and thus provide more convenience for the user; on the other hand, the expansion of the usage function of the housing 100 has little impact on the overall appearance of the electronic device, and the housing 100 of the electronic device can still have a relatively simple and coordinated overall appearance.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present application, the electronic device may be a non-foldable bar-type electronic device, and thus, the housing 100 may be a non-foldable bar-type housing 100. Product types of bar-type electronic devices include, but are not limited to, bar-type mobile phones or bar-type tablet computers. The bar-type housing 100 is located on the back of the bar-type electronic device, and thus, the first display screen 11 and the touch keyboard module 21 are also correspondingly located on the back of the bar-type electronic device. For a bar-type electronic device, its front side and back side are opposite, wherein the front side can be understood as the side of the electronic device where the main display screen or main operation panel is provided, or the side that is more frequently used by the user.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present application, the electronic device 500 may be a foldable electronic device, and thus the housing 100 may be a foldable housing. Examples of these electronic devices 500 include, but are not limited to, foldable mobile phones, foldable tablets, or foldable wearable devices.

[0060] As shown in FIG2A , it shows a schematic diagram of the front view structure of the foldable electronic device in some embodiments of the present application in the folded state, wherein “front view” can be understood as the electronic device 500 in the folded state, as viewed from the side thereof provided with the first display screen 11. As shown in FIG2B , it shows a schematic diagram of the front view structure of the foldable electronic device in some embodiments of the present application in the unfolded state, wherein “front view” can be understood as the electronic device 500 in the unfolded state, as viewed from the opposite side of its housing 100. As shown in FIG2C , it shows a schematic diagram of the rear view structure of the foldable electronic device in some embodiments of the present application in the unfolded state, wherein “rear view” can be understood as the electronic device 500 in the unfolded state, as viewed from one side of its housing 100.

[0061] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, for a foldable electronic device, the housing 100 may include a first part 100a and a second part 100b located on both sides of its folding axis S, and the above-mentioned shell body area 10, first functional area 101, and second functional area 102 may be located in the first part 100a.

[0062] As shown in FIG2A , in some embodiments of the present application, the first functional area 101 and the second functional area 102 may be arranged along a direction orthogonal to the folding axis S. The first functional area 101 may be adjacent to the folding axis S, such that the second functional area 102 is located on a side of the first functional area 101 further away from the folding axis S. In other embodiments of the present application, the second functional area 102 may be adjacent to the folding axis S, such that the first functional area 101 is located on a side of the second functional area 102 further away from the folding axis S. In still other embodiments of the present application, the first and second functional areas may also be arranged along a direction parallel to the folding axis.

[0063] The electronic device 500 to which the housing 100 of these embodiments is applied may be, for example, a foldable electronic device that is unfolded by an upward flip operation (as shown in FIG2A , FIG2B , and FIG2C ), a foldable electronic device that is unfolded by a downward flip operation, a foldable electronic device that is unfolded by a left flip operation, or a foldable electronic device that is unfolded by a right flip operation. This embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present application, the first functional area 101 and the second functional area 102 may also be arranged in a direction parallel to the folding axis S. Similarly, electronic devices using the housings of these embodiments may be, for example, foldable electronic devices that unfold by flipping upward, folding downward, folding leftward, or folding rightward. These embodiments are not illustrated in the drawings and are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0065] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific shapes of the first functional area 101 and the second functional area 102. For example, in some embodiments, the first functional area 101 and the second functional area 102 can be rectangular (as shown in FIG. 2A ) or rounded rectangular, respectively. For example, in some embodiments, the first functional area can be circular, and the second functional area can be rectangular or rounded rectangular. For example, in some embodiments, the first functional area can be rectangular or rounded rectangular, and the second functional area can be a "convex" shape or a "concave" shape or other special-shaped design. More embodiments of the shapes of the first functional area 101 and the second functional area 102 are not listed here one by one.

[0066] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the area ratio of the first functional area 101 and the second functional area 102. The area of ​​the first functional area 101 can be larger than, smaller than, or equal to the area of ​​the second functional area 102. In some embodiments, when the first display screen 11 occupies a small area, the area of ​​the second functional area 102 can be designed to be larger than the area of ​​the first functional area 101, thereby providing a larger touch area. The keys of the touch keyboard 210 can be designed to be relatively larger, which is more convenient for users to perform touch operations.

