Patent Description:
With the development of flexible display technology, foldable electronic devices enjoy both the portability of ordinary electronic devices, and the large visual angle of large screen displays after being unfolded. Foldable electronic devices have become an important trend in the development of mobile terminals and an important area of competition among major terminal manufacturers. For the electronic devices having a folded state, hinge structures are very important, and the performance of the hinge structures will directly affect the function and experience of products.

In some foldable electronic devices, the screen is not flat when unfolded, which degrades user experience.

<CIT> provides a hinge module for a foldable-type device, one end surface of which is respectively connected to a first housing and a second housing, and another end surface of which is connected to a flexible display so as to have the flexible display folded when the first housing and the second housing is rotated. The hinge module comprises a base and a first sliding mechanism, wherein the base is provided between the first and second housings, and the first sliding mechanism comprises a first sliding cover, a supporting member and a left four-linkage-mechanism and a swinging member. When the first and second housings are rotated to move the left four-linkage-mechanism and the swinging member, the first sliding cover is moved in a linkage way, and one supporting portion of the supporting member is moved by an angle to accommodate the curved part of the flexible display.

<CIT> relates to a rotating shaft mechanism and a foldable mobile terminal. Rotating assemblies and supporting plates are arranged on two sides of a main shaft of the rotating shaft mechanism, a swing arm of each rotating assembly is connected to an inner wall of the main shaft by means of a pin shaft, and each supporting plate is connected between the main shaft and the rotating assembly. When each rotating assembly rotates relative to the main shaft, the rotating assembly drives the supporting plate to rotate relative to the main shaft. When the supporting plates on the two sides of the main shaft are completely unfolded, the supporting plates and the main shaft jointly support a middle region after a flexible screen is flattened. When the supporting plates located on the two sides of the main shaft are close to each other, an accommodating space is defined by the supporting plates and the main shaft, so as to accommodate a middle region after the flexible screen is bent.

<CIT> discloses a folding device and electronic equipment. The folding device comprises a rotating shaft base and two main bodies arranged on the two opposite sides of the rotating shaft base. Each main body is provided with a rotating piece rotationally connected with the rotating shaft base, a shell rotationally connected with the rotating piece, a first supporting plate fixed to the shell and a second supporting plate fixedly connected with the rotating piece. When the two main bodies are closed, the second supporting plates rotate relative to the machine shell along with the rotating piece to be in an inclined state relative to the first supporting plates, and a containing space is formed between the two second supporting plates. When the two main bodies are unfolded, the second supporting plates rotate relative to the shell along with the rotating piece till the second supporting plates are flush with the first supporting plates.

The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the related art to a certain extent.

To this end, embodiments of the present invention propose a hinge that has a better support effect on a screen and a high degree of fitting with the screen.

Embodiments of the present invention further propose a display module.

Embodiments of the present invention further propose an electronic device.

A hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base extending along a first direction; and a rotating component including a floating plate and a rotating assembly. A first side of the rotating assembly is pivotably coupled to the base, and a second side of the rotating assembly is pivotably coupled to a first mounting position and a second mounting position on the floating plate, the first mounting position and the second mounting position being spaced apart along a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The first side of the rotating assembly is a side adjacent to the base in the second direction and extending along the first direction, and the second side of the rotating assembly is a side extending along the second direction. The rotating assembly is slidable relative to the second mounting position along the second direction.

In the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention, since the second side of the rotating assembly is pivotably coupled to the first mounting position and the second mounting position, and the rotating assembly is slidable relative to the second mounting position along the second direction, a display module or an electronic device using the hinge can better support a screen by the floating plate when folded or unfolded, and the floating plate has a higher fit with the screen, resulting in higher flatness.

In some embodiments, the rotating assembly includes a first rod, a second rod and a connection member; a first end of the first rod is pivotably coupled to the base; the connection member is slidable relative to the first rod, and the connection member is pivotably coupled to the first mounting position; a first end of the second rod is pivotably coupled to the base, and a second end of the second rod is pivotably coupled to the second mounting position and is slidable relative to the second mounting position.

In some embodiments, the rotating assembly further includes a third rod, a first end of the third rod being pivotably coupled to the connection member, and a second end of the third rod being pivotably coupled to the second rod.

