Patent Description:
Examples are disclosed that relate to foldable display devices and methods for folding a display device through a range of degrees. In one example, a display device foldable through <NUM> degrees at a folding portion comprises a rear cover and a cover glass layer extending from a left side of the display device through the folding portion to a right side of the display device. A light-emitting layer is disposed between the rear cover and the cover glass layer. A backplate is positioned between the rear cover and the light-emitting layer, with the backplate comprising a plurality of backplate slots that each extend from an upper surface of the backplate through a lower surface of the backplate to facilitate bending of the backplate.

In another example, a display device foldable through a range of degrees at a folding portion comprises a rear cover and a cover glass layer extending from a left side of the display device through the folding portion to a right side of the display device. A light-emitting layer is disposed between the rear cover and the cover glass layer. The cover glass layer comprises a plurality of cover glass layer slots in the folding portion to facilitate folding of the cover glass layer. A backplate is positioned between the rear cover and the light-emitting layer, with the backplate comprising a plurality of backplate slots that each extend from an upper surface of the backplate through a lower surface of the backplate to facilitate bending of the backplate.

In another example, a method for folding a display device through a range of degrees at a folding portion comprises providing the display device, with the display device comprising a rear cover and a cover glass layer extending from a left side of the display device through the folding portion to a right side of the display device. The cover glass layer comprises a left portion between the left side and the folding portion and a right portion between the right side and the folding portion. A light-emitting layer is disposed between the rear cover and the cover glass layer. A backplate is positioned between the rear cover and the light-emitting layer, with the backplate comprising a plurality of backplate slots to facilitate bending of the backplate.

The method includes folding at least the cover glass layer at the folding portion and the backplate at the backplate slots in a first rotational direction until the left portion of the cover glass layer is facing and parallel to the right portion of the cover glass layer. The method also includes folding at least the cover glass layer at the folding portion and the backplate at the backplate slots in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction until the left portion of the cover glass layer is parallel to and facing away from the right portion of the cover glass layer.

Some computing devices utilize a flexible glass display material that can be folded to create different viewing orientations. For example, some displays may utilize an ultra-thin glass layer with a plastic film. However, such devices can exhibit visible mechanical creases, wrinkles, and other visual artifacts at the folding locations of the display. Additionally, ultra-thin glass displays may be more susceptible to cracking and other physical damage. Further, other components such as supporting backplates can inhibit bi-directional folding of such displays.

Accordingly, examples are disclosed relating to display devices and related methods that utilize configurations of foldable glass with a backplate comprising backplate slots that facilitate folding while avoiding mechanical creases at the folding portion. The present examples also provide a consistent transparency and light transmission across the display including the folding portion, along with mechanically robust components. In this manner, display devices of the present disclosure can freely rotate through various angles and orientations while also exhibiting substantially uniform and smooth surfaces in various folded and flat orientations to provide a pleasing and high quality appearance and feel to a user.

With reference now to <FIG>, one example of a display device <NUM> is illustrated in the form of a foldable mobile computing device. In other examples, the display device may take the form of a laptop computing device, tablet computing device, or any other suitable computing device. In the example of <FIG>, the display device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> having a first part 108A and a second part 108B coupled by a hinge <NUM>. As described in more detail below, in this example a cover glass layer <NUM> extends over the first part 108A and second part 108B of housing <NUM>, and is foldable at a folding portion <NUM> adjacent to the hinge <NUM>. Additionally and with reference also to <FIG>, a backplate <NUM> beneath the cover glass layer <NUM> includes a plurality of backplate slots <NUM> (indicated by dotted lines in <FIG>) to facilitate bending of the backplate.

In the example of <FIG>, the first part 108A and a second part 108B are movable relative to each other. The hinge <NUM> is configured to permit the first part 108A and second part 108B to rotate through a range of degrees relative to one another. In this example, the hinge <NUM> enables the first part 108A and second part 108B to rotate <NUM> degrees to any relative angular orientation between a face-to-face orientation of zero degrees (<FIG>) and a back-to-back orientation of <NUM> degrees (<FIG>). In other examples, the first part 108A and the second part 108B are rotatable about hinge <NUM> to an extent less than <NUM> degrees.