[0067] The present embodiment of the application does not limit the specific functions and appearance of the touch keyboard 210. The touch keyboard 210 can be designed accordingly based on the product requirements of the electronic device 500. For example, the touch keyboard 210 can be a numeric input keyboard for numeric input, a dialing keyboard for making phone calls, or an input method keyboard for text input and editing. Each key of the touch keyboard 210 can have one or more command input functions, and some keys can also be used in combination to jointly support a command input function. This embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present application, the touch keyboard 210 may be an input-method keyboard. As shown in the right figure of FIG1 , when the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-on state 21a, the second functional area 102 displays an input-method keyboard, and the input-method keyboard supports touch operations. In this way, the processing chip 120 of the electronic device 500 (see FIG2A , the specific location of which is not limited) can obtain keystroke messages from the input-method keyboard and send input instructions matching the keystroke messages to the first display screen 11, so that the first display screen 11 displays a response based on the input instructions, for example, displaying the input text content, deleting text, inserting text, or copying and pasting text, etc.

[0069] The principle of the input method is to convert the pinyin, strokes or other input methods input by the user into corresponding Chinese characters or characters. The operation process of the input method includes input, conversion and output. There are many conversion algorithms for the input method, such as a vocabulary-based matching algorithm, a statistics-based language model algorithm, a neural network-based deep learning algorithm, etc. There are many output methods for the input method, such as direct output, candidate box output, associative output, etc. In the embodiment of the present application, the input of the input method can be implemented through the touch keyboard 210, the conversion of the input method can be implemented through the processing chip 120, and the output of the input method can be implemented through the first display screen 11. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific implementation method of the input method, which may include but is not limited to the pinyin input method or the Wubi input method, etc. Correspondingly, the touch keyboard 210 may include but is not limited to the pinyin input keyboard or the Wubi input keyboard, etc.

[0070] Based on the design of this embodiment, the housing 100 of the electronic device 500 not only has a display function, but also has text input and editing functions. The user can conveniently input and edit text through the input method keyboard displayed in the second function area 102.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present application, when the touch keyboard module 21 is powered off, that is, when the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-off state 21b, as shown in the left figure in FIG. 1 , the second functional area 102 is integrated with the appearance of the shell body area 10 .

[0072] “The appearance of the second functional area 102 and the shell body area 10 are integrated into one” can be understood as that the appearance of the second functional area 102 and the shell body area 10 are consistent or relatively coordinated, so that the boundary between the two is not easy to identify visually. For example, in some embodiments, when the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-off state 21b, the appearance of the second functional area 102 and the shell body area 10 can present some of the same visual features; for example, present the same color features. For another example, in some embodiments, when the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-off state 21b, the appearance of the second functional area 102 and the shell body area 10 can present a visual feature of a gradient without dividing lines, for example, a color with a gradient without dividing lines. More design solutions are not listed here one by one.

[0073] This embodiment can reduce or even eliminate the impact of the touch keyboard module 21 in the power-off state 21b on the overall appearance of the housing 100, making the appearance of the housing 100 simpler and more coordinated. In this way, the appearance design style of the housing 100 can be more flexible and varied.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present application, the housing 100 has a laminated structure and can be manufactured through a lamination process. The touch keyboard module 21 is formed during the lamination process of the housing 100. This not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also facilitates a lightweight and thin design for the housing 100. In other embodiments of the present application, the touch keyboard module 21 can also be manufactured separately and then assembled to the second functional area 102 through a fixing method such as bonding.

[0075] In the embodiment of the present application, the touch keyboard module 21 can realize the display of the touch keyboard 210 on the appearance of the second functional area 102 through various design solutions.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, it illustrates a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the housing 100 at AA in Figure 1 according to some embodiments of the present application. In this embodiment, the housing 100 may have a laminated structure and be manufactured through a lamination process. The housing 100 may include an inner support layer 104, an electrochromic display layer 211, a transparent touch layer 212, and an exterior layer 105, which are stacked sequentially from the inside to the outside. The electrochromic display layer 211 and the transparent touch layer 212 are the main structures of the touch keyboard module 21.

