Patent Description:
The size of electronic devices, such as tablets and mobile phones, is an important consideration when designing electronic devices. The user oftentimes requests the outer dimensions of the device to be as small as possible while still providing a display which is as large as possible.

This problem may be solved, e.g., by means of a foldable electronic device comprising one or several support bodies, e.g. interconnected by means of hinges, covered by a display. The support body/bodies and the display can be folded together to provide an as small electronic device as possible, and unfolded to provide an as large display as possible.

However, as the electronic device is folded, the display and/or the support body/bodies will stretch on one side of the neutral axis and compress on the other side of the neutral axis. The neutral axis is the axis along which the display or the housing remains unchanged as it is folded, i.e. it neither stretches nor compresses.

<CIT> describes a flexible portable terminal that includes a folding portion configured to bend at one end of a body of the flexible portable terminal in a direction to a front surface or a rear surface of the flexible portable terminal, a flexible display unit configured to be mounted on the body of the flexible portable terminal, and to bend in the front surface or the rear surface of the flexible portable terminal according to a bending direction of the folding portion, and a sliding portion configured to enable one end of the flexible display unit to slide according to a difference of a compression/tension caused by a difference of an elongation between the folding portion and the flexible display unit when the folding portion is bent.

<CIT> describes a foldable assembly that includes first flanges integrated in a first housing part of a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device includes a flexible display, and the first housing part is integrated with a first section of the flexible display. The foldable assembly also includes second flanges integrated in a second housing part of the foldable electronic device, and the second housing part is integrated with a second section of the flexible display. The second flanges are implemented to fold-interlock with the first flanges to form a bend radius of the flexible display around the first and second flanges in a closed position of the foldable electronic device. The first and second flanges are also implemented to support the flexible display in the closed position of the foldable electronic device.

<CIT> describes electronic devices that contain multiple housing portions. The housing portions may be coupled together using hinges. The hinges may include hinges based on a three-bar linkage, hinges based on a four-bar linkage, hinges with slotted members, hinges formed from flexible support structures, and hinges based on flexible housing structures. Flexible displays may be mounted to the housing portions overlapping the hinges. When the housing portions in a device are rotated relative to each other, the flexible display may bend. The hinge may be configured to allow the flexible display to be placed in a front-to-front configuration in which an active side of the display faces itself or a back-to-back configuration. Engagement structures may be used to help the housing grip external objects and to hold the housing portions together. The hinges may be provided with rotational detents to help hold the flexible display in desired positions.

It is an object to provide an improved foldable electronic device. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claim. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a foldable assembly for an electronic device, the foldable assembly comprising a foldable first surface layer superimposed onto a foldable support layer, the support layer comprising a first body, a second body, and a pivot hinge, the pivot hinge interconnecting the first body and the second body, the first body and the second body being pivotable relative each other around an assembly rotation axis of the pivot hinge such that the foldable assembly is moveable between an unfolded position and at least one folded end position, the first body and the second body being aligned in a common plane when the foldable assembly is in the unfolded position, the first body being superimposed onto the second body when the foldable assembly is in the folded end position, the support layer further comprising at least one linear actuator, a first end of the linear actuator being connected to the pivot hinge and a second, opposite end of the linear actuator being connected to one of the first surface layer and the second body, an actuator axis extending between the first and second ends and perpendicular to the assembly rotation axis, wherein pivoting of the first body and/or the second body around the assembly rotation axis actuates the linear actuator such that the linear actuator urges one of the first surface layer and the second body to move, in relation to the pivot hinge, along the actuator axis.