In some embodiments, a first notch is in the connection member, a first pivot hole is on a side of the first notch along the first direction, and a second pivot hole is in the first end of the third rod; and a first pivot member is inserted in and passes through the first pivot hole and the second pivot hole, and the first notch is pivotably coupled to the first end of the third rod.

In some embodiments, the first pivot hole is in communication with a side of the connection member along the first direction.

In some embodiments, the rotating assembly further includes a fourth rod, a first end of the fourth rod being pivotably coupled to the first rod, and a second end of the fourth rod being pivotably coupled to the second rod.

In some embodiments, the rotating assembly further includes a fourth rod, a first end of the fourth rod being pivotably coupled to the first rod, and a second end of the fourth rod being pivotably coupled to the second end of the third rod; a pivot axis of the fourth rod relative to the third rod and a pivot axis of the third rod relative to the second rod are on a common axis and parallel to the first direction.

In some embodiments, the first rod, the fourth rod, the third rod and the second rod are arranged side by side along the first direction.

In some embodiments, a first slide groove is in one of the connection member and the first mounting position, a first slide rail is on the other of the connection member and the first mounting position, and the first slide rail is fitted with the first slide groove; the first slide groove extends along a first arc line, an axis of the first arc line is in a same direction as the first direction, and the first slide rail is slidably fitted with the first slide groove along the first arc line, allowing the connection member to rotate relative to the floating plate.

In some embodiments, a second slide groove is in one of the connection member and the first rod, a second slide rail is on the other of the connection member and the first rod, and the second slide rail is slidably fitted with the second slide groove in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

In some embodiments, a third slide hole is in one of the second rod and the second mounting position, a third slide rail is on the other of the second rod and the second mounting position, and the third slide rail is pivotably coupled to the third slide hole and slidably fitted with the third slide hole along the second direction.

In some embodiments, the third slide rail is on a side of the second rod adjacent to the floating plate and extends along the first direction, the third slide hole is formed in the second mounting position, and an axial direction of the third slide hole is parallel to the first direction.

In some embodiments, an arc-shaped recess is in one of the second rod and the base, an arc-shaped shaft portion is on the other of the second rod and the base, and the arc-shaped recess is pivotably coupled to the arc-shaped shaft portion.

In some embodiments, the rotating assembly further includes a gear transmission pair having a first meshing tooth, the first rod has a second meshing tooth, and the first meshing tooth meshes with the second meshing tooth to drive the first rod to rotate relative to the base.

In some embodiments, the gear transmission pair includes a gear shaft, the first meshing tooth is on the gear shaft, and the gear shaft is pivotably coupled to the base.

In some embodiments, the base includes a second notch, a third pivot hole and a fourth pivot hole are on a side of the second notch along the first direction, the first end of the first rod is pivotably fitted in the third pivot hole, and an end of the gear shaft is pivotably fitted in the fourth pivot hole.

In some embodiments, two first mounting portions are on the base and spaced apart along the first direction, the second notch is defined between the two first mounting portions, and the third pivot hole and the fourth pivot hole are in the first mounting portions.

In some embodiments, two groups of the rotating components are pivotably coupled to two sides of the base correspondingly.

In some embodiments, the rotating assembly further includes a gear shaft, and the gear shaft is pivotably coupled to the base. The gear shaft has a first meshing tooth, the first rod has a second meshing tooth, and the first meshing tooth meshes with the second meshing tooth. Alternatively, two groups of rotating components are provided, the rotating assembly of each group of rotating components includes the gear shaft, and two gear shafts are on two sides of the base and are rotatable relative to the base. The gear shaft has a first meshing tooth, the first rod has a second meshing tooth, the first meshing tooth meshes with the second meshing tooth, and first meshing teeth of the two gear shafts mesh with each other.

A display module according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a screen and a hinge that is the hinge described in any one of the above embodiments, in which the floating plate supports the screen.

In the display module according to the embodiments of the present invention, the screen may be supported by the floating plate. Since the second end of the rotating assembly is pivotably coupled to the first mounting position and the second mounting position, and the rotating assembly is slidable relative to the second mounting position in the second direction, the screen may be better supported by the floating plate when the display module is folded or unfolded, so that the floating plate has a higher fit with the screen, resulting in higher flatness.

An electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the hinge described in any one of the above embodiments or the display module described in the above embodiments.

In the electronic device according to the embodiments of the present invention, the screen may be supported by the floating plate. Since the second end of the rotating assembly is pivotably coupled to the first mounting position and the second mounting position, and the rotating assembly is slidable relative to the second mounting position in the second direction, the screen may be better supported by the floating plate when the electronic device is folded or unfolded, so that the floating plate has a higher fit with the screen, resulting in higher flatness.

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the described embodiments are shown in accompanying drawings. The following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present invention rather than limit the present invention.

A hinge, a display module, and an electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention includes a base <NUM> and a rotating component <NUM>, the base <NUM> extends along a first direction, and the rotating component <NUM> includes a floating plate <NUM> and a rotating assembly <NUM>. A first mounting position <NUM> and a second mounting position <NUM> are on the floating plate <NUM> and spaced apart along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A first end of the rotating assembly <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the base <NUM>, and a second end of the rotating assembly <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the first mounting position <NUM> and the second mounting position <NUM>. The rotating assembly <NUM> is slidable relative to the second mounting position <NUM> along the second direction.

It can be understood that the first direction is an A direction in <FIG>, i.e., a length direction of the base <NUM>, and the second direction is a B direction in <FIG>, i.e., a width direction of the floating plate <NUM>. When the hinge is folded, the floating plate <NUM> rotates about an axial direction of the first direction, and the second direction may always be orthogonal to the first direction. It should be noted that the first direction may be the length direction or a width direction of the base <NUM>. The situation shown in <FIG> is merely an example and does not represent a limitation, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the situation shown in <FIG>.

For the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention, the second end of the rotating assembly <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the first mounting position <NUM> and the second mounting position <NUM>, and the rotating assembly <NUM> is slidable relative to the second mounting position <NUM> along the second direction, so that the display module or the electronic device using the hinge can better support a screen by the floating plate <NUM> when folded or unfolded, resulting in a better fit between the floating plate <NUM> and the screen and achieving higher flatness.

It can be understood that, as shown in <FIG>, the second mounting position <NUM> is closer to the base <NUM> than the first mounting position <NUM>. When the rotating assembly <NUM> rotates about the first direction relative to the base <NUM>, the rotating assembly <NUM> may rotate relative to the first mounting position <NUM> of the floating plate <NUM>, and the rotating assembly <NUM> may not only rotate relative to the second mounting position <NUM> of the floating plate <NUM>, but also slide relative to the second mounting position <NUM> along the second direction. Thus, the rotation of the floating plate <NUM> can better adapt to a natural bending shape of the screen. As a result, when the display module or the electronic device using the hinge is in a folded state or an unfolded state, the floating plate <NUM> may fully fit with the screen, and the hinge has a better fit with the screen, leading to higher flatness. In addition, a contour of the folded hinge exhibits a substantially teardrop shape, which can effectively support and protect the screen.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotating assembly <NUM> includes a first rod <NUM>, a second rod <NUM> and a connection member <NUM>. The first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> are arranged side by side on the base <NUM> and are rotatable relative to the base <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> is slidable relative to the first rod <NUM>. It can be understood that a pivot axis around which a first end of the first rod <NUM> pivots relative to the base <NUM> is in the same direction as the first direction; a width of the connection member <NUM> extends substantially along the second direction; and the first rod <NUM> slides relative to the second rod <NUM> along a width direction of the connection member <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the first mounting position <NUM>, so that the connection member <NUM> is rotatable relative to the floating plate <NUM>. A first end of the second rod <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the base <NUM>, and a second end of the second rod <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the second mounting position <NUM> and is slidable relative to the second mounting position <NUM>. For the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention, since the rotating assembly <NUM> is configured with the above structure, the hinge can achieve a simple structure, a reasonable design, a small number of parts, and lower production and manufacturing costs.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotating assembly <NUM> further includes a third rod <NUM>, a first end of the third rod <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the connection member <NUM>, and a second end of the third rod <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the second rod <NUM>. In the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement of the third rod <NUM> a better linkage effect during the rotation of the second rod <NUM> and the connection member <NUM>. In addition, a rotation trajectory of the floating plate <NUM> fits better with a bending trajectory of the screen when the hinge is folded or unfolded, improving a folding effect of the screen.

