DE202018102763U1 - Pre-assembled friction hinge module and hinge system - Google Patents

Abstract

A preassembled hinge module configured to couple a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to one another, the preassembled hinge module comprising:
a shaft defining a pivot axis;
at least one torque element frictionally engaging the shaft; and
a housing, the housing comprising a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, the front wall, side wall and rear wall defining an interior space enclosed in the housing,
wherein the interior receives the at least one torque element inside the housing,
wherein the front wall defines a first passage and the rear wall defines a second passage, wherein the first passage and the second passage are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, the shaft extending through the first passage, the inner space and the second passage;
wherein the shaft is configured separately from and for mounting to the first component; and
wherein the housing is configured separately from and for mounting to the second component.

Description

The present invention relates generally to friction hinges, and more particularly to a preassembled friction hinge module that can be used to pivotally connect components in a system.

BACKGROUND

There are various types of mechanical hinges for connecting components in a pivoting relationship. A friction hinge, also known as a "constant torque hinge" or "position hinge", is a hinge type for use with devices having a pivoting door, plate, or other part that opens and closes about a pivot axis , Friction hinges are commonly used to connect laptop computer screens to keyboards and to connect armrests to center consoles in automobiles, along with other applications.

In a typical friction hinge, a pivot shaft has an outer surface that abuts the inner surface of another part, thereby mechanically engaging the hinge. This mechanical engagement keeps components in a stable position after pivoting and releasing them; This is desirable to keep components such as doors and armrests in any position.

Conventional friction hinges used in center consoles are typically manufactured as a large pre-assembly. The assembly may include large brackets and other stampings designed for automotive interior installation. These hinge assemblies are relatively large and make the console significantly heavier. In addition, the stamped parts require additional tools for the production of the parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages of conventional friction hinge assemblies are in many respects addressed by friction hinge modules, systems and methods according to the invention.

In a first aspect of the invention, a preassembled hinge module is configured for coupling a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to each other. The preassembled hinge module comprises a shaft defining a pivot axis; at least one torque element frictionally engaging the shaft; and a housing, the housing comprising a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, the front wall, side wall and rear wall defining an interior space enclosed within the housing, the interior receiving the at least one torque element internally in the housing, the front wall defining a first passage and the rear wall defines a second passage, wherein the first passage and the second passage are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, the shaft extending through the first passage, the inner space, and the second passage; wherein the shaft is configured separately from and for mounting to the first component; and wherein the housing is configured separately from and for mounting to the second component. This new design allows the use of lighter material supports, such as plastic injection molding and castings.

In another aspect of the invention, a hinge module set is configured for coupling a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to one another, the hinge module set comprising a first preassembled hinge module configured to pivot relative to the first and second components in a first Pivoting direction, and a second preassembled hinge module configured to control relative pivotal movement of the first and second components in a second pivot direction opposite to the first direction, the first and second preassembled hinge modules each including: a pivot axis defining wave; at least one torque element frictionally engaging the shaft; and a housing, the housing comprising a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, the front wall, side wall and rear wall defining an interior space enclosed within the housing, the interior receiving the at least one torque element internally in the housing, the front wall defining a first passage and the rear wall defines a second passage, wherein the first passage and the second passage are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, the shaft extending through the first passage, the inner space, and the second passage; wherein the shaft is configured separately from and for mounting to the first component; and wherein the housing is configured separately from and for mounting to the second component.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a hinge system includes a first component; a second component; and a preassembled hinge module that couples the first component to the second component in a pivotal connection to thereby pivotally move the first component relative to the second component allowing the preassembled hinge module includes: a shaft defining a pivot axis; at least one torque element frictionally engaging the shaft; and a housing, the housing comprising a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, the front wall, side wall and rear wall defining an interior space enclosed within the housing, the interior receiving the at least one torque element internally in the housing, the front wall defining a first passage and the rear wall defines a second passage, wherein the first passage and the second passage are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, the shaft extending through the first passage, the inner space, and the second passage; the shaft being separate from and mounted to the first component; and wherein the housing is mounted separately from and to the second component.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of pivotally coupling a first component to a second component with a preassembled hinge module, the preassembled hinge module comprising: a shaft defining a pivot axis, at least one torque element frictionally engaging the shaft, and a housing comprising a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, the front wall, side wall and rear wall defining an interior space enclosed within the housing, the interior receiving the at least one torque element internally in the housing, the front wall defining a first passage and the rear wall defining a second one Defines passage, wherein the first passage and the second passage are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, wherein the shaft extends through the first passage, the inner space and the second passage, wherein the shaft is separate from the first component and for the M and wherein the housing is configured separately from and for mounting to the second component, the method including the steps of mounting the shaft to the first component and mounting the housing to the second component.