Such a solution allows the display and/or the support body of an electronic device to slide in relation to each other, as the electronic device is folded, hence preventing the surface layer, such as the display, from becoming wrinkled and/or permanently deformed since the display or the support body neither stretches nor compresses as the device is folded.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the support layer has a first neutral axis and the first surface layer has a second neutral axis, the first neutral axis extending parallel to the second neutral axis, and the first neutral axis being offset from the second neutral axis along an offset axis extending perpendicular to the assembly rotation axis and perpendicular to the actuator axis.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, a first dimension of a first outer surface of the pivot hinge is larger than a corresponding second dimension of a second outer surface of the pivot hinge when the foldable assembly is in the folded end position,
the linear actuator being actuated by a difference between the first dimension and the second dimension. This allows for a foldable assembly which has as small outer dimensions as possible, while having a range of motion which allows, e.g., the first body and the second body to be moved between the unfolded position, in which the bodies extend to provide a maximum electronic device width, and a folded position in which the two bodies are superimposed onto each other such that they extend to provide only a minimum electronic device width.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the pivot hinge comprises a row of at least partially tapered hinge blades interconnected by means of an elongated connection element extending along the actuator axis, facilitating a foldable assembly which takes up minimal space and which is inherently stable when being folded together.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the foldable assembly comprises a foldable second surface layer superimposed onto the support layer, the second end of the linear actuator being connected to at least one of the first surface layer and the second surface layer, the linear actuator urging the first surface layer and the second surface layer to move, in relation to the pivot hinge, along the actuator axis. This allows a further surface layer, such as the back cover of an electronic device, to slide as the electronic device is folded, hence preventing the back cover from becoming wrinkled and/or permanently deformed since the back cover neither stretches nor compresses as the device is folded.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first surface layer moves in a first direction and the second surface layer moves in an opposite second direction along the actuator axis.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the support layer further comprises sliding rails interconnecting the pivot hinge and the second body, the second body being arranged to move along the sliding rails along the actuator axis in response to actuation of the linear actuator. The sliding rails provide support for the surface layer(s) and the movement between the first body and the second body prevents the surface layer(s) from being affected by folding.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the linear actuator comprises
a rotation shaft, at least one first linear drive arrangement interconnected with the rotation shaft and the first body, and extending through the pivot hinge, at least one second linear drive arrangement interconnected with the rotation shaft, the first linear drive arrangement and the second linear drive arrangement being linearly actuated in one direction, or two directions simultaneously, along the actuator axis. This allows for a linear actuation which takes up little space and which can be fitted into any suitable, available location.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the rotation shaft extends perpendicular to the first neutral axis and the second neutral axis, the rotation shaft comprising a first toothed section, the second body comprising a second toothed section engaging the first toothed section, wherein movement of the first linear drive arrangement along the actuator axis generates a first rotation of the rotation shaft and the first toothed section, the first rotation moving the second body in a first direction along the actuator axis, and wherein an opposite movement of the first linear drive arrangement along the actuator axis generates a second opposite rotation of the rotation shaft and the first toothed section, the second rotation moving the second body in a second direction along the actuator axis.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the rotation shaft extends in parallel with the assembly rotation axis, a rotation shaft center axis intersecting the first neutral axis.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second linear drive arrangement is connected to the first surface layer or the second surface layer, the first surface layer and the second surface layer being moved in opposite directions, along the actuator axis, when the linear actuator is actuated.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first linear drive arrangement and/or the second linear drive arrangement comprises at least one of a chain, a wire, a rack, and a sheet.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the rotation shaft comprises pinions and/or sections having different diameters, at least one of the first linear drive arrangement and the second linear drive arrangement being interconnected with each pinion or shaft diameter section. This allows neighboring hinge blades to be dynamically flexible yet still provide sufficient static support for, e.g., a display extending across the foldable assembly.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first linear drive arrangement comprises at least one folding section, extending through the pivot hinge, and at least one linear section interconnected with the folding section, and the rotation shaft comprises a first pinion, the linear section comprising a first rack engaging the first pinion at a first location and extending along the actuator axis.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, movement of the first rack in a first direction along the actuator axis initiates a first rotation of the first pinion and the rotation shaft, and movement of the first rack in an opposite, second direction along the actuator axis initiates an opposite, second rotation of the first pinion and the rotation shaft.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the linear section further comprises a second rack engaging the first pinion at a second location opposite the first location and extending along the actuator axis, the first rack and the second rack extending on opposite sides of, and with equidistant spacing from, the first neutral axis. As a result, the movement generated by the linear actuator is synchronized on both sides of the neutral axis.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, simultaneous movement of the first rack in the first direction and the second rack in the second direction along the actuator axis initiates the first rotation of the first pinion and the rotation shaft, and wherein simultaneous movement of the first rack in the second direction and the second rack in the first direction along the actuator axis initiates the second rotation of the first pinion and the rotation shaft.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the rotation shaft comprises a second pinion, and the second linear drive arrangement comprises a third rack engaging the second pinion at a first location and extending along the actuator axis.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second linear drive arrangement further comprises a fourth rack engaging the second pinion at a second location opposite the first location and extending along the actuator axis, the third rack and the fourth rack extending on opposite sides of, and with equidistant spacing from, the first neutral axis.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first linear drive arrangement and the second linear drive arrangement each comprise at least two wire sections extending on opposite sides of, with equidistant spacing from, the first neutral axis.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, movement of the first linear drive arrangement along the actuator axis initiates one of a first rotation or an opposite second rotation of the rotation shaft, the first rotation or the second rotation of the rotation shaft initiating a corresponding movement of the second linear drive arrangement along the actuator axis, allowing the movement of the surface layers to be synchronized and simultaneous.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the foldable assembly further comprises a motor adapted for rotating the rotation shaft, and wherein rotation of the rotation shaft initiates movement of at least one of the first linear drive arrangement and the second linear drive arrangement along the actuator axis.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the foldable assembly comprises at least one intermediate layer located between the first surface layer and the support layer, or between the second surface layer and the support layer, and the rotation shaft comprises pinions and/or sections having different diameters, one linear drive arrangement being interconnected with each pinion or shaft diameter section, and each linear drive arrangement being connected to one of the first surface layer, the second surface layer, and the intermediate layer. This allows different layers to be moved at different speeds and/or times, such that the movement of all layers can be synchronized.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an electronic device comprising the foldable assembly according to the above, the foldable assembly being moveable between an unfolded position and a first folded end position, the first surface layer of the foldable assembly comprising a display, and/or the second surface layer of the foldable assembly comprising a back cover, the support layer supporting at least one of the first surface layer and the second surface layer. This allows the surface layer and/or the support body/bodies of the electronic device to slide in relation to each other, as the electronic device is folded, hence preventing the surface layer from becoming wrinkled and/or permanently deformed since the surface layer and the support body/bodies neither stretches nor compresses as the device is folded. Furthermore, the solution provides support to the surface layer which extends from one body to another across the foldable assembly.

