JP2004196291A - Method for manufacturing automobile door hinge and automobile with hinge shaft, and vehicle door hinge having hinge shaft - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a automobile door hinge having a hinge shaft and including a first hinge part and a second hinge part. <P>SOLUTION: The first hinge part (10) has a first arm (11) through which the hinge shaft (2) is inserted. The second hinge part (20) includes a first end part (22), a second end part (23), and a continuous piece of a material (21) having a curved area (24) between the first end part (22) and the second end part (23). The curved area (24) is arranged around the hinge shaft (2) between the first arm (11) and a second arm (12). The first end part (22) has a first area (25), and the second end part (23) has a second area (26). The first area (25) and the second area (26) are parallel to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a motor vehicle door hinge having a hinge shaft, the motor vehicle door hinge including a first hinge portion having a first arm through which the hinge shaft passes, and a second hinge portion including a continuous piece of material. . The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a hinge.

  A vehicle door hinge typically comprises two hinge portions that are relatively rotatable about hinge pins. Since one of the hinge portions is firmly attached to the door and the other is attached to the vehicle body, the door can rotate between the open position and the closed position around the hinge pin. The two hinges are typically made of stamped metal. The stamping process is widely used in the manufacture of vehicle hinges, but is expensive compared to other manufacturing methods because it results in significant waste of material. If high quality materials are used for the above parts, the waste material can be quite expensive. Hinges with cast hinges have also been used, but cast parts can also be expensive to manufacture.

  In many vehicle hinges, the two hinge portions are both shaped such that the hinge pin extends vertically through a hole drilled in the stamped metal hinge portion. In other vehicle hinges, at least one of the hinge portions is shaped to include a sleeve for longitudinally receiving a hinge pin. For example, one known horizontal axis hinge for a flip-up door includes a hinge section stamped from a piece of metal approximately 6 mm thick. The curved part is formed by stamping around the end of the piece of metal to form a hook, so that its edge barely touches the flat area of said piece and a sleeve for receiving a hinge pin To form The edge of the piece of metal is welded with the end of the hook to the flat area of the piece. The inside of the hook portion is machined to form an inner diameter to fit the hook into a hinge pin that extends longitudinally.

  The vehicle door hinge experiences certain forces during use. For example, for a vertical axis hinge for a vehicle side door, the weight of the door and any other vertical force on the door may cause the hinge to flex or sag, especially in the open position. A certain force is exerted on the hinge. In addition, when the door is in a fully open position and additional force is applied to the door in the opening direction, torque is generated about the hinge axis. This condition is referred to as an over-open condition, which can cause the hinge to flex.

  It is an object of the invention to provide a motor vehicle door hinge which can be manufactured at low cost but still has acceptable strength properties.

  This object is achieved by a motor vehicle door hinge comprising the features of claim 1.

The present invention provides an automobile door hinge including a hinge shaft and including a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. The first hinge section has a first arm through which the hinge axis passes. The second hinge section includes a continuous piece of material having a first end, a second end, and a curved area between the first and second ends. The curved section is located between the first arm and the second arm about the hinge axis. The first end of the piece of material has a first zone and the second end of the piece of material has a second zone. The first area and the second area are parallel to each other.

  Preferably, the first hinge portion further includes a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, wherein the hinge axis extends through the first arm and the second arm.

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first area and the second area are relatively fixed.

  The automotive door hinge of the present invention may also include a hinge pin that extends through the hinge axis and connects the first arm and the second arm to the curved section. In order to provide the hinge pin with a constant inner diameter, a hinge pin plug-in component may also be included in the curved area. The first end and the second end of the continuous piece may define a longitudinal opening to provide additional strength and rigidity to the second hinge. The longitudinal openings are preferably triangular.

  An insert may be provided between the first end and the second end to provide additional strength to the hinge. The first section, the second section and the insert may be secured together, such as by welding. The insert may be flanged to provide additional strength to the hinge. The insert can be made of a different material than the piece of material, for example, the insert is made of one grade of steel and the piece of material is made of a higher grade steel. The first section and the second section can also be welded together without an insert in between. The curved section and the end of the insert preferably form a cylinder about the hinge axis.

  An attachment device, such as a bolt, may also be provided to connect both or either the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion to a vehicle door. The first end may include a first hole and the second end may include a second hole to receive a mounting device extending through the first and second holes. The first hole may be in a first area of the first end, and the second hole may be in a second area of the second end. A second mounting device can also be provided, and a further hole can be provided at the first end for receiving the second mounting device.