As shown in <FIG>, the connection member <NUM> includes a first notch <NUM>, a first pivot hole <NUM> is on a side of the first notch <NUM> along the first direction, and a second pivot hole <NUM> is in the first end of the third rod <NUM>. The first end of the third rod <NUM> is in the first notch <NUM>. A first pivot member (not shown) is arranged in and passes through the first pivot hole <NUM> and the second pivot hole <NUM>, so that the first end of the third rod <NUM> is pivotably coupled in the first notch <NUM>. For example, the first pivot member may be a pin shaft. The first pivot hole <NUM> runs through two opposite sides of the first notch <NUM>. The first pivot member is detachably mounted in the first pivot hole <NUM> and pivotably coupled to the second pivot hole <NUM>. In the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention, the first end of the third rod <NUM> is fitted in the first notch <NUM>, resulting in a more compact structure and a reasonable layout design of the hinge structure.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first avoidance groove <NUM> is at a position adjacent to the first notch <NUM> and is configured to avoid the second mounting position <NUM> and the second rod <NUM>. In the embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement of the first avoidance groove <NUM> can avoid interference during the rotation of the floating plate <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> relative to the connection member <NUM>, so that the hinge can rotate more smoothly and flexibly, and the hinge can achieve a more compact structure and a reasonable layout design.