As described in more detail below, the cover glass layer <NUM> extends from a left side <NUM> of the display device <NUM> through a folding portion <NUM> to a right side <NUM> of the display device. In this example, the folding portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> is located midway between the left side <NUM> and the right side <NUM> of the display device. The terms "left" and "right" are used merely for descriptive purposes, and any other pair of terms denoting opposing locations, such as "up" and "down," may be utilized and are within the scope of the present disclosure. In the example of <FIG>, a bezel is between the left side of the cover glass layer <NUM> and the left side <NUM> of the display device, and between the right side of the cover glass layer <NUM> and the right side <NUM> of the display device. In other examples, the cover glass layer <NUM> extends to be substantially flush with the left side <NUM> and/or the right side <NUM> of the display device.

With reference to <FIG>, another example of a display device <NUM> according to the present disclosure is illustrated. In this example, cover glass layer <NUM> extends from the left side <NUM> through folding portion <NUM> to the right side <NUM> of the device <NUM>. Hinge <NUM> enables the cover glass layer <NUM> to be folded through a range of degrees at folding portion <NUM>.

With reference again to the example shown in <FIG>, the cover glass layer <NUM> includes a left portion <NUM> between the left side <NUM> and the folding portion <NUM> and a right portion <NUM> between the right side <NUM> and the folding portion. As described further below, the cover glass layer <NUM> is a continuous glass layer that can be folded at the folding portion <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> includes a rear cover <NUM> that extends over the folding portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In the example of <FIG>, the rear cover <NUM> is a single-piece rear cover that comprises a stretchable material at least in an expandable area <NUM>' located adjacent to the hinge <NUM>. In this manner, the rear cover may expand and contract as the display device is rotated through different angles and orientations. In other examples and with reference to <FIG>, a display device according to the present disclosure includes a left rear cover <NUM> located opposite to the left portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>, and a separate right rear cover <NUM> located opposite to the right portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer. In this example, the left rear cover <NUM> and right rear cover <NUM> are separate components coupled via the hinge <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, a partial schematic cross section of display device <NUM> taken through section line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> is shown. As noted above and described in more detail below, a second backplate <NUM> between rear cover <NUM> and a light-emitting layer <NUM> includes a plurality of backplate slots <NUM> that each extend from an upper surface <NUM> of the second backplate through a lower surface <NUM> of the second backplate to facilitate bending of the backplate. As described in more detail below, in this example the cover glass layer <NUM> has a first thickness <NUM> outside the folding portion <NUM> and a second thickness <NUM> within the folding portion, wherein the second thickness within the folding portion is less than the first thickness outside the folding portion to facilitate folding of the cover glass layer. Additionally, in this example a polymer layer <NUM> is located adjacent to an interior surface <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> and fills the space between the interior surface and the pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer <NUM> described further below. Advantageously, the polymer layer <NUM> has a polymer transmittance substantially equal to a glass transmittance of the cover glass layer <NUM>. In this manner, the display device <NUM> provides a consistent transparency across the entire cover glass layer <NUM> including in the folding portion <NUM>. Additionally, in this configuration of the cover glass layer <NUM>, the outer surface <NUM> of the cover glass layer exhibits a substantially uniform and smooth surface in various folded and flat orientations of the device, including at the <NUM> degree orientations as shown in <FIG>, to thereby provide a pleasing, high quality appearance and tactile feel to a user.

In the example display device of <FIG>, a touch display module <NUM> includes a light-emitting layer <NUM> with touch sensing functionality. In one example, the light-emitting layer <NUM> comprises an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel bonded to a capacitive touch sensor layer (not shown). In other examples, other suitable display technologies and/or touch sensing technologies may be utilized. In some examples, a display device of the present disclosure may utilize a light emitting layer <NUM> that does not include touch sensing functionality.

As shown in the example of <FIG>, the light emitting layer <NUM> is positioned between the rear cover <NUM> and the cover glass layer <NUM>. The polymer layer <NUM> below the cover glass layer <NUM> is bonded to a polarizing layer <NUM> with a first optically clear pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer <NUM>. The polarizing layer <NUM> is bonding to the light-emitting layer <NUM> with a second PSA layer <NUM>. A first backplate (PI) <NUM> is located below and bonded to the light-emitting layer <NUM> with a third PSA layer <NUM>. In one example the first backplate <NUM> comprises a polymeric material, such as polyimide, to provide structural support to the OLED display panel in light-emitting layer <NUM>. In other examples, other suitable backplate materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyether block amide (PEBA), may be utilized.

The first backplate <NUM> is bonded to a cushion layer <NUM> with a fourth PSA layer <NUM>. The cushion layer <NUM> can comprise any suitable low density material, such as a polyurethane or thermoplastic polyurethane material, or other stretchable/deformable foam to absorb external mechanical impacts and deformations. The cushion layer <NUM> is bonded to the second backplate <NUM> via a fifth PSA layer <NUM>. In this example, the second backplate <NUM> comprises a metal plate. In other examples, the second backplate <NUM> may comprise a metal film layer. The second backplate <NUM> supports the components of the touch display module <NUM> and provides a physical interface with components of the hinge <NUM> as the display device and touch display module <NUM> are rotated through various angles.