  If the first and second ends define a longitudinal opening, an additional hole may be located at the first end and open to the longitudinal opening. The second end may include a second additional hole for receiving a second attachment device.

  The present invention also provides an automobile door hinge having a hinge shaft, the automobile door hinge including the above-described first hinge portion and a second hinge portion, wherein the second hinge portion has a first end. Another section defining a longitudinal opening with a longitudinal axis parallel to the hinge axis, including a first section defining an aperture about the hinge axis between the portion and the second end. Including the area.

  The longitudinal opening may be triangular, and the second hinge may include a continuous piece of metal. The hinge may also include a hinge pin.

  The present invention also provides a motor vehicle door hinge having a hinge shaft, the motor vehicle door hinge comprising the first hinge portion described above, a first end, a second end, and a first end and a second end. A second hinge portion comprising a continuous piece of material having a curved area between the ends. The curved section is located between the first arm and the second arm about the hinge axis. The second hinge also includes an insert between the first end and the second end.

  The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle door hinge having a hinge axis. The method includes a first arm and a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, wherein a hinge axis extends through the first arm and the second arm. Providing one hinge portion. The method also bends the piece of material to form a second hinge having a first end, a second end, and a curved area between the first end and the second end. Step, wherein the first end has a first area, the second end has a second area, and the first area and the second area are parallel to each other. In addition, the method includes the steps of relatively securing the first and second sections and disposing a curved section between the first and second arms about a hinge axis. Steps.

  In addition, the method may also include the step of connecting the first hinge part and the second hinge part, which may be connected using hinge pins arranged along the hinge axis. A hinge pin can be provided with a constant inner diameter using a hinge pin plug-in component located in the curved area.

  The longitudinal opening is preferably triangular and may be defined by the first end and the second end adjacent to the first and second sections. In addition, an insert may be provided between the first end and the second end. The first section, the second section and the insert are preferably secured together. The insert may be made of a different material than the piece of material, and is preferably made of one grade of steel, and the piece of material is made of a higher grade steel. A flange may be formed on the insert, and the insert may be provided such that the flange is disposed about at least one of the first end and the second end.

  The first area and the second area can be welded together. The bending step is performed such that the curved area and the end of the insert form a cylinder about the hinge axis.

  The method may also include attaching one of the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion to the door. A first hole may be formed at a first end, a second hole may be formed at a second end, and a first mounting device passing through the first and second holes includes a bolt. And can be used to attach to doors. A first hole may also be formed in a first area, and a second hole may be formed in a second area. An additional hole may be formed in the first end, which may open into the longitudinal opening for receiving a second mounting device. A second additional hole may be formed in the second end for receiving a second mounting device. The piece of material preferably has a thickness of 4 mm or less.

  The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle door hinge having a hinge axis, comprising the steps of providing a first hinge portion and bending a piece of material to create a second hinge portion. The bending step comprises a first section defining an aperture about the hinge axis between the first end and the second end, and a longitudinal section having a longitudinal axis parallel to the hinge axis. And a second area defining a directional opening. The method also includes connecting the first hinge to the second hinge using a hinge pin disposed along the hinge axis.

  The longitudinal openings are preferably triangular and the piece of material preferably has a thickness of 4 mm or less.

In addition, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle hinge having a hinge shaft, the step of providing a first hinge portion, and a hinge shaft intermediate the first end and the second end. Bending the piece of material to form a second hinge portion having a curved area about. The method also includes disposing an insert between the first end and the second end;
Connecting the first hinge section to the second hinge section using a hinge pin arranged along the hinge axis.

  Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle door hinge having a hinge axis, the method comprising a first arm and a second arm axially spaced from the first arm. Providing a first hinge portion having an arm and a hinge axis passing through the first arm and the second arm; and a first end, a second end, and a first end. Forming a piece of material into a roll to form a second hinge portion between the end and the second end and having a curved area defining an aperture. The method also includes defining a curved area between the first arm and the second arm such that the hinge axis extends through the aperture and the second hinge is rotatable relative to the first hinge. Including the step of placing. Forming into rolls may include cold rolling. The method may also include attaching the second hinge to the vehicle body such that the hinge axis is vertical.

  Instead of the process of forming into rolls, a forced sliding machine such as that manufactured by Bihler may be used.

  In addition, the present invention provides an automobile including a vehicle body, a vehicle door, and the above-described hinge for connecting the door to the vehicle body.

  Some embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION An automobile door hinge 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The door hinge 1 includes a first hinge portion 10 attached to a vehicle door 71 of a vehicle 70. The door hinge 1 is preferably for a passenger side door of a vehicle, but may also be for another vehicle door, for example a flip-up door.

