EP2568103A1 - Infinitely adjustable hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

The hinge (1) has a column console (3) that is arranged in a motor vehicle body. A door console (2) is connected with a door of the motor vehicle body. A hinge pin (5) is rotationally fixed with the column console and pivotally connected with the door console. The column console and the door console are hingedly connected with each other by the hinge pin. A retaining surface (9) is arranged at locking element arms (8a, 8b). The arms are elastically displaced along direction of a breaking surface (10) by an actuator (11) such that the retaining surface is applied to the breaking surface.

Description

• einer an einer Kraftfahrzeugkarosserie anordbaren Säulenkonsole,
• einer mit einer Kraftfahrzeugtür verbindbaren Türkonsole,
• einem die Türkonsole und die Säulenkonsole gelenkig miteinander verbindenden Scharnierstift, der verdrehfest mit der Säulenkonsole und drehgelenkig mit der Türkonsole verbunden ist und
• einer Arretierungseinheit, mit
• einem mit der Türkonsole verdrehsicher verbundenen, eine Bremsfläche aufweisenden Bremseinsatz und
• einem verdrehsichernden mit dem Scharnierstift verbundenen Arretierungselement, der eine in Richtung auf die Bremsfläche verstellbare Haltefläche aufweist.

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door hinge, with

• a column console which can be arranged on a motor vehicle body,
• a door panel connectable to a motor vehicle door,
• a hinge pin pivotally interconnecting the door bracket and the pillar bracket, pivotally connected to the pillar bracket and pivotally connected to the door bracket, and;
• a locking unit, with
• one connected to the door bracket against rotation, a braking surface having brake insert and
• a rotational locking connected to the hinge pin locking element having an adjustable in the direction of the braking surface holding surface.

Motor vehicle door hinges of the type mentioned are known in various configurations from the prior art. They are characterized by the fact that, in addition to a hinged connection of a motor vehicle door to a vehicle body additionally via the integrated locking unit offer the possibility to set the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body in a set opening position, so that can be dispensed with separate locking means.

Usually, the generic motor vehicle door hinges while locking units, which allows the determination of the door in preset angular positions. In addition, however, there is a need for such motor vehicle door hinges, which - usually via a permanent friction of at least two relatively adjustable surfaces in the event of pivoting of the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body - allow a stepless determination. Such motor vehicle door hinges offer the advantage that the motor vehicle door can be set in any opening positions relative to the vehicle body, resulting in a leads to a considerable increase in comfort. By such motor vehicle door hinges can be avoided, for example, that the vehicle door, if it is not in a predetermined, lockable angular position, against a pivot region of the door arranged obstacle, for example. A neighboring arranged vehicle or wall strikes, resulting in significant damage to the Door can lead.

However, known motor vehicle door hinges with a substantially stepless locking have the disadvantage that they have a particularly complex and error-prone construction. On this basis, the invention is based on the object to provide a motor vehicle door hinge, which allows a stepless locking a motor vehicle door connected to a door console against a connected to a vehicle body pillar console, wherein the motor vehicle door hinge has a simple and inexpensive construction.

The invention solves the problem by a motor vehicle door hinge with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Characteristic of the motor vehicle door hinge according to the invention is that the holding surface is arranged on a locking element formed rigidly with the Arretierungselementearm which is elastically deformable by means of an actuating unit in the direction of the braking surface, that the holding surface bears against the braking surface.

According to the invention, the locking element has a locking element arm, which is designed in such a way that it is used by means of the actuating unit with its holding surface in contact with the braking surface of the brake insert, wherein the contact pressure of the holding surface on the braking surface can be adjusted via the setting unit. The elastic deformability of the locking element arm of the locking element ensures that both an increase and a reduction of the contact pressure of the holding surface on the braking surface can be realized via the setting unit. A rotation of the door bracket relative to the column console causes a corresponding adjustment of the holding surface of the locking element arm relative to the braking surface of the brake insert, wherein on the resulting from the friction of the holding and braking surface Resistance moment the force required to move the motor vehicle door is determined. The brake insert can basically extend over any angle range on the door bracket. Thus, the brake insert may be arranged such that the locking unit during the entire pivoting movement of the motor vehicle door from its closed position to its maximum opening position generates a holding torque, ie determines the required by the pivoting of the door actuating torque on the contacting braking surface and contact surface. However, it is also possible to arrange the brake insert only over a certain angular range of the door bracket, so that in sub-areas in which a locking option is not required, for example. In the area around the closed position of the vehicle door, the locking unit has no effect on the operating torque of the vehicle door Has.

