EP2985402A1 - Damping hinge for damping a hinge rotation around the rotation axis of a hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

An attenuation hinge for damping a hinge rotary movement about a hinge axis of rotation (3) comprises a housing (2) extending along the hinge axis of rotation (3) with a first housing part (4), with a first housing part (4) ) with respect to the hinge axis of rotation (3) rotatable second housing part (5) and with a in the housing (2) arranged working chamber (8), in the working chamber (8) along the hinge axis of rotation (3) displaceably arranged piston (11 ), a piston rod (12) for displacing the piston (11) and an adjusting device (18) for adjusting a damping effect of the damping hinge (1), wherein the adjusting device (18) a plurality of discrete adjustment stages for each different Has damping effects.

Description

The present patent application takes the priority of the German patent application DE 10 2014 215 902.4 claim, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The invention relates to a damping hinge for damping a hinge rotary movement about a hinge axis of rotation.

A damping hinge is out of the WO 2012/139957 A1 known. A damping characteristic of the damping hinge is infinitely adjustable.

The invention has for its object to improve a damping hinge and in particular its handling such that the damping behavior is uncomplicated adjustable.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1. The essence of the invention is that an adjusting device is provided for adjusting a damping effect of a damping hinge. The adjustment device has a plurality of discrete adjustment stages. Each adjustment stage represents a different damping effect. The damping hinge according to the invention simplifies the setting of a specific damping effect. In particular, it is possible to set an once defined damping effect, in particular for a layman, identical again. The damping hinge is user friendly. The damping hinge serves to damp hinge hinge movement about a hinge axis of rotation. The damping hinge has a housing extending along the hinge axis of rotation with a first housing part, with a first housing part with respect to the hinge axis of rotation rotatable second housing part and with a in the housing arranged working chamber. The working chamber is sealed in particular in the housing. Furthermore, the damping hinge has a piston arranged sealed in the working chamber, which is displaceable along the hinge axis of rotation, and a piston rod for displacing the piston. In particular, the piston divides the working chamber into a first part working chamber and a second part working chamber. In particular, the piston has a throttle passage, which creates a, in particular throttled, fluid connection between the first part-working chamber and the second part-working chamber.

A damping hinge, in which the adjusting device has an adjusting unit for directly influencing the damping effect, allows a simplified handling and a direct change of the damping effect.

A damping hinge, in which the adjusting unit comprises a first adjusting element and a second adjusting element, allows by an interaction of the first adjusting element with the second adjusting element an uncomplicated change of the damping effect. In particular, the first adjusting element and the second adjusting element are kinematically coupled to one another, in particular via a movement thread. In particular, a rotation of the first adjusting element about the hinge axis of rotation simultaneously causes an axial displacement of the second adjusting element along the hinge axis of rotation. In particular, the first adjusting element is designed as adjusting spindle with needle. The adjusting spindle is in particular rotatable and axially displaceable with respect to the hinge axis of rotation in the housing and in particular arranged with respect to the piston rod. The second adjustment element is designed in particular as an adjustment sleeve. The adjusting sleeve is arranged piston rod fixed. The adjusting sleeve has in particular an internal thread which cooperates with an external thread of the adjusting spindle as a movement thread.

A damping hinge, in which the adjusting unit can be arranged at least in sections within a throttle channel of the piston, allows the direct influence of the damping effect. The damping effect is characterized in particular by a cross-sectional area of the throttle channel perpendicular to the hinge axis of rotation and a flow path along the hinge axis of rotation having this cross-sectional area. The longer a flow path with a reduced cross-sectional area, the greater the throttling effect, ie the damping effect. This means that the lower the first adjusting element is arranged in the throttle channel, the greater the damping effect.

A damping hinge with an actuating unit allows the immediate operation of the adjustment unit. The accessibility and in particular the handling of the damping hinge, in particular for a layman, are improved.

A damping hinge, in which the actuating unit has an actuating element and a coupling element, simplifies the interaction between the actuating unit and the adjusting unit.

A damper hinge, in which the actuating element and the coupling element are rotatably coupled to each other with respect to the hinge axis of rotation, allows an immediate torque transmission from the actuating element to the coupling element.