  Second hinge portion 20 is mounted to body portion 72 of vehicle 70 using bolts 40 and 41 or other suitable mounting device. The hinge pin 3 connects the first hinge section 10 to the second hinge section 20, and the first hinge section 10 rotates relatively to the second hinge section 20 about the hinge axis of the hinge pin 3. The vehicle door 71 is opened and closed with respect to the vehicle body 72. The hinge axis may be vertical if the door 71 is a passenger side door and may be horizontal if the door 71 is a flip-up door. The vertical defined in this specification means substantially vertical, and may include a deviation of about several degrees from perfect vertical. FIG. 1 shows the door 71 in a fully open position. The broken line indicated by reference numeral 71a indicates the position of the vehicle door 71 in the completely closed position. Although the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 shows a first hinge 10 mounted on a vehicle door 71 and a second hinge mounted on a vehicle body 72, the reverse configuration is possible. Thus, instead, the first hinge 10 can be mounted on the vehicle body 72 and the second hinge can be mounted on the vehicle door 71.

  FIG. 2 shows the first hinge portion 10 separate from the hinge and the rest of the vehicle. As shown, the first hinge portion 10 includes a first arm 11 and a second arm 12 axially spaced from the first arm with respect to the hinge shaft 2. Each arm includes hinge shaft holes 13 and 14 arranged concentrically with respect to hinge shaft 2 to receive hinge pins. The first arm also includes a mounting area 17 having a mounting hole 15 for mounting the first hinge portion 10 to the vehicle door 71 (or the vehicle body 72 in some cases) by bolts or other mounting devices, The second arm includes a mounting area 18 having a mounting hole 16. Instead of the hinge part 10, an alternative first hinge part 10a shown in FIG. 14 may be used.

  FIG. 3 shows a more detailed view of the second hinge part 20 including a continuous piece 21 of material. The insert 30 fits between the ends 22 and 23 of the piece 21. The continuous piece 21 is preferably made of a high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel, for example, 950 HSLA steel. In a preferred embodiment using 950 HSLA steel, the thickness of the piece 21 is 3 mm, but this thickness can be varied according to the method of making the hinge part 20 and the desired properties of the hinge. Preferably, the thickness for the 950 grade HSLA steel is no more than 4 mm to make the pieces 21 more bendable. A curved section 24 is formed around the hinge axis 2 between the first end 22 and the second end 23 of the piece 21 to create a longitudinal pin aperture 6 for receiving the hinge pin 3. . The width of the continuous piece 21 in the direction of the hinge axis 2 is such that when the hinge is assembled, the curved area 24 is between the first arm 11 and the second arm 12 of the first hinge part 10 (FIG. 2). The width is such that they fit. The continuous piece 21 may be formed into a desired shape using any suitable manufacturing method, for example, stamping, cold rolling, rotational forced sliding, or a combination thereof. To obtain better corrosion resistance, the piece of material may be pre-galvanized, galvanized, or made of a corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel.

  Adjacent to the curved section 24, the first end 22 of the continuous piece 21 includes a first section 25 arranged parallel to a second section 26 of the second end 23. The first section 25 and the second section 26 are relatively fixed to the insert 30 by, for example, laser welding. Toward the bottom of the second hinge portion 20, the first end 22 also includes a third section 27 and the second end 23 includes a fourth section 28. The third zone 27 and the fourth zone 28 are likewise arranged parallel to one another and fixed to one another. Between the parallel regions created by the first and second zones 25 and 26 and the third and fourth zones 27 and 28, the first and second ends 22, 23 are separated from each other. To form an opening 5 in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal openings 5 between the two parallel fixed areas of the piece 21 give the hinge part excellent strength properties. Preferably, the shape of the opening is triangular in this embodiment, and includes a surface 38 positioned to provide a stop for the first hinge 10 when the door is in a fully open position. It can be formed as follows. This is shown in FIG. The stop provided by surface 38 may operate in conjunction with or independent of an additional door stop provided, for example, by a separate door check device.

  The insert 30 is disposed between the first end 22 and the second end 23 of the continuous piece 21. In this particular embodiment, the insert 30 is disposed adjacent the first end 22 of the piece 21 over the entire length of the insert 30. The insert 30 can be made of a metal, such as steel, and provides the second hinge portion 20 with additional strength and rigidity. The first end 33 of the insert 30 preferably terminates in the curved section 24 of the continuous piece and forms part of the longitudinal pin aperture 6, which in this embodiment is cylindrical. The insert 30 is fixed to the continuous piece 21, preferably by laser welding. Preferably, the insert 30 has at least a first end 22 and a second end of the continuous piece 21 in the region of the first and second zones 25 and 26 and in the region of the third and fourth zones 27 and 28. The two ends 23 are welded together. The second end 34 of the insert 30 can terminate so as to be substantially flush with the end of the first end 22 and the second end 23 of the continuous piece 21.