The motor vehicle door hinge according to the invention is characterized by its particularly simple and compact design. To determine the actuating torque, only one locking element with a locking element formed with the Arretierungselement is required, whose position relative to the brake insert via an actuator is fixed, whereby the contact pressure between the braking surface and the support surface for determining the operating torque of the vehicle door is freely determinable. The elastic displaceability of the locking element arm ensures that a reduction of the contact pressure can be achieved without problems via the setting unit, for which purpose the locking element arm executes an elastic rearward displacement. In addition, this embodiment of the locking element allows a particularly simple and inexpensive construction after it can be dispensed with additional components.

According to a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the actuating unit has a spring element which causes a spring-biased contact of the holding surface on the braking surface. According to this embodiment of the invention, the holding torque for a vehicle door connected to the motor vehicle door hinge results not only from the bias applied by the actuator and the stiffness or elasticity of the locking element arm, but also from the elasticity of the spring element, which in conjunction with the actuator the holding surface resilient presses against the braking surface of the brake insert. The spring element ensures a uniform contact of the holding surface on the braking surface, and also evasive movements of the locking element on the spring element are easily possible.

The configuration of the locking element arm is basically freely selectable. For example, it is possible to manufacture the locking element arm separately and rigidly connect it to a base body of the locking element steel. Under a rigid connection is understood in the context of the invention, an embodiment of the Arretierungselementearms, which allows only an elastic displacement of the holding surface of the Arretierungselementearms relative to a main body of the locking element or the braking surface of the brake insert. Particularly advantageously, it is provided that the Arretierungselementearm is formed integrally with the locking element. According to this embodiment of the invention, the locking element arm extends starting from a base body of the locking element and is elastically displaceable relative thereto by the setting unit. The one-piece design of the locking element with the locking element arm can be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner, in particular since a connection of a basic body to the locking element arm can be dispensed with.

The orientation of the Arretierungselementearms is basically just like the orientation of the holding and braking surfaces to each other freely selectable. Thus, the Arretierungselementearm example. At a freely selectable angle to the hinge pin axis and also the holding or braking surfaces can be aligned at any angle to the hinge pin axis. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that the Arretierungselementearm extends substantially perpendicular to the hinge pin axis, wherein the support surface and the braking surface are preferably aligned at right angles to the hinge pin axis. This embodiment of the invention enables the design of a particularly compact locking unit, which simultaneously allows flexible adjustment of the holding torque. The rectangular configuration is particularly simple and inexpensive to produce, with a corresponding orientation of the braking or holding surfaces to each other allows easy production of the brake insert.

The brake insert can, for example, be made in one piece with a housing receiving the locking unit or as a component which can be inserted into such a housing.

Basically, even the use of a single locking element arm in conjunction with a brake insert already offers the possibility of generating a holding torque which is sufficient to reliably lock a motor vehicle door connected to the motor vehicle door hinge in any opening positions. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that the brake insert is arranged between two locking elements each having a holding surface, wherein the setting unit is designed such that it presses the holding surfaces against oppositely arranged braking surfaces of the brake insert.

This embodiment of the invention, a predetermined holding torque can be adjusted in a particularly simple manner, which is due to a comparison with the use of a single Arretierungselementearms higher contact surface, a lower contact pressure required by the actuator. Moreover, in a corresponding embodiment eliminates the need for the support of the normal forces after they cancel each other in a bracing of the brake insert between the mutually facing holding surfaces of the locking element. An actuating unit causes in this embodiment of the invention, an axial clamping of the brake insert between the retaining surfaces of the locking element arms.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the adjusting unit has an adjusting screw, by means of which the Arretierungselementearm is displaced in the direction of the brake insert. The use of a screw allows a particularly simple and accurate adjustment of the contact pressure and thus required for the adjustment of a motor vehicle door actuating torque. Particularly advantageously, it is provided that, in the case of the preferred use of two Arretierungselementearmen, which bear with mutually facing holding surfaces on opposite braking surfaces of the brake insert, the screw extends between the Arretierungselementearmen such that the distance between the locking elements is adjustable via the screw. By this configuration, which causes an axial clamping of the brake insert relative to the adjusting screw, can be done in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner, a determination of the holding torque. In particular, this embodiment of the displacement of the locking element arms relative to the brake insert a reliable cancellation of the normal forces, so that can be dispensed with a supplementary derivation, which would be required, for example. When using a single arm. Particularly advantageously, the screw extends substantially parallel to the hinge pin axis, which enables the production of a particularly compact and space-saving locking unit.