In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the display and/or the back cover is fixedly connected to the first body of the support layer, and pivoting the first body or the second body of the support layer around the pivot hinge of the support layer actuates the linear actuator of the support layer, the linear actuator urging the display and/or the back cover to slide in relation to the pivot hinge such that an overlap between the display and/or the back cover and the second body varies, overlap between the display and the second body being at a minimum when the foldable assembly is in the first folded end position and/or overlap between the back cover and the second body being at a maximum when the foldable assembly is in the first folded end position, avoiding any stress on the display during folding as the display is not affected by any dimensional changes.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the foldable assembly is moveable between an unfolded position and a second folded end position, the overlap between the display and the second body being at a maximum when the foldable assembly is in the second folded end position and/or the overlap between the back cover and the second body being at a minimum when the foldable assembly is in the second folded end position.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the display or the back cover is fixedly connected to the first body and second body of the support layer, the support layer furthermore comprising sliding rails interconnecting the pivot hinge of the support layer and the second body, and pivoting the first body or the second body around the pivot hinge actuates the linear actuator of the support layer, the linear actuator urging the second body to slide, on the sliding rails, in relation to the pivot hinge such that the distance between the pivot hinge and the second body varies, the distance between the pivot hinge and the second body being at a minimum when the foldable assembly is in the first folded end position. The sliding rails provide support for the display and/or the back cover, and since any sliding movement is maintained within the support layer neither the display nor the back cover is affected when folding.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the foldable assembly is moveable between an unfolded position and a second folded end position, the distance between the pivot hinge and the second body being at a maximum when the foldable assembly is in the second folded end position.

This and other aspects will be apparent from and the embodiments described below.

<FIG> show an electronic device <NUM> comprising a display 2a, a back cover 2b, and a foldable assembly <NUM> which is moveable between an unfolded position P1 and at least a first folded end position P2a. In a further embodiment, the foldable assembly <NUM> is also moveable between the unfolded position P1 and a second folded end position P2b. As the foldable assembly <NUM> is folded, the electronic device <NUM> is also folded from an unfolded position to a folded end position.