  In one preferred embodiment, the second hinge portion 20 is mounted to the car body 72 and includes a continuous piece 21 and an insert 30 each 3 mm thick. The continuous piece 21 is made of 950 grade HSLA steel and the insert 30 is made of 980 grade HSLA steel. The continuous piece 21 and the insert 31 can be, for example, 32 mm wide, and preferably 30-40 mm wide for the vehicle side door. The first hinge portion 10 is mounted on a door of the vehicle 71 and is stamped from 5 mm 950HSLA steel.

  The continuous piece 21 can be formed by bending to a desired shape using cold rolling, but can also be manufactured using other suitable manufacturing methods such as forced rotation sliding. To obtain better corrosion resistance, the piece of material may be pre-galvanized, galvanized, or made of a corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel.

  The continuous piece 21 can be formed from a continuous band of material supplied along or without the insert, shaped, and then separated from the continuous band of material. Alternatively, the continuous piece 21 can be cut off from the continuous strip before being formed, or can be pre-formed as a magazine part.

  FIG. 11 shows such a preformed magazine part, ie the continuous piece 21 before being bent. The continuous piece 21 is shown in this specification as a magazine cartridge, with holes 8, 9a and 9b formed, and the insert 30 already mounted so as to be bent with the piece 21. FIG. 12 shows the second hinge part 20 after performing a bending operation on the continuous piece 21 (the same embodiment is shown in FIG. 3). Reference characters are applied to segments of the continuous piece 21 that are in a flat state before bending (FIG. 11) and in a desired shape after bending (FIG. 12). The segments A, B and C correspond to the first end 22 of the continuous piece 21 shown in FIG. The segments H, G, F and E correspond to the second end 23 and the segment D corresponds to the curved section 24. More specifically, segment C corresponds to the first section 25 of FIG. 3, segment E corresponds to the second section 26, segment A corresponds to the third section 27, and segment H corresponds to the fourth section. Corresponds to at least a part of the area 28 of FIG.

  The insert 30 can be attached to the segment A of the continuous piece 21 by welding or the like before the bending operation and the formation of the hole 9a shown in FIG. However, the insert is preferably bent in a separate motion and inserted in place after being bent on the continuous piece 21. Preferably, holes 8, 9a and 9b are formed in continuous piece 21 and then bent, such as by perforation. Hole 9a can be formed through both segment A and insert 30 in a single operation if insert 30 is previously attached to continuous piece 21. Otherwise, a hole corresponding to hole 9a is formed in insert 30 in a separate operation. The magazines can be cut from one another or from large sheets using sawing, laser or water jet. These can be galvanized before or after bending. After bending, the holes 9a and 9b in the continuous piece 21 (as well as the holes 9a in the insert 30) align with each other, forming the holes 9 in FIG. Depending on the dimensions of the longitudinal opening 5 and the bolt 40 (see FIG. 3), it may be desirable to insert the bolt 40 into the hole 8 before the bending operation is completed.

  In an alternative embodiment, insert 30a including flange portions 31 and 32 shown in FIG. A further alternative embodiment, insert 30b, is shown in FIG. The flange portions 31 and 32 of the insert 30a extend perpendicular to the upper surface 35 and may be formed by bending the side portions of the insert upward relative to the surface 35. The flange portion shown in FIG. 4 extends from the second end 34a to the first end 33a over the entire length of the insert 30a. Alternatively, the insert may have only one flange portion 31 or 32, a flange bent downward relative to surface 35, or a shorter portion of insert 30a (similar to insert 30b in FIG. 13). May be included. In the assembled configuration, the flange portion preferably abuts at least a portion of the first end 22 (or, alternatively, the second end 23) of the continuous piece 21, thereby providing, inter alia, hinge deflection. The corners provide additional strength and stiffness to the second hinge.