[0077] In the embodiment of the present application, the inner support layer 104 can be used to provide support and a manufacturing basis for other structures of the housing 100. The exterior layer 105 is used to strengthen the structural strength of the housing 100 and provide protection for the internal structure. It can be a colorless and transparent exterior layer, or it can have a certain color and / or pattern. In addition, the material of the exterior layer 105 should support the implementation of the touch function. In the case where the exterior layer 105 is a colorless and transparent exterior layer, the touch keyboard module 21 and the inner support layer 104 are the main factors affecting the appearance of the housing 100. The material type of the exterior layer 105 and the inner support layer 104 is not limited. For example, the main material of the exterior layer 105 can be glass, plastic, or resin, and the main material of the inner support layer 104 can be alloy, plastic, or resin. As shown in FIG3 , since the electrochromic display layer 211 and the transparent touch layer 212 have a certain thickness, in order to maintain a consistent spacing between the appearance layer 105 and the inner support layer 104 , a glue layer 107 can be provided between the appearance layer 105 and the inner support layer 104 . The glue layer 107 can also play a role in structural reinforcement.

[0078] Electrochromism (EC) is the phenomenon in which a material's optical properties (such as reflectivity, transmittance, and absorptivity) undergo stable and reversible changes under the influence of an applied electric field. Electrochromism manifests itself as a reversible change in the color and / or transparency of the electrochromic material. The basic principle is that an electric field causes an electrochromic material to undergo an oxidation-reduction reaction, which alters the material's optical properties and, in turn, changes its color and / or transparency.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present application, the electrochromic display layer 211 can be used to realize the display and appearance concealment of the touch keyboard 210. For example, as shown in Figure 4, it illustrates a schematic diagram of the layer structure disassembly of the housing 100 in the second functional area 102 according to some embodiments of the present application. In these embodiments, the electrochromic display layer 211 includes a first transparent electrode layer 111, an electrochromic material layer 112, and a second transparent electrode layer 113 stacked in sequence, wherein the electrochromic material layer 112 has a pattern consistent with the touch keyboard 210. The first transparent electrode layer 111, the electrochromic material layer 112, and the second transparent electrode layer 113 can be arranged in sequence in a direction away from the inner support layer 104, or in a direction close to the inner support layer 104. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, when the touch keyboard module 21 is powered off, that is, when the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-off state 21b, the electrochromic material layer 112 can present a first visual feature; when the touch keyboard module 21 is powered on, that is, when the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-on state 21a, an electric field is formed between the first transparent electrode layer 111 and the second transparent electrode layer 113, causing the electrochromic material layer 112 to produce an electrochromic phenomenon, thereby presenting a second visual feature, wherein the second visual feature is different from the first visual feature in color and / or transparency.

[0080] The material type of the first transparent electrode layer 111 and the second transparent electrode layer 113 is not limited, and may include, for example, at least one of indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, or nanosilver. The specific material type of the electrochromic material layer 112 is not limited, and may include inorganic electrochromic materials such as tungsten trioxide, or organic electrochromic materials such as polythiophenes and their derivatives, viologens, tetrathiafulvalene, and metallophthalocyanine compounds. When different electrochromic materials are used for the electrochromic material layer 112, the color and / or transparency exhibited under the action of an electric field may vary.

[0081] As shown in FIG5 , which illustrates a schematic diagram of the disassembled layer structure of the housing 100 in the second functional area 102 according to some embodiments of the present application, in these embodiments, the electrochromic display layer 211 can also be designed to include a first transparent electrode layer 111, an electrochromic material layer 112, an electrolyte layer 114, an ion storage layer 115, and a second transparent electrode layer 113 stacked in sequence, wherein the electrochromic material layer 112 has a pattern consistent with the touch keyboard 210. The first transparent electrode layer 111, the electrochromic material layer 112, the electrolyte layer 114, the ion storage layer 115, and the second transparent electrode layer 113 can be sequentially arranged in a direction away from the inner support layer 104, or in a direction approaching the inner support layer 104. 1 and 5 , similarly, when the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-off state 21b, the electrochromic material layer 112 presents a first visual feature; when the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-on state 21a, an electric field is formed between the first transparent electrode layer 111 and the second transparent electrode layer 113, causing the electrochromic material layer 112 to produce an electrochromic phenomenon, thereby presenting a second visual feature, wherein the second visual feature is different from the first visual feature in color and / or transparency.

