Patent Description:
Electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets are sometimes designed so that an enclosure is formed by a housing and a display of the electronic device joined to each other. Introduction of new types of displays including flexible displays can place additional demands on the enclosure in this or other regards.

<CIT> describes a display device comprising a flexible display, wherein the flexible display is formed by laminating at least a flexible thin film display member, a flexible thin film drive member of the display member, and a support substrate. The substrate is made of a member having flexibility at a predetermined bending portion and a rigid member at other portions. The display device has multiple screen sizes that can be displayed on a small screen, and when it is restored from a bent state and opened, it can be used to display a large screen using the entire screen. The display device can comprise a member for preventing excessive bending so that the display is not bent below a minimum bending radius that does not impair performance of the display.

<CIT> describes a mobile terminal that includes a flexible display unit configured to be deformed from a first state as an unfolded state to a second state as a folded state or from the second state to the first state. The terminal comprises a first body unit configured to support one region of the display unit and a second body unit rotatably connected to the first body unit, the second body unit being configured to support the other remaining region of the display unit. Th second unit is configured to become away from the first body unit while the flexible display unit is being changed from the second state to the first state. A hinge unit is configured to rotatably connect the first and second body units.

In a first aspect, an electronic device includes: a processor; a memory; a first body portion; a second body portion coupled to the first body portion by a hinge, the second body portion including a plate; a slider having a slot therein, wherein the plate slidingly engages with the slot to facilitate the slider assuming at least first and second positions relative to the second body portion; and a flexible display attached to the first body portion and the slider, wherein the flexible display has a substantially planar configuration in the first position of the slider and a substantially folded configuration in the second position of the slider.

Implementations can include any or all of the following features. The plate extends in a direction away from the hinge perpendicular to a rotation axis of the hinge. The flexible display includes an organic light-emitting diode display. In the substantially folded configuration the flexible display is bent approximately <NUM> degrees. The slider is configured to be closer to the second body portion in the second position of the slider than in the first position of the slider. The slider is configured to abut the second body portion in the second position of the slider. The electronic device further comprises an edge on the slider, the edge parallel to a rotation axis of the hinge, wherein an edge of the flexible display abuts the edge of the slider in the first and second positions of the slider. The first body portion has a first outer surface that extends along the flexible display, and a second outer surface that is parallel to the first outer surface and opposite the first body portion from the first outer surface, and wherein the hinge is offset partially beyond the second outer surface in a direction away from the first surface so that the second outer surface forms a recess adjacent the hinge. The recess is configured to at least partially contain the slider in the second position of the slider. The hinge comprises a pin that is included in the second body portion and a knuckle that is included in the first body portion. The first body portion has a frame adjacent at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display, the frame configured to protect the portion of the edge. The second body portion has a frame adjacent at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display, the frame configured to protect the portion of the edge. The slider has a frame adjacent at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display, the frame configured to protect the portion of the edge. The second body portion is substantially aligned with the first body portion in the substantially planar configuration of the flexible display. The second body portion is substantially parallel to the first body portion, and overlapping the first body portion in the substantially folded configuration of the flexible display.

In a second aspect, an electronic device includes: a processor; a memory; a flexible display having at least a first configuration where the flexible display is substantially planar, and a second configuration where the flexible display is non-planar; and a hinged enclosure that supports the flexible display in the first and second configurations, the hinged enclosure including a first body portion and a second body portion that are coupled to each other by a hinge, and a slider attached to the flexible display that is configured to slide relative to at least the second body portion as the flexible display assumes the first or second configuration.

Implementations can include any or all of the following features. At least one of the first body portion, the second body portion, or the slider, has a frame adjacent at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display, the frame configured to protect the portion of the edge. The hinge comprises a knuckle on the first body portion and a pin on the second body portion, wherein the first body portion has a first outer surface that extends along the flexible display, and a second outer surface that is parallel to the first outer surface and opposite the first body portion from the first outer surface, and wherein the knuckle is offset partially beyond the second outer surface in a direction away from the first outer surface so that the second outer surface forms a recess adjacent the knuckle. The recess is configured to at least partially contain the slider in the second position of the slider.