A damper hinge in which the actuator is rotatably mounted in the housing with respect to the hinge pivot allows uncomplicated and immediate operation by applying a torque to the actuator about the hinge pivot for adjusting the damper action.

A damping hinge, in which the actuating element has a first latching element, allows a latching arrangement of the actuating element. In particular, the first latching element is designed as a latching projection or as a pin. The latching projection or pin extends in particular radially to the hinge axis of rotation. The first detent element has a contour which allows a latched arrangement on a Verrast element of a Verrast unit. In particular, the contour of the first locking element is at least partially convex. The corresponding contour of the latching element is correspondingly concave. The first latching element allows a latched arrangement of the actuating element with respect to the hinge axis of rotation in a rotational angular position with respect to the hinge axis of rotation. The first latching element is arranged in particular eccentrically to the hinge axis of rotation. Upon actuation of the actuating element, ie a rotational movement of the actuating element about the hinge axis of rotation, the locking element performs a rotary movement on a circular path about the hinge axis of rotation. In particular, the convex contour of the first latching element is guided on a circular path about the hinge axis of rotation.

A damping hinge, in which the coupling element has a non-circular cross-section oriented perpendicular to the hinge axis of rotation, permits uncomplicated torque transmission from the coupling element to the adjusting unit. In particular, the coupling element acts directly together with the adjustment unit and in particular with the first adjustment element. In particular, the coupling element and the adjusting unit, in particular in the region of the first adjusting element, can be arranged such that they are arranged as an assembly concentric and with a round cross section with respect to the hinge axis of rotation in the damping hinge.

A damping hinge with a latching unit allows the latched arrangement of the actuating unit. This makes it possible to permanently arrange the actuating unit in a desired rotational position with respect to the hinge axis of rotation. An undesired adjustment of the rotational position of the actuating unit and thus the damping effect is excluded. In particular, it is possible to find a once defined damping effect by selectively selecting a position of the actuating unit in the latched arrangement.

A damper hinge, in which the latching unit is made in one piece, allows a straightforward design and in particular mounting of the damping hinge. The latching unit is functionally integrated and compact. In particular, the latching unit is made of plastic and in particular of polyoxymethylene (POM). The latching unit is lightweight. Other materials, in particular metal materials, are also conceivable.

A damping hinge, in which the latching unit is arranged fixed to the housing, allows a stable coupling of the latching unit with the housing. In particular, the latching unit has at least one locking element for locking on the housing. In particular, the at least one locking element is designed as a detent spring, which in a corresponding recess on the housing can engage. In particular, the at least one locking element allows axial locking along the hinge axis of rotation.

A damping hinge, in which the latching unit has a plurality of latching elements, allows easy determination of a latching position in the latched arrangement for the actuating unit. In particular, the latching elements are designed for direct cooperation with the first latching element of the actuating element. The latching elements are in particular designed as latching grooves on an outer periphery of the latching unit. Depending on a desired adjustability, for example, 20 or more locking grooves can be provided. In particular, at least 25 and in particular at least 30 latching grooves are provided along the outer periphery of the latching unit. In particular, the latching grooves are arranged uniformly spaced along the outer circumference. But it is also possible that less than 20 Verrast grooves, in particular at most 15, in particular exactly 12, in particular at most 10 and in particular at most 5 Verrast grooves are provided. By the number of locking grooves, the number of adjustment stages for the damping effect of the damping hinge is set immediately. The latching grooves allow the rotational position of the actuating unit to be determined along a 360 ° rotation about the hinge axis of rotation. The direct cooperation of the first detent element of the actuating element with one of the latching elements of the latching unit simplifies repeatable positioning of the actuating unit for a repeatable setting of the damping effect.

In addition, the latching unit can also have at least one stop element. The stop element cooperates in particular with the first latching element of the actuating element such that a rotational movement of the actuating unit about the hinge axis of rotation, at least in one direction of rotation, is made more difficult. In particular, the stop element and the first detent element cooperate in such a way that the complicated rotational movement can be overcome by applying an additional torque to the actuating unit. The additional torque required for this purpose can be applied for example by means of a tool on the actuating unit. In particular, the actuating unit has a tool portion to allow the attachment of a tool. By over-rotating the stop element with increased torque, a user receives the immediate feedback that a predefinable limit of the rotational movement is achieved. Particularly in the case of multiple revolutions for setting the damping effect, that is to say in the case of an adjustment rotational movement which is greater than 360 ° relative to the hinge axis of rotation, the user receives an immediate indication of the overall rotational movement.