[0082] The material types of the first transparent electrode layer 111, the second transparent electrode layer 113, and the electrochromic material layer 112 are not limited and can be selected with reference to the aforementioned embodiments. The electrolyte layer 114 allows light to pass through while providing color-changing ions and blocking electrons. The material of the electrolyte layer 114 may include, but is not limited to, lithium perchlorate or sodium perchlorate. The ion storage layer 115 stores corresponding counterions when the electrochromic material layer 112 undergoes an oxidation-reduction reaction, thereby maintaining the charge balance of the entire system. In some embodiments, the ion storage layer 115 may include an electrochromic material having a color-changing property opposite to that of the electrochromic material layer 112. In this way, the ion storage layer 115 can play a role in color superposition or complementation with the electrochromic material layer 112. For example, the electrochromic material layer 112 may include an anodic oxidation color-changing material, and the ion storage layer 115 may include a cathode reduction color-changing material.

[0083] Because electrochromic materials exhibit bi-stable properties, the electrochromic display layer 211 consumes virtually no power when powered on to display the pattern of the touch keyboard 210, resulting in excellent energy efficiency. Consequently, the touch keyboard module 21 also consumes less power. Furthermore, compared to other display technologies, the electrochromic display layer 211 offers advantages such as blind spot mitigation, high contrast, increased reliability, reduced weight, and lower cost.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present application, the appearance layer 105 of the shell 100 is a colorless and transparent appearance layer. When the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-off state 21b, the first visual feature presented by the electrochromic material layer 112 is colorless and transparent. Therefore, the appearance of the touch keyboard module 21 is also colorless and transparent, and can be hidden in the second functional area 102, that is, hidden in the appearance of the second functional area 102. At this time, the visual characteristics of the inner supporting layer 104 become the main factors affecting the appearance of the shell 100. The overall appearance of the shell 100 is relatively simple and coordinated, and the design can be more flexible.

[0085] As shown in FIG5 , in some embodiments of the present application, the exterior layer 105 of the housing 100 is a colorless and transparent exterior layer, and the inner support layer 104 includes a laminated base layer (not shown) and an ink layer 1042 located on the side of the base layer facing the exterior layer 105. The first visual feature described above may be consistent with the visual feature of the ink layer 1042. The ink layer 1042 has a color, may exhibit a certain degree of transparency, and may also have a pattern. As shown in FIG6 , it is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the housing 100 based on this design concept in some embodiments of the present application, wherein the left figure illustrates the situation where the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-off state, and the right figure illustrates the situation where the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-on state.

[0086] When the touch keyboard module 21 is in the powered-off state 21b, the first visual characteristic presented by the electrochromic material layer 112 can be consistent with the visual characteristic of the ink layer 1042. For example, both exhibit the same color and transparency. As shown in the left image of FIG6 , the appearance of the touch keyboard 210 can be hidden within the second functional area 102, that is, hidden within the appearance of the second functional area 102, making the overall appearance of the housing 100 relatively simple and harmonious. When the touch keyboard module 21 is in the powered-on state 21a, the electrochromic material layer 112 produces an electrochromic phenomenon, thereby presenting a second visual characteristic different from the first visual characteristic. As shown in the right image of FIG6 , the touch keyboard 210 can be developed and presented in the second functional area 102. In the embodiment of the present application, the ink layer 1042 can be formed on the surface of the base layer facing the exterior layer 105 by various printing methods, including but not limited to inkjet printing or ultraviolet (UV) offset printing.

[0087] In this embodiment, the material and appearance style of the ink layer 1042 can be selected and designed based on the first visual characteristics and the second visual characteristics of the electrochromic material layer 112. In this way, on the one hand, the material selection range of the electrochromic material layer 112 is wider, and the appearance design of the housing 100 can be more flexible and diverse. On the other hand, through reasonable material selection and design, the second visual characteristic of the electrochromic material layer 112 can be made more prominent than the background (i.e., the ink layer 1042), so that the touch keyboard 210 can be more clearly displayed in the second functional area 102.

