Patent ID: 12259759

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1A-1Cillustrate an exemplary computing device100that includes a foldable layer102.FIG.1Ais a front view of the exemplary computing device100in an unfolded configuration.FIG.1Bis a perspective view of the exemplary computing device100in a partially folded configuration.FIG.1Cis a side view of the exemplary computing device100in a fully folded configuration. In the exemplary computing device100shown inFIGS.1A-1C, the foldable layer102is a foldable display102that is mounted so that a display surface104faces outward in the folded configuration. The foldable layer102can include a flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer. In some implementations, the foldable display102may be mounted on the computing device100so that the display surface104faces inward when the device100is in the folded configuration (not shown). In some implementations, the foldable display102can include a first relatively flat, relatively rigid, or -semi-rigid, section112, a second relatively flat, relatively rigid, or semi-rigid, section114, and a foldable portion or bendable section116. In some implementations, the foldable display102can include more than two flat, rigid sections112,114and/or more than one bendable section116. In some implementations, the foldable display102can include zero, or only one, flat rigid section112,114. For example, when a foldable display102includes zero flat rigid sections, the display102may be substantially continuously bendable, and may be rolled up, as in a scroll. The exemplary foldable display102shown inFIGS.1A-1Cincludes a bendable section116that allows the foldable display102to bend about an axis. In some implementations, the foldable display102can include one or more bendable sections that allow the foldable display102to bend about more than one axis.

In the exemplary computing device100shown inFIGS.1A-1C, the bendable section116may allow the foldable display102to bend, or fold, for example, in an arcuate shape, that has a bending radius, and/or radius of curvature. In some implementations, support may be provided in the bendable section116. A support device, in accordance with implementations described herein, may provide support in the foldable portion or bendable section116in both the folded and unfolded configurations. In some implementations, a support device, in accordance with implementations described herein, may support and guide the folding or bending of the foldable display102in the foldable portion or bendable section116, and may prevent the foldable display102from bending beyond a minimum bending radius (e.g., less than 10 millimeters, less than 5 millimeters, or less than 2 millimeters) and/or from bending beyond a maximum bending radius, or radius of curvature that may cause damage to fragile components of the foldable display102.

For example, an exemplary support device220supporting an exemplary foldable layer202, such as, for example, a foldable display202in the unfolded configuration is illustrated inFIG.2A. InFIG.2B, the exemplary support device220supports the exemplary foldable layer202in the folded configuration. In the example illustrated inFIGS.2A and2B, the exemplary support device220includes a plurality of segments222, arranged sequentially so as to provide support to a bending section216of the foldable layer202. A first end segment224A is positioned at a first end of the plurality of segments222, and a second end segment224B is positioned at a second end of the plurality of segments222. In this arrangement, the plurality of segments222may be coupled to each other by one or more coupling devices223so as to allow for movement, or change in orientation, of the plurality of segments222as the foldable layer202is folded and unfolded. However, because the foldable layer202and the support device220are independent from each other (in particular, the segments222may be movably coupled to each other, but not to the foldable layer202), the support provided by this exemplary support device220is not necessarily uniform throughout the bending section216of the foldable layer202. That is, because in this arrangement, the segments222are movable relative to each other, and also relative to the foldable layer202, the segments222may move non-uniformly in response to the folding and unfolding of the foldable layer202, causing irregularity, or distortion in the contour of support device220. For example, as shown inFIG.2B, gaps226may be formed between the foldable layer202and the segments222as the segments222move in response to the folding and unfolding of the foldable layer202. The gaps226may represent unsupported portions or regions of the foldable layer202. In some situations, movement of the segments222as the foldable layer202is folded and unfolded may cause the segments222to be positioned such that the segments222impinge, or exert localized pressure, on a portion228of the foldable layer202, which may damage components of the foldable layer202. In addition, due to the irregularity or distortion in the contour of the support device220when folding and unfolding of the foldable layer202, the support provided by the support device220may not by uniform across the foldable portion216which can impact negatively a user's experience when interacting with the foldable layer202(e.g. a foldable display). For example, the user may feel the support for the foldable layer202is stronger in some parts of the foldable portion216compared to other parts.