In a third aspect, an electronic device includes: a processor; a memory; a flexible display having at least a substantially planar configuration and a substantially folded configuration wherein the flexible display is bent approximately <NUM> degrees; and a hinged enclosure that supports the flexible display in the substantially planar and substantially folded configurations, the hinged enclosure including (i) a first body portion attached to the flexible display, (ii) a second body portion coupled to the first body portion by a hinge, the second body portion including a plate, and (iii) a slider attached to the flexible display, the slider having a slot therein, wherein the plate slidingly engages with the slot to facilitate the slider assuming at least first and second positions relative to the second body portion.

Implementations can include any or all of the following features. The electronic device further comprises an actuator mounted to the first body portion, the actuator configured to bring the slider to the first position as the flexible display assumes the substantially planar configuration, and to bring the slider to the second position as the flexible display assumes the substantially folded configuration. The electronic device further comprises a linkage that couples the actuator to the slider.

This document describes examples of an electronic device having a flexible display. In some implementations, the electronic device has an enclosure to facilitate that the flexible display assumes at least a substantially planar configuration or a substantially folded configuration. The electronic device can be operable to present content on all or some of the flexible display in the substantially planar and folded configurations. The electronic device can be operable to receive input (e.g., by way of a touchscreen functionality integrated with the flexible display) in the substantially planar and folded configurations. The electronic device can have a slider that is engaged to slide relative to another portion of the enclosure and assume a position corresponding to the configuration of the flexible display.

<FIG> shows an example of an electronic device <NUM> in an open configuration. The electronic device <NUM> can be used with one or more other examples described herein. The electronic device <NUM> includes a flexible display <NUM>. In some implementations, the electronic device <NUM> having the flexible display <NUM> can serve as a portable or otherwise mobile electronic device. For example, the electronic device <NUM> can be used in circumstances where a user might otherwise operate a smartphone, tablet and/or a laptop device. For these and other purposes, the electronic device <NUM> can include a processing component, storage media and interfaces (e.g., a wireless) interface) which are not described in detail here for brevity. The electronic device <NUM> can be implemented using some or all of the examples described below with reference to <FIG>.

The flexible display <NUM> provides an adjustable display solution for the electronic device <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> can allow the electronic device <NUM> to be operated in one or more configurations, including, but not limited to, a substantially open configuration (e.g., as shown) or one or more substantially closed configurations. Any of multiple types of flexible display technology can be used to implement the flexible display <NUM>. In some implementations, the flexible display is implemented in a flexible substrate and is electrically powered so as to be able to emit light in a controlled fashion to present content. For example, the flexible display <NUM> can include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display component. As such, the flexible display <NUM> can include an OLED display. In some implementations, the flexible display <NUM> may not be backlit and can operate by selectively reflecting ambient light to present content. For example, the flexible display <NUM> can include electronic paper such as e-paper.

The flexible display <NUM> as shown has a substantially planar configuration. In some implementations, the substantially planar configuration involves a portion 102A of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the left side thereof in the present example) being substantially coplanar with a portion 102B of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the right side thereof in the present example). For example, the portions 102A-B can occupy substantially a common plane in the substantially planar configuration of the flexible display <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> can include a body portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> can form part of the enclosure or housing of the electronic device <NUM> and can be made from any suitable material. For example, the body portion <NUM> can include metal (e.g., an alloy such as one predominantly based on aluminum) and/or a polymer material (e.g., a plastic material). The body portion <NUM> can include some or all of the circuitry of the electronic device <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> can form part of the enclosure or housing of the electronic device <NUM> and can be made from any suitable material. For example, the body portion <NUM> can include metal (e.g., an alloy such as one predominantly based on aluminum) and/or a polymer material (e.g., a plastic material). In the present configuration, the body portion <NUM> is substantially aligned with the body portion <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a slider <NUM>. The slider <NUM> can form part of the enclosure or housing of the electronic device <NUM> and can be made from any suitable material. For example, the slider <NUM> can include metal (e.g., an alloy such as one predominantly based on aluminum) and/or a polymer material (e.g., a plastic material). In the present configuration, the slider <NUM> is substantially aligned with the body portion <NUM>. Here, the slider <NUM> is separated from the body portion <NUM> by a distance.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a hinge <NUM> that can extend across some or all of the electronic device <NUM>. In some implementations, the hinge <NUM> can facilitate transition between two or more configurations of the electronic device <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> can provide rotation in one or more directions according to a rotation axis <NUM> which is here schematically illustrated using a dashed line.

