GB2616024A

GB2616024A - A hinge and a joining method

Info

Publication number: GB2616024A
Application number: GB2202505.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ashley Gadd James; Popovs Sergejs; Guscott Andrew
Original assignee: Arrival Ltd
Current assignee: Arrival UK Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-23
Filing date: 2022-02-23
Publication date: 2023-08-30
Also published as: WO2023161301A1; GB202202505D0

Abstract

The hinge 100, particularly for use in a vehicle, comprises a first 110 and a second leaf 120, attachable to a first and second object respectively, a pivot 130 about which the two leaves rotate, and an electrical connector 140 passing around the pivot and providing a plurality of electrical connections between the first and second leaf. The connector may comprise a planar surface (e.g., ribbon cable or flex-PCB), optionally comprising a communication bus to carry signals between the two objects, and/or may comprise electrical contacts at a first end 141 for bringing into contact with corresponding contacts 11 of the first object. The contacts may be sized to allow positional adjustment, and/or may include a seal against dust or moisture. Guides 115,125 may be provided for guiding the connector as the hinge rotates. Also claimed is a method wherein optionally mechanical and electrical connections are formed simultaneously.

Description

A HINGE AND A JOINING METHOD

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a hinge and a joining method. The hinge is suitable for joining a first object and a second object. In particular, this disclosure relates to the mechanical and electrical connection of the two objects. An application of this innovation is to a hinge that is suitable for providing a mechanical and electrical connection between a vehicle door and a vehicle body.

Background

A hinge is traditionally used to connect two objects so that they can rotate relative to one another about an axis of rotation. Hinges have been developed that include electrical connections which pass through the pivot of the hinge. This contributes to the complexity of the manufacture of the hinge, while constraining the electrical connection to the axis of rotation.

The design of a hinge can be simplified by separating from one another the mechanical connection and the electrical connection. This can be achieved using a hinge that is dedicated to forming the mechanical connection, together with an electrical connector that is dedicated to forming the electrical connection. Although this results in the manufacture of the hinge being simplified, the provision of a separate mechanical connection and a separate electrical connection makes it complex for both the hinge and the wiring to be installed.

There is a demand For a way to simplify both the manufacture and the installation of a hinge that provides both a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between two objects that are configured during use to rotate relative to one another about a pivot.

In the automotive sector, an electrical connection between a vehicle body and a vehicle door is typically achieved by a flexible grommet that holds the wires which pass from the vehicle body to the vehicle door. In this case, a hinge is provided that is dedicated to forming the mechanical connection, and so the mechanical installation of the door onto the door frame is performed as a separate step to the wires in the flexible grommet being passed from the vehicle body to the vehicle door. Once the flexible grommet has been installed in place between the vehicle body and the vehicle door, the wires that pass through the flexible grommet are then plugged into sockets, thus forming the electrical connection between the harness of the vehicle body and the harness of the vehicle door. The installation of the grommet, and the plugging in of the harness cables are complex tasks that are routinely performed by workers on a production line.

There is a demand to automate the vehicle production process where possible, including the installation and electronic connection of the vehicle doors.

JP 2001-334892 describes a vehicle body harness and vehicle door harness that are connected both by a hinge joint and electrical wiring. In this case, the electrical connection between the body harness and door harness does not include a ground wire. Instead, a door hinge is described that accommodates a ground connection between the vehicle body and the vehicle door. The ground path is provided by a strip-shaped flexible printed circuit board having a round terminal at each end. The mechanical and electrical connection between the vehicle door and vehicle body is achieved using bolts which pass through the round terminals.

Thus, the flexible circuit board provides a single electrical connection between the vehicle door and the vehicle body, which is used to Form the ground connection.

Summary

Aspects of the present invention are set out by the claims.

The present innovation recognises that there is a demand to simplify the way in which the electrical harness of the vehicle body is attached to the electrical harness of the vehicle door. A hinge is disclosed that allows the electrical connection to be formed at the same time as the mechanical connection is achieved between the vehicle door and the vehicle body. Thus, the connection between the vehicle door and the vehicle body is simplified, which makes it possible for the installation of the vehicle door to be automated. A reliable electrical connection is achieved without compromising the simplicity of the production of the hinge or its installation. The concept disclosed is not restricted to hinges used in vehicle applications, and extends to hinges that are used to form mechanical and electrical connections between two objects.