[0088] In an embodiment of the present application, the transparent touch layer 212 is used to detect the keystroke position of the finger on the touch keyboard 210. The transparent touch layer 212 can be designed as a capacitive touch structure, a resistive touch structure, or an infrared touch structure. In some embodiments of the present application, the transparent touch layer 212 is designed as a capacitive touch structure, which may include a plurality of first-direction electrode lines and a plurality of second-direction electrode lines made on a transparent base layer, wherein the plurality of first-direction electrode lines intersect with the plurality of second-direction electrode lines and are insulated from each other at the intersection, thereby forming a mutual capacitance when powered on. When the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-on state 21a, since the finger touching the touch keyboard 210 will affect the change of the mutual capacitance at the corresponding position, the processing chip 120 of the electronic device 500 can know the position of the finger touch point based on the change of the mutual capacitance, thereby determining the specific key touched by the finger.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present application, the touch keyboard module 21 can also achieve the display of the touch keyboard 210 on the surface of the second functional area 102 through other design solutions. For example, in some embodiments of the present application, the touch keyboard module can include an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) transparent display layer and a transparent touch layer. The OLED transparent display layer can include multiple OLED lights fabricated on a transparent base layer, wherein the multiple OLED lights are arranged in a pattern consistent with the touch keyboard 210. When the multiple OLED lights are illuminated, the OLED transparent display layer displays the pattern of the touch keyboard 210; when the multiple OLED lights are off, the OLED transparent display layer is entirely transparent.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present application, the power-on and power-off switching of the touch keyboard module 21 can be triggered by operating a physical key. As shown in FIG1 , a switch key 106 can be designed in the housing body area 10 . By operating this switch key 106 , the circuit where the touch keyboard module 21 is located is powered on and off, thereby triggering the touch keyboard module 21 to switch between the power-on state 21a and the power-off state 21b. The switch key 106 can be located in a convenient location in the housing body area 10 , and its specific location is not limited. The design of the switch key 106 facilitates the user to power on and off the touch keyboard module.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present application, the power-on and power-off switching of the touch keyboard module 21 can be triggered by operating a virtual key. For example, the first display screen 11 can be a touch display screen that supports touch operation, and the virtual key can be an on / off key displayed on the first display screen 11, or an on / off key that can automatically pop up on the first display screen 11 in certain application scenarios.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present application, the power-on and power-off switching of the touch keyboard module 21 can be triggered by software. For example, an on / off key 106 for the touch keyboard module 21 can be designed in the system settings interface of the electronic device, allowing the user to turn the touch keyboard module 21 on or off according to usage requirements. For example, an application program can be designed so that the touch keyboard module 21 automatically switches to the power-on state 21a in certain application scenarios. Further embodiments are not listed here one by one.

[0093] As shown in Figures 2A and 2C, in some embodiments of the present application, for a foldable electronic device, the first part 100a of its housing 100 may also include at least one third functional area 103, which is used to set a functional module 31. The functional module 31 may, for example, include at least one of a camera, a flash, a sensor, a speaker, or a microphone.

[0094] In some embodiments of the present application, the functional module 31 can be manufactured integrally with the housing 100, so that the product structure of the housing 100 includes the functional module 31. In other embodiments of the present application, the functional module 31 and the housing 100 can also be manufactured separately and then assembled together during the assembly process of the electronic device.

[0095] This embodiment can further expand the functionality of the housing 100 of the electronic device 500. As shown in FIG2A , as an example, the first portion 100a can include multiple third functional areas 103, where each third functional area 103 is configured to house a camera. In some embodiments, the first portion can also include a third functional area 103 configured to house a functional module integrating multiple cameras, a flash, a light sensor, and the like. Further design options for the third functional area 103 are not listed here.

[0096] As shown in FIG2A , in some embodiments of the present application, when the first portion 100a includes multiple third functional areas 103, the multiple third functional areas 103 can be arranged along a direction perpendicular to (as shown in the embodiment in the figure) or parallel to the folding axis S. The arrangement and layout of each functional area on the first portion 100a can be reasonably arranged based on the usage requirements, shape, area, etc., and this embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present application, a bar-type housing used for a bar-type electronic device may also include at least one third functional area, which is used to set a functional module. The functional module may, for example, include at least one of a camera, a flash, a sensor, a speaker, or a microphone.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 2A , FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C , according to some embodiments of the present application, an electronic device 500 is further provided, which includes a housing 100 according to any of the above embodiments, and a first display screen 11 provided in a first functional area 101 of the housing 100 .

[0099] The product type of the electronic device 500 includes, but is not limited to, a straight-screen mobile phone, a foldable mobile phone, a straight-screen tablet computer, a foldable tablet computer, a straight-screen wearable device, or a foldable wearable device. Depending on the product type of the electronic device 500, the electronic device 500 may include a display screen (such as the first display screen 11 described above), or may include multiple display screens (one of which is the first display screen 11 described above). It is understood that, depending on the product type of the electronic device 500, in addition to the housing 100 and the first display screen 11 described above, the electronic device 500 may also include other device components, such as a processing chip 120, a battery system, a camera, a flash, a sensor, a speaker, or a microphone, etc., and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0100] In some embodiments of the present application, the first display screen 11 can be manufactured integrally with the housing 100. In other embodiments of the present application, the first display screen 11 and the housing 100 can also be manufactured separately and then assembled together during the assembly process of the electronic device 500.