The foldable assembly <NUM> comprises a foldable first surface layer 2a, such as the above-mentioned display, which is superimposed onto a foldable support layer <NUM>. The support layer <NUM> comprises, as shown in <FIG>, a first body <NUM>, a second body <NUM>, and a pivot hinge <NUM>, the pivot hinge <NUM> interconnecting the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>. One embodiment of the pivot hinge <NUM> is shown in detail in <FIG>.

The first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> are pivotable relative each other around an assembly rotation axis A1 of the pivot hinge <NUM> such that the foldable assembly <NUM>, and hence the electronic device <NUM>, is moveable between an unfolded position P1 and at least one folded end position P2a, P2b.

The first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> are aligned in a common plane when the foldable assembly <NUM> is in the unfolded position P1. The second body <NUM> is superimposed onto the first body <NUM> when the foldable assembly <NUM> is in the first folded end position P2a. Furthermore, the first body <NUM> is superimposed onto the second body <NUM> when the foldable assembly <NUM> is in the second folded end position P2b.

The support layer <NUM> further comprises at least one linear actuator <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. A first end 7a of the linear actuator <NUM> is connected to the first body <NUM> and a second, opposite end 7b of the linear actuator <NUM> is connected to either the first surface layer 2a, as indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, or to the second body <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG>. The connection may be fixed using, e.g., adhesive or fasteners such as screws. An actuator axis A2 extends between the first 7a and second 7b ends of the linear actuator <NUM>, and perpendicular to the assembly rotation axis A1. By pivoting the first body <NUM> and/or the second body <NUM> around the assembly rotation axis A1, the linear actuator <NUM> is actuated such that it urges one of the first surface layer 2a and the second body <NUM> to move, in relation to the pivot hinge <NUM>, along the actuator axis A2. Movement of the first surface layer 2a in relation to the pivot hinge <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. Movement of the second body <NUM> in relation to the pivot hinge <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the support layer <NUM> may have a first neutral axis N1 and the first surface layer 2a a second neutral axis N2, the first neutral axis N1 extending parallel with the second neutral axis N2. The first neutral axis N1 is offset from the second neutral axis N2 along an offset axis A3 extending perpendicular to the assembly rotation axis A1 and perpendicular to the actuator axis A2.

A first dimension of a first outer surface 8a of the pivot hinge <NUM> is larger than a corresponding second dimension of a second outer surface 8b of the pivot hinge <NUM> when the foldable assembly <NUM> is in folded end position P2b, as shown in <FIG> a. Correspondingly, the first outer surface 8a of the pivot hinge <NUM> is smaller than the corresponding second dimension of the second outer surface 8b of the pivot hinge <NUM> when the foldable assembly <NUM> is in folded end position P2a, also shown in <FIG>. The linear actuator <NUM> is actuated by a difference between the first dimension and the second dimension. As the foldable assembly is folded to end position P2b, the dimensions of the first outer surface 8a increases and the first surface layer 2a is pulled in one direction across the pivot hinge <NUM>, as is shown in the uppermost drawing of <FIG>. Correspondingly, as the foldable assembly is folded to the opposite end position P2a, the dimensions of the first outer surface 8a decreases and the first surface layer 2a is pulled in the opposite direction across the pivot hinge <NUM>, as is shown in the lowermost drawing of <FIG>.

The foldable assembly <NUM> may comprise a foldable second surface layer 2b superimposed onto the support layer <NUM>, the second end 7b of the linear actuator <NUM> being connected to at least one of the first surface layer 2a and the second surface layer 2b (not shown). In such an embodiment the linear actuator <NUM> urges the first surface layer 2a and the second surface layer 2b to move, in relation to the pivot hinge <NUM>, along the actuator axis A2. In one embodiment, the first surface layer 2a moves in a first direction and the second surface layer 2b moves in an opposite second direction along the actuator axis A2. This oppositely directed movement is indicated in <FIG> by means of arrows.

The second surface layer 2b may comprise a third neutral axis (not shown), the third neutral axis extending in parallel with the first neutral axis N1 and the second neutral axis N2. The third neutral axis is offset from the second neutral axis N2 along the offset axis A3 and extends on the opposite side of the second neutral axis N2 than the first neutral axis N1.

