TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a foldable display assembly for an electronic device, the foldable assembly comprising a first display and a second display, as well as a housing comprising a first housing section and a second housing section.

BACKGROUND

The size of a mobile apparatus, such as a tablet or a smartphone, is an important consideration when designing mobile apparatuses. In order to provide the best mobile apparatus possible, the outer dimensions of the apparatus have to be as small as is technically feasible, while still allowing the display of the apparatus to be as large as possible.

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

Foldable electronic apparatuses are becoming more and more common as flexible display technology matures. However, a foldable apparatus that can be folded more than once is still very challenging to design, at least seen from a display durability point of view. Furthermore, the foldable display is easily damaged, e.g. during transportation, if not protected by a harder element or layer. When folded several times, inevitably, a part of the surface of the foldable display will also form an outside of the device when in a folded position.

Nevertheless, a large display area is highly desirable from an end-user point of view and there is a need for providing a foldable electronic device that is durable as well as foldable along multiple axes.

SUMMARY

It is an object to provide an improved foldable display assembly for an electronic device. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures. According to a first aspect, there is provided a foldable display assembly for an electronic apparatus, the foldable display assembly being configured to adopt at least an unfolded position and a folded position. The foldable display assembly comprises a display arrangement comprising a first display, a housing comprising a first housing section and a second housing section, and a second display superimposed onto the first housing section and the second housing section. A first hinge assembly connects the display arrangement to a first edge of the first housing section and a second hinge assembly connects the second housing section to a second edge of the first housing section. The first display and the second display are configured to extend in parallel planes or coplanarly when the foldable display assembly is in the unfolded position. The second display is foldable such that a first part and a second part of the second display face each other when the foldable display assembly is in the folded position. The electronic apparatus may be a mobile electronic device such as a portable computer, mobile phone, portable tablet computer. The electronic apparatus can be also any portable and/or mobile wearable electronic devices such as an electronic watch.

Such a solution facilitates an apparatus that can be folded together to provide an as small electronic apparatus as possible, and that can be unfolded to provide an as large total display area as possible. Furthermore, any issues related to display durability in view of bending are alleviated or avoided. Additionally, the larger total display area allows easy user multitasking.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the display arrangement is configured such that the first display forms an outer surface of the electronic apparatus when the foldable display assembly is in the folded position. This allows a section of the display to be used also when the foldable display assembly, and hence the apparatus, is in the folded position.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly are configured such that the second housing section and the display arrangement are pivoted in the same direction as the foldable display assembly moves between the unfolded position and the folded position, such that the folding of one housing does not affect the other.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the display arrangement is pivotable relative the first housing section around a first rotation axis by means of the first hinge assembly, and the second housing section is pivotable relative the first housing section around a second rotation axis by means of the second hinge assembly, facilitating unidirectional folding.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first display, the first part of the second display, and the second part of the second display extend in parallel planes when the foldable display assembly is in the folded position, allowing the apparatus to be folded to a minimum width.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first hinge assembly is an outfold hinge assembly configured to pivot the display arrangement such that the first display forms at least part of the outside of the electronic apparatus when the foldable display assembly is in the folded position, allowing the first display to be used also when the foldable display assembly, and hence the apparatus, is in the folded position.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second hinge assembly is an infold hinge assembly configured to fold the first part towards the second part when the foldable display assembly moves to the folded position, allowing the more sensitive second display to be completely protected from the exterior.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the display arrangement is non foldable, preventing deformation such as stretching of the first display.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first display is non-foldable, completely avoiding issues related to display durability in view of bending.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, at least one of the first display and the second display comprises an organic light-emitting diode OLED display panel, a well- tested choice for foldable displays.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the display arrangement comprises a cover layer superimposed onto the first display, adding a protective layer to the first display to avoid damage in particular when the foldable display assembly, and hence the apparatus, is in the folded position. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the cover layer comprises glass or plastic, allowing good visibility as well as durability.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the display arrangement comprises a third housing section, the first display being superimposed onto the third housing section and the third housing section being connected to the first housing section by means of the first hinge assembly. This allows a stable structure that provides improved flatness in the unfolded position, while at the same time not having to synchronize its movement with other components.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second display is arranged such that the second hinge assembly is completely covered by the second display when the foldable display assembly is in the unfolded position, the hinge providing support to the display.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second hinge assembly is invisible when viewing the second display in the unfolded position, making the solution aesthetically pleasing.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the display arrangement comprises a support layer supporting the first display. This allows a thin yet stable structure that provides improved flatness in the unfolded position, and which minimizes the thickness of the device in the folded position.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the support layer comprises at least one of metal, plastic, and composite material, allowing easy adaptation to specific requirements relating to design, cost, and manufacturability.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first housing section comprises a recess configured to accommodate at least part of the display arrangement when the foldable display assembly is in the folded position, minimizing the thickness of the device and providing at least partial protection from the exterior. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the recess is configured to accommodate the first display and the support layer, minimizing the thickness of the device and providing protection from the exterior.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising the foldable display assembly according to the above, any further components of the electronic apparatus being arranged within at least one of the first housing section, the second housing section, and the third housing section of the foldable display assembly.