Additionally, and as schematically shown in <FIG>, the second backplate <NUM> comprises a plurality of backplate slots <NUM> that each extend from an upper surface <NUM> of the second backplate through an opposing lower surface <NUM> toward the rear cover <NUM>. As described in more detail below, and in one potential advantage of the present disclosure, the backplate slots <NUM> are positioned opposite to the folding portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> to facilitate bending of the second backplate <NUM> when the display device is rotated through various angles and orientations. In this manner, the backplate slots <NUM> are configured to enable the bi-directional folding of the display device while also enabling the second backplate <NUM> to provide structural support to the display components of the device.

<FIG> shows a view of the second backplate <NUM> and the plurality of backplate slots <NUM> forming a two-dimensional lattice of slots. As illustrated in this figure and with reference also to <FIG>, each of the backplate slots <NUM> comprises a longitudinal axis that extends in the y-axis direction parallel to a folding axis <NUM> about which the display device folds. Advantageously, arranging the longitudinal axes of the backplate slots <NUM> to be parallel to the folding axis <NUM> provides flexibility to the second backplate <NUM> about this folding axis. Additionally, the backplate slots <NUM> are arranged in a plurality of rows <NUM> that each extend in the y-axis direction parallel to the folding axis <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the backplate slots <NUM> in each row <NUM> are shifted in the y-axis direction with respect to the backplate slots <NUM> in each adjacent row. Alternatively expressed, each backplate slot <NUM> in a first row is offset along the folding axis <NUM> with respect to each backplate slot in a second row adjacent to the first row.

With this configuration, and in one potential advantage of the present disclosure, the backplate slots <NUM> provide pliability to the second backplate <NUM> to enable the second backplate to freely rotate about the folding axis <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is rotated through various angles and orientations.

With reference also to <FIG>, each of the components and layers shown in <FIG> and described above may extend across the display device <NUM> between the left side <NUM> and the right side <NUM>. In some examples these layers and components may be continuous with the cover glass layer <NUM> and share a common rectangular footprint with the cover glass layer. In other examples, the one or more of the layers and components may have a footprint in the x-y axis that differs from the footprint of the cover glass layer <NUM>. Each of the layers may have any suitable thickness, and such thicknesses may vary to accommodate different display device requirements and design considerations, such as form factors, component types, and other considerations.

<FIG> shows another representation of a partial cross section of display device <NUM> taken through section line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. The components and layers in <FIG> are the same as the components and layers in <FIG>. In this example, a first width <NUM> of the plurality of backplate slots is less than a second width of the folding portion <NUM>. With this configuration, in some examples the radius of curvature of the cover glass layer <NUM> may be reduced as the cover glass layer is rotated through various angles. As described further below, in other examples a width of the plurality of backplate slots is substantially equal to or greater than the width of the folding portion <NUM>. In these examples, the radius of curvature of the cover glass layer <NUM> may be increased as the cover glass layer is rotated through various angles. Additionally, and with reference again to <FIG>, in this example the backplate slots <NUM> are located midway between the left side <NUM> and the right side <NUM> of the display device <NUM>.

As noted above with respect to the example of <FIG>, and in one potential advantage of the present disclosure, the cover glass layer <NUM> has a first thickness <NUM> outside the folding portion <NUM> and a second thickness <NUM> within the folding portion, wherein the second thickness within the folding portion is less than the first thickness outside the folding portion to facilitate folding of the cover glass layer. In this example, the folding portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> includes a thinned portion <NUM> centered in the folding portion. The thinned portion <NUM> is joined by a left transition portion (indicated at <NUM>) to the left thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>. Similarly, the thinned portion <NUM> is joined by a right transition portion (indicated at <NUM>) to the right thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>.

In the present example, the thinned portion <NUM> of cover glass layer <NUM> has a second thickness <NUM> of approximately <NUM> microns. In other examples, the thinned portion <NUM> has a second thickness of between approximately <NUM> microns and approximately <NUM> microns. Also in the present example, the first thickness <NUM> of the left thick portion <NUM> and right thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> is approximately <NUM> microns. The thickness <NUM> of the polymer layer <NUM> adjacent to these thick portions is approximately <NUM> microns, which yields a combined thick glass/polymer layer thickness of approximately <NUM> microns. In other examples, the thickness <NUM> of the polymer layer <NUM> adjacent the thick portions is between approximately <NUM> microns and approximately <NUM> microns. In some examples, the first thickness <NUM> of the left thick portion <NUM> and right thick portion <NUM> is between approximately <NUM> microns and approximately <NUM> microns.