A damper hinge, in which the latching unit has a connection element for connection to the actuation unit, makes it possible to design the latching unit with the actuation unit as a compact assembly. For example, this assembly may be preassembled and secured to the housing in a single assembly step. In particular, the connecting element is designed as a radially projecting projection, in particular as a circumferential bead, in order to enable axial securing of the latching unit to the actuating unit. The assembly connected in this way can be connected to the housing by means of the at least one locking element. It is also conceivable that the Assembly is pressed into a corresponding recess of the housing, that is held by means of adhesion, in particular by friction.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Teil-Explosionsdarstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Dämpfungs-Scharniers,

Fig. 2

eine vergrößerte Detailansicht gemäß Detail II in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine vergrößerte Detailansicht des Dämpfungs-Scharniers in Fig. 1 gemäß einer perspektivischen Ansicht von unten,

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf das Dämpfungs-Scharnier gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 5

einen Längsschnitt gemäß Schnittlinie V-V in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

eine vergrößerte Detaildarstellung gemäß Detail VI in Fig. 5,

Fig. 7

einen Querschnitt gemäß Schnittlinie VII-VII in Fig. 6,

Fig. 8

eine Fig. 7 entsprechende Darstellung des Dämpfungs-Scharniers in einer gegenüber Fig. 7 veränderten Verstell-Stufe,

Fig. 9

eine Fig. 4 entsprechende Darstellung in einer um die Scharnier-Drehachse gedrehten Anordnung des Dämpfungs-Scharniers und

Fig. 10

einen Längsschnitt gemäß Schnittlinie X-X in Fig. 9.

Additional features, advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective partial exploded view of a damping hinge according to the invention,

Fig. 2

an enlarged detail view according to detail II in Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

an enlarged detail view of the damping hinge in Fig. 1 according to a perspective view from below,

Fig. 4

a plan view of the damping hinge according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 5

a longitudinal section along section line VV in Fig. 4 .

Fig. 6

an enlarged detail according to detail VI in Fig. 5 .

Fig. 7

a cross section along section line VII-VII in Fig. 6 .

Fig. 8

a Fig. 7 corresponding representation of the damping hinge in a opposite Fig. 7 changed adjustment level,

Fig. 9

a Fig. 4 corresponding representation in a rotated about the hinge axis of rotation arrangement of the damping hinge and

Fig. 10

a longitudinal section along section line XX in Fig. 9 ,

An in Fig. 1 to 10 Shown damping hinge 1 has a housing 2, which extends along a hinge axis of rotation 3. The damping hinge 1 serves to dampen a hinge rotary movement about the hinge axis of rotation 3. The housing 2 is designed in two parts and comprises a first housing part 4 and a second housing part 5 rotatably arranged relative to the hinge axis of rotation 3 with respect to the first housing part 4. The housing 2 is designed substantially hollow cylindrical. Along the hinge axis of rotation 3, an outer diameter of the damping hinge 1 is substantially constant. The first housing part 4 is interrupted along the hinge axis of rotation 3 by the second housing part 5. The first housing part 4 is arranged on both sides of the second housing part 5 along the hinge axis of rotation 3. The second housing part 5 has with respect to the hinge axis of rotation 3 radially extending mounting pins 6. The fastening pins 6 are used to connect the damping hinge 1 with a door frame. It is also possible that the fixing pins 6 are connected to a door leaf or other part to be pivoted. The fastening pins 6 have a surface structure in the form of grooves. This surface structure serves to improve the connection of the housing part 5 with, for example, the door frame.

The first housing part 4 has an L-shaped angle element 7, which extends along the hinge axis of rotation 3 on an outer circumferential surface of the first housing part 4 extends. With the angle element 7, the damping hinge 1 can be attached to a door leaf. At the angle element 7 through holes are provided which allow attachment of the first housing part 4 on the door leaf. The damping hinge 1 is used in particular for damping a pivoting movement of a door leaf relative to a door frame.

The following is based on the Fig. 2 to 7 the structure of the damping hinge 1 explained in more detail.