According to a first aspect, disclosure is provided of a hinge for joining a first object to a second object, the hinge comprising: a first leaf configured to attach the hinge to the first object; a second leaf configured to attach the hinge to the second object; a pivot about which the first leaf and the second leaf are configured to rotate relative to one another; and an electrical connector configured to pass around the pivot to provide a plurality of electrical connections between the first leaf and the second leaf.

An example is disclosed wherein the first object comprises a door, and the second object comprises a door frame. Thus, the hinge allows an electrical connection to be provided between the door and the door frame An example is disclosed wherein the hinge is configured to be installed in a vehicle. Thus, the hinge allows an electrical connection to be provided between a door of the vehicle and the body of the vehicle. Possible positions for the installation of the hinge 100 include a driver door, passenger doors, a door to the trunk (boot), and a door to the hood (bonnet).

Optionally, the electrical connector comprises a planar surface which accommodates a number of electrical wires configured to provide the plurality of electrical connections between the first object from the second object. As a consequence, a two-dimensional surface is provided that accommodates a complex electronic architecture between the two objects. The planar surface can simply be attached to the leaves, making the hinge simple to manufacture. As an example, the electrical connector comprises a flexible printed circuit board (Flex PCB).

Optionally, the electronic connector comprises a communication bus that is configured to transfer a signal to the first object from the second object. Thus, microcontrollers of the different components are configured to communicate with one another. Furthermore, the communication bus may be configured to transfer a signal to the second object from the first object, thus providing two way communication between the objects. By way of example, the two objects each comprise an electronic control unit, which are configured to communicate with one another via the electronic connector.

Optionally, the electrical connector further comprises a number of electrical contacts configured to be brought into contact with a corresponding number of electrical contacts of the first object. This allows the hinge to be conveniently mounted to the first object. Similarly, the electrical connector further comprises a number of electrical contacts configured to be brought into contact with a corresponding number of electrical contacts of the second object.

Optionally, each of the electrical contacts is sized to allow adjustment of position of the electrical contact with respect to the corresponding electrical contact of the first object. This provides a tolerance in the positioning of the hinge with respect to the first object. Similarly, for attaching the hinge to the second object, the corresponding electrical contacts are sized to allow adjustment of position.

Optionally, the hinge comprises a seal configured to protect the number of electrical contacts from the ingress of dust or moisture. Thus, a reliable seal is formed between the hinge and the objects.

Optionally, the hinge comprises a first guide of the first leaf and a second guide of second leaf, wherein the first guide and second guide are configured to guide the position of the electrical connector as the hinge leaves are rotated about the pivot. Guiding the electrical connector prevents it from becoming trapped between the leaves when they are rotated relative to one another.

Optionally, each leaf includes a means for the electrical connector to pass from one side of the leaf to the other. As an example, the leaf includes a hole through which the electrical connector passes through the leaf Alternatively, the electrical connector is attached such that it passes around an end of the leaf. This allows the electrical connector to be positioned on the inside of the leaves, so that it is protected from damage by the leaves themselves. The electrical connector is further protected from damage by including a protective coating, which provides enhances protection from impact forces or bending forces during use.

Optionally, each leaf is formed from a number of pieces, including a first piece which is configured to be installed with the electrical connector, arid a second piece which is configured to attach the hinge to the object. The pieces are customised to the objects to which the hinge is to be attached, such as from the selection of the materials that form the different parts in order to provide a reliable mechanical connection. The leaves are customised to their specific use, for example shaping the leaves to correspond to the objects to which they are to be attached.

Optionally, the hinge is provided integral to one of the first object or the second object. Thus, the objects can be conveniently assembled together. For example, a hinge integrally installed as part of the vehicle door can be joined to the door frame of the vehicle.

According to a second aspect, disclosure is provided of a vehicle installed with a hinge according to the first aspect. This provides a simple way to form the electronic and mechanical connection between the vehicle door and the vehicle body. This facilitates the manufacture of the vehicle by robots.

According to a third aspect, disclosure is provided of a method of joining a first object to a second object with a hinge, the method comprising: attaching a first leaf of the hinge to the first object; and attaching a second leaf of the hinge to the second object; wherein the first object and the second object are mechanically connected by a pivot about which the first leaf and the second leaf are configured to rotate relative to one another; and wherein the first object and the second object are electrically connected by an electrical connector configured to pass around the pivot to provide a plurality of electrical connections between the first leaf and the second leaf.