In accordance with implementations described herein, a foldable device comprises a foldable layer and a support device (or chain support device) fixed to a foldable portion (or bendable section) of the foldable layer. The support device includes a plurality of links (or segments or link members), wherein each of the plurality of links is individually fixed to a surface of the foldable portion of the foldable layer. Each of the plurality of links is movably coupled to an adjacent link of the plurality of links, such that the plurality of links move relative to each other, while remaining fixed to the foldable layer, in response to a folding movement of the foldable layer and an unfolding movement of the foldable layer. Movement of the segments or links relative to each other may be guided by a guide device. The support device may provide support to the foldable layer in a substantially full range of positions between a fully unfolded configuration and a fully folded configuration. In some implementations, the support device may include a guide device that guides the relative movement of the segments or links relative to each other. In some implementations, the guide device may include a series of pins, or shafts, received in guide slots, or guide rails, to guide the relative movement of the segments, or links. In some implementations, the guide device may limit a degree, or magnitude, of folding and/or unfolding of the foldable layer to prevent damage to components of the foldable layer. In developing a configuration of a support device for a foldable layer, in accordance with implementations described herein, movement of the various sections of the foldable layer may be taken into consideration. This will be described below with respect toFIGS.3-5.

FIGS.3-5schematically illustrate a track, or a trace, of an object on a foldable plane302, such as, for example, a foldable display302, as the foldable plane302is folded and unfolded. In particular, as shown inFIG.3, the foldable plane302may include a first section312and a second section314. A first object313is identified on the first section312and a second object315is identified on the second section314of the foldable plane302, for purposes of tracing the motion of the object(s)313,315as the foldable plane302is folded/unfolded. In the example shown inFIG.3, the second section314is moved toward the first section312(to, for example, fold the foldable plane302about a foldable portion or bending section316of the foldable plane302). A trace318of a center point of the object315tracks the path followed by the object315as the foldable plane302is folded (i.e., as the second section314is bent, or is rotated about the bending section316, every 10 degrees (other angle values may alternatively be used, such as 5 degrees or 1 degree) and moved toward the first section312of the foldable plane302). This trace318represents the non-linear path, or trajectory, of the object315(and by extension, the second section314) as the foldable plane302is folded and unfolded about the bending section316.

In order to reduce the irregularity or distortion in the contour of the support device so that the contour of the support device better matches the foldable layer as the foldable layer is folded and unfolded, simulations which track the rotation centers of the objects313,315as the foldable layer is folded/unfolded can be performed and the results are shown inFIGS.4A and4B. Such simulations may be used to define the configuration of the support device in accordance with implementations described herein. InFIGS.4A and4B, the object315is expanded to represent an exemplary pin315, or shaft315. In this example, the trace319of the locations of the centers of rotation of the objects313,315as the foldable layer302is folded/unfolded is determined by simulating the folding and unfolding of the foldable layer302with the objects313and315and determining the position of the centers of rotation of the objects313,315at different angles (e.g. increments of 10 degrees or other values) as the foldable layer302is folded/unfolded. The determined trace319may be used to define a slot336, or a guide336, as shown inFIG.4B, in which a pin (one of the circles315A,313A may be considered as a representation of the pin) may be received, to guide relative motion of the first and second sections312,314of the foldable layer302. In particular, in this example, the trace319may define a contour, and/or a length, and/or a shape and the like of the slot336that may guide the relative motion of the first and second sections312,314of the foldable layer302.FIGS.5A and5Billustrate exemplary motion, and corresponding position of the exemplary pin (represented by a circle inFIG.5AandFIG.5B) in the exemplary slot336. That is,FIG.5Aillustrates the foldable layer302in an unfolded configuration, with the exemplary pin (represented by a circle) at a first position336A in the exemplary slot336.FIG.5Billustrates the foldable layer302in a folded configuration, with the exemplary pin (represented by a circle) at a second position336B in the exemplary slot336.