Optionally, the first pivot hole <NUM> is in communication with a side of the connection member <NUM> along the first direction. It can be understood that when the first pivot member is mounted, an end of the first pivot member may be inserted into the first pivot hole <NUM> from the side of the connection member <NUM>, which facilitates the assembly of the hinge and facilitates the processing and manufacturing.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotating assembly <NUM> further includes a fourth rod <NUM>, a first end of the fourth rod <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the first rod <NUM>, and a second end of the fourth rod <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the second rod <NUM>. In the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement of the fourth rod <NUM> allows a better linkage effect during the rotation of the first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM>. In addition, the rotation trajectory of the floating plate <NUM> fits better with the bending trajectory of the screen when the hinge is folded or unfolded, improving the folding effect of the screen.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a pivot axis of the fourth rod <NUM> relative to the third rod <NUM> and a pivot axis of the third rod <NUM> relative to the second rod <NUM> are on a common axis and parallel to the first direction. For example, the second rod <NUM>, the third rod <NUM> and the fourth rod <NUM> may be coupled in series through a common pin shaft, to enable the second rod <NUM>, the third rod <NUM> and the fourth rod <NUM> to rotate around the same axis, so that the linkage effect of the hinge can be further improved. In addition, a mounting space between the first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> can be effectively used to make a thickness of the hinge small, which is conducive to a lightweight and thin design of the whole device, thus improving user experience.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first rod <NUM>, the fourth rod <NUM>, the third rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> are arranged side by side in the first direction. It can be understood that the first rod <NUM>, the fourth rod <NUM>, the third rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> are arranged sequentially in the first direction. Alternatively, the third rod <NUM> may be on a side of the first rod <NUM> or the second rod <NUM> or may be between the first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM>. In the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention, relative positions of the first rod <NUM>, the second rod <NUM>, the third rod <NUM> and the fourth rod <NUM> may be adjusted according to actual needs, so that the hinge has a wider application range and a better support effect.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG>, a first slide groove <NUM> is in one of the connection member <NUM> and the first mounting position <NUM>, and a first slide rail <NUM> is on the other of the connection member <NUM> and the first mounting position <NUM>. For example, the first slide groove <NUM> is in the connection member <NUM>, and the first slide rail <NUM> is on the first mounting position <NUM>. The first slide rail <NUM> is slidably fitted with the first slide groove <NUM>, the first slide groove <NUM> extends along a first arc line, and an axis of the first arc line is in the same direction as the first direction. The first slide rail <NUM> is slidably fitted with the first slide groove <NUM> along the first arc line, so that the connection member <NUM> is rotatable relative to the floating plate <NUM>. It can be understood that when the hinge is folded, the connection member <NUM> rotates relative to the floating plate <NUM>, so that the first slide rail <NUM> slides into the first slide groove <NUM> along the first arc line. When the hinge is unfolded, the connection member <NUM> rotates relative to the floating plate <NUM>, so that part of the first slide rail <NUM> gradually slides out of the first slide groove <NUM> along the first arc line. As a result, the structure of connection between the connection member <NUM> and the floating plate <NUM> is reasonably designed and the reliability of connection is higher. In addition, the arrangement of the first slide rail <NUM> and the first slide groove <NUM> eliminates the need for any front opening in the floating plate <NUM>, and improves the support effect of the floating plate <NUM> on the screen.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG>, a second slide groove <NUM> is in one of the connection member <NUM> and the first rod <NUM>, and a second slide rail <NUM> is on the other of the connection member <NUM> and the first rod <NUM>. For example, the second slide groove <NUM> is in the connection member <NUM>, and the second slide rail <NUM> is on the first rod <NUM>. It can be understood that the width of the connection member <NUM> generally extends along the second direction, and the second slide rail <NUM> extends along the width direction of the connection member <NUM> and is slidably fitted with the second slide groove <NUM>. In the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement of the second slide rail <NUM> and the second slide groove <NUM> makes the structure of connection between the connection member <NUM> and the first rod <NUM> more stable, and the structural design is simple, facilitating the processing and manufacturing and reducing production costs.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, a third slide hole <NUM> is in one of the second rod <NUM> and the second mounting position <NUM>, and a third slide rail <NUM> is on the other of the second rod <NUM> and the second mounting position <NUM>. For example, the third slide rail <NUM> is on a side of the second rod <NUM> adjacent to the floating plate <NUM> and extends along the first direction. The third slide hole <NUM> is formed in the second mounting position <NUM>. An axial direction of the third slide hole <NUM> is parallel to the first direction. The third slide rail <NUM> is in a clearance fit with the third slide hole <NUM>, so that the third slide rail <NUM> is slidable relative to the third slide hole <NUM> along the second direction. In the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement of the third slide rail <NUM> and the third slide hole <NUM> makes the structure of connection between the second rod <NUM> and the floating plate <NUM> more stable, and the structural design is simple, facilitating the processing and manufacturing and reducing production costs.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the floating plate <NUM> includes a floating plate body <NUM>, the first slide rail <NUM>, and a protrusion <NUM>. The first slide rail <NUM> is on a side of the floating plate body <NUM> facing away from the base <NUM>, and the protrusion <NUM> is on a side of the floating plate body <NUM> adjacent to the base <NUM>. The first slide rail <NUM> constitutes the first mounting position <NUM>, the third slide hole <NUM> is in the protrusion <NUM>, and the third slide hole <NUM> constitutes the second mounting position <NUM>. Moreover, the floating plate body <NUM> includes a second avoidance groove <NUM> arranged side by side with the protrusion <NUM>. The second avoidance groove <NUM> is configured to avoid the second rod <NUM>, the third rod <NUM> and the fourth rod <NUM>. It can be understood that the interference during the rotation of the second rod <NUM>, the third rod <NUM> and the fourth rod <NUM> relative to the floating plate <NUM> can be avoided by the second avoidance groove <NUM>, so that the hinge can rotate more smoothly and flexibly and achieve a more compact structure and a reasonable layout design.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the rotating assembly <NUM> further includes a gear transmission pair having a first meshing tooth <NUM>, the first rod <NUM> has a second meshing tooth <NUM>, and the first meshing tooth <NUM> meshes with the second meshing tooth <NUM> to drive the first rod <NUM> to rotate relative to the base <NUM>. Since the hinge may drive the first rod <NUM> to swing by the gear transmission pair, the rotation of the rotating assembly <NUM> is more stable and more reliable.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG>, the gear transmission pair includes a gear shaft <NUM>, the gear shaft <NUM> has the first meshing tooth <NUM>, and the gear shaft <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the base <NUM>. Optionally, the gear transmission pair includes the gear shaft <NUM> and a transmission gear (not shown), and the gear shaft <NUM> meshes with the second meshing tooth <NUM> of the first rod <NUM> through the transmission gear. For example, one or a plurality of transmission gears may be provided, and the plurality of transmission gears mesh with each other to transmit power.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> includes a second notch <NUM>. A third pivot hole <NUM> and a fourth pivot hole <NUM> are on a side of the second notch <NUM> along the first direction. The first end of the first rod <NUM> is pivotably fitted in the third pivot hole <NUM>, and an end of the gear shaft <NUM> is pivotably fitted in the fourth pivot hole <NUM>. It can be understood that the third pivot hole <NUM> and the fourth pivot hole <NUM> may be arranged side by side, the first end of the first rod <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the third pivot hole <NUM>, and the end of the gear shaft <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the fourth pivot hole <NUM>. As a result, the connection structure of the hinge can be more stable, and the production and assembly can be facilitated.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG>, two first mounting portions <NUM> are on the base <NUM> and spaced apart along the first direction. For example, the first mounting portion <NUM> may be of a convex block structure. The second notch <NUM> is defined between the two first mounting portions <NUM>, and the third pivot hole <NUM> and the fourth pivot hole <NUM> are in the first mounting portions <NUM>, so that the structure of the base <NUM> can be more reasonable, enhancing the structural strength, and facilitates the processing and manufacturing.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, two groups of rotating components <NUM> are provided, and the two groups of rotating components <NUM> are pivotably coupled to two sides of the base <NUM>. It can be understood that the two rotating components <NUM> may be unfolded and closed with the base <NUM> as a center. In an unfolded state, the two rotating components <NUM> and the base <NUM> between the two rotating components <NUM> form a plane. In a closed state, since the inside of the rotating components <NUM> may also rotate, the rotating components <NUM> may be completely closed, presenting a teardrop-shaped section after being closed.