By way of example, the method includes the mechanical connection and the plurality of electrical connections being formed simultaneously. Thus, the hinge can be installed in a single action.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. lA is a perspective view of a hinge configured to join a first object to a second object; FIG. 1B is a cross section view from above of the hinge in a closed position; FIG. IC is a cross section view from above of the hinge in an open 30 position; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another hinge configured to join a first object to a second object; FIG. 3 is a top view of part of an electrical connector of a hinge; FIG. 4 is a perspective view a vehicle installed with a number of hinges; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of a vehicle that is installed with a hinge that connects the vehicle door arid the vehicle body; arid FIGs. 6A-6C illustrate alignment of electrical contacts of the hinge and electrical contacts of an object.

Detailed Description

A hinge is disclosed that when installed provides a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between two objects. The hinge is referred to as an electronic hinge, or an -e-hinge", because in addition to allowing the objects to rotate relative to one another about an axis of rotation, the e-hinge also allows electrical current to be conducted between the two objects.

The design of a hinge is customised to the objects that are to be joined together. A versatile mechanical connection is achieved by customising the shape of each leaf so that it conforms to the shape of the object to which it is to be installed A versatile electrical connector is achieved by customising the number and type of electrical connections that are provided between the two objects By way of example, a hinge is disclosed for connecting a vehicle door and a vehicle body. In this case, the shape of a first leaf is configured to be attached to the vehicle door, and the shape of the second leaf is configured to be attached to the vehicle body. Furthermore, the electrical connector is customised to provide electrical connections that can be formed between the harness of the vehicle body and the harness of the vehicle door. Vehicles to which the e-hinge could be installed include cars, vans, busses, aircraft, boats, etc The present disclosure relates to hinges formed of two leaves that are configured to rotate with respect to one another about one or more pivot. The one or more pivot allows the leaves to rotate relative to one another about one or more axis of rotation. The one or more pivot allows the hinge leaves to be moved during use between an open position and a closed position. The opening or closing of such a hinge is typically performed manually by a user. It's possible to configure such a hinge to be operated automatically, making use of actuators to perform the opening or closing of the hinge.

FIGs. IA-C illustrate an example of an e-hinge 100 configured to join a first object Ito a second object 2. FIG. IA provides a perspective view of the e-hinge 100. FIG. IB provides a cross section view from above of the e-hinge 100 when arranged in a closed position. FIG. 1C provides a cross section view from above of the e-hinge 100 when arranged in an open position.

The hinge 100 includes a first leaf 110 configured to attach the hinge to the first object 1 (e.g., vehicle door), a second leaf 120 configured to attach the hinge to the second object 2 (e.g., vehicle body). The hinge 100 further includes a pivot 130 about which the first leaf 110 and the second leaf 120 are configured to rotate relative to one another. Accordingly, the hinge 100 is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position. Thus, when installed, the first object 1 and the second object 2 are arranged to rotate relative to one another about an axis of rotation provided by the pivot 130. The disclosure is not restricted to the example illustrated, for which the leaves are configured to rotate about a single axis of rotation, and also covers hinges for which the leaves are configured to move with multiple degrees of freedom relative to one another, such as being configured to rotate about multiple axes of rotation.

The first object 1 includes a mount 10 configured to form an electrical connection with the hinge 100. The mount 10 includes electrical contacts 1 la-d that are configured to conduct electricity between the first object 1 and the hinge 100. Similarly, the second object 2 includes a mount 20 configured to form an electrical connection with the hinge, with the mount 20 including electrical contacts 22 that are configured to conduct electricity between the second object 2 and the hinge 100. Before the hinge 100 is mounted to the objects (1, 2), the objects are installed with the mounts (10. 20), which can be achieved by snapping the mounts (10, 20) into place so that they form an electronic connection with the harnesses. Alternatively, the objects are manufactured with integral mounts (10, 20), which can be achieved by forming the harnesses to include the mounts. Accordingly, the mounts (10, 20) are installed as part of the sub-assembly of the objects (1, 2). Thus, as part of the assembly of the two objects (1, 2), an electrical connection can be achieved between the first object 1 and the second object 2, via the hinge 100.