The housing 2 has a working chamber 8, which is fluid-filled according to the embodiment shown. As a fluid, for example, hydraulic oil is used. Other fluids, in particular gaseous and / or liquid fluids, are also conceivable. The working chamber 8 is bounded by the housing 2 in the form of the first housing part 4 in the radial direction with respect to the hinge axis of rotation 3. In the axial direction of the hinge axis of rotation 3, the working chamber 8 is sealed by means of a sealing insert 9 and a Aufsetzkappe 10. At one of the sealing insert 9 opposite end of the working chamber 8, this is sealed by a working chamber seal 16. A piston 11 is arranged in the working chamber 8. The piston 11 is displaceable along the hinge axis of rotation in the working chamber 8. The piston 11 is connected to a piston rod 12. The piston 11 is displaceable along the hinge axis of rotation 3 within the working chamber 8. The piston 11 has a central bore 19. The central bore 19 extends parallel to the hinge axis of rotation. 3

The piston separates the working chamber 8 into a first part working chamber 20 and a second part working chamber 21. The first part working chamber 20 is disposed between the sealing insert 9 and the underside of the piston 11. The second sub-working chamber 21 is disposed between the top of the piston 11 and the working chamber seal 16. Via the bore 19, the first part-working chamber 20 with the second part-working chamber 21 in fluid communication. The piston rod 12 is designed sleeve-shaped. The piston rod 12 has a central bore which extends along the hinge axis of rotation 3. At an outer periphery, the piston rod 12 has a piston rod external thread 13 which engages in a corresponding sleeve internal thread 14 of a sleeve 15. The sleeve 15 is rotatably connected to the second housing part 5. A relative rotational movement of the second housing part 5 relative to the first housing part 4 causes a relative rotational movement of the sleeve 15 relative to the rotational axis relative to the hinge axis 3, axially displaceable relative to the hinge axis of rotation 3 piston rod 12. As a result of this relative rotation, the piston rod 12 is axially along the hinge Rotary axis 3 shifts.

At an upper end of the piston rod 12, an axial sliding member 48 is provided. The axial sliding element 48 has a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the hinge axis of rotation 3. The cross-sectional area has a non-circular outer contour, which may be, for example, square, hexagonal or octagonal. It is also possible that the axial sliding element 48 has an oval outer contour. In particular, the axial sliding element 48 has an outer contour which corresponds to an inner contour of the housing 2, in particular of the first housing part 4. The axial sliding member 48 is rotatably and axially displaceable in the housing 2 relative to the hinge axis of rotation 3.

In the in Fig. 5 The arrangement shown is the piston rod 12 with the piston 11 in a maximum upper position. In this arrangement, the working chamber 8 is arranged substantially exclusively between the sealing insert 9 and the sealing insert 9 facing the piston bottom.

Along the hinge axis of rotation 3, a spacer 17 is provided between the working chamber seal 16 and the sleeve 15. The spacer 17 is designed sleeve-shaped.

The damping hinge 1 has an adjusting device 18 for adjusting a damping effect of the damping hinge 1. The adjustment device 18 has a plurality of discrete adjustment stages for different damping effects. Various adjustment stages for the damping hinge 1 are in FIGS. 7 and 8 which will be discussed later. The damping effect corresponds to a damping constant of the damping hinge 1.

The adjusting device 18 has an adjusting unit 22, an actuating unit 23 for actuating the adjusting unit 22 and a latching unit for latching the actuating unit 23.

In the following, the adjustment unit 22 will be explained in more detail. The adjustment unit 22 serves to directly influence the damping effect of the damping hinge 1. The adjustment unit 22 has a first adjustment element 25 and a second adjustment element 26. The first adjusting element 25 is designed in several parts and comprises an adjusting spindle 27 and a coupled to the adjusting spindle 27 needle 28. The adjusting spindle 27 and the needle 28 are arranged one behind the other along the hinge axis of rotation 3.

The first adjusting element 25 is arranged in the bore of the piston rod 12. The adjusting spindle 27 has a first portion 29. The first portion 29 faces away from the piston 11. The first section 29 has a non-circular cross-section with respect to the hinge axis of rotation 3. The cross-sectional area of the first portion 29 is semicircular. In one piece with the first section 29 is a second section 30, which faces the piston 11 and in particular the needle 28. At a lower, the needle 28 end facing the second portion 30 of the adjusting spindle 27 is partially hollow and has a receptacle 31. In the receptacle 31, a head piece of the needle 28 is arranged and held axially.