The support layer <NUM> may further comprise sliding rails <NUM> interconnecting the pivot hinge <NUM> and the second body <NUM>, the sliding rails <NUM> being arranged to move along the second body <NUM> along the actuator axis A2 in response to actuation of the linear actuator <NUM> as is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In such an embodiment, the first surface layer 2a and/or the second surface layer 2b are stationary in relation to the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> of the support layer <NUM>,i.e. the first surface layer 2a and/or the second surface layer 2b are fixed to the first body <NUM> as well as the second body <NUM>. All sliding movement is maintained within the support layer <NUM> and executed by means of the sliding rails <NUM>, the second body <NUM>, as well as portions of the first surface layer 2a and/or the second surface layer 2b sliding along the sliding rails <NUM>. Subsequently, the first surface layer 2a does not need to stretch.

The pivot hinge <NUM> preferably comprises a row of at least partially tapered hinge blades <NUM> interconnected by means of an elongated connection element <NUM> extending along the actuator axis A2, as shown in <FIG>. The hinge blades <NUM> may be tapered in one direction, as shown in <FIG>, or in two directions, as shown in <FIG> a. One-directional tapering allows the pivot hinge <NUM> to fold in only one direction, e.g. to first folded end position P2a, while bi-directional tapering allows the pivot hinge <NUM> to fold in two directions, i.e. to first folded end position P2a as well as second folded end position P2b.

The linear actuator <NUM> may comprise a rotation shaft <NUM>, at least one first linear drive arrangement <NUM>, and at least one second linear drive arrangement <NUM>. The first linear drive arrangement <NUM> is interconnected with the rotation shaft <NUM> and the first body <NUM>, and extends through the pivot hinge <NUM>. The second linear drive arrangement <NUM> is interconnected with the rotation shaft <NUM>. The first linear drive arrangement <NUM> and the second linear drive arrangement <NUM> are linearly actuated in one direction, or two directions simultaneously, along the actuator axis A2.

The second linear drive arrangement <NUM> may be connected to the first surface layer 2a or the second surface layer 2b, the first surface layer 2a and the second surface layer 2b being moved in opposite directions, along the actuator axis A2, when the linear actuator <NUM> is actuated.

In one embodiment, see <FIG>, the rotation shaft <NUM> extends perpendicular to the first neutral axis N1 and the second neutral axis N2. The rotation shaft <NUM> comprises a first toothed section <NUM>, and the second body <NUM> comprises a second toothed section <NUM> engaging the first toothed section <NUM>. Movement of the first linear drive arrangement <NUM> along the actuator axis A2 generates a first rotation of the rotation shaft <NUM> and the first toothed section <NUM> , which, in turn, results in movement of the second body <NUM> in a first direction along the actuator axis A2 by means of the interaction between the first toothed section <NUM> and the second toothed section <NUM>. Correspondingly, an opposite, movement the first linear drive arrangement <NUM> along the actuator axis A2 generates an oppositely directed second rotation of the rotation shaft <NUM> and the first toothed section <NUM>, which, in turn, results in movement of the second body <NUM> in a second direction along the actuator axis A2.

In a further embodiment, the rotation shaft <NUM> extends in parallel with the assembly rotation axis A1, such that the rotation shaft <NUM> center axis intersects the first neutral axis N1, the rotation shaft extending within a neutral plane comprising the first neutral axis N1.

The first linear drive arrangement <NUM> and/or the second linear drive arrangement <NUM> may comprise at least one of a chain, a wire, a rack, and a sheet, or a combination such as a chain and a rack.

The rotation shaft <NUM> may comprise pinions <NUM> and/or sections <NUM> having different diameters, allowing one first linear drive arrangement <NUM> or one second linear drive arrangement <NUM> to be interconnected with each pinion <NUM> or shaft diameter section <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first linear drive arrangement <NUM> may comprise at least one folding section <NUM>, such as a chain, extending through the pivot hinge <NUM>, and at least one linear section <NUM> interconnected with the folding section <NUM>. The rotation shaft <NUM> may comprise a first pinion 14a, and the linear section <NUM> comprise a first rack 20a engaging the first pinion 14a at a first location and extend along the actuator axis. Movement of the first rack 20a in a first direction along the actuator axis A2 initiates a first rotation of the first pinion 14a and the rotation shaft <NUM>, and movement of the first rack 20a in an opposite, second direction along the actuator axis A2 initiates an opposite, second rotation of the first pinion 14a and the rotation shaft <NUM>. Movement in the first direction along the actuator axis A2 pulls the folding section <NUM> in the first direction, and movement in the second direction along the actuator axis A2 pushes the folding section <NUM> in the second direction.