Such an apparatus can be folded together to provide an as small electronic apparatus as possible, and that can be unfolded to provide an as large total display area as possible.

These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiment s) described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. la shows a perspective rear view of an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. lb shows a perspective front view of an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 2b shows a further perspective view of the example of Fig. 2a;

Fig. 2c shows a partial perspective view of the example of Figs. 2a and 2b;

Fig. 3a shows a perspective rear view of an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure; Fig. 3b shows a perspective front view of an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 4a shows a perspective view of an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 4b shows a further perspective view of the example of Fig. 4a;

Fig. 4c shows a partial perspective view of the example of Figs. 4a and 4b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figs show, at least partially, an electronic apparatus 12 comprising a foldable display assembly 1, described in more detail below. The housing 5 of the foldable display assembly 1 comprises most other components of the electronic apparatus, such as a battery, electronic circuits, optics, audio, etc. The components are arranged within at least one of a first housing section 5a, a second housing section 5b, and a third housing section 5c of the housing 5.

The foldable display assembly 1 is suitable for an electronic apparatus 2 and is configured to adopt at least an unfolded position PI and a folded position P2. The foldable display assembly 1 comprises a display arrangement 3 comprising a first display 4, a housing 5 comprising a first housing section 5a and a second housing section 5b, a second display 8 superimposed onto the first housing section 5a and the second housing section 5b, a first hinge assembly 6 connecting the display arrangement 3 to a first edge of the first housing section 5a, and a second hinge assembly 7 connecting the second housing section 5b to a second edge of the first housing section 5a. The first display 4 and the second display 8 are configured to extend in parallel planes or coplanarly when the foldable display assembly 1 is in the unfolded position PI, and the second display 8 is foldable such that a first part 8a and a second part 8b of the second display 8 face each other when the foldable display assembly 1 is in the folded position P2.

As mentioned above, the first hinge assembly 6 connects the display arrangement 3 to the first longitudinally extending edge of the first housing section 5 a and the second hinge assembly 7 connects the second housing section 5b to the second longitudinally extending edge of the first housing section 5a. The first hinge assembly 6 and/or the second hinge assembly 7 may comprise any suitable hinge assembly, preferably each hinge assembly 6, 7 is arranged in a recess in the peripheral edge of at least the first housing section 5a, and/or optionally the second housing section 5b and the third housing section 5c. The hinge assembly 6, 7 may be recessed such that it does not protrude past the peripheral boundary of the first housing section 5a, second housing section 5b, and/or third housing section 5c, such that the lateral outline of the electronic apparatus 2, when in the folded position P2, is determined by the peripheral boundary of the housing sections 5a, 5b, 5c.

Display arrangement 3 may be pivotable relative the first housing section 5a around a first rotation axis A1 by means of the first hinge assembly 6. Correspondingly, the second housing section 5b may be pivotable relative the first housing section 5a around a second rotation axis A2 by means of the second hinge assembly 7. The first hinge assembly 6 and the second hinge assembly 7 may be configured such that the second housing section 5b and the display arrangement 3 are pivoted in the same direction as the foldable display assembly 1 is moved between the unfolded position PI and the folded position P2.