At an end opposite the header, the needle 28 is at least partially disposed within the bore 19 of the piston 11. An outer diameter of the needle 28 is smaller than an inner diameter of the bore 19. In particular, the inner diameter of the bore 19 is at least 105%, in particular at least 110% and in particular at least 120% of the outer diameter of the needle 28. In this area, ie where the needle 28 is disposed within the bore 19, resulting along the flow opening, in particular crescent-shaped executed cross-section with reduced cross-sectional area. A fluid flow is throttled by the reduced cross-sectional area. This portion of the bore 19 forms a throttle channel. The throttle effect of the damping hinge 1 depends on the cross-sectional area of the annular surface, ie on the ratio of the inner diameter of the bore 19 to the outer diameter of the needle 28. The damping effect also depends from the length of the throttle channel along the hinge axis of rotation 3. The damping effect thus also depends on the depth of insertion of the needle 28 into the bore 19.

About these parameters, ie the ratio of the inner diameter of the bore 19 and the outer diameter of the needle 28 and the immersion depth of the needle 28 in the bore 19, the damping effect of the damping hinge 1 can be influenced. The damping effect can be influenced directly via the immersion depth, ie the relative positioning of piston 11 and needle 28 to each other along the hinge axis of rotation 3, without having to use another piston and / or a needle. It is conceivable that the needle 28 and / or the bore 19 of the piston 11 have a variable cross-section along the hinge axis of rotation 3. A variable cross section can be created, for example, by the fact that the needle 28 and / or the bore each have a frustoconical lateral surface. An angle of inclination of the conical surface contour with respect to the hinge axis of rotation 3 may be different for the needle 28 and the bore 19. In such an embodiment, not only the immersion depth, but in particular the cross-sectional area of the annular cross-section is changed via the axial relative movement between the needle 28 and bore 19.

The adjusting spindle 27 is rotatable together with the needle 28 and axially displaceable with respect to the hinge axis of rotation 3 in the housing 2 is arranged. In particular, adjusting spindle 27 and needle 28 with respect to the piston rod 12 are axially displaceable. At a lower, the piston 11 facing the end of the piston rod 12, an adjusting sleeve is attached to the piston rod 12. The adjusting sleeve is the second adjusting element 26. The second adjusting element 26 is in the axial direction on the piston rod 12 held. A displacement of the piston rod 12 along the hinge axis of rotation 3 causes an axial displacement of the second adjusting element 26. The second adjusting element 26 in the form of the adjusting sleeve has an adjusting sleeve internal thread 32 which has a with a corresponding adjusting spindle external thread 33 interacts. The adjusting spindle external thread 33 is arranged in particular within the second section 30 of the adjusting spindle 27. A rotational movement of the first adjusting element 25 about the hinge axis of rotation 3 causes a longitudinal displacement of the first adjusting element 25 along the hinge axis of rotation. 3

The second adjusting element 26 is arranged piston rod fixed. By a rotational movement of the adjusting unit 22, in particular of the first adjusting element 25, the first adjusting element 25, in particular with the needle 28, is displaced relative to the piston rod 12 and to the piston 11. As a result, the immersion depth of the needle 28 in the bore 19 can be changed.

The second adjusting element 26 serves to connect the piston 11 to the piston rod 12. The second adjusting element 26 is sleeve-shaped and surrounds the adjusting spindle 27 and the needle 28 completely. For connecting the second adjusting element 26 with the piston 11, this has on one of the piston rod 12 facing top on a one-piece molded connecting piece 34, on which the second adjusting element 26 is placed.

The adjusting spindle external thread 33 and the adjusting sleeve internal thread 32 form a movement thread. About the movement thread, the first adjustment element 25 and the second adjustment element 26 are such Kinematically coupled, that a rotation of the first adjusting element 25 about the hinge axis of rotation 3 simultaneously causes a displacement of the first adjusting element 25 along the hinge axis of rotation 3.