The second hinge part 20 shown in FIG. 3 also includes at least two holes 8 and 9. These two holes 8 and 9 are adapted to receive bolts 40 and 41, respectively, for mounting the hinge portion 20 to the vehicle 70, or other suitable mounting devices. In this embodiment, the first hole 8 penetrates the second end 23 of the continuous piece 21 in a region within the longitudinal opening. This position of the first hole 8 (and the first bolt 40) with respect to the hinge shaft 2 provides a good resistance to the bending angle of the hinge, for example, with the door open too much. The second hole 9 penetrates the third section 27 and the fourth section 28 of the continuous piece 21 and penetrates the insert 30. Due to the limited space available in the longitudinal openings 5, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the bolts 40 are removed before bending the continuous piece 21 to form the longitudinal openings 5. It may be preferable to insert the holes 8 at one time.

  In some manufacturing processes, the tolerance of the inner diameter of the longitudinal pin aperture 6 formed by bending the continuous piece may be sufficiently tight for the pin 3 if no additional measures are taken. However, a hinge pin plug-in component 80 or 80a to plug into the pin aperture 6 may be provided for better control of the inner diameter dimensions. 5 and 6 show two specific embodiments of the hinge pin plug-in components 80 and 80a, respectively.

  According to FIG. 5, the plug-in component 80 includes two aperture bearing elements 85 and 86 having outer surfaces 87 and 88. The aperture bearing element is dimensioned to fit within the longitudinal pin aperture 6 of the second hinge portion 20. The outer surfaces 87 and 88 may be tapered inward to ensure a tight fit within the longitudinal pin aperture 6 despite variations in the inner diameter tolerance of the longitudinal pin aperture 6. The outer surfaces 87 and 88 may also include ribs 91 and 92 to prevent undesired rotational movement within the longitudinal pin aperture 6 after the aperture bearing elements 85 and 86 have been fully inserted. Becomes easier. The hinge pin bayonet component 80 shown in FIG. 5 also includes two pin bearing elements 81 and 82, each adapted to be plugged into one of the aperture bearing elements 85 and 86, respectively. Since the pin bearing elements 81 and 82 each have an inner diameter adapted to fit the outer diameter of the hinge pin 3, the hinge pin 3 can rotate within the pin bearing elements 81 and 82. The slots 83 and 84 allow the pin bearing elements 81 and 82 to deform slightly during insertion into the aperture bearing elements 85 and 86. The hinge pin plug-in components 80 and 80a in both FIGS. 5 and 6 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic, that provides sufficient strength and rigidity, and can be manufactured to tight tolerances.

  FIG. 6 shows an alternative hinge pin plug-in component 80 a, in which the aperture bearing elements 85 and 86 of the plug-in component 80 are replaced by sleeves 93. The sleeve 93 includes an outer surface 94 sized to fit closely within the longitudinal pin aperture 6 of the hinge portion 20. Outer surface 94 includes two serrated regions 95. The serrated portion of the region 95 projects slightly above the remaining portion of the outer surface 94 so that it fits tightly within the pin aperture 6 despite variations in tolerances and the sleeve 93 within the pin aperture 6 To prevent unwanted rotational movement of the Pin bearing elements 81 and 82 are inserted into the ends of the sleeve 93 and are adapted to receive the hinge pins 3 described in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the second hinge part 20, again having a curved section 24 configured between a first end 22 and a second end 23. A continuous piece 21 of material is included. The curved section 24 is formed to make a longitudinal pin aperture 6 about the hinge axis 2. The first end 22 includes a first section 25 in a region parallel to the second section 26 of the second end 23 and adjacent to the longitudinal pin aperture 6. The first end also includes a third section 27, the second end includes a fourth section 28, and the third section 27 and the fourth section 28 are parallel to each other and are welded together. obtain. The triangular longitudinal opening 5 has a portion of the first end 22 (between the first zone 25 and the third zone 27) and (the second zone 2).
Formed by a portion of the second end 23 (between the sixth and fourth sections 28). Compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the parallel third section 27 and fourth section 28 are longer and an insert is provided between the first end 22 and the second end 23. Absent. The third section 27 and the fourth section 28 are long enough to form the first hole 8 and the second hole 9 outside the longitudinal opening 5 at the hinge portion. . The holes 8 and 9 both pass through the first end 22 and the second end 23 of the continuous piece 21.