[0101] The housing 100 of the electronic device 500 in the embodiment of the present application not only has a display function, but also has a touch keyboard function. The implementation principle of the touch keyboard function can refer to the description of the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here. When the touch keyboard module 21 is powered on, that is, when the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-on state 21a, the user can input commands through the touch keyboard 210 displayed in the second functional area 102. When the touch keyboard module 21 is powered off, that is, when the touch keyboard module 21 is in the power-off state 21b, the touch keyboard 210 can be hidden in the second functional area 102, so that the housing 100 has a relatively simple and coordinated overall appearance, and thus the appearance of the electronic device 500 is also relatively simple and coordinated. Therefore, the electronic device 500 in the embodiment of the present application can take into account the functional expansion of the housing 100 and the coordination of the overall appearance.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present application, the switching of the touch keyboard module 21 between the power-on state 21a and the power-off state 21b can be triggered by at least one of a physical key, a virtual key, or software, and the user can choose to turn on or off the touch keyboard module 21 according to usage requirements. These embodiments can refer to the aforementioned related embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0103] In some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG2A , the electronic device 500 further includes a processing chip 120, which is electrically connected to the first display screen 11 and the touch keyboard module 21, respectively. The processing chip 120 is configured to: when the touch keyboard module 21 is powered on, that is, when the touch keyboard module 21 is powered on, obtain keystroke messages from the touch keyboard 210; and send input instructions matching the keystroke messages to the first display screen 11, so that the first display screen 11 displays a response based on the input instructions. In this way, the instructions input by the user through the touch keyboard 210 can be displayed in real time on the first display screen 11. In some embodiments, the touch keyboard 210 can be an input method keyboard. When the touch keyboard module 21 is in the powered-on state 21a, the user can conveniently input text (such as inputting numbers, letters, characters, etc.) and edit (such as line break, deletion, insertion, copy, paste, etc.) through the input method keyboard, and the input and edited content can be displayed on the first display screen 11.

[0104] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, in some embodiments, the electronic device 500 is a foldable electronic device, and the housing 100 is a foldable housing. The housing 100 includes a first portion 100a and a second portion 100b located on either side of a folding axis S thereof, wherein the housing body area 10, the first functional area 101, and the second functional area 102 are located in the first portion 100a. The foldable electronic device also includes a foldable second display screen 130. The second display screen 130 is connected to the inner side of the folding of the first and second portions 100a, 100b and is disposed opposite to the first display screen 11. That is, the second display screen 130 is disposed opposite to the display surface of the first display screen 11. The "inner side of the folding" can be understood as the side where the first and second portions 100a, 100b are close to each other when folded.

[0105] Product types of foldable electronic devices include, but are not limited to, foldable mobile phones, foldable tablet computers, or foldable wearable devices. When the electronic device 500 is in the folded state, its first display screen 11 (i.e., the outer display screen) can display some information, such as clock information, weather information, incoming call information, short messages, or notification messages. If the user needs to use the second display screen 130, for example, for audio and video entertainment or reading, the electronic device 500 can be unfolded to obtain a better screen experience; if the user does not need or does not want to use a larger second display screen 130, the user can use the touch keyboard module 21 in the power-on state 21a in the folded state of the electronic device 500 to input commands, for example, to input and edit text, which is very convenient to operate and has good portability.

[0106] As shown in Figure 2A, in some embodiments, the first part 100a of the housing 100 also includes at least one third functional area 103, and the electronic device 500 also includes at least one functional module 31 arranged in a one-to-one correspondence in at least one third functional area 103, wherein each functional module 31 may include at least one of a camera, a flash, a sensor, a speaker, or a microphone.

[0107] In this embodiment, the functional module 31 is disposed in the first portion 100a of the housing 100, thereby further expanding the functionality of the housing 100 and providing greater convenience for the user in using the electronic device 500. For example, the user can use the display function of the first display screen 11, the input function of the touch keyboard module 21, the camera's photo taking function, and the call function without unfolding the electronic device 500.