In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making a hinge module, the method comprising the steps of: attaching at least one torque element to a mounting plate, wherein the at least one torque element defines a recess through a portion of the at least one torque element; Mounting plate defines an aligned with the recess passage; Depositing a lubricant in the recess of the at least one torque element; Attaching a cover over the at least one torque element in a positive fit, wherein the cover comprises a passage which is aligned with the recess of the at least one torque element and the recess of the mounting plate, thus a passage through the cover, the at least one torque element and the mounting plate to define, wherein the cover and the mounting plate form a housing, which includes the at least one torque element and the lubricant inside the housing; and inserting a shaft through the passage defined by the cover, the at least one torque element, and the mounting plate so that the shaft frictionally engages the at least one torque element through the housing.

list of figures

• 1 ist eine Perspektivansicht des Scharniersystems gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 2 ist Perspektivansicht eines Satzes von zwei vormontierten Scharniermodulen gemäß einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, wobei jedes Scharniermodul mit einem Kopplungsring, der separat bereitgestellt werden kann, dargestellt ist;
• 3 ist eine Seitenansicht eines vormontierten Scharniermoduls gemäß einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, dargestellt mit einem Kopplungsring, der separat bereitgestellt werden kann;
• 4 ist eine Vorderansicht einer Montageplatte des Scharniermoduls von 3;
• 5 ist eine Perspektivansicht der Montageplatte des Scharniermoduls von 3 und zeigt die hintere Fläche der Montageplatte;
• 6 ist eine Perspektivansicht einer Abdeckung des Scharniermoduls von 3;
• 7 ist eine Querschnittsansicht der Abdeckung des Scharniermoduls von 3, durch Linie A-A gehend, und zeigt ein innen in der Abdeckung gehaltenes Drehmomentelement;
• 8 ist eine Perspektivansicht einer Welle des Scharniermoduls von 3; und
• 9 ist ein Blockdiagramm, das ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines vormontierten Scharniermoduls gemäß einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung veranschaulicht.

The foregoing summary and the following description, in conjunction with the non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures, will be better understood and appreciated, wherein:

• 1 is a perspective view of the hinge system according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 2 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a set of two preassembled hinge modules according to another embodiment of the invention, each hinge module being illustrated with a coupling ring that may be separately provided;
• 3 is a side view of a preassembled hinge module according to another embodiment of the invention, shown with a coupling ring, which can be provided separately;
• 4 is a front view of a mounting plate of the hinge module of 3 ;
• 5 is a perspective view of the mounting plate of the hinge module of 3 and shows the rear surface of the mounting plate;
• 6 is a perspective view of a cover of the hinge module of 3 ;
• 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of the hinge module of 3 passing through line AA and showing a torque element held inside the cover;
• 8th is a perspective view of a shaft of the hinge module of 3 ; and
• 9 FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a preassembled hinge module according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications of the details may be made within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

Referring to 1 is a hinge system 100 represented according to an embodiment. hinge system 100 can be used in a variety of applications including one or more friction hinges for controlling relative pivotal movement of components. For example, hinge system 100 various types of closure systems used in automobiles, watercraft and / or aircraft, including, but not limited to, various types of compartments, cabinets, hatches, containers, ceiling containers and storage units.

In the present example is hinge system 100 included in a center console of an automobile. hinge system 100 includes a first component in the form of a console container 110 and a second component in the form of a cover 120 , Cover 120 is with container 110 coupled in a pivot connection. The pivotal connection allows pivotal movement of the cover 120 relative to container 110 between an open position and a closed position. cover 120 is with container 110 through a pair of hinge modules 200 , one on each side of the cover, coupled. Each hinge module 200 is a preassembled unit configured for universal mounting on components that require a friction hinge. Therefore, hinge module 200 be installed on different types of assemblies and in different arrangements.