The second housing section 5b and the display arrangement 3 may be pivoted manually or automatically by means of motors. The second housing section 5b and the display arrangement 3 may be pivoted at identical speeds, such that they extend at substantially identical angles relative the first housing section 5a when pivoted. The foldable assembly 1, and hence the electronic apparatus 2, folds to and from a Z-shape.

Display arrangement 3 may be non-foldable, i.e., rigid. Display arrangement 3 comprises a first display 4. The first display 4 is not at all affected when the display arrangement 3 is pivoted relative the first housing section 5a around the first rotation axis Al, and does therefore neither bulge nor fold when in the unfolded position PI. The first display 4 itself may be non-foldable, optionally rigid, requiring little support from the rest of the display arrangement 3.

As shown in Figs la to 2c, the display arrangement 3 may comprise a third housing section 5c, the first display 4 being superimposed onto the third housing section 5c, and the third housing section 5c being connected to the first housing section 5a by means of the first hinge assembly 6. As shown in Figs. 3a to 4c, the display arrangement 3 may comprise a support layer 10 supporting the first display 4. The support layer may comprise at least one of metal, plastic, and composite material. Display arrangement 3 may comprise only a support layer 10 or a combination of a third housing section 5c and a support layer 10.

Display arrangement 3 may comprise a cover layer 9 superimposed onto the first display 4, which cover layer 9 may comprise glass or plastic material.

The display arrangement 3 may be configured such that the first display 4 forms an outer surface of the electronic apparatus 2 when the foldable display assembly 1 is in the folded position P2, as shown in Figs. 2a-c and 4a-c. The first hinge assembly 6 may, in other words, be an outfold hinge assembly configured to pivot the display arrangement 3 such that the first display 4 forms at least part of the outside of the electronic apparatus 2 when the foldable display assembly 1 is in the folded position P2.

When in the folded position P2, the first display 4 may form a first outer surface of the electronic apparatus 2, while a back cover comprised in, or formed by, the second housing section 5b forms a second outer surface substantially parallel with the first outer surface, as shown in Figs. 2a-c and 4a-c.

At least one of the first display 4 and the second display 8 may comprise an organic light- emitting diode OLED display panel.

The second display 8 is superimposed onto the first housing section 5a and the second housing section 5b, more specifically the first part 8a of the second display 8 is superimposed onto the first housing section 5a, and the second part 8b of the second display 8 is superimposed onto the second housing section 5b. The second display 8 may be made of materials that are bendable but not necessarily stretchable.

As mentioned, the foldable display assembly 1 is configured to adopt at least an unfolded position PI, as shown in Figs la-lb and 3a-3b, and a folded position P2, as shown in Figs. 2a- c and 4a-c. The first display 4 and the second display 8 are configured to extend in parallel planes, or be aligned such that they extend coplanarly, when the foldable display assembly 1 is in the unfolded position PI. The first display 4 and second display 8 extend in parallel a main plane of the housing 5 and a main plane of the electronic apparatus 2.

As shown in Figs. 2a-c and 4a-c, the first display 4, the first part 8a of the second display 8, and the second part 8b of the second display 8 may extend in parallel planes when the foldable display assembly 1 is in the folded position P2. The second display 8 is foldable such that the first part 8a and the second part 8b of the second display 8 face each other when the foldable display assembly 1 is in the folded position P2. The first part 8a and the second part 8b of the second display 8 may extend adjacent to each other or in direct contact with each other. The second hinge assembly 7 may, in other words, be an infold hinge assembly configured to fold the first part 8a towards the second part 8b when the foldable display assembly 1 is moved to the folded position P2.

The second display 8 may be arranged such that the second hinge assembly 7 is completely covered by the second display 8 when the foldable display assembly 1 is in the unfolded position PI. The second hinge assembly 7 may, in other words, be invisible when viewing the second display 8 in the unfolded position PI.

The first housing section 5a may comprise a recess 11 configured to accommodate at least part of the display arrangement 3 when the foldable display assembly 1 is in the folded position P2. Recess 11 may be configured to accommodate the first display 4 and the support layer 10. The first display 4 may be aligned with the first housing section 5a such that they together form an outer planar surface of the electronic apparatus 2 when in the folded position P2. The first display 4 may also be partially misaligned with the first housing section 5a such that the first display 4 protrudes somewhat from the outer surface of the first housing section 5a when in the folded position P2.

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. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. 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.

The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.