Correspondingly, as shown in <FIG>, the linear section <NUM> may further comprise a second rack 20b engaging the first pinion 14a at a second location opposite the first location and extending along the actuator axis. The first rack 20a and the second rack 20b extend on opposite sides of, and with equidistant spacing from, the first neutral axis N1. Simultaneous movement of the first rack 20a in the first direction and the second rack 20b in the second direction along the actuator axis A2 initiates the first rotation of the first pinion 14a and the rotation shaft <NUM>. Simultaneous movement of the first rack 20a in the second direction and the second rack20b in the first direction along the actuator axis A2 initiates the second rotation of the first pinion 14a and the rotation shaft <NUM>. The first rack 20a pushes the folding section <NUM> in the second direction and the second rack 20b, simultaneously, pulls the folding section <NUM> in the second direction.

The rotation shaft <NUM> may comprise a second pinion 14b, as shown in <FIG>. The second linear drive arrangement <NUM> comprises a third rack 17a engaging the second pinion 14b at a first location and extending along the actuator axis A2.

The second linear drive arrangement <NUM> may further comprise a fourth rack 17b engaging the second pinion 14b at a second location opposite the first location and extending along the actuator axis A2. The third rack 17a and the fourth rack 17b extend on opposite sides of, and with equidistant spacing from, the first neutral axis N1.

The first rack 20a may be connected to the first surface layer 2a while the second rack 20b is connected to the second surface layer 2b. Correspondingly, the first rack 20a may be connected to the second surface layer 2b while the second rack 20b is connected to the first surface layer 2a. Regardless, the first surface layer 2a and the second surface layer 2b are moved in opposite directions, along the actuator axis A2, when the linear actuator <NUM> is actuated.

The first linear drive arrangement <NUM> and the second linear drive arrangement <NUM> may each comprise two wire sections extending on opposite sides of, with equidistant spacing from, the first neutral axis N1, as shown in <FIG>.

When the linear drive arrangements <NUM>, <NUM> comprise a wire it may be partially wound around the rotation shaft <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and extend along the actuator axis A2 and on opposite sides of, with equidistant spacing from, the first neutral axis N1. A first rotation of the rotation shaft <NUM> rotates the linear drive arrangement <NUM> in a first direction, and an opposite, second rotation of the rotation shaft <NUM> rotates the linear drive arrangement <NUM> in a second direction. The wire may comprise at least two separate wire sections extending in parallel between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> of the support layer, or the wire may comprise a loop.

The foldable assembly <NUM> may further comprise at least one intermediate layer <NUM> located between the first surface layer 2a and the support layer <NUM>, or between the second surface layer 2b and the support layer <NUM>. The rotation shaft <NUM> may comprise pinions <NUM> and/or sections <NUM> having different diameters, as shown in <FIG>, one linear drive arrangement <NUM> being interconnected with each pinion <NUM> or shaft diameter section <NUM>, each linear drive arrangement <NUM> being connected to one of the first surface layer 2a, the second surface layer 2b, and the intermediate layer <NUM>. Hence, the difference in distance to the first neutral axis N1 is compensated for, and each pivot point on the pivot hinge <NUM> is rotated at the same speed, making the pivot points turn one by one.

Movement of the first linear drive arrangement <NUM> along the actuator axis A2 initiates one of a first rotation or an opposite second rotation of the rotation shaft <NUM>, the first rotation or the second rotation of the rotation shaft <NUM> initiating a corresponding movement of the second linear drive arrangement <NUM> along the actuator axis A2. This allows the movement of the surface layers 2a, 2b to be synchronized and simultaneous.

The foldable assembly <NUM> may further comprise a motor adapted for rotating the rotation shaft <NUM>, and wherein rotation of the rotation shaft <NUM> initiates movement of at least one of the first linear drive arrangement <NUM> and the second linear drive arrangement <NUM> along the actuator axis A2.