As noted above and shown in the example of <FIG>, the folding portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> includes a thinned portion <NUM> that is joined by a left transition portion <NUM> to the left thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>, and by a right transition portion <NUM> to the right thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>. The transition portions <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to provide a gradual arcuate tapering and profile change between the opposing thick portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the thinned portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>. In this manner and as described in more detail below, this gradual tapering profile reduces undesirable visual indications of these transition portions, such as shadows or other visible artifacts, particularly when the display device <NUM> is in a <NUM> degree orientation as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The transition portions <NUM>, <NUM> and thinned portion <NUM> may be formed in cover glass layer <NUM> in any suitable manner. In one example, these portions may be fabricated by processing cover glass <NUM> with laser modification and wet etching techniques. In some examples, the folding portion <NUM> is irradiated with a laser to define an area for wet etching processing. Material is removed from the cover glass layer <NUM> within the folding portion <NUM> via wet etching to form the transition portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the desired thickness <NUM> of the thinned portion <NUM>.

As described in more detail below, this configuration of folding portion <NUM> including thinned portion <NUM> in between left and right thick portions <NUM>, <NUM> enables the display device <NUM> to be rotated through <NUM> degrees while also preventing undesirable mechanical creases and visual artifacts at the folding portion. Additionally, by providing the left thick portion <NUM> and right thick portion <NUM> of cover glass layer <NUM> on either side of the thinned portion <NUM>, the majority of the cover glass overlying the touch display module <NUM> is thicker, such as <NUM> microns. Advantageously, providing such a thicker layer of cover glass over a majority of the touch display module <NUM>, the present configuration also operates to suppress internal deformations in components of the touch display module and further inhibits formation of mechanical creases at the folding portion.

With reference also to <FIG> (not to scale), this configuration of folding portion <NUM> including thinned portion <NUM> in between left and right thick portions <NUM>, <NUM> enables the display device <NUM> to be rotated through <NUM> degrees by creating deformation profiles at the folding portion <NUM> as shown in these figures. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> (and 1C), at a zero degrees orientation the outer surface <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> is in a face-to-face orientation. In this orientation, the folding portion <NUM> forms a circular deformation profile that transitions into a planer configuration in which the left thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> is parallel to and facing the right thick portion <NUM>. Advantageously, this circular deformation profile enables a significant portion of the folding portion <NUM> to be uniformly distributed around the circular shape to minimize visual discontinuities within the profile. <FIG> shows one example implementation of this configuration.

<FIG> shows cover glass layer <NUM> in a <NUM> degree orientation with outer surface <NUM> of cover glass layer <NUM> facing upwardly. <FIG> shows another view of display device <NUM> in a <NUM> degree orientation with outer surface <NUM> of cover glass layer <NUM> facing downwardly. As noted above and depicted in this figure, in one potential advantage of the configurations of the present disclosure, the outer surface <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> is substantially planar through the folding portion <NUM> when the display device is in a <NUM> degree orientation.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show the cover glass layer <NUM> in a <NUM> degree orientation, where from the <NUM> degree orientation of <FIG> the right thick portion <NUM> is rotated upwardly about folding portion <NUM>. <FIG> shows one example implementation of this configuration, in which the folding portion <NUM> bends about two radii that cause right thick portion <NUM> and left thick portion <NUM> of cover glass layer <NUM> to form the <NUM> degree angle.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> (and <FIG>) shown the cover glass layer <NUM> and display device <NUM> in a <NUM> degree orientation, where the outer surface <NUM> of cover glass layer is in a back-to-back orientation with left thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to the right thick portion <NUM>. As shown in these figures, in this orientation the cover glass layer forms a right-angled U-shape deformation profile that transitions into a planer configuration in which the left thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM> is parallel to and facing in a direction opposite to the right thick portion <NUM>. Advantageously, this U-shaped deformation profile distributes internal stresses evenly across two curved portions of the folding portion <NUM>. <FIG> shows one example implementation of this configuration.