The actuating unit 23 will be explained in more detail below. The operating unit 23 serves to actuate the adjusting unit 22. The actuating unit 23 comprises an actuating element 35 and a coupling element 36. The actuating element 35 and the coupling element 36 are relative to the hinge axis of rotation 3 rotatably coupled with each other. The actuating element 35 is arranged rotatably with respect to the hinge axis of rotation 3 on the housing 2. The actuating element 35 is designed substantially cap-shaped. On an outer side, the actuating element 35 has a tool section 37, a marking 38 and a gripping section 49. The tool portion 37 is slit-shaped. Width, length and depth of the slot are designed such that in the slot a coin, in particular a 1-cent coin, can be used. The coin can be used advantageously as a tool. The tool portion 37 may also be designed as a cross recess or as an inner hexagon contour or as an inner non-circular contour. It is essential that it is possible to apply a torque with respect to the hinge axis of rotation 3 to the actuating element 35 by means of a tool on the tool section 37.

The marker 38 is intended to signal a user of the damping hinge 1, as a damping effect can be adjusted. A double arrow indicates that a rotational movement in both directions of rotation about the hinge axis of rotation 3 is possible. A "+" sign or a "-" sign symbolizes an increase or decrease in the damping effect, ie an increase or reduction of the damping constant. The gripping portion 49 has a circular recess extending along the outer circumference. The recess has a plurality of radial webs. Due to the radial webs the circular groove is interrupted in each case. The gripping portion 49 allows manual actuation of the actuating element 35, in particular in the event that a torque to be applied for adjusting, ie for rotating the actuating element 35, is not very large. In order to transmit larger torques, the tool can be attached to the tool section 37 and actuated.

On a housing 2 facing the underside of the actuating element 35, a cylindrical shaft 39 is integrally formed. On an outer cylindrical surface of the shaft 39, a first latching element 40 is integrally formed as an elastic latching projection. The first latching element 40 may be made in several parts and in particular be manufactured as a separate component and connected to the shaft 39. At a lower, free end of the shaft 39, a connecting element 41 is provided in the form of a circumferential bead. The connecting element 41 serves to connect the actuating unit 23, in particular of the actuating element 35, with the latching unit 24.

At the bottom of the actuating element 35, the coupling element 36 is integrally formed. In particular, the coupling element 36 is pressed into a recess provided for and / or glued. The coupling element 36 has a non-circular cross-sectional area with respect to the hinge axis of rotation 3 oriented perpendicular plane. The cross-sectional area of the coupling element 36 is semicircular. In particular, the cross-sectional areas of the first section 29 of the adjusting spindle 27 and of the coupling element 36 are embodied correspondingly such that an overall cross-sectional area has a round contour with respect to the hinge axis of rotation 3. At the same time the separating surfaces of adjusting spindle 27 and coupling element 36 are designed such that a juxtaposition of these separating surfaces results in a rotationally fixed connection or coupling with respect to the hinge axis of rotation 3.

In the following, the latching unit 24 will be explained in more detail. The latching unit 24 is used for the latched arrangement of the actuating unit 23. The latching unit 24 is made in one piece. The latching unit 24 is made of plastic and in particular polyoxymethylene (POM) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The latching unit 24 is arranged fixed to the housing. The latching unit 24 has, according to the embodiment shown, three radially projecting anchor elements 42. According to the illustrated embodiment, the three anchor members 42 are arranged evenly distributed on an outer circumference of a ring portion 43 of the latching unit 24. Relative to a circumferential angle of the hinge axis of rotation 3, the anchor elements 42 are arranged at a 120 ° angle to each other at a distance from each other. The anchor elements 42 engage in recesses provided for the housing 2 a. The latching unit 24 is held against rotation in the housing 2 by the anchor elements 42. Additionally or alternatively, the anchor elements 42 may be designed as so-called press noses. The press noses in particular have an oversize relative to the corresponding recesses in the housing 2. The latching unit 24 is pressed with the press noses in the recesses provided for this purpose. There is a press fit between latching unit and housing.