FIG.6Ais a side view of a support device610for a foldable layer602, such as, for example, a foldable display602, of a foldable device in accordance with implementations described herein.FIG.6Bis a side view of the exemplary support device610and the exemplary foldable layer602, for example, a foldable display602, in the folded configuration. In the exemplary support device610shown inFIGS.6A and6B, the support device610includes a plurality of links630(or segments or link members) (shown in the figures as links630A-630E), wherein each of the plurality of links630is individually fixed to a surface of a foldable portion616(or bendable section) of the foldable layer602. Each of the plurality of links630is movably coupled to an adjacent link of the plurality of links630, such that the plurality of links630move relative to each other, while remaining fixed to the foldable layer202, in response to a folding movement of the foldable layer202and an unfolding movement of the foldable layer202. The support device610may include a chain module620including the plurality of links630. An end view of one of the plurality of exemplary links630is shown inFIG.6C. A first bracket640A may be provided at a first end of the chain module620, and a second bracket640B may be provided at a second end of the chain module620. End views of an exemplary first bracket640A and an exemplary second bracket640B are shown inFIGS.6D and6E, respectively.

Each link630, may include a body635(seeFIG.6C) defining a coupling portion632fixed to the foldable layer202. In some implementations, each link630may include a pin634(or shaft) extending outward substantially orthogonally from the coupling portion632and a slot636(or rail) formed in the coupling portion632and configured to slidably receive the pin634of an adjacent link630of the plurality of links630. In some implementations, a first end portion631of the coupling portion632may be coupled, for example, fixedly coupled, to the foldable layer602. A pin634may be coupled to a second end portion633of the coupling portion632and may extend outward from a first side portion of the second end portion633of the coupling portion632. A slot636, for example, an arcuate slot636as discussed above in detail with respect toFIGS.3-5, may be formed in a second side portion of the second end portion633of the coupling portion632. As shown in the sequential arrangement of links630illustrated inFIG.6A, the pin634of one link630(for example, the pin634A of the first link630A) may be received in the slot636of the adjacent link630(for example, the slot636B of the second link630B), to sequentially engage the adjacent links630. Thus, the pin(s)634and the slot(s)636may define a guide device, or guide structure, that couples adjacent links630, and that guides the relative movement of the adjacent links630as the foldable layer602is folded and unfolded. Due to the structure of the slots636, when the foldable layer602, for example, a foldable display602, is folded and unfolded, movement and positioning of the links630and a relationship between the chain module620and the foldable layer602may be controlled to provide support to the foldable layer602throughout the range of positions between the unfolded configuration shown inFIG.6Aand the folded position shown inFIG.6B.

As noted above, the exemplary support device610shown inFIG.6Aincludes five links630(links630A,630B,630C,630D and630E, including pins634A,634B,634C,634D and634E, and slots636A,636B,636C,636D and636E, respectively) forming the chain module620, simply for ease of discussion and illustration. In some implementations, the chain module620may include more, or fewer, links630, arranged in a similar manner or in a different manner.

In the exemplary arrangement shown inFIGS.6A and6B, the first bracket640A may include a base portion642A that may be coupled, for example, fixedly coupled, to the foldable layer602. A linking arm648A may extend from the base portion642A. A pin644A coupled to the linking arm648A may be received in the slot636A formed in the adjacent link630A, to engage the link630A and the first bracket640A. In the exemplary arrangement shown inFIGS.6A and6B, the second bracket640B may include a base portion642B that may be coupled, for example, fixedly coupled, to the foldable layer602. A linking arm648B may extend from the base portion642B. A slot646B may be defined in the linking arm648B. The pin634E of the adjacent link630E may be received in the slot646B formed in the second bracket640B, to engage the link630E and the second bracket640B. In this manner, the chain module620and the first and second brackets640A,640B may be coupled, to form the support device610. The exemplary support device610shown inFIGS.6A and6Bincludes the first bracket640A having the pin644A coupled thereto (for engagement with the slot636A of the adjacent link630A), and the second bracket640B having the slot646B formed therein (for engagement with the pin634E of the adjacent link630E). However, depending on, for example, the arrangement and/or the number of links630forming the chain module620, the positioning of the first and second brackets640A,640B may be reversed.