The hinge 100 further includes an electrical connector 140 configured to provide an electrical connection between the first leaf 110 and the second leaf 120. The electrical connector 140 passes around the pivot 130. The electrical connector 140 includes a first end 141 configured to form an electrical connection with the first object 1, and a second end 142 configured to form an electrical connection with the second object 2.

The electrical connector 140 includes electrical contacts 141a-d configured to be brought into contact with corresponding electrical contacts lla-d that are in the inount 10 of the first object 1. Similarly, the electrical connector 140 includes electrical contacts 142a-d (not shown) that are configured to be brought into contact with corresponding electrical contacts 22 that are in the mount 20 of the second object 2.

The hinge 100 further includes a first guide 115 of the first leaf and a second guide 125 of the second leaf. The first guide 115 and second guide 125 function so that, during use, they protect the electrical connector 140 by guiding its position as the hinge is opened and closed. For example, each guide (115, 125) is shaped to have a bend radius that is as large as possible, which limits the amount of bending of the electrical connector 140. Thus, the first guide 115 and the second guide 125 are shaped to receive the electrical connection 140 between the hinge leaves (110, 120) Accordingly, the first guide 115 and second guide 125 are shaped to prevent damage being caused to the electrical connector 140.

The hinge 100 includes a first stop 161 of the first leaf, and a second stop 162 of the second leaf When the hinge 100 is open to its maximum extent, the first stop 161 and second stop 162 abut one another, preventing further rotation of the leaves about the pivot. In this example, guides (115, 125) are brought into abutment when the hinge 100 is in a fully open position.

The first leaf 110 and the second leaf 120 are curved in shape, with each leaf having an inner surface and outer surface. The electrical connections (141, 142) are located on the outer surface of the leaves, so that they are positioned to be brought into contact with the mounts (10, 20). However, any part of the electrical connector 140 that is arranged on the outer surface of the leaves has greater exposure to the external environment, compared to the inner surfaces of the leaves. Each leaf (110, 120) is configured to shield the electrical connector 140 from being damaged during use, thus enhancing the lifetime of the hinge. The first leaf 110 is shown including a hole 151 through which the electrical connector 140 passes from the outer surface to the inner surface. The second leaf 110 is shown including an edge 152 around which the electrical connector 140 is bent from the outer surface to the inner surface. Thus, the hole 151 and the edge 152 serve as means for the electrical connector 140 to pass from one side of the leaf to the other. As a consequence, the leaves are configured so that a majority of the electrical connector 140 occupies the inner surfaces of the hinge leaves (110, 120). The inner surfaces have lower exposure to the external environment compared to the outer surfaces, which allows the electrical connector 140 to be protected by the leaves (110, 120) during use.

FIGs. 1A-C show an example of a way in which a reliable seal can be formed between the hinge 100 and the object 1. The first end 141 of the electrical connector provides a flat face, with the electrical contacts 141a-d also being part of this flat face. The mount 10 of the first object 1 also has a flat face. The flat face of the first end 141 and the flat face of the mount 10 are formed from a flexible material, such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), that serves as a gasket that forms a hermetic seal filling space between the mating surfaces. As a consequence, bringing the flat faces of the first end 141 and the mount 10 into contact with one another forms a reliable seal, which prevents the ingress of dust and moisture. Furthermore, fasteners joining the first leaf 110 and the object 1 are installed outside of the sealed surfaces (141, 10), so that the fasteners do not compromise the seal.

FIG. 2 shows another example of an e-hinge 100, which is also configured to join a first object 1 to a second object 2. Corresponding reference numerals show corresponding parts of the e-hinge 100.

The first object 1 is installed with a mount 10 that includes a number of electrical contacts lla-m The first end 141 of the electrical connector 140 of the hinge 100 includes a number of electrical contacts 141a-m. Each electrical contact 1 la of the mount 10 corresponds to an electrical contact 141a of the electrical connector 140 Similarly, the second end 142 (not shown) of the electrical connector includes a number of electrical contacts 142a-m (not shown) that corresponds to a number of electrical contacts 21a-m (not shown) of the mount 20. The electrical connector 140 is shown passing through hole 151 of the first leaf, so that the majority of the electrical connector 140 is attached to the inner surface of the first leaf 110.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a different way in which a reliable seal can be formed between the hinge 100 and the object 1. In this case, the electrical contacts lla-m are configured as pins, which are overmoulded by a rubber seal 12. The seal 12 includes a sealing flange 12a, which is configured to prevent the ingress of dust and moisture. Thus, the lifetime of the hinge 100 is increased, which reduces the amount of maintenance to be performed.