An axial securing the Verrast unit 24 is ensured by locking elements 44. According to the embodiment shown, three locking elements 44 are provided, which are arranged along an outer circumference of the ring portion 43 between two anchor members 42. The locking elements 44 are designed as locking springs, which are latchingly attachable to corresponding, housing-side locking recesses. For the assembly of the damping hinge 1, it is advantageous to pre-assemble the actuation unit, in particular the actuation element 35, with the latching unit 24. For this purpose, the actuating element 35 is guided with the shaft 39 through a central opening of the latching unit 24. The connecting element 41 can engage behind an end face of the latching unit 24 facing away from the actuating element 35. Actuating element 35 and latching unit 24 are thereby reliably pre-assembled and reliable reliable connected in the axial direction of the hinge axis of rotation 3.

On a side facing the actuating element 35, the latching unit 24 has twelve latching elements 45. The latching elements 45 are designed as latching grooves. The latching elements 45 are shaped such that they enable a latched arrangement of the actuating unit 35 on the housing 2 with the first latching element 40 of the actuating element 35. In particular, a convex outer contour of the first latching element 40 is designed corresponding to a respective concave inner contour of the latching grooves. It can also be provided 45 more or less than twelve Verrast elements. The latching grooves extend in the radial direction with respect to the hinge axis of rotation 3. Two adjacent latching slots are separated by a rounded web 46.

Due to the flexible elastic structure of the first locking element 40, which in particular allows flexibility with respect to an actuation in the radial direction, in particular in the direction of the hinge axis of rotation 3, by means of a rotary movement of the actuating element 35 about the hinge axis of rotation 3 first latching element 40 variably arranged on one of the latching elements 45 can be arranged latching. Due to the flexibility of the first locking element 40, an elastic deformation is possible radially to the hinge axis of rotation 3, which is required for overcoming, so the passing of the first locking element 40 on the web 46 is.

At least one of the webs 46 is designed as a stop element 47. The stop member 47 differs from the webs 46 by its radial dimension. The stop element 47 penetrates deeper into the recess of the Verrast unit 24 a. This means that a free distance between the coupling element and the stop element 47 is reduced. This reduced distance, which corresponds to a reduced effective inner diameter of the recess of the Verrast unit 24, causes a rotational resistance, which is required for further rotation of the actuating element 35 with the first latching element 40 on the stopper member 47 is greater as a rotational resistance for displacing the actuating element 35 via one of the webs 46. According to the embodiment shown, exactly one stop element 47 is provided. As a result, it is signaled to a user that he has performed a complete, ie 360 ° rotation when the stop element 47 is turned over. In particular, if an adjustment of the damping effect is required, which requires several total revolutions, ie an adjustment rotational movement of more than 360 °, the traceability of the total rotation angle is facilitated.

In the following, a function of the damping hinge 1, in particular its operation, will be explained in more detail. Starting from a first arrangement, which in Fig. 4 to 7 is shown, there is a shift, so a relative rotation about the hinge axis of rotation 3, the housing parts 4, 5 to each other. Due to the relative rotation of the first housing part 4 relative to the second housing part 5, the piston rod 12 is displaced by the interaction of piston rod external thread 13 and sleeve internal thread 14 along the hinge axis of rotation 3. Starting from the in Fig. 5 maximum position of the piston rod 12 and the associated piston 11 are piston rod 12 and piston 11 in a maximum lower position according to Fig. 9 relocated. The about the hinge axis of rotation 3 rotating piston rod 12 is axially displaced by means of the axial sliding member 48 guided on the inner contour of the housing 2. In the axial displacement of the piston 11 damping fluid is displaced from the first part-working space 20 through the bore 19 and the throttle channel formed therein, past the needle 28 in the second part-working space 21. This causes a damping effect of the hinge rotary motion.

The function of the adjusting device 18 will be explained in more detail below. Based on the adjustment arrangement according to Fig. 5 the damping effect of the damping hinge 1 according to the invention can be selectively changed by the actuation element 35 of the actuating unit 23 is actuated. An actuation is effected by a rotational movement of the actuating element 35 relative to the housing 2 about the hinge axis of rotation 3. Such a rotational movement can by means of a tool, not shown, which engages the tool portion 37 or manually by engaging the gripping portion 49, are applied. A manual operation on the gripping portion 49 will preferably then take place when the rotational movement serves to overcome a web 46. If over-rotation of the abutment element 47 is required and an increased torque must be applied, the tool is typically required.