As noted above, the plurality of links630, and in particular, the first end portion(s)631of the coupling portion(s)632of the links630, may be coupled, for example, fixedly coupled to the foldable layer602by a coupling mechanism650. In some implementations, the coupling mechanism650may be, for example, an adhesive. Other types of coupling mechanisms, for example, with mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, pins, etc.), and/or combinations of coupling mechanisms, may couple the links630to the foldable layer602.

As shown inFIGS.6A and6B, due to the configuration of the slots636and the relative arrangement of the links630, when the foldable layer602, for example, a foldable display602, is folded and unfolded, movement and positioning of the links630, and a relationship between the chain module620and the foldable layer602, may be controlled to provide support to the foldable layer602in the foldable portion616(or bendable section) throughout the range of positions between the unfolded configuration (shown inFIG.6A) and the folded position (shown inFIG.6B).

For example, in the unfolded configuration shown inFIG.6A, the pin634A of the first link630A is positioned at a first end of the slot636B of the second link630B. In the folded configuration shown inFIG.6B, with the pin634A of the first link630A positioned at a second end of the slot636B of the second link630B, the movement of the pin634A in the slot636B may in turn guide relative movement of the first and second links630A,630B as the foldable layer602moves from the unfolded to the folded configuration. Similarly, the pin634B of the second link630B moves from a first end to a second end of the slot636C of the third link630C; the pin634C of the third link630C moves from a first end to a second end of the slot636D of the fourth link630D; and the pin634D of the link630D moves from a first end to a second end of the slot636E of the fifth link630E, as the foldable layer602moves from the unfolded to the folded configuration.

As described above, in some implementations, a contour of the slots636may be defined based on a trace of the movement of foldable layer602as the foldable layer602moves between the unfolded and folded configurations. For example, by determining a trace of the movement of a center of rotation of an object on a foldable portion of the foldable layer when the foldable layer is moved between unfolded and folder configurations and then analyzing a portion of the trace to identify a configuration of the portion of the trace, the configuration or contour of the slots636can be determined based on the identified configuration of the trace, as described above with respect toFIGS.3,4A and4B. In some implementations, the contour of the slots636may guide this movement so that a bending radius, or radius of curvature, of the foldable layer602in the foldable portion616or bending section616does not go below a minimum bending radius, such as a bending radius which small enough to result in damage to components of the foldable layer602. For example, in some implementations, a shape of the slots636may guide movement of the foldable layer602so that a contour of the foldable portion616or bending section616of the foldable layer602remains within set parameters. In some implementations, a shape of each of the slots636of the plurality of links630may be substantially the same, so that the links630provide substantially uniform support to the foldable layer602as the foldable layer602is folded and unfolded. In some implementations, the contour of each of the slots636of the plurality of links630may be substantially the same, so that a substantially uniform bending of the bending section616of the foldable layer602is achieved as the foldable layer602is folded and unfolded.

In some implementations, a length of the slots636of the plurality of links630may be set so as to somewhat limit, or restrict (folding and unfolding) movement of the foldable layer602beyond set thresholds. For example, a length of the slots636(i.e., a travel distance of the pins634received in the respective slots636) may be set so that, when each of the pins634is at the first end of the respective slot636, as shown inFIG.6A, the foldable layer602is in a fully unfolded position. With the pins634positioned against, or abutting, the first ends of the slots636as shown inFIG.6A, the first ends of the slots636may restrict further bending, or rotation in the direction of the arrows A, and may prevent a maximum allowable bending radius from being exceeded. This may prevent bending in a direction in which the foldable display602is not designed to bend. For example, in the case in which the foldable layer602is a foldable display602, this may prevent bending of the foldable layer602in a direction which could put components at the viewing surface604of the foldable display602in unintended/excessive compression (and/or components at an opposite surface608of the foldable display602in unintended/excessive tension) that may result in damage to the foldable display602. Similarly, with the pins634positioned against the second ends of the slots636as shown inFIG.6B, the second ends of the slots636may restrict further bending, or rotation in the direction of the arrows B, and may prevent a minimum allowable bending radius from being exceeded. In the case in which the foldable layer602is a foldable display602, this may prevent excessive bending which would put the components at the viewing surface604in unintended/excessive tension (and/or components at the opposite surface608of the foldable display602in unintended/excessive compression) that may result in damage to the foldable display602.