As previously mentioned, the present disclosure also relates to an electronic device <NUM> comprising the above described foldable assembly <NUM>. The first surface layer 2a of the foldable assembly <NUM> comprises the display, and/or the second surface layer 2b of the foldable assembly <NUM> comprises the back cover. The support layer <NUM> supports at least one of the first surface layer/display 2a and the second surface layer/back cover 2b.

The display 2a and/or the back cover 2b may be fixedly connected to the first body <NUM> of the support layer <NUM>, and pivoting the first body <NUM> or the second body <NUM> of the support layer <NUM> around the pivot hinge <NUM> of the support layer <NUM> will actuate the linear actuator <NUM>. The linear actuator <NUM> urges the display 2a and/or the back cover 2b to slide in relation to the pivot hinge <NUM> such that an overlap between the display 2a and/or the back cover 2b and the second body <NUM> varies. The overlap between the display 2a and the second body <NUM> is at a minimum when the foldable assembly <NUM> is in the first folded end position P2a. The overlap between the back cover 2b and the second body <NUM> is at a maximum when the foldable assembly <NUM> is in the first folded end position P2a, as shown in, e.g., <FIG>.

In a further embodiment, the display 2a or the back cover 2b may be fixedly connected to the first body <NUM> and second body <NUM> of the support layer <NUM>. The support layer <NUM> comprises sliding rails <NUM> interconnecting the pivot hinge <NUM> of the support layer <NUM> and the second body <NUM>, and pivoting the first body <NUM> or the second body <NUM> around the pivot hinge <NUM> actuates the linear actuator <NUM> of the support layer <NUM>. The linear actuator <NUM> urges the second body <NUM> to slide, along the sliding rails <NUM>, in relation to the pivot hinge <NUM> such that the distance between the pivot hinge <NUM> and the second body <NUM> varies, as shown in <FIG>. The distance between the pivot hinge <NUM> and the second body <NUM> is at a minimum when the foldable assembly <NUM> is in the first folded end position P2a.

The foldable assembly <NUM> may, correspondingly, be moveable between an unfolded position P1 and a second folded end position P2b, the distance between the pivot hinge <NUM> and the second body <NUM> being at a maximum when the foldable assembly <NUM> is in the second folded end position P2b. The overlap between the display 2a and the second body <NUM> is at a maximum when the foldable assembly <NUM> is in the second folded end position P2b and/or the overlap between the back cover 2b and the second body <NUM> is at a minimum when the foldable assembly <NUM> is in the second folded end position P2b.

The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

Claim 1:
A foldable assembly (<NUM>) for an electronic device, said foldable assembly (<NUM>) comprising a foldable first surface layer (2a) superimposed onto a foldable support layer (<NUM>),
said support layer (<NUM>) comprising a first body (<NUM>), a second body (<NUM>), and a pivot hinge (<NUM>), said pivot hinge (<NUM>) interconnecting said first body (<NUM>) and said second body (<NUM>),
said first body (<NUM>) and said second body (<NUM>) being pivotable relative each other around an assembly rotation axis (A1) of said pivot hinge (<NUM>) such that said foldable assembly (<NUM>) is moveable between an unfolded position (P1) and at least one folded end position (P2),
said first body (<NUM>) and said second body (<NUM>) being aligned in a common plane when said foldable assembly (<NUM>) is in said unfolded position (P1),
said first body (<NUM>) being superimposed onto said second body (<NUM>) when said foldable assembly (<NUM>) is in said folded end position (P2),
said support layer (<NUM>) further comprising at least one linear actuator (<NUM>) extending at least partially through said pivot hinge (<NUM>),
a first end (7a) of said linear actuator (<NUM>) being connected to said first body (<NUM>) and
a second, opposite end (7b) of said linear actuator (<NUM>) being connected to one of said first surface layer (2a) and said second body (<NUM>),
an actuator axis (A2) extending between said first (<NUM> a) and second (7b) ends and perpendicular to said assembly rotation axis (A1),
wherein said first body (<NUM>) and/or said second body (<NUM>) are adapted to pivot around said assembly rotation axis (A1) and to actuate said
linear actuator (<NUM>) such that said linear actuator (<NUM>) urges one of said first surface layer (2a) and said second body (<NUM>) to move, in relation to said first body (<NUM>), along said actuator axis (A2).