[0108] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A housing for an electronic device, characterized in that, The housing comprises: Shell body region; A first functional area is used to set a first display screen; and The second functional area is provided with a touch keyboard module. When the touch keyboard module is powered on, the touch keyboard module displays the touch keyboard in the second functional area and turns on the touch function of the touch keyboard. When the touch keyboard module is powered off, the touch keyboard module hides the touch keyboard in the second functional area and turns off the touch function of the touch keyboard.

2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein When the touch keyboard module is powered off, the second functional area and the shell body area are integrated into one.

3. The housing according to claim 1, wherein The touch keyboard module includes an electrochromic display layer and a transparent touch layer; The housing includes an inner supporting layer and an outer appearance layer, wherein the inner supporting layer, the electrochromic display layer, the transparent touch layer and the outer appearance layer are stacked in sequence.

4. The housing according to claim 3, wherein: The electrochromic display layer includes a first transparent electrode layer, an electrochromic material layer, and a second transparent electrode layer stacked in sequence, or the electrochromic display layer includes a first transparent electrode layer, an electrochromic material layer, an electrolyte layer, an ion storage layer, and a second transparent electrode layer stacked in sequence, wherein the electrochromic material layer has a pattern consistent with the touch keyboard; When the touch keyboard module is powered off, the electrochromic material layer presents a first visual characteristic; When the touch keyboard module is powered on, an electric field is formed between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, and the electrochromic material layer presents a second visual feature, wherein the second visual feature is different from the first visual feature in color and / or transparency.

5. The housing according to claim 4, wherein: The appearance layer is a colorless and transparent appearance layer, and the first visual feature is colorless and transparent.

6. The housing according to claim 4, wherein: The appearance layer is a colorless and transparent appearance layer; The inner support layer includes a base layer and an ink layer which are stacked together, wherein the ink layer is located on a side of the base layer facing the appearance layer, and the first visual feature is consistent with a visual feature of the ink layer.

7. The housing according to claim 1, wherein The touch keyboard includes an input method keyboard.

8. The housing according to claim 1, wherein The shell body area is provided with an on / off key, and the on / off key is used to trigger the touch keyboard module to switch between power on and power off.

9. The housing according to claim 1, wherein The housing further includes at least one third functional area, each of the at least one third functional area is used to set a functional module, and the functional module includes at least one of a camera, a flash, a sensor, a speaker, or a microphone.

10. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The electronic device is a bar-type electronic device, and the housing is a bar-type housing; or The electronic device is a foldable electronic device, and the housing is a foldable housing. The housing includes a first part and a second part located on both sides of its folding axis. Among them, the housing body area, the first functional area, and the second functional area are located in the first part.

11. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The electronic device is a foldable electronic device, and the housing is a foldable housing. The housing includes a first part and a second part located on both sides of its folding axis. Among them, the housing body area, the first functional area, and the second functional area are located in the first part. The first functional area and the second functional area are arranged along a direction orthogonal to the folding axis, or the first functional area and the second functional area are arranged along a direction parallel to the folding axis.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that, comprising: the housing according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and a first display screen provided in the first functional area.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein It further comprises: a processing chip electrically connected to the first display screen and the touch keyboard module respectively. The processing chip is configured to: when the touch keyboard module is powered on, obtain the keystroke message of the touch keyboard; and send the input instruction matching the keystroke message to the first display screen, so that the first display screen performs a display response based on the input instruction.

14. The electronic device according to claim 12, characterized in that The switching manner of the touch keyboard module between power-on and power-off includes triggering at least one of a physical key, a virtual key, or software.

15. The electronic device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The electronic device is a foldable electronic device, and the housing is a foldable housing. The housing includes a first part and a second part located on both sides of its folding axis. Among them, the housing body area, the first functional area, and the second functional area are located in the first part; The electronic device further includes a second display screen. The second display screen is a foldable display screen, and the second display screen is connected to the inner sides of the folding of the first part and the second part and is arranged opposite to the first display screen.

16. The electronic device according to claim 15, characterized in that The first part further includes at least one third functional area; The electronic device further includes at least one functional module provided in the at least one third functional area in one-to-one correspondence. Each functional module in the at least one functional module includes at least one of a camera, a flash, a sensor, a speaker, or a microphone.

17. The electronic device according to claim 15, characterized in that The electronic device includes a foldable mobile phone, a foldable tablet computer, or a foldable wearable device.

Images