In some implementations, the body portions <NUM> and <NUM>, the slider <NUM>, and the hinge <NUM> can be considered a hinged enclosure of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the hinged enclosure can support the flexible display <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> extends along the flexible display <NUM> in the present configuration. In some implementations, the outer surface <NUM> has substantially the same orientation as the portion 102A of the flexible display <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> is currently not visible due to the orientation of the electronic device <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> can be parallel to the outer surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> can be opposite the body portion <NUM> from the outer surface <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> can be offset partially beyond the outer surface <NUM> in a direction away from the outer surface <NUM>. For example, the hinge <NUM> is partially offset beyond the outer surface in that some, but less than all, of the hinge <NUM> is positioned further from the outer surface <NUM> than is the outer surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> can form a recess <NUM> adjacent the hinge <NUM>. The recess <NUM> can extend along a plane of the outer surface <NUM> and be delimited by structure on at least one edge; here, the hinge <NUM> defines the depth and one end of the recess <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> can have a frame <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the frame <NUM> is positioned adjacent at least a portion of an edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>. The edge <NUM> can extend along an entire side of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the frame <NUM> can be configured to protect the portion of the edge <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can be positioned on one or more sides of the body portion <NUM>, including, but not limited to, on two opposing sides of the body portion <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> can have a frame <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the frame <NUM> is positioned adjacent at least a portion of the edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the frame <NUM> can be configured to protect the portion of the edge <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can be positioned on one or more sides of the body portion <NUM>, including, but not limited to, on two opposing sides of the body portion <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> can have a frame <NUM> on the slider <NUM>. In some implementations, the frame <NUM> is positioned adjacent at least a portion of the edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the frame <NUM> can be configured to protect the portion of the edge <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can be positioned on one or more sides of the slider <NUM>, including, but not limited to, on two opposing sides of the slider <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> can have an edge <NUM> on the slider <NUM>. The edge <NUM> is here parallel to the rotation axis <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>. The edge <NUM> can be substantially perpendicular to the frame <NUM>. The edge <NUM> can abut an edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>. The edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> can be substantially perpendicular to the edge <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> in a closed configuration. The electronic device <NUM> as illustrated can be used with one or more other examples described herein. In some implementations, at least the body portion <NUM> has been rotated about the rotation axis <NUM>. Here, the slider <NUM> has also rotated about the rotation axis <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> is currently in a non-planar configuration. The electronic device <NUM> can presently be considered to be in a closed configuration. The body portion <NUM> is currently substantially parallel to the body portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> currently overlaps the body portion <NUM>.

In some implementations, the flexible display <NUM> can presently be considered to be in a substantially folded configuration in <FIG>. The portion 102A of the flexible display <NUM> is presently visible and the portion 102B (<FIG>) is not presently visible due to the orientation of the electronic device <NUM>. In some implementations, in a substantially folded configuration the flexible display <NUM> can be bent approximately <NUM> degrees. For example, the portion 102A of the flexible display <NUM> and the portion 102B (<FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> can may have been bent approximately <NUM> degrees relative to each other as the flexible display <NUM> assumes the substantially folded configuration.

The slider <NUM> can undergo translation (e.g., slide) as the electronic device <NUM> assumes another configuration. This can be done manually (e.g., by way of a force applied by the user's hand(s)), or automatically by the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., by way of one or more implemented mechanisms). As a result of sliding, in the substantially folded configuration of the flexible display <NUM> the slider <NUM> can be closer to the body portion <NUM> than in the substantially planar configuration of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). For example, the slider <NUM> can abut the body portion <NUM> in the substantially folded configuration of the flexible display <NUM>.