With reference again to <FIG> and <FIG> and as noted above, polymer layer <NUM> is located adjacent to an interior surface <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>. In this example, the polymer layer <NUM> has an upper profile that is a mirror image of a lower profile of the interior surface <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>. Advantageously, the polymer layer <NUM> has a polymer transmittance substantially equal to a glass transmittance of the cover glass layer <NUM>. In this manner, the display device <NUM> provides a consistent transparency and transmittance from the light-emitting layer <NUM> across the entire cover glass layer <NUM>, including within the folding portion <NUM>. In some examples, such transmittance may be approximately <NUM>%. Accordingly, display devices of the present disclosure can provide full <NUM> rotation capabilities while also presenting consistent transparency and transmittance performance, including within the folding portion <NUM>. In some examples, the polymer layer <NUM> comprises an acrylic polymer that exhibits an optical index that matches the corresponding optical index of the cover glass layer <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, a partial schematic cross section of another example of display device <NUM> taken through section line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> is illustrated. In this example and as described above, the second backplate <NUM> between rear cover <NUM> and a light-emitting layer <NUM> includes a plurality of backplate slots <NUM> that each extend from an upper surface <NUM> of the second backplate through a lower surface <NUM> of the second backplate to facilitate bending of the backplate. In this example, the cover glass layer <NUM>' has a recessed area <NUM> at the folding portion <NUM> when the display device is in a <NUM> degree orientation, as shown in <FIG>, to facilitate folding of the cover glass layer <NUM>'. The other components of the display device shown in <FIG> are the same as described above for <FIG>.

<FIG> shows another representation of the partial cross section of display device <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. The components and layers in <FIG> are the same as the components and layers in <FIG>. In this example, a first width <NUM> of the plurality of backplate slots <NUM> is less than a second width of the folding portion <NUM>. Additionally, the plurality of backplate slots <NUM> form a two-dimensional lattice of slots as depicted in <FIG> and described above.

As with the examples described above and with reference also to <FIG>, in this example the backplate slots <NUM> are located midway between the left side <NUM> and the right side <NUM> of the display device <NUM>. With this configuration and as noted above, the backplate slots <NUM> provide pliability to the second backplate <NUM> to enable the second backplate to freely rotate about the folding axis <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is rotated through various angles and orientations.

In this example and with reference again to <FIG>, the folding portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>' includes a thinned portion <NUM> centered in the folding portion. The thinned portion <NUM> is joined by a left transition portion (indicated at <NUM>) to the left thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>'. Similarly, the thinned portion <NUM> is joined by a right transition portion (indicated at <NUM>) to the right thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>'. The transition portions <NUM>, <NUM> and thinned portion <NUM> may be formed in cover glass layer <NUM>' by grinding the cover glass layer, fabricating and processing the cover glass layer with laser modification and wet etching techniques, and/or using any other suitable fabrication techniques.

As shown in <FIG>, in this example the thinned portion <NUM> is located adjacent to the other components of the touch display modules <NUM>, and is bonded to the polarizing layer <NUM> via PSA layer <NUM>. Similarly, the left thick portion <NUM> and right this portion <NUM> are also bonded to the polarizing layer <NUM> via PSA layer <NUM>.

In the present example, the thinned portion <NUM> of cover glass layer <NUM>' has a second thickness <NUM> of approximately <NUM> microns. In other examples, the thinned portion <NUM> has a second thickness of between approximately <NUM> microns and approximately <NUM> microns. Also in the present example, the first thickness <NUM> of the left thick portion <NUM> and right thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>' is approximately <NUM> microns. In some examples, the first thickness <NUM> of the left thick portion <NUM> and right thick portion <NUM> is between approximately <NUM> microns and approximately <NUM> microns.

In this example, the concave profile of the folding portion <NUM> enables the thinned portion <NUM> to be directly bonded to the polarizing layer <NUM> via PSA layer <NUM>. In this manner, an additional polymer layer between the cover glass layer <NUM>' and the polarizing layer <NUM> is avoided, thereby simplifying the manufacturing of the display device.

As with the configuration of <FIG> described above, this configuration of folding portion <NUM> including thinned portion <NUM> in between left and right thick portions <NUM>, <NUM> enables the display device <NUM> to be rotated through <NUM> degrees while also preventing undesirable mechanical creases and visual artifacts at the folding portion. Additionally, by providing the left thick portion <NUM> and right thick portion <NUM> of cover glass layer <NUM>' on either side of the thinned portion <NUM>, the majority of the cover glass overlying the touch display module <NUM> is relatively thicker, such as <NUM>. Advantageously, by providing such a thicker layer of cover glass over a majority of the touch display module <NUM>, the present configuration also operates to suppress internal deformations in components of the touch display module and further inhibits formation of mechanical creases at the folding portion.