As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> may be in the shape of a column, a plate shape or other shapes. The rotation connection between the base <NUM> and the rotating component <NUM> may be realized by a pivot connection or a hinge connection, or by sliding along an arc-shaped sliding path. The present invention is not limited thereto.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotating assembly <NUM> of each group of rotating components <NUM> includes the gear shaft <NUM>, and two gear shafts <NUM> are on two sides of the base <NUM> and are rotatable relative to the base <NUM>. Each gear shaft <NUM> has the first meshing tooth <NUM>, the first rod <NUM> has the second meshing tooth <NUM>, the first meshing tooth <NUM> meshes with the second meshing tooth <NUM>. First meshing teeth <NUM> of the two gear shafts <NUM> mesh with each other. It can be understood that one of the two gear shafts <NUM> is coupled to a drive motor (not shown). Since the first meshing teeth <NUM> of the two gear shafts <NUM> mesh with each other, the drive motor may drive the gear shafts <NUM> to rotate, and the two gear shafts <NUM> rotate synchronously to drive the rotating assemblies <NUM> on two sides of the base <NUM> to unfold or close synchronously.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention further includes a cover body <NUM> on a lower end of the base <NUM>. For example, the cover body <NUM> includes an avoidance structure corresponding to a mounting structure on the base <NUM>, so that a pivot position of the base <NUM> and the rotating assembly <NUM> may be covered, improving the reliability of the hinge in use.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG>, an arc-shaped recess <NUM> is in one of the second rod <NUM> and the base <NUM>, an arc-shaped shaft portion <NUM> is on the other of the second rod <NUM> and the base <NUM>, and the arc-shaped recess <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the arc-shaped shaft portion <NUM>. For example, the base <NUM> includes a base body <NUM> and the arc-shaped shaft portion <NUM>. Two arc-shaped shaft portions <NUM> are provided and are arranged side by side and spaced apart along the width direction of the base <NUM>. The base body <NUM> and the arc-shaped shaft portion <NUM> are integrally formed. The arc-shaped recess <NUM> is in the second rod <NUM> and has an arc-shaped concave surface. The arc-shaped concave surface is fitted with the arc-shaped shaft portion <NUM> and is rotatable relative to the arc-shaped shaft portion. Therefore, in the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement of the arc-shaped recess <NUM> and the arc-shaped shaft portion <NUM> allows fewer parts during the assembly of the hinge, a reasonable structural design and good practicability.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover body <NUM> includes a third avoidance groove <NUM>, and the third avoidance groove <NUM> is on a side of the cover body <NUM> adjacent to the base <NUM>. Two third avoidance grooves <NUM> are provided, and the two third avoidance grooves <NUM> are spaced apart and in one-to-one correspondence with the two arc-shaped shaft portions <NUM>. An arc-shaped accommodation cavity <NUM> is defined between the third avoidance grooves <NUM> and the arc-shaped shaft portions <NUM>, and the arc-shaped recess <NUM> may rotate in the arc-shaped accommodation cavity <NUM>. Thus, the second rod <NUM> can rotate more smoothly relative to the base <NUM>, the number of used parts can be reduced, the structural design is compact, and the layout is reasonable.