It was mentioned in the example above that the edge <NUM> (<FIG>) of the slider <NUM> can abut the edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> in the substantially planar configuration of the flexible display <NUM>. In a substantially folded configuration of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), the edge <NUM> (<FIG>) of the slider <NUM> can likewise abut the edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> although this is not presently visible due to the orientation of the electronic device <NUM>.

The recess <NUM> can be configured to at least partially contain the slider <NUM> in a substantially folded configuration of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In some implementations, this can provide a slimmer design for the electronic device <NUM> with less protruding structure.

One or more frames can protect the flexible display <NUM> in a substantially folded configuration thereof. Here, at least one of the frame <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>, the frame <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>, and/or the frame <NUM> on the slider <NUM> can protect the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> and/or another edge of the flexible display <NUM> can be protected.

The electronic device <NUM> is an example of an electronic device that includes a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM>) having at least a first configuration (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) where the flexible display is substantially planar, and a second configuration (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) where the flexible display is non-planar. The electronic device includes a hinged enclosure that supports the flexible display in the first and second configurations. The hinged enclosure including a first body portion (e.g., the body portion <NUM>) and a second body portion (e.g., the body portion <NUM>) that are coupled to each other by a hinge (e.g., the hinge <NUM>). The hinged enclosure includes a slider (e.g., the slider <NUM>) attached to the flexible display. The slider is configured to slide relative to at least the second body portion as the flexible display assumes the first or second configuration.

<FIG> shows an example of a cross-section of an electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> can be used with one or more other examples described herein. Aspects of the electronic device <NUM> corresponding to those described in other examples can serve similarly or identically in the electronic device <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM>, a body portion <NUM> and a slider <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> includes a plate <NUM>. The slider <NUM> includes a slot <NUM>. The plate <NUM> can be a substantially planar member that extends from the rest of the body portion <NUM>. The plate <NUM> slidingly engages with the slot <NUM> to facilitate the slider <NUM> assuming one or more positions. In other words, the plate <NUM> is slidingly received within the slot <NUM> to facilitate the slider <NUM> assuming one or more positions. For example, the slider <NUM> can assume the position shown in the present illustration, which can correspond to a open configuration of the electronic device <NUM>. In an open configuration, the electronic device <NUM> can be substantially planar. A flexible display can be protected by one or more aspects of the electronic device <NUM> in an open configuration. For example, the body portion <NUM>, the body portion <NUM>, and/or the slider <NUM> can protect the flexible display. The flexible display is not visible in the present cross section of the electronic device <NUM>.

A plate <NUM> is here part of the electronic device <NUM>. In some implementations (e.g. as shown in <FIG>), the plate <NUM> can be coupled to the body portion <NUM>. For example, the plate <NUM> can remain stationary relative to the body portion <NUM> when the slider <NUM> assumes positions relative to the body portion <NUM>. In alternative implementations (not shown), the plate <NUM> can instead be coupled to the slider <NUM>. For example, the plate <NUM> can travel with the slider <NUM> when the slider <NUM> assumes positions relative to the body portion <NUM>. This could be achieved, for example, by providing a slot in the body portion <NUM> (instead of the slot <NUM> in the slider <NUM>) such that the plate <NUM> may be slidingly received within the slot of the body portion <NUM> to facilitate the slider <NUM> (and plate <NUM>) assuming one or more positions.

The electronic device <NUM> can include one or more hinges. Here, the electronic device <NUM> includes a hinge <NUM>. In some implementations, the hinge <NUM> can facilitate transition between two or more configurations of the electronic device <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> can provide rotation in one or more directions according to a rotation axis <NUM> which extends into and out of the plane of the illustration and is here schematically illustrated using a circled dot. The body portion <NUM> is here configured so that the plate <NUM> extends in a direction away from the hinge <NUM> in the plane of the illustration. That is, the plate <NUM> is here perpendicular to the rotation axis <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> can extend across substantially an entire width of the electronic device <NUM>.