  FIG. 8 shows a further alternative embodiment of the second hinge part 20 according to the invention. As in the previous embodiment, the second hinge portion 20 includes a continuous piece 21 of material having a curved section 24 configured between a first end 22 and a second end 23. The curved section 24 is formed to make a longitudinal pin aperture 6 about the hinge axis 2. The first end 22 includes a first section 25 in a region parallel to the second section 26 of the second end 23 and adjacent to the longitudinal pin aperture 6. The second hinge portion also includes a triangular longitudinal opening 5 adjacent the longitudinal pin aperture 6. The first end 22 includes a third section 27, the second end 23 includes a fourth section 28, and the third section 27 and the fourth section 28 are parallel to each other and have a triangular length. Are fixed to each other in a region adjacent to the opening 5 in the direction. As in the embodiment of FIG. 7, both the first hole 8 and the second hole 9 are formed outside the triangular longitudinal opening 5 in the region of the continuous piece 21. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 7, the third section 27 does not terminate flush with the end of the fourth section 28 of the first end 22. Instead, the first end 22 includes a fifth section 29 that is bent over the third section 27 and extends parallel to the third section 27. The first end 22 also includes a sixth section 39 parallel to the first section 25 and in a region adjacent to the pin aperture 6. The fifth section 29 and the sixth section 39 of the first end 22 are preferably fixed to the third section 27 and the first section 25, for example, by laser welding, respectively. In this embodiment, the first end 22 of the continuous piece 21 terminates adjacent the curved section 24. In this configuration, the first hole 8 is formed through the fifth section 29 and the third section 27 of the first end 22 and the fourth section 28 of the second end 23. The second hole 9 is formed through only the second end 23. The configuration of FIG. 8 is advantageous in that it uses a relatively thin material to provide a strong hinge and does not require an insert for additional strength.

  FIG. 9 shows a further alternative embodiment of the second hinge part 20 together with the first hinge part 10. This embodiment shows that the second end 23 of the continuous piece 21 extends beyond the first end 22, the first hole 8 is located outside the area of the longitudinal opening 5, and The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. Is different. The first hole 8 extends through the second end 23 and receives a first bolt 40 or other suitable mounting device. This embodiment allows the access to the hole 8 more easily because the second end 23 is extended, and the second hinge 20 is connected to the vehicle (or possibly the vehicle door). ) May be preferred in situations where more space is available.

Typically, a hinge according to the present invention is used for a passenger side door of a vehicle, but can also be used for other vehicle doors, such as flip-up doors. For passenger doors, two hinges are typically used to provide sufficient support for the door. FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of the vehicle door 71 in an open position with respect to the vehicle body 72 of the vehicle 70. Two hinges 100 and 200 connecting the door to the vehicle body are shown. The hinge 100 includes a first hinge 110 mounted on the door and a second hinge 120 mounted on the vehicle body. Similarly, hinge 200 includes a first hinge 210 mounted on a vehicle door and a second hinge 220 mounted on a vehicle body. Hinge 100 and 200 may include one or more of the embodiments described herein. It is also envisioned that only one of hinges 100 and 200 is a hinge of the type described herein, and the other may be another type of hinge.

  It will, of course, be understood that the present invention has been described above by way of example only and details may be varied within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the vehicle door hinge according to the present invention in an open position. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a first hinge part of the vehicle door hinge of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a second hinge part of the vehicle door hinge of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the insert for the vehicle door hinge shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of a hinge pin and a hinge pin insertion component. FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a hinge pin and a hinge pin plug-in component. FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a second hinge portion for a vehicle door hinge. FIG. 7 shows a further alternative embodiment of a second hinge part for a vehicle door hinge. FIG. 9 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of a second hinge portion for a vehicle door hinge. 1 shows a vehicle door with two hinges according to the invention. FIG. 4 shows a continuous piece of material for the second hinge before bending. FIG. 12 shows a continuous piece of the material of FIG. 11 after performing a bending operation. FIG. 4 shows a further alternative embodiment of the insert for the vehicle door hinge shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the first hinge part shown in FIG. 2.

Explanation of reference numerals

1 automotive door hinge, 2 hinge axis, 3 hinge pin, 5 longitudinal opening, 10 first hinge, 11 first arm, 12 second arm, 20 second hinge, 21 continuous piece of material, 22 first end, 23 second end, 24 curved section, 25 first section, 26 second section, 30 insert, 38 face, 40 volt, 41 volt, 70 vehicle, 71 vehicle door, 72 Body, 80 hinge pin plug-in component.