The leaves (110, 120) are customised to correspond to the objects (1, 2) to which they are to be attached. The hinge is formed from materials that are suitable for providing reliable mechanical connections. For the example shown in FIG. 1, the leaves are formed from multiple pieces, including a plastic carrier which is configured to be installed with the Flex PCB 140, as well as metal fixtures configured to physically attach the hinge to the objects (1, 2). Each leaf (110, 120) is formed from a number of pieces, including a first piece which is configured to be installed with the electrical connector 140, and a second piece which is configured to attach the hinge to the object (1, 2). Alternatively, for the example shown in FIG. 2, the leaves (110, 120) are provided as a single piece that is formed by casting and machining.

For both examples shown in FIGs. 1A-C & 2, the leaves (110, 120) include attachment means (111, 121) configured to attach the hinge 100 to the two objects (1, 2). The attachment means (HI, 121) is separated from the electrical contacts (141, 142) of the electrical connector 140. As a consequence, the attachment means (111, 121) do not interfere with the flow of electrical current through the electrical connections. Furthermore, the attachment means (111, 121) do not interfere with the seals between the electrical connection (141, 142) and the mounts (10, 20).

The first leaf 110 includes holes 111 which serve as means for attaching the hinge to the first object 1. Similarly, the second leaf 120 includes bolt holes 121 which serve as means for attaching the hinge to the second object 2 Thus, a mechanical connection can be achieved between the first object 1 and the second object 2, via the hinge 100. In this example, the mechanical connection is formed by fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts), with the first object 1 and the second object 2 being configured to receive the fasteners that form the mechanical connection with the hinge 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the electrical connection 140, in the form of a flexible printed circuit board 140 (Flex PCB). The electrical connection corresponds to a Flex PCB 140 in the examples illustrated by FIGs. 1A-C & 2.

Thus, an electrical connector 140 is provided having a planar surface which accommodates a number of electrical wires that during use transfer electrical current between the first object 1 and the second object 2. Accordingly, several individual electrical connections are provided between the first leaf 110 and the second leaf 120. The electrical connections of the Flex PCB 140 are provided by wires 140a-1 which are formed, for example, from rolled annealed copper, as this enhances their ductility, preventing cracking when used in dynamic applications.

The Flex PCB electrical connector 140 is shown to include a first end 141 that comprises a number of electrical contacts 141a-1. The electrical contacts 141a-1 are each connected to one of a plurality of electrical connections 140a-I. Similarly, the Flex PCB electrical connector 140 has a second end 142 that comprises a number of electrical contacts (not shown), each of which is connected to one of the plurality of electrical connections 140a-1. Thus, several electrical connections are provided between the first leaf 110 and the second leaf 120.

The electrical connector 140 includes a protective coating that, during use, provides enhanced protection to pans of the electrical connector 140 that are subject to impact forces or bending forces. Thus, the Flex PCB 140 includes additional protection on any parts of it which during use are repeatedly bent or repeatedly trapped.

The e-hinge 100 is installed by bringing into contact the first leaf 110 of the hinge with the first mount 10 of the first object 1, and by bringing into contact the second leaf 120 of the hinge with the second mount 20 of the second object 2. Thus, an electrical connection via the e-hinge 100 is achieved between a first electrical harness of the first object 1 and a second electrical harness of the second object 2.

It is possible for the electronic connector 140 to include a communication bus that during use transfers signals between the objects (1, 2). This allows microcontrollers of the different components to communicate with one another.

For the example in which the hinge is installed in a vehicle, signals that can be transmitted include instructions to actuators for the windows and mirrors. The first object 1 and the second object 2 contribute to a communication network, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN), a Local Interconnect Network (LIN), or an Ethernet network. Communication over this network is achieved by implementing a communication protocol such as TCP/IP.

During use, the communication bus connects a first electronic control unit of the first object 1 and a second electronic control unit of the second object 2. A distributed control architecture reduces the amount of wiring of the e-hinge, which reduces the number of electrical contacts that are to be included.