The hinge <NUM> can include a knuckle <NUM> and a pin <NUM>. In some implementations, the knuckle <NUM> forms a housing with a smooth cylindrical inside that is configured to allow rotation of the pin <NUM> relative to the knuckle <NUM>. In some implementations, the knuckle <NUM> is coupled to the body portion <NUM>. For example, the knuckle <NUM> can be part of the body portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the pin <NUM> can be coupled to the body portion <NUM>. For example, the pin <NUM> can be part of the body portion <NUM>.

Any of multiple types of hinges can be used for the electronic device <NUM>. In some implementations, the hinge <NUM> is a free-stop hinge. For example, the free-stop hinge can allow the electronic device <NUM> to enter and remain in a configuration characterized in an arbitrary angle between the body portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> can require a torque force (e.g., a certain modicum of applied) torque to transition from one configuration to another configuration.

The electronic device <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> extends along the flexible display (not shown) in the present configuration. The electronic device <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> can be parallel to the outer surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> can be opposite the body portion <NUM> from the outer surface <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> may be offset relative to the body portion <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the substantially planar flexible display in the first configuration (see <FIG>) such that a recess <NUM> is formed in the body portion <NUM>. In other words, the hinge <NUM> can be offset partially beyond the outer surface <NUM> in a direction away from the outer surface <NUM>. For example, the hinge <NUM> is partially offset beyond the outer surface in that some, but less than all, of the hinge <NUM> is positioned further from the outer surface <NUM> than is the outer surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> can form the recess <NUM> adjacent the hinge <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> is an example of an electronic device where a hinge (e.g., the hinge <NUM>) comprises a knuckle (e.g., the knuckle <NUM>) on a first body portion (e.g., on the body portion <NUM>) and a pin (e.g., the pin <NUM>) on a second body portion. The first body portion can have a first outer surface (e.g., the outer surface <NUM>) that extends along a flexible display, and a second outer surface (e.g., the outer surface <NUM>) that is parallel to the first outer surface and opposite the first body portion from the first outer surface. The knuckle can be offset partially beyond the second outer surface in a direction away from the first outer surface so that the second outer surface forms a recess (e.g., the recess <NUM>) adjacent the knuckle.

<FIG> shows another example of a cross-section of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>. The electronic device <NUM> as illustrated can be used with one or more other examples described herein. Here, the body portion <NUM> and the slider <NUM> have been rotated relative to the body portion <NUM> (or vice versa) about the hinge <NUM> so that the electronic device <NUM> assumes a non-planar configuration. A flexible display <NUM> is here visible and is shown curved about the hinge <NUM>, while the rest of the flexible display <NUM> is obscured by the body portion <NUM>, the body portion <NUM>, and the slider <NUM>. This can be considered a non-planar configuration of the flexible display <NUM>. The configuration in <FIG>, moreover, can be considered a substantially planar configuration of the flexible display <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> can be attached to the body portion <NUM> and to the slider <NUM>, to name just two examples.

The slider <NUM> has here assumed a different position than that shown in <FIG>. In some implementations, the slider <NUM> has moved closer to the body portion <NUM> than when the flexible display <NUM> was in the substantially planar configuration. The relocation of the slider <NUM> is facilitated by the plate <NUM> slidingly engaging with the slot <NUM>. Thus, the plate <NUM> extends further into the slot <NUM> in <FIG> than in <FIG>. This means that there is a smaller gap at the end of the slot <NUM> in <FIG> than in <FIG>. Also, somewhat less of the plate <NUM> is currently visible between the body portion <NUM> and the slider <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another example of a cross-section of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>. The electronic device <NUM> as illustrated can be used with one or more other examples described herein. The electronic device <NUM> can presently be considered to be in a closed configuration. In some implementations, this can correspond to the flexible display <NUM> being in a substantially folded configuration. For example, the flexible display <NUM> can be bent approximately <NUM> degrees.