Claims (63)

An automobile door hinge (1) having a hinge shaft (2),
A first hinge portion (10) having a first arm (11) through which the hinge shaft (2) passes;
Of a material having a first end (22), a second end (23) and a curved area (24) between the first end (22) and the second end (23). A second hinge portion (20) comprising a continuous piece (21), wherein the curved section (24) is arranged about the hinge axis (2) and the first end (22) is A first section (25), the second end (23) has a second section (26), and the first section (25) and the second section (26) Automotive door hinges that are parallel to each other.   The first hinge portion (10) further includes a second arm (12) axially spaced from the first arm (11), wherein the hinge shaft (2) includes the first arm (12). Penetrating through the first arm (11) and the second arm (12), the curved section (24) is arranged between the first arm (11) and the second arm (12). An automotive door hinge according to claim 1.   Automobile door hinge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first section (25) and the second section (26) are relatively fixed.   Automobile door hinge according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a hinge pin (3) passing through the hinge axis (2) and connecting the first arm (11) to the curved section (24).   Automobile door hinge according to claim 4, further comprising a hinge pin plug-in component (80) in the curved section (24) for providing a constant inner diameter of the hinge pin (3).   The first end (22) and the second end (23) define a longitudinal opening (5) adjacent the first section and the second section. 6. An automobile door hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   7. Automotive door hinge according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinal openings (5) are triangular.   The motor vehicle door hinge according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an insert (30) between said first end (22) and said second end (23).   The vehicle door hinge according to claim 8, wherein the first section (25), the second section (26) and the insert (30) are fixed together.   Automotive hinge according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the insert (30) is made of a different material than the piece of material (21).   Motor vehicle door hinge according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the piece of material (21) is made of steel.   The automobile door hinge according to claim 11, wherein the insert (30) is made of steel and the piece of material (21) is made of higher grade steel. Automobile according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the insert (30) is flanged around at least one of the first end (22) and the second end (23). Door hinge.   Automobile door hinge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second sections (25, 26) are connected to each other by welding.   14. Automotive door hinge according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the curved section (24) and the end of the insert (33) form a cylinder (6) about the hinge axis (2).   An automotive door hinge according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a first mounting device (41) for connecting to a door.   The first end has a first hole (9) and the second end has a second hole (9) for receiving the first mounting device (41); The automobile door hinge according to claim 16, wherein the first mounting device (41) passes through the first hole (9) and the second hole (9).   Motor vehicle door hinge according to claim 17, wherein the first hole (9) is in the first area (25) and the second hole (9) is in the second area (26).   17. The device according to claim 16, further comprising a second mounting device (40), wherein the first end (22) has a further hole (8) for receiving the second mounting device (40). Automotive door hinge.   The first end (22) and the second end (23) define a longitudinal opening (5) adjacent the first and second sections (25, 26); 20. Automotive door hinge according to claim 19, wherein a further hole (8) is located at the first end (25) and opens into the longitudinal opening (5).   An automotive door hinge according to claim 16, wherein the first mounting device (41) is a bolt.   20. The vehicle door hinge according to claim 19, wherein the second end has a second additional hole for receiving the second mounting device.   Automobile door hinge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the material piece (21) has a thickness of 4 mm or less. An automobile door hinge having a hinge shaft,
A first arm, the first hinge having a first arm and a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, wherein the hinge axis is Penetrating a first arm and the second arm, the automobile door hinge further comprises:
A second hinge portion, the second hinge portion including a first area defining an aperture between a first end and a second end about the hinge axis; An automotive door hinge having another section defining a longitudinal opening with a longitudinal axis parallel to the hinge axis.   25. The vehicle door hinge of claim 24, wherein said longitudinal opening is triangular.   26. The vehicle door hinge according to claim 25, wherein the second hinge portion includes a continuous piece of metal. 27. The vehicle door hinge according to claim 26, further comprising a hinge pin disposed on the aperture.   25. The vehicle door hinge of claim 24, wherein the first section has a thickness of 4mm or less. An automobile door hinge having a hinge shaft,
A first arm, the first hinge having a first arm and a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, wherein the hinge axis is Penetrating a first arm and the second arm, the automobile door hinge further comprises:
A second hinge portion, the second hinge portion having a first end, a second end, and a curved area between the first end and the second end; A continuous piece of material, wherein the curved section is disposed between the first arm and the second arm about the hinge axis, and wherein the second hinge portion also includes An automobile door hinge, comprising an insert between an end of the door and the second end.   30. The automotive door hinge of claim 29, wherein the piece of material has a thickness of 4mm or less. A car,
Body and
Vehicle doors,