FIGs. 4-6 illustrate installation of the hinge 100 in a vehicle 1000 (e.g., a car). FIG. 4 illustrates that possible positions for the installation of the hinge 100 include a driver door, passenger doors, a door to the trunk (boot), and a door to the hood (bonnet). During use, the hinge 100 functions to conduct electrical current between the vehicle body and the vehicle door, as well as allowing the vehicle door to be opened and closed.

The different electrical connections allow the transfer of current for different purposes such as transferring power, data, signals and ground. This allows electrical power to be provided to a number of electrical components, and also allows a number of electrical signals to be transmitted between the first object 1 and the second object 2.

During use, the hinge 100 functions to conduct electrical current between the first object 1 and the second object 2. When installed in a vehicle door, electrical power is transferred from the vehicle body to the vehicle door. The e-hinge 100 provides electrical power to electronic components of the door such as windows, locks, touchpoints, lights, e-mirrors, minor adjusts, and speakers.

The hinge 100 is not restricted to vehicle applications, with the hinge described also being suitable for joining other types of doors and door frames. In fact, a hinge 100 of the type described could be used as a hinge for any objects that are to be joined together while also being configured to rotate with respect to one another. The scope covers a hinge 100 configured so that the leaves rotate relative to one another about one axis of rotation, or alternatively a number of axes of rotation.

The e-hinge confers the dual functionality of providing rotational motion of the two objects relative to one another, as well as providing an electrical connection between the two objects. This simplifies the way in which the objects are attached together, which makes it possible for this manufacturing process to be performed by a robot. This is particularly beneficial for automotive applications, as it is possible for a robot to attach the doors to the vehicle body. Thus, the e-hinge contributes towards the automated production of the vehicle.

FIG. 5 illustrates installation of the e-hinge 100 onto the body of the vehicle 1000. A coordinate system (x, y, z) is defined for the installation of the hinge 100 onto the mount 20 of the vehicle body. The robot is configured to bring the second leaf UO of the hinge 100 into contact with the mount 20, thus forming a mechanical and electrical connection between the vehicle body and the hinge 100.

In a similar way, the mount 10 of the vehicle door is brought into contact with the first leaf 110 of the hinge 100. Thus, a mechanical and electrical connection is formed between the vehicle door and the hinge 100.

As an alternative, the hinge 100 is mounted to the door, and then the hinge 100 is mounted to the vehicle body. Furthermore, it is possible for the hinge 100 to be installed integrally as part of the door at the time of manufacture of the door. In this case, during assembly of the vehicle, the door is installed a single action. This further simplifies the assembly process.

FIGs. 6A-6C illustrate how the hinge 100 accommodates a tolerance adjustment. The Flex PCB 140 includes a number of pads 141a-d that serve as electrical contacts of the hinge 100. The mount 10 includes a number of mating areas lla-d that serve as corresponding electrical contacts of the first object 1.

FIG. 6A shows a nominal arrangement, for which the mating areas 1 la-d of the mount 10 are correctly aligned with the corresponding pads 141a-d of the Flex PCB 140. FIG. 6B shows an arrangement that relies on a tolerance adjustment in the +x direction, while being aligned in the z direction. FIG. 6C shows an arrangement that relies on a tolerance adjustment in the -x direction and in the +z direction. The tolerance adjustment is designed to accommodate a selected tolerance value, to allow for a panel gap alignment, which allows for misalignment between the hinge and each of the two objects.

The pads 14 1 a-d are arranged as part of an elecuical contact 141 having a flat geometry, which allow a tolerance adjustment, because it is possible for the planar surface of the electrical contact 141 to be moved so that the pads coincide with their corresponding mating areas 11a-d. Furthermore, the pads 141a-d are oversized compared to each of the corresponding mating areas 1l a-d of the electrical contacts 11.

Thus, the electrical contact 141 is sized to allow adjustment of the position of the electrical contact 141 with respect to the corresponding electrical contact 11 of the first object 1. Similarly, the electrical contact 142 is sized to allow adjustment of the position of the electrical contact 142 with respect to the corresponding electrical contact 22 of the second object 2. Accordingly, the hinge accommodates tolerances for manufacturing and assembly of the hinge.