The recess <NUM> can be configured to at least partially contain the slider <NUM> in a substantially folded configuration of the flexible display <NUM>. In some implementations, this can provide a slimmer design for the electronic device <NUM> with less protruding structure.

As a result of sliding, in the substantially folded configuration of the flexible display <NUM> the slider <NUM> can be closer to the body portion <NUM> than in the substantially planar configuration of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). For example, the slider <NUM> can abut the body portion <NUM> in the substantially folded configuration of the flexible display <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> and the slot <NUM>, and/or the sliding engagement between them, can provide advantages. The sliding engagement between the plate <NUM> and the slot <NUM> allows for the bending of the flexible display <NUM> around the hinge <NUM> (i.e. the knuckle <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>) as the flexible display <NUM> moves between the substantially planar and substantially non-planar/folded configurations. The plate <NUM> and the slot <NUM> can provide that the slide <NUM> is aligned with the body portion <NUM> and/or with the body portion <NUM> in the open state (e.g., <FIG>). In some implementations, protection for the flexible display <NUM> can be provided. The plate <NUM> and the slot <NUM> can be dimensioned so that there is a substantial amount of overlap between them also in the open position, which can increased the structural integrity of the electronic device in the open state. In some implementations, the plate <NUM> and the slot <NUM> can provide that substantially the same tension is provided in the flexible display <NUM> in an open state (e.g., <FIG>), in a closed state (e.g., <FIG>), and/or in a state between an open and a closed state (e.g., <FIG>). The plate <NUM> is in contact with the opposing surfaces that form the slot <NUM> on opposite sides of the plate <NUM>. This allows good control of the amount of friction when moving the slider <NUM> in either direction For example, the amount of friction can be controlled to allow for easy adjustment of the electronic device <NUM> while protecting against unwanted sliding or movement. The plate <NUM> and the slot <NUM> can avoid or reduce the extent to which the flexible display <NUM> slides between opposing components in transitioning between open and closed states. For example, this can reduce wear on the flexible display <NUM> that may otherwise occur.

The electronic device <NUM> is an example of an electronic device that includes a first body portion (e.g., the body portion <NUM>), a second body portion (e.g., the body portion <NUM>) coupled to the first body portion by a hinge (e.g., the hinge <NUM>), the second body portion including a plate (e.g., the plate <NUM>). The electronic device includes a slider (e.g., the slider <NUM>) having a slot (e.g., the slot <NUM>) therein. The plate slidingly engages with the slot to facilitate the slider assuming at least first (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) and second (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and/or <NUM>) positions relative to the second body portion. The electronic device includes a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM>) attached to the first body portion and the slider. The flexible display has a substantially planar configuration in the first position of the slider and a substantially folded configuration in the second position of the slider.

The electronic device <NUM> is an example of an electronic device including a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM>) having at least a substantially planar configuration (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) and a substantially folded configuration (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) wherein the flexible display is bent approximately <NUM> degrees. The electronic device includes a hinged enclosure that supports the flexible display in the substantially planar and substantially folded configurations. The hinged enclosure includes (i) a first body portion (e.g., the body portion <NUM>) attached to the flexible display, (ii) a second body portion (e.g., the body portion <NUM>) coupled to the first body portion by a hinge (e.g., the hinge <NUM>), the second body portion including a plate (e.g., the plate <NUM>), and (iii) a slider (e.g., the slider <NUM>) attached to the flexible display, the slider having a slot (e.g., the slot <NUM>) therein, wherein the plate slidingly engages with the slot to facilitate the slider assuming at least first and second positions relative to the second body portion.

<FIG> shows an example of a cross-section of an electronic device <NUM> having an actuator. The electronic device <NUM> can be used with one or more other examples described herein. Aspects of the electronic device <NUM> corresponding to those described in other examples can serve similarly or identically in the electronic device <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM>, a body portion <NUM>, and a slider <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> can have a hinged enclosure where relative rotation between the body portion <NUM>, the body portion <NUM> and the slider <NUM>, is facilitated by a hinge <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> is currently shown in an open position. In some implementations, this can correspond to a substantially planar configuration of a flexible display.