A hinge having a hinge axis, the hinge being a first hinge connected to one of the door and the vehicle body, and a second hinge being connected to the other of the door and the vehicle body And the first hinge portion has a first arm and a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, and the hinge axis is the first arm. Penetrating through an arm and the second arm, the second hinge portion includes a continuous piece of material and includes a first end, a second end, and the first end and the second end. A curved section between the first and second arms, the curved section being disposed about the hinge axis, the curved section being disposed between the first arm and the second arm. And the second end is disposed parallel to the first section and is in phase with the first section. The second containing area, vehicles are secured.   32. The motor vehicle according to claim 31, wherein the material piece has a thickness of 4mm or less.   32. The vehicle of claim 31, further comprising a second hinge connected to the vehicle body and the vehicle door.   32. The vehicle of claim 31, wherein the hinge axis is vertical. A method for manufacturing a vehicle door hinge having a hinge axis, comprising:
A first arm having a first arm and a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, wherein the hinge axis extends through the first arm and the second arm; Providing a hinge portion;
Bending the piece of material to form a second hinge having a first end, a second end, and a curved area between the first end and the second end. Wherein the first end has a first section, the second end has a second section, and the first section and the second section are parallel to each other. The method further comprises:
Fixing the first area and the second area relatively;
Disposing the curved area between the first arm and the second arm about the hinge axis.   36. The method of claim 35, wherein the first arm and the second arm are connected to the curved area using a hinge pin disposed along the hinge axis.   37. The method of claim 36, further comprising providing the hinge pin with a constant inner diameter using a hinge pin bayonet component located in the curved area.   The bending step is performed by the first end and the second end to provide a longitudinal opening defined adjacent the first and second sections; A method according to claim 35.   39. The method of claim 38, wherein the bending is performed such that the longitudinal opening is triangular.   36. The method of claim 35, further comprising providing an insert between the first end and the second end.   41. The method of claim 40, further comprising securing the first section, the second section, and the insert together.   41. The method of claim 40, wherein the insert is made of a different material than the piece of material.   43. The method of claim 42, wherein said piece of material is made of steel.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the insert is made of a first grade steel and the piece of material is made of a higher grade steel.   The method of claim 1, further comprising forming a flange on the insert, wherein providing the insert includes disposing a flange around at least one of the first end and the second end. 40. The method according to 40.   The method of claim 35, further comprising welding the first area and the second area together.   41. The method of claim 40, wherein the bending step is performed such that the curved section and an end of the insert form a cylinder about the hinge axis.   36. The method of claim 35, further comprising attaching one of the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion to a door.   Forming a first hole at the first end; and forming a second hole at the second end, wherein the attaching includes attaching the first hole and the second hole to the first end. 49. The method according to claim 48, wherein the method is performed with a first mounting device passing through the two holes.   50. The method of claim 49, wherein forming comprises forming the first hole in the first area and forming the second hole in the second area.   50. The method of claim 49, further comprising forming an additional hole in the first end to receive a second mounting device. The bending step is performed by the first end and the second end to provide a longitudinal opening defined adjacent the first area and the second area;
50. The method of claim 49, further comprising forming an additional hole at the first end that opens into the longitudinal opening.   49. The method of claim 48, wherein said attaching is performed using bolts.   52. The method of claim 51, further comprising forming a second additional hole in the second end to receive the second mounting device.   36. The method of claim 35, wherein the piece of material has a thickness of 4mm or less. A method for making a vehicle door hinge having a hinge axis, comprising:
Providing a first hinge portion;
Bending the piece of material to create a second hinge portion, the bending step defining a aperture between the first and second ends defining an aperture about the hinge axis. One area and a second area defining a longitudinal opening with a longitudinal axis parallel to the hinge axis, the method further comprising:
Connecting the first hinge portion to the second hinge portion using a hinge pin positioned along the hinge axis.   57. The method of claim 56, wherein the bending is performed such that the longitudinal openings are triangular.   57. The method of claim 56, wherein the piece of material is no more than 4mm thick. A method for making a vehicle hinge having a hinge axis, comprising:
Providing a first hinge portion;
Bending the piece of material to form a second hinge portion having a curved area about the hinge axis intermediate the first end and the second end;
Placing an insert between the first end and the second end;
Connecting the first hinge portion to the second hinge portion using a hinge pin arranged along the hinge axis.   60. The method of claim 59, wherein the piece of material has a thickness of 4mm or less. A method for manufacturing a vehicle door hinge having a hinge axis, comprising:
A first arm having a first arm and a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, wherein the hinge axis extends through the first arm and the second arm; Providing a hinge portion;
Forming a strip of material into a roll to form a second hinge having a first end, a second end, and a curved area between the first and second ends. Wherein the curved area defines an aperture, and the method further comprises:
The curve between the first arm and the second arm such that the hinge axis extends through the aperture and the second hinge is rotatable relative to the first hinge. Locating an area.   62. The method of claim 61, wherein the piece of material has a thickness of 4mm or less.   62. The method of claim 61, further comprising attaching the second hinge portion to a vehicle body such that the hinge axis is vertical.

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