In principle, the braking surface can be designed in any desired manner. Thus, this example. Have a flat surface, so that over the entire pivoting range of the motor vehicle door relative to the vehicle body, within which the locking elements are in engagement with the brake insert engaged, a constant holding torque and consequently a constant operating torque for pivoting the door.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that the braking surface has a contoured surface. The use of a contoured surface is characterized by the fact that different holding moments arise here due to the different heights of the braking surface relative to a main plane for certain opening angles, or actuating moments are required to pivot the motor vehicle door in these areas. It is also possible to define areas over a contoured surface, in which no holding torque is provided by the locking unit to allow a simple pivoting of the door, for example. In the area around the closed position of the door.

Basically sufficient for the function of the motor vehicle door hinge according to the invention is an elastic displaceability of the spring element against the brake insert, thereby on the one hand to adjust the holding torque and on the other to allow evasive movements to compensate for unevenness in the surface contour of the brake insert, without causing jamming. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that a spring element in operative connection with the adjusting screw and the locking element arm is located, which abuts the retaining surface of the Arretierungselementearms under spring tension on the braking surface. According to this embodiment of the invention, the holding torque is determined not only from the biasing force of the screw and the rigidity of the Arretierungselementearms, but also from the elasticity of the spring element, which allows in a particularly advantageous manner provided for an advantageous development contouring the braking surface of the brake insert, because the spring element leaves a corresponding mobility of the locking element arms or the contact surface with respect to the braking surface. The design of the spring element is in principle freely selectable, wherein particularly preferably the spring element is formed by a spring washer, which is arranged between a screw head of the adjusting screw and the holding surface opposite surface of the Arretierungselementearms. A corresponding embodiment of the motor vehicle door hinge allows a particularly simple and cost-effective resilient mounting of Arretierungselementearms, whereby compensating movements can be performed in a particularly simple manner, among other things on the thickness of the spring element while the movement possibilities is adjustable.

The arrangement of the locking element arm can in principle take place in any desired manner on the motor vehicle door hinge according to the invention. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that the locking unit is arranged in a housing which is closed by a housing cover having an opening. The arrangement within a housing protects the locking unit from external influences and thus increases the reliability of the motor vehicle door hinge. The arrangement of an opening in a housing cover makes it possible to make adjustments of the holding torque with a suitable tool without opening the housing, through the housing opening access to the setting unit, preferably a set screw is possible over which the holding torque is adjustable.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Kraftfahrzeugtürscharniers mit einer Arretierungseinheit teilweise in einer Schnittdarstellung;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Kraftfahrzeugtürscharniers von Fig. 1 mit einem geöffneten Gehäuse der Arretierungseinheit;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Kraftfahrzeugtürscharniers von Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Arretierungseinheit des Kraftfahrzeugtürscharniers von Fig. 1 und

Fig. 5

eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht der Arretierungseinheit von Fig. 4.

An embodiment will be explained below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a motor vehicle door hinge with a locking unit partly in a sectional view;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of the motor vehicle door hinge of Fig. 1 with an open housing of the locking unit;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the motor vehicle door hinge of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the locking unit of the motor vehicle door hinge of Fig. 1 and

Fig. 5

another perspective view of the locking unit of Fig. 4 ,

In the Figures 1-3 is shown in different perspective views, a motor vehicle door hinge 1. This has for connection to a vehicle body not shown here and a motor vehicle door also not shown here, a door bracket 2 and a pillar bracket 3, which are connected via a hinge pin 5 hinged together. The hinge pin 5 is for this purpose rotationally connected to a boom of the column bracket 3 and pivotally connected in a housing 16 of a locking unit 4, wherein the missing housing 16 of the locking unit 4 is fixedly connected to the door bracket 2. The articulated connection of the door bracket 2 with the pillar bracket 3 thus enables pivoting of the door bracket 2 relative to the pillar bracket 3 via the hinge pin 5.

The locking unit 4, which is arranged in the rigidly connected to the door bracket 2 housing 16 and is used for stepless locking of the door bracket 2 with respect to the column bracket 3, has a locking element 7, which with its hinge pin 20 against rotation within the housing 16 on the hinge pin. 5 is locked. The locking element 7 also has two substantially perpendicular to the hinge pin axis extending Arretierungselementearme 8a, 8b, the mutually facing holding surfaces 9 with the braking surfaces 10 of a disposed within the housing 16 brake insert 6 are in contact. (see. 4 and 5 )

To determine the contact pressure with which the retaining surfaces 9 of the locking elements 8a, 8b bear against the braking surfaces 10 of the brake insert 6, serves an actuating unit 11. This has a through a through hole 19 in Arretierungselementearm 8a extending screw 14 which in a in the Arretierungselementearm 8b trained thread can be screwed. Depending on the depth of engagement, the locking element arms 8a, 8b are elastically moved toward one another, so that the brake insert 6 is clamped between the locking element arms 8a, 8b. About the biasing force of the adjusting screw 14, the elasticity of the Arretierungselementearme 8a, 8b and a arranged between the head of the screw 14 and the Arretierungselementearm 8a spring element 15 determines the force with which the retaining surfaces 9 abut the braking surfaces 10. About the holding force then determines the holding torque of a motor vehicle door, not shown here relative to the vehicle body also not shown here. The spring element 15 allows compensating movements of the locking element arms 8a, 8b relative to the brake insert 6.