Now up 2 Referring to Figure 1 is a hinge module set 300 represented according to an embodiment of the invention. Hinge module set 300 includes a first preassembled hinge module 400 and a second preassembled hinge module 500 , The first preassembled hinge module 400 and the second preassembled hinge module 500 are configured to couple a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to one another along a pivot axis. The first preassembled hinge module 400 is installed at a first point along the pivot axis, and the second preassembled hinge module 500 is installed at a second point along the pivot axis. Therefore, the first preassembled hinge module 400 and the second preassembled hinge module 500 configured to control pivotal movement at opposite ends of a pivot axis between two components. For example, the preassembled hinge module 400 and the preassembled hinge module 500 at a center console in a mirrored arrangement in which the hinge modules are installed on opposite sides of the cover are installed.

The preassembled hinge module 400 and the preassembled hinge module 500 apply frictional resistance to pivotal movement. The hinge module 400 applied friction resistance amount is that of hinge module 500 applied friction resistance amount identical. If hinge modules 400 and 500 are installed, hinge module applies 400 Friction resistance in a first direction and applies hinge module 500 frictional resistance in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. For this reason, preassembled hinge modules 400 and 500 be installed on the right sides of an armrest.

Each of the hinge modules 400 and 500 is designed for installation at a specific side or position on the pivot axis relative to the cover so that the hinge modules apply the same amount of friction resistance to pivotal movement in the same directions. The preassembled hinge module 400 is designed to couple a cover to a left side of a console receptacle, and the preassembled hinge module 500 is designed to couple the cover to a right side of a console receptacle.

Each of the preassembled hinge modules 400 and 500 includes a unique marker 410 and 510, respectively, indicating which side of the console this hinge module is to be installed on. This mark, which may be in the form of an indicative letter or symbol, may be etched, printed or otherwise applied to the outer surface of the hinge module.

Hinge Modules 400 and 500 also incorporate geometric features that ensure that the hinge modules are installed only on the right side of the console. In particular, hinge module includes 400 a surface recess or notch 420 on a right side and includes hinge module 500 a surface depression or notch 520 on a left side. Therefore has hinge module 400 a profile shape 430 representing the mirror image of the profile shape 530 from hinge module 500 is.

The mounting surfaces on each side of the console have recesses with shapes that are just one of the profile shapes 430 and 530 so that each side of the console is just one of the hinge modules 400 and 500 accepts. This ensures that the hinge modules 400 and 500 are installed on the right sides of the console.

Referring to 3-8 Pre-assembled hinge modules according to the invention are described in more detail. hinge modules 400 and 500 each contain the same components. Therefore, only the components of the hinge module 400 described, with the proviso that hinge module 500 Also includes similar parts that are designed to generate frictional resistance in the opposite direction.

Hinge module 400 includes a housing 440 and a pivot axis 462 defining wave 460 , casing 440 has a front wall 442 , a side wall 444 and a back wall 446 , rear wall 446 represents a universal mounting surface 449 ready, which can be mounted on a center console container, a cover or other component. front wall 442 , Side wall 444 and back wall 446 define one in the housing 440 enclosed interior 448 , It also defines the front wall 442 a first passage 443 and defines the rear wall 446 a second passage 447 , The first passage 443 and the second passage 447 aligned axially with each other. wave 460 extends through the first passage 443 , Inner space 448 and second passage 447 such that the first passage and second passage with pivot axis 462 the wave are aligned.

Interior 448 takes at least one torque element 480 on, which is in frictional engagement with shaft 460 stands. The torque element 480 provided frictional resistance amount depends in part on the surface amount of the shaft 460 touching torque element. In 7 is just a torque element 480 visible, noticeable. It is understood, however, that one or more additional torque elements in the interior 448 taken and next to torque element 480 can be stacked. Placing additional torque elements next to torque element 448 increases the total surface area with wave 460 is in frictional engagement, and therefore increases the hinge module 400 provided friction resistance amount. The amount of friction resistance provided by hinge module 400 may be increased by placing additional torque elements in the interior 448 to increase the overall thickness of torque elements, and / or by replacing torque element 480 increased with a thicker torque element having a larger surface area in contact with shaft 460.