With reference also to <FIG> (not to scale), this configuration of folding portion <NUM> including thinned portion <NUM> in between left and right thick portions <NUM>, <NUM> enables the display device to be rotated through <NUM> degrees by creating the deformation profiles at the folding portion <NUM> shown in these figures. As shown in <FIG>, at a zero degrees orientation the outer surface <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>' is in a face-to-face orientation. In this orientation, the folding portion <NUM> forms a circular deformation profile that transitions into a planer configuration in which the left thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>' is parallel to and facing the right thick portion <NUM>. Advantageously, this circular deformation profile enables a significant portion of the folding portion <NUM> to be uniformly distributed around the circular shape to minimize visual discontinuities within the profile.

<FIG> shows cover glass layer <NUM>' in a <NUM> degree orientation. <FIG> shows the cover glass layer <NUM>' in a <NUM> degree orientation. <FIG> shows the cover glass layer <NUM>' and display device in a <NUM> degree orientation, where the outer surface <NUM> of cover glass layer is in a back-to-back orientation with left thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer facing in a direction opposite to the right thick portion <NUM>. As shown in these figures, in this orientation the cover glass layer forms a right-angled U-shape deformation profile that transitions into a planer configuration in which the left thick portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>' is parallel to and facing in a direction opposite to the right thick portion <NUM>. Advantageously, this U-shaped deformation profile distributes internal stresses evenly across two curved portions of the folding portion <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, a partial schematic cross section of another example of display device <NUM> taken through section line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> is illustrated. In this example and as described above, the second backplate <NUM> between rear cover <NUM> and a light-emitting layer <NUM> includes a plurality of backplate slots <NUM> that each extend from an upper surface <NUM> of the second backplate through a lower surface <NUM> of the second backplate to facilitate bending of the backplate. In this example, the cover glass layer <NUM>" has a uniform thickness <NUM> and includes plurality of cover glass layer slots <NUM> in the folding portion <NUM> to facilitate folding of the cover glass layer. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of cover glass layer slots <NUM> extend from an outer surface <NUM> of the cover glass layer towards the light-emitting layer <NUM>. The other components of the display device shown in <FIG> are the same as described above for <FIG>.

<FIG> shows another representation of the partial cross section of display device <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. The components and layers in <FIG> are the same as the components and layers in <FIG>. In this example, a first width <NUM> of the plurality of backplate slots <NUM> is substantially the same as a second width of the folding portion <NUM>. Additionally, the plurality of backplate slots <NUM> form a two-dimensional lattice of slots as depicted in <FIG> and described above.

As with the examples described above and with reference also to <FIG>, in this example the backplate slots <NUM> are located midway between the left side <NUM> and the right side <NUM> of the display device <NUM>. Additionally, the cover glass layer slots <NUM> are positioned opposite to the backplate slots <NUM> to facilitate bending of the second backplate <NUM> along with the cover glass layer <NUM>" and components of the touch display module <NUM> therebetween. With this configuration and as noted above, the backplate slots <NUM> provide pliability to the second backplate <NUM> to enable the second backplate to freely rotate about the folding axis <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is rotated through various angles and orientations.

Additionally and as shown in in <FIG> and <FIG>, in this example the first width <NUM> of the backplate slots <NUM> is substantially equal to a second width of the cover glass layer slots <NUM> that form the folding portion <NUM>. With this configuration, the matching widths of the backplate slots <NUM> and cover glass layer slots <NUM> can provide uniform flexibility across the folding portion <NUM>. In other examples, the width of the backplate slots <NUM> may be greater than the width of the cover glass layer slots <NUM> forming the folding portion <NUM>. In these examples, the wider span of backplate slots <NUM> can afford greater flexibility to layers beyond the folding portion <NUM> as the cover glass layer <NUM>" is rotated through various angles.

In this example, the outer surface <NUM> and bottom surface <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>" are both planar and parallel to one another. Accordingly, this configuration enables the bottom surface <NUM> to be bonded directly to the polarizing layer <NUM> via PSA layer <NUM>. In this manner, an additional polymer layer between the cover glass layer <NUM>" and the polarizing layer <NUM> is avoided, thereby simplifying the manufacturing of the display device.

In the present example, the uniform thickness <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>" is approximately <NUM> microns. In other examples, the uniform thickness <NUM> is between approximately <NUM> microns and approximately <NUM> microns.

The cover glass layer slots <NUM> may be formed in cover glass layer <NUM>' by fabricating and processing the cover glass layer with laser modification and wet etching techniques. In other examples, any other suitable fabrication techniques may be utilized to form the cover glass layer slots <NUM>.