The electronic device <NUM> includes an actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can include a mechanical and/or an electrical actuating mechanism that is configured to causing the slider <NUM> to assume another position. In some implementations, the actuator <NUM> can be engaged by a pin <NUM> that is part of the hinge <NUM>. For example, relative rotation between the pin <NUM> and the body portion <NUM> can cause the actuator <NUM> to move the slider <NUM> relative to the body portion <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> can include at least one linkage <NUM> that is coupled to the actuator <NUM> and to the slider <NUM>. The linkage <NUM> can be configured to convey the actuation of the actuator <NUM> to the slider <NUM>. In some implementations, the linkage <NUM> can include a flexible mechanical element configured to advance the slider <NUM> away from the body portion <NUM>. For example, the actuation intermediated by the linkage <NUM> can involve the linkage <NUM> pushing the slider <NUM> away from the body portion <NUM> when entering a substantially planar configuration of the flexible display. As another example, the actuation intermediated by the linkage <NUM> can involve the linkage <NUM> pulling the slider <NUM> closer to the body portion <NUM> when entering a substantially folded configuration of the flexible display. The linkage <NUM> can be coupled to a linkage point <NUM> that is on a plate <NUM> coupled to the slider <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> can include at least one linkage <NUM> that is coupled to the actuator <NUM> and to the slider <NUM>. The linkage <NUM> can be configured to convey the actuation of the actuator <NUM> to the slider <NUM>. In some implementations, the linkage <NUM> can include a flexible mechanical element configured to advance the slider <NUM> away from the body portion <NUM>. For example, the actuation intermediated by the linkage <NUM> can involve the linkage <NUM> pushing the slider <NUM> away from the body portion <NUM> when entering a substantially planar configuration of the flexible display. As another example, the actuation intermediated by the linkage <NUM> can involve the linkage <NUM> pulling the slider <NUM> closer to the body portion <NUM> when entering a substantially folded configuration of the flexible display. The linkage <NUM> can be coupled to a linkage point <NUM> that is on the slider <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of a generic computer device <NUM> and a generic mobile computer device <NUM>, which may be used with the techniques described here. Computing device <NUM> is intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops, tablets, workstations, personal digital assistants, televisions, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other appropriate computing devices. Computing device <NUM> is intended to represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smart phones, and other similar computing devices.

The processor <NUM> can be a semiconductor-based processor. The memory <NUM> can be a semiconductor-based memory.

The high-speed controller <NUM> manages bandwidth-intensive operations for the computing device <NUM>, while the low speed controller <NUM> manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations.

Thus, for example, expansion memory <NUM> may be provided as a security module for device <NUM>, and may be programmed with instructions that permit secure use of device <NUM>.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a processor (<NUM>);
a memory (<NUM>);
a flexible display (<NUM>) having at least a first configuration where the flexible display (<NUM>) is substantially planar, and a second configuration where the flexible display (<NUM>) is non-planar; and
a hinged enclosure that supports the flexible display (<NUM>) in the first and second configurations, the hinged enclosure including (i) a first body portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) attached to the flexible display, (ii) a second body portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the first body portion by a hinge (<NUM>, <NUM>), and (iii) a slider (<NUM>, <NUM>) attached to the flexible display (<NUM>) that is configured to slide relative to at least the second body portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) as the flexible display (<NUM>) assumes the first or second configuration; wherein,
when the flexible display (<NUM>) is in the first configuration, the first body portion (<NUM>, <NUM>), second body portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the slider (<NUM>, <NUM>) are substantially aligned;
the slider (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a slot (<NUM>) therein and the second body portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes a plate (<NUM>), wherein the plate (<NUM>) slidingly engages with the slot (<NUM>) to facilitate the flexible display (<NUM>) assuming the first or second configuration; and the plate (<NUM>) is in contact with the opposing surfaces that form the slot (<NUM>) on opposite sides of the plate (<NUM>) so as to provide an amount of friction when moving the slider in either direction.