Torque element 480 defines a recess 482 extending through a portion of the torque element. recess 482 aligned with swivel axis 462 from wave 460 wherein the shaft frictionally engages the torque element 480 through the recess. torque member 480 is on housing 460 by a fastener in the form of a rivet 486 appropriate. rivet 486 holds torque element 480 inside the housing 440 fixed and prevents rotation of the torque element with respect to the housing. torque member 480 defines a borehole 484 that has a borehole 446d in back wall 446 flees. rivet 486 is installed through holes 446d and 484 to torque element 480 on the back wall 446 to install.

Front wall 442 and side wall 444 define a first footprint 442a , Rear wall 446 defines a second footprint 446a that are larger than first floor space 442a is and extends outside the first base area, creating an extension 446b is formed over the front wall 442 and sidewall 444 protrudes beyond. Extension 446b defines a passage 446c for receiving a mounting fastener such. B. a in 1 shown screw 205 for mounting housing 440 on a console box or cover.

Referring to 6 and 7 are front wall 442 and sidewall 444 of housing 440 integrally as a single body in a one-piece construction separate from the rear wall 446 is, trained. Thus form front wall 442 and sidewall 444 together a cover 450 with an opening 452 on a side surrounded by a flat edge 451. rear wall 446 lies in the form of a flat mounting plate 470 before that to the flat edge 451 of cover 450 fits to housing 440 to build. The flat edge 451 matches the mounting plate 470 in a fluid-tight connection, which prevents on torque element 480 applied lubricant from housing 440 leaking, and prevents the entry of dirt and other contaminants in the housing.

Cover 450 takes torque element 480 in a positive fit. An inner surface 454 that are the inside of sidewall 444 along includes an engagement surface in the form of sharp webs 456 , Stege 456 engage in an edge 488 of torque element 480 and hold the torque element in the positive fit.

Interior 448 of housing 440 forms a sealed chamber or reservoir 448a for receiving an amount of a lubricant such. B. fat 490 , fat 490 will be along the edge 488 plotted where the edge as shown in wave 460 frictionally engaged.

Referring to 8th has wave 460 a proximal end 464 and a distal end 466 opposite the proximal end. The proximal end 464 includes a head 463 with an increased diameter relative to other portions of the shaft 460 , Head 463 fits the first passage 443 in front wall 442 , The distal end 466 defines a coupling surface in the form of an annular recess 467 , Annular recess 467 cooperates with a coupling member that is not part of hinge module 400 to connect the hinge module to the console receptacle or cover. Again referring to 1-3 the hinge modules are secured by ring couplings in the form of E-rings 600. It is understood that other types of couplings can be attached to the distal ends of shafts according to the invention and need not necessarily be E-rings.

The preassembled hinge module 400 can be used in the following manner to pivotally couple a first component to a second component. Hinge module 400 arrives at the installer in preassembled condition, with a corresponding number of torque elements 480 in housing 440 , Therefore, hinge module 400 arrives ready for installation.

The distal end 466 from wave 460 is inserted through pivot holes in the first and second components. casing 440 is at the first component by pre-screw 205 or other fastener through passage 446c in extension 446b of rear wall 446 appropriate. In addition, the outer edge 478 from mounting plate 470 be mounted between ribs on the first component, as in 1 shown. The score 420 in mounting plate 470 matches a projection of similar shape to the first component to confirm that hinge module 400 is installed on the right side of the pivot axis. The distal end 466 from wave 460 protrudes through the first component and second component so that annular recess 467 is exposed.

An E-ring 600 or other coupling element, provided separately, becomes an annular recess 467 attached around to shaft 460 to secure to the second component and to prevent the shaft from being pulled out of the first and second components, thereby coupling the first and second components in a pivotal connection. The same procedure is followed to install hinge module 500 on the opposite side of the first and second components.

Now up 9 Referring to a method 1000 for producing a preassembled hinge module according to an embodiment and with reference to the components of the hinge module 400 described. In step 1100 At least one torque element 480 is attached to the mounting plate 470 appropriate. torque member 480 can be attached to mounting plate 470 be attached by rivet 486 or another type of fastener through passage 466d will be installed. A lubricant, such as. B. fat 490 , is in recess 482 of torque element 480 in step 1200 applied. Subsequently, cover is 450 via torque element 480 in a positive fit in step 1300 appropriate. passage 443 is aligned with recess 482 of torque element 480 and passage 447 from mounting plate 470 , In this arrangement is a passage 401 by cover 450 , Torque element 480 and mounting plate 470 Are defined. cover 450 and mounting plate 470 form an enclosed housing 440 , the torque element 480 and fat 490 inside in the housing. In step 1400 will wave 460 through passage 401 that by cover 450 , Torque element 480 and mounting plate 470 is defined, introduced, so that the shaft through housing 440 extends in frictional engagement with the torque element. wave 460 is frictionally engaged by torque element 480 held so as to pull out of housing 440 to resist. hinge module 400 is now pre-assembled and ready for installation to pivotally connect two components.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