The tolerance adjustment shown in FIGs. 6A-6C corresponds to the electrical contacts (141a-d, 1 1 a-d) of the hinge 100 shown in FIGs. 1A-C. The same principles apply to the electrical contacts (141a-m, lla-m) shown in FIG. 2.

To install the hinge 100, the mechanical connection and the electrical connection can be formed simultaneously in a single action. Thus, an electrical connection is formed between an electrical harness of the first object 1 and the electrical harness of the second object 2, with all electrical connections being formed at the same time, rather than the establishing of individual connections between a number of different wires.

The simplicity of bringing together all of the electrical connections in one go provides the opportunity for efficient installation of the hinge 100. This simplicity makes it possible for the installation to be performed independently by a machine. Thus, the simplicity of forming electrical hinge joints contributes towards the manufacture of a vehicle 1000 by robots.

A technical effect of passing the electtical connector 140 around the pivot 130 rather than through the pivot is that the electrical connector 140 can have a planar surface, rather than being restricted to a single dimension along the axis of rotation. The two-dimensional surface of the electrical connector 140 accommodates a number of electrical connections. An arrangement for which the electrical connection passes through the axis of rotation is more complex than an arrangement for which the mechanical pivot and the electrical connection are separate from one another. This makes the e-hinge simple to manufacture and install.

Claims

Claims 1. A hinge (100) for joining a first object (1) to a second object (2), the hinge (100) compri sing: a first leaf (110) configured to attach the hinge (100) to the first object (1); a second leaf (120) configured to attach the hinge (100) to the second object (2); a pivot (130) about which the first leaf (110) and the second leaf (120) are configured to rotate relative to one another; and an electrical connector (140) configured to pass around the pivot (130) to provide a plurality of electrical connections between the first leaf (110) and the second leaf (120).
2. The hinge (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first object comprises a door (1), and the second object comprises a door frame (2).
The hinge (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hinge is configured to be installed in a vehicle (1000)
4. The hinge (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical connector (140) comprises a planar surface which accommodates a number of electrical wires configured to provide the plurality of electrical connections between the first object (1) from the second object (2)
5. The hinge (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic connector (140) comprises a communication bus that is configured to transfer a signal to the first object (1) from the second object (2).
6. The hinge (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical connector (140) further comprises a number of electrical contacts (141a-d) configured to be brought into contact with a corresponding number of electrical contacts (1 la-d)of the first object (1).
7 The hinge (100) according to claim 6, wherein each of the electrical contacts (141a) is sized to allow adjustment of position of the electrical contact (141a) with respect to the corresponding electrical contact (11 a) of the first object
8. The hinge (100) according to claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising a seal (12) configured to protect the number of electrical contacts (141a-d) from the ingress of dust or moisture.
9. The hinge (100) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a first guide (115) of the first leaf (110) and a second guide (125) of second leaf (120), wherein the first guide (115) and second guide (125) are configured to guide the position of the electrical connector (140) as the hinge leaves (110, 120) are rotated about the pivot (130).
10. The hinge (100) according to claim 9, wherein each leaf (110, 120) includes a means (151, 152) for the electrical connector (140) to pass from one side of the leaf to the other.
11 The hinge (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein each leaf (110, 120) is formed from a number of pieces, including a first piece which is configured to be installed with the electrical connector (140), and a second piece which is configured to attach the hinge (100) to the object (I, 2).
12. The hinge (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the hinge is provided integral to one of the first object (1) or the second object (2).H.
A vehicle (1000) installed with a hinge (100) according to any preceding claim.
14. A method of joining a first object (1) to a second object (2) with a hinge (100), the method comprising: attaching a first leaf (110) of the hinge (100) to the first object (1); and attaching a second leaf (120) of the hinge (100) to the second object (2); wherein the first object (1) and the second object (2) are mechanically connected by a pivot (130) about which the first leaf (110) and the second leaf (120) are configured to rotate relative to one another; and wherein the first object (1) and the second object (2) are electrically connected by an electrical connector (140) configured to pass around the pivot (130) to provide a plurality of electrical connections between the first leaf (110) and the second leaf (120).
15. A method of joining the first object (1) to the second object (2) with a hinge (100), wherein the mechanical connection and the plurality of electrical connections are formed simultaneously.