Such compensatory movements are required in particular when the brake insert 6, as in the FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrated, contoured braking surfaces 10, ie, the braking surfaces 10 have with respect to a main plane of the braking surfaces 10 both wells 13 and elevations 12. In the region of the elevations 12 there is a higher holding moment and in the region of the depressions 13, the holding moment is reduced relative to the main plane. A pivoting of the door bracket 2 relative to the column bracket 3 causes due to the rigid arrangement of the brake insert 6 in the housing 16, a displacement of the brake insert 6 and the braking surfaces 10 relative to the Arretierungselementearmen 8a, 8b and thus with respect to the support surfaces 9. Due to the contouring can for different Opening angle of the door bracket 2 opposite the column console 3 different holding moments can be determined.

The locking unit 4 with the locking element 7 and the adjusting screw 14 is disposed within the housing 16, which is closed at its top by a housing cover 17. The housing cover 17 in this case has an opening 18, which in a predetermined angular range of the door bracket 2 relative to the column console 3 allows access to the adjusting screw 14, so that in the closed state of the housing 16, a setting of the holding torque via an adjustment of the adjusting screw 14 is possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Motor vehicle door hinge

2

door bracket

3

pillar bracket

4

arresting

5

hinge pin

6

brake application

7

locking

8a

Arretierungselementearm

8b

Arretierungselementearm

9

holding surface

10

brake surface

11

actuator

12

surveys

13

wells

14

screw

15

spring element

16

casing

17

housing cover

18

opening

19

Through Hole

20

Hinge pin receiver

Claims (12)

Motor vehicle door hinge, with a column console (3) which can be arranged on a motor vehicle body, a door panel (2) connectable to a motor vehicle door, - A the door bracket (2) and the column bracket (3) hingedly interconnecting hinge pin (5) which is rotationally connected to the column bracket (3) and pivotally connected to the door bracket (2) and - A locking unit (7), with - One with the door bracket (2) secured against rotation, a braking surface (10) having brake insert (6) and a locking element (7) connected in a manner secured against rotation with the hinge pin (5) and having a holding surface (9) which can be adjusted in the direction of the braking surface (10), characterized in that
the retaining surface (9) is arranged on a locking element arm (8a, 8b) which is rigidly formed with the locking element (7) and is elastically displaceable in the direction of the braking surface (10) by means of an actuating unit (11) such that the retaining surface (9) on the braking surface (10). Motor vehicle door hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting unit (11) has a spring element (15), which causes a spring-biased contact of the holding surface (9) on the braking surface (10). Motor vehicle door hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element arm (8a, 8b) is formed integrally with the locking element (7). Motor vehicle door hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the locking element arm (8a, 8b) extends substantially perpendicular to the hinge pin axis, wherein also the retaining surface (9) and the braking surface (10) are preferably aligned at right angles to the hinge pin axis. Motor vehicle door hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brake insert (6) between two each holding surface (9) having Arretierungselementearmen (8a, 8b) is arranged, wherein the adjusting unit (11) is designed such that it the holding surfaces (9 ) presses against opposite braking surfaces (10) of the brake insert (6). Motor vehicle door hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braking surface (10) has a contoured surface. Motor vehicle door hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the setting unit (11) has an adjusting screw (14) by means of which the Arretierungselementearm (8a, 8b) in the direction of the brake insert (6) is displaceable. Motor vehicle door hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting screw (14) extends substantially parallel to the hinge pin axis. Motor vehicle door hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting screw (14) extends between the locking element arms (8a, 8b) in such a way that the distance between the locking element arms (8a, 8b) can be adjusted via the adjusting screw (14). Motor vehicle door hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring element (15) in such a manner with the adjusting screw (14) and the Arretierungselementearm (8a, 8b) is in operative connection, that the holding surface (9) of the Arretierungselementearms (8a, 8b) below Spring preload on the braking surface (10) is applied. Motor vehicle door hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element by a spring washer (15) is formed, which is arranged between a screw head of the adjusting screw (14) and the holding surface (9) opposite surface of the Arretierungselementearms (8a, 8b). Motor vehicle door hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking unit (4) in a housing (16) is arranged, which has an access opening (18) for adjusting the adjusting screw (14).

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