This configuration of cover glass layer slots <NUM> within folding portion <NUM> enables the display device <NUM> to be rotated through <NUM> degrees while also preventing undesirable mechanical creases at the folding portion. Additionally, by providing a uniform thickness <NUM>, such as <NUM> microns, across the entirety of the cover glass layer <NUM>", this present configuration also operates to suppress internal deformations in components of the touch display module and further inhibit formation of mechanical creases at the folding portion <NUM>.

With reference also to <FIG> (not to scale), this configuration of folding portion <NUM> including cover glass layer slots <NUM> enables the display device to be rotated through <NUM> degrees by creating the deformation profiles at the folding portion <NUM> shown in these figures. As shown in <FIG>, at a zero degrees orientation the outer surface <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>" is in a face-to-face orientation. In this orientation, the folding portion <NUM> forms a circular deformation profile that transitions into a planer configuration in which the left portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>" is parallel to and facing the right portion <NUM>. Advantageously, this circular deformation profile enables a significant portion of the folding portion <NUM> to be uniformly distributed around the circular shape to minimize visual discontinuities within the profile.

<FIG> shows cover glass layer <NUM>" in a <NUM> degree orientation. <FIG> shows the cover glass layer <NUM>" in a <NUM> degree orientation. <FIG> shows the cover glass layer <NUM>" and display device in a <NUM> degree orientation, where the outer surface <NUM> of cover glass layer is in a back-to-back orientation with left portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer facing in a direction opposite to the right portion <NUM>. As shown in these figures, in this orientation the cover glass layer <NUM>" forms a right-angled U-shape deformation profile that transitions into a planer configuration in which the left portion <NUM> of the cover glass layer <NUM>" is parallel to and facing in a direction opposite to the right portion <NUM>. Advantageously, this U-shaped deformation profile distributes internal stresses evenly across two curved portions of the folding portion <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, a flow diagram is illustrated depicting an example method <NUM> for folding a display device through a range of degrees at a folding portion. The following description of method <NUM> is provided with reference to the display devices and components described herein and shown in <FIG>.

It will be appreciated that following description of method <NUM> is provided by way of example and is not meant to be limiting. Therefore, it is to be understood that method <NUM> may include additional and/or alternative steps relative to those illustrated in <FIG>. Further, it is to be understood that the steps of method <NUM> may be performed in any suitable order. Further still, it is to be understood that one or more steps may be omitted from method <NUM> without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It will also be appreciated that method <NUM> also may be performed in other contexts using other suitable components.

With reference to <FIG>, at <NUM> the method <NUM> includes providing a display device comprising a rear cover; a cover glass layer extending from a left side of the display device through the folding portion to a right side of the display device, the cover glass layer comprising a left portion between the left side and the folding portion and a right portion between the right side and the folding portion; a light-emitting layer between the rear cover and the cover glass layer; and a backplate between the rear cover and the light-emitting layer, wherein the backplate comprises a plurality of backplate slots to facilitate bending of the backplate.

At <NUM> the method <NUM> includes folding at least the cover glass layer at the folding portion in a first rotational direction until the left portion of the cover glass layer is facing and parallel to the right portion of the cover glass layer. At <NUM> the method <NUM> includes folding at least the cover glass layer at the folding portion in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction until the left portion of the cover glass layer is parallel to and facing away from the right portion of the cover glass layer. At <NUM> the method <NUM> includes wherein the plurality of backplate slots is positioned opposite to the folding portion of the cover glass layer.

In some embodiments, the display devices described herein may incorporate one or more computing devices. <FIG> schematically shows a non-limiting embodiment of a computing system <NUM> that may be utilized in one or more of the display devices discussed above. The display device <NUM> described herein may comprise computing system <NUM> or one or more aspects of computing system <NUM>.

Computing system <NUM> includes a logic processor <NUM>, volatile memory <NUM>, and a non-volatile storage device <NUM>.

For example, the logic processor may be configured to execute instructions that are part of one or more applications, services, programs, routines, libraries, objects, components, data structures, or other logical constructs.

Volatile memory <NUM> may include physical devices that include random access memory (RAM).

Non-volatile storage device <NUM> may include optical memory (e.g., CD, DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray Disc, etc.), semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, etc.), magnetic memory (e.g., hard-disk drive, floppy-disk drive, tape drive, MRAM, etc.), and/or other mass storage device technology.

When included, input subsystem <NUM> may comprise or interface with one or more user-input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, electronic pen, stylus, or game controller.