In some implementations, a contour, or peripheral shape, of the first end portion631of the coupling portion632of the link630may be shaped to correspond to a bent, or folded shape or contour of the foldable layer602. For example, as shown inFIG.6B, the peripheral shape or contour of the first end portion631of the coupling portion632of each of the links630may be shaped (e.g. arcuate, curved, etc.) so that, in the folded configuration, the links630may provide substantially uniform physical support to the foldable layer602. In some implementations, this shaping or contouring of the links630in this manner may help to limit, or restrict, an amount of rotation in the direction of the arrow B.

FIG.7is an exploded perspective view, andFIG.8is an assembled perspective view, of the support device610shown inFIGS.6A-6E, in accordance with implementations described herein.FIG.9is a perspective view of the support device610coupled to the foldable layer602, in accordance with implementations described herein.

As shown inFIGS.7-9, each of the links630, or link members630, may include a support member660extending between a first edge portion of the foldable layer602and a second edge portion of the foldable layer602, with a first coupling portion632at a first end of the support member660, and second coupling portion632at a second end of the support member660. In some implementations, the support member660of each link630may be positioned against, or adjacent to, or proximate, the surface608of the foldable layer602. Some or all or the support members660also can be attached to the foldable layer602. In some implementations, each of the support members660may provide for support of the foldable portion616or bending section616of the foldable layer602, essentially from a first end to a second end of the foldable layer602. In some implementations, the connection between the first and second coupling portions632provided by the support members660may provide for coordinated movement of the individual elements (i.e., the links630, or link members630) of the chain module620at the first end of the foldable layer602and the individual elements of the chain module620at the second end of the foldable layer602.

In a support device for a foldable layer such as a foldable display, in accordance with implementations described herein, the support device may provide substantially uniform support to a bending section of the foldable layer through a range of the bending radius of the bending section. The support device may include a guide device that guides bending (folding and unfolding) of the foldable layer, and that may limit the bending of the foldable layer to within a range between a maximum bending radius and a minimum bending radius. For example, the arrangement of the slots and pins of the links described in the example implementations herein guides bending (folding and unfolding) of the foldable layer, and may limit the bending of the foldable layer to within a range between a maximum bending radius and a minimum bending radius. By having a support device including a plurality of links, with each link individually fixed to a surface of the foldable portion of the foldable layer and moveably coupled to an adjacent link such that the plurality of links move relative to each other while remaining fixed to the foldable layer, the described arrangement provides support for the foldable layer whilst ensuring there is no relative movement between the support device and the foldable layer. By avoiding relative movement between the support device and foldable layer, damage to the foldable layer by the support device as the foldable layer is folded and unfolded can be avoided or at least reduced. The foldable device described herein may be any computing device that is foldable and has a foldable layer, such as a television, smart phone, tablet, portable computer and similar foldable devices. The foldable layer may be a display or other user interface such as a keyboard.

The devices and apparatuses described herein can be included as part of a computing device, that includes, for example, a processor for executing instructions and a memory for storing the executable instructions. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being connected or coupled to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly connected or directly coupled to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises, comprising, includes and/or including, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, or as is apparent from the discussion, terms such as processing or computing or calculating or determining of displaying or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical, electronic quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

Lastly, it should also be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features or embodiments herein disclosed irrespective of whether or not that particular combination has been specifically enumerated in the accompanying claims at this time.