A preassembled hinge module configured to couple a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to one another, the preassembled hinge module comprising: a shaft defining a pivot axis; at least one torque element frictionally engaging the shaft; and a housing, the housing comprising a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, the front wall, side wall and rear wall defining an interior space enclosed in the housing, wherein the interior receives the at least one torque element internally in the housing, the front wall defining a first passage and the rear wall defining a second passage, wherein the first passage and the second passage are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, the shaft passing through the first passage extending the interior and the second passage; wherein the shaft is configured separately from and for mounting to the first component; and wherein the housing is configured separately from and for mounting to the second component. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 1 wherein the rear wall of the housing includes a universal mounting surface configured to be mounted to the second component. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 1 wherein the at least one torque element defines a recess through a portion of the at least one torque element, wherein the recess is aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, wherein the shaft frictionally engages the at least one torque element through the recess. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 1 comprising a fastener coupling the at least one torque element to the housing. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 4 wherein the fastener retains the at least one torque element internally in the housing and prevents rotation of the at least one torque element with respect to the housing. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 4 wherein the at least one torque element defines a borehole and the fastener comprises a rivet received in the borehole to couple the at least one torque element to the housing. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 1 wherein the front wall and side wall define a base surface and the rear wall extends outside the base surface to form an extension. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 7 wherein the extension of the backplane defines a passage for receiving a mounting fastener, for mounting the housing to the second component. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 1 wherein the front wall and side wall of the housing are integrally formed as a single body in a one-piece construction separate from the rear wall. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 9 wherein the rear wall comprises a mounting plate and the front wall and side wall define a cover attached to the mounting plate. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 10 wherein the cover receives the at least one torque element in a positive fit. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 10 wherein the interior forms a reservoir containing a quantity of lubricant. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 1 wherein the shaft includes a proximal end having a head that mates with the first passage in the front wall and a distal end that defines a coupling surface for engagement with a coupling element. Pre-assembled hinge module after Claim 13 wherein the coupling surface comprises an annular recess defined in the distal end for receiving a coupling element in the form of a ring coupling. A hinge module set configured to couple a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to each other, the hinge module set comprising a first preassembled hinge module configured to control relative pivotal movement of the first and second components in a first pivoting direction, and a second preassembled hinge module configured to control relative pivotal movement of the first and second components in a second pivot direction opposite the first direction, the first and second preassembled hinge modules each comprising: a shaft defining a pivot axis; at least one torque element frictionally engaging the shaft; and a housing, the housing comprising a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, the front wall, side wall and rear wall defining an interior space enclosed within the housing, the interior receiving the at least one torque element internally in the housing, the front wall defining a first passage and the rear wall defines a second passage, wherein the first passage and the second passage are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, the shaft extending through the first passage, the inner space, and the second passage; wherein the shaft is configured separately from and for mounting to the first component; and wherein the housing is configured separately from and for mounting to the second component. Hinge module set to Claim 15 wherein the housing of the first preassembled hinge module comprises a first mark corresponding to a first mounting location and the second preassembled hinge module comprises a second mark corresponding to a second mounting location opposite the first mounting location. Hinge system comprising: a first component; a second component; and a preassembled hinge module coupling the first component to the second component in a pivotal connection to thereby permit pivotal movement of the first component relative to the second component, the preassembled hinge module comprising: a shaft defining a pivot axis; at least one torque element frictionally engaging the shaft; and a housing, the housing comprising a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, the front wall, side wall and rear wall defining an interior space enclosed in the housing, wherein the interior receives the at least one torque element inside the housing, wherein the front wall defines a first passage and the rear wall defines a second passage, wherein the first passage and the second passage are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, the shaft extending through the first passage, the inner space and the second passage; the shaft being separate from and mounted to the first component; and wherein the housing is mounted separately from and to the second component. Hinge system after Claim 17 wherein the hinge system is a storage compartment in one of a motor vehicle, a watercraft and an aircraft.

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