The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of the subject application. One aspect provides a display device foldable through a range of degrees at a folding portion, the display device comprising: a rear cover; a cover glass layer extending from a left side of the display device through the folding portion to a right side of the display device; a light-emitting layer between the rear cover and the cover glass layer; and a backplate between the rear cover and the light-emitting layer, wherein the backplate comprises a plurality of backplate slots that each extend from an upper surface of the backplate through a lower surface of the backplate to facilitate bending of the backplate. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the plurality of backplate slots form a two-dimensional lattice of slots. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein each backplate slot of the plurality of backplate slots comprises a longitudinal axis that extends parallel to a folding axis about which the display device folds.

The computing device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the backplate slots are arranged in a plurality of rows that each extend parallel to the folding axis about which the display device folds. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein each backplate slot in a first row of the plurality of rows is offset along the folding axis with respect to each backplate slot in a second row of the plurality of rows adjacent to the first row. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the plurality of backplate slots is positioned opposite to the folding portion of the cover glass layer. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein a first width of the plurality of backplate slots is less than a second width of the folding portion. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein a first width of the plurality of backplate slots is equal to or greater than a second width of the folding portion. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the cover glass layer has a first thickness outside the folding portion and a second thickness within the folding portion, wherein the second thickness within the folding portion is less than the first thickness outside the folding portion to facilitate folding of the cover glass layer. Another aspect provides a display device foldable through a range of degrees at a folding portion, the display device comprising: a rear cover; a cover glass layer extending from a left side of the display device through the folding portion to a right side of the display device, the cover glass layer comprising a plurality of cover glass layer slots in the folding portion to facilitate folding of the cover glass layer; a light-emitting layer between the rear cover and the cover glass layer; and a backplate between the rear cover and the light-emitting layer, wherein the backplate comprises a plurality of backplate slots that each extend from an upper surface of the backplate through a lower surface of the backplate to facilitate bending of the backplate. The display device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the plurality of backplate slots form a two-dimensional lattice of slots. The display device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein each backplate slot of the plurality of backplate slots comprises a longitudinal axis that extends parallel to a folding axis about which the display device folds. The display device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the backplate slots are arranged in a plurality of rows that each extend parallel to the folding axis about which the display device folds. The display device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein each backplate slot in a first row of the plurality of rows is offset along the folding axis with respect to each backplate slot in a second row of the plurality of rows adjacent to the first row. The display device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the plurality of cover glass layer slots extends from an outer surface of the cover glass layer towards the light-emitting layer. The display device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein a first width of the plurality of backplate slots is equal to or greater than a second width of the cover glass layer slots. The display device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the backplate slots are positioned opposite to the cover glass layer slots. The display device may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the plurality of backplate slots is located midway between the left side and the right side of the display device.

Another aspect provides a method for folding a display device through a range of degrees at a folding portion, the method comprising: providing the display device, the display device comprising: a rear cover; a cover glass layer extending from a left side of the display device through the folding portion to a right side of the display device; a light-emitting layer between the rear cover and the cover glass layer; and a backplate between the rear cover and the light-emitting layer, wherein the backplate comprises a plurality of backplate slots to facilitate bending of the backplate; folding at least the cover glass layer at the folding portion and the backplate at the backplate slots in a first rotational direction until the left portion of the cover glass layer is facing and parallel to the right portion of the cover glass layer; and folding at least the cover glass layer at the folding portion and the backplate at the backplate slots in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction until the left portion of the cover glass layer is parallel to and facing away from the right portion of the cover glass layer. The method may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the plurality of backplate slots is positioned opposite to the folding portion of the cover glass layer.

Claim 1:
A display device (<NUM>) foldable through a range of degrees at a folding portion (<NUM>), the display device (<NUM>) comprising:
a rear cover (<NUM>);
a cover glass layer (<NUM>") extending from one side as a left side (<NUM>) of the display device (<NUM>) through the folding portion (<NUM>) to the other side as a right side (<NUM>) of the display device (<NUM>);
a light-emitting layer (<NUM>) between the rear cover (<NUM>) and the cover glass layer (<NUM>"); and
a backplate (<NUM>) between the rear cover (<NUM>) and the light-emitting layer (<NUM>), wherein the backplate (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of backplate slots (<NUM>) that each extend from an upper surface (<NUM>) of the backplate (<NUM>) through a lower surface (<NUM>) of the backplate (<NUM>) to facilitate bending of the backplate (<NUM>),
characterized in that:
the cover glass layer (<NUM>") comprises a plurality of cover glass layer slots (<NUM>) in the folding portion (<NUM>) to facilitate folding of the cover glass layer (<NUM>").