A display module according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a screen and the hinge that is a hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention, and the floating plate <NUM> supports the screen. It can be understood that the screen is on upper ends of the floating plate <NUM> and the base <NUM>, and fits with the floating plate <NUM> and the base <NUM>. In other words, a rear surface of the screen is coupled to an inner side of the hinge, and the screen may be folded and unfolded as the hinge is opened and closed.

An electronic device according to still another embodiment of the present invention includes the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention or the display module according to the embodiments of the present invention.

For the display module and the electronic device having the display module according to the embodiments of the present invention, the screen may be supported by the floating plate <NUM>. Since the second end of the rotating assembly <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the first mounting position <NUM> and the second mounting position <NUM> and the rotating assembly <NUM> is slidable relative to the second mounting position <NUM> along the second direction, the screen may be better supported by the floating plate <NUM> when the display module is folded or unfolded, so that the floating plate <NUM> has a better fit with the screen, resulting in higher flatness.

In addition, the rotating assembly <NUM> of the hinge according to the embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of linkage members, so that the hinge can have good stability during use, a reliable connection structure, fewer parts, and lower production and manufacturing costs. Moreover, when the display module and the electronic device having the hinge are in the folded state, the contour of the hinge exhibits the substantially teardrop shape, effectively supporting and protecting the screen, and the thickness of the whole device is small, which is conducive to realizing the lightweight and thin design of the electronic device and improving the user experience.

In the description of the present invention, it shall be understood that terms such as "central," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial" and "circumferential" should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation. Thus, these terms shall not be construed as limitation on the present invention.

In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" are merely used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or the number of technical features indicated. Thus, the features associated with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specifically defined, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc..

In the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and defined, the terms "mounted," "coupled," "connected," "fixed" and the like are used broadly, and may be, for example, fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; may also be mechanical or electrical connections or intercommunication; may also be direct connections or indirect connections via intermediate media; may also be inner communications or interactions of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

In the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and defined, a structure in which a first feature is "on" or "below" a second feature may include an embodiment in which the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, and may also include an embodiment in which the first feature and the second feature are not in direct contact with each other, but are contacted via an intermediate medium formed therebetween. Furthermore, a first feature "on," "above," or "on top of" a second feature may include an embodiment in which the first feature is right or obliquely "on," "above," or "on top of" the second feature, or just means that the first feature is at a height higher than that of the second feature; while a first feature "below," "under," or "on bottom of" a second feature may include an embodiment in which the first feature is right or obliquely "below," "under," or "on bottom of" the second feature, or just means that the first feature is at a height lower than that of the second feature.

In the present invention, terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an example," "a specific example," or "some examples," means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of these terms in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example of the present invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art may combine and unite different embodiments or examples or features of the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

Claim 1:
A hinge, comprising:
a base (<NUM>) extending along a first direction (A); and
a rotating component (<NUM>) comprising a floating plate (<NUM>) and a rotating assembly (<NUM>),
characterized in that:
a first side of the rotating assembly (<NUM>) is pivotably coupled to the base (<NUM>), and a second side of the rotating assembly (<NUM>) is pivotably coupled to a first mounting position (<NUM>) and a second mounting position (<NUM>) on the floating plate (<NUM>), the first mounting position (<NUM>) and the second mounting position (<NUM>) being spaced apart along a second direction (B) that is orthogonal to the first direction, wherein the first side of the rotating assembly (<NUM>) is a side adjacent to the base (<NUM>) in the second direction and extending along the first direction, and the second side of the rotating assembly (<NUM>) is a side extending along the second direction; and
the rotating assembly (<NUM>) is slidable relative to the second mounting position (<NUM>) along the second direction.