On the basis of the marking 38, the user immediately receives the indication as to which direction an actuating rotary movement must take place in order to increase or reduce a damping effect. Depending on the rotational movement on the actuating element 35, the coupling element 36 is rotated. The coupling element 36 is arranged eccentrically to the hinge axis of rotation 3. The coupling element 36 cooperates with the first section 29 of the adjusting spindle 27 such that a rotational movement of the actuating element is transmitted to the first adjusting element 25 by means of the coupling element 36. A rotational movement of the first adjusting element 25, because of the movement thread, ie the interaction of the adjusting sleeve internal thread 32 with the adjusting spindle external thread 33, causes the first adjusting element 25 to be displaced axially along the hinge axis of rotation 3. By the axial displacement along the hinge axis of rotation 3 of the adjusting element, the needle 28 is displaced relative to the piston 11 and the bore 19 thereof. As a result, the immersion depth of the needle 28 in the bore 29 and thus the throttle effect, ie the damping effect of the damping hinge 1 is changed. Starting from a first adjustment arrangement in Fig. 7 the adjustment device 18 is rotated counterclockwise by two adjustment steps (cf. Fig. 8 ). This rotational movement causes according to the mark 38, a reduction of the damping effect. The penetration depth of the needle 28 is reduced. The actuating element 35 is arranged with the first latching element 40 in the counterclockwise direction in the circumferential direction in the next but one Verrastnut.

During an opening or closing movement of the damping hinge 1, the actuating element 35, the coupling element 36 and the adjusting unit 22 and in particular the latching unit 24 are non-rotatably arranged in the housing 2. This means that an opening or closing movement of the damping hinge 1 does not lead to an adjustment of the damping effect. An unintentional adjustment of the damping effect is excluded. A rotation of the adjusting device 18 takes place exclusively by actuation of the actuating unit 23 via a user. Characterized in that the actuating element 35 is latched to the first locking element 40 on one of the latching elements 45, a defined damping effect can be adjusted. In particular, the adjusting device 18 has a plurality of discrete adjustment stages, which in particular can be set to repeatable accuracy.

Claims (15)

A damping hinge for damping hinge pivotal movement about a hinge pivot axis (3) a. a along the hinge axis of rotation (3) extending housing (2) with i. a first housing part (4), II. a second housing part (5) rotatable relative to the hinge axis of rotation (3) relative to the first housing part (4), iii. a working chamber (8) arranged in the housing (2), b. a piston (11) which can be displaced in the working chamber (8) along the hinge axis of rotation (3), c. a piston rod (12) for displacing the piston (11), d. an adjusting device (18) for adjusting a damping effect of the damping hinge (1), wherein the adjusting device (18) has a plurality of discrete adjustment stages for each different damping effects. Damping hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting device (18) has an adjusting unit (22) for directly influencing the damping effect. Damping hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjusting unit (22) comprises a first adjusting element (25) and a second adjusting element (26), which in particular are kinematically coupled such that a rotation of the first Verstell -Elements (25) about the hinge axis of rotation (3) at the same time causes a displacement of the second adjusting element (26) along the hinge axis of rotation (3). Damping hinge according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the adjusting unit (22), in particular the first adjusting element (25), at least in sections within a throttle channel can be arranged. Damping hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (18) has an actuating unit (23) for actuating an adjusting unit (22). Damping hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating unit (23) comprises an actuating element (35) and a coupling element (36). Damping hinge according to claim 6, characterized in that the actuating element (35) and the coupling element (36) with respect to the hinge axis of rotation (3) are rotatably coupled together. Damping hinge according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the actuating element (35) with respect to the hinge axis of rotation (3) is rotatably disposed in the housing (2). Damping hinge according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the actuating element (35) has a first latching element (40). Damping hinge according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the coupling element (36) has a perpendicular to the hinge axis of rotation (3) oriented, non-circular cross-section. Damping hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (18) has a latching unit (24) for the latched arrangement of an actuating unit (23). Damping hinge according to claim 11, characterized in that the latching unit (24) is made in one piece, in particular made of plastic, in particular of polyoxymethylene (POM) and / or of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). Damping hinge according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the latching unit (24) is arranged fixed to the housing and in particular at least one locking element (44) for locking on the housing (2). Damping hinge according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the latching unit (24) has a plurality of latching elements (45). Damping hinge according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the actuating unit (23) with the latching unit (24) by means of a connecting element (41) is connected.

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