JP3217334U - Assembled friction hinge module and hinged system - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembled hinge module and hinged system that is a friction hinge that can be used to pivotally couple components in the system.
A hinged system is incorporated in a vehicle center console. The hinged system 100 includes a first component in the form of a console receptacle 110 and a second component in the form of a cover 120. Cover 120 is connected to receptacle 110 by a pivotal connection. The pivot connection allows a pivoting movement between the open position and the closed position of the cover 120 relative to the receptacle 110. The cover 120 is connected to the receptacle 110 by a pair of hinge modules 200, one on each side of the cover. Each hinge module 200 is an assembled unit configured for universal attachment to components that require friction hinges. As such, the hinge module 200 can be installed in various arrangements on various types of assemblies.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

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

  Various types of mechanical hinges are available for connecting the components in a pivoting relationship. Friction hinges, also called “constant torque hinges” or “position hinges,” are one type of hinge used on devices that feature pivot doors, panels or other parts that open and close about a pivot axis. is there. Friction hinges are commonly used to connect a laptop computer screen to a keyboard and to connect an armrest to a center console in an automobile, among other applications.

  In a typical friction hinge, the pivot shaft has an outer surface that is carried on the inner surface of another part and creates mechanical interference within the hinge. This mechanical interference keeps these components in a stable position after they have been pivoted and released from the pivot, in order to keep components such as doors and armrests in any position This is desirable.

  Conventional friction hinges used in center consoles are typically manufactured as large component assemblies. The assembly can include large brackets and other stamped parts designed for installation inside the automobile. These hinge assemblies are relatively large in size and add significant weight to the console. Furthermore, stamped parts require additional tool settings to produce the parts.

  The disadvantages of the conventional friction hinge assembly are addressed in many ways by the friction hinge module, system and method of the present invention.

  In a first aspect of the invention, the assembled hinge modules are configured to couple the first component to the second component for pivotal movement relative to each other. The assembled hinge module includes a shaft comprising a pivot shaft; at least one torque element frictionally engaged with the shaft; a housing including a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, the front wall, the side wall and the rear wall A housing defining an interior space enclosed by the interior of the housing, wherein the interior space houses at least one torque element inside the housing; the front wall defines a first aperture The rear wall constitutes a second aperture, the first and second apertures being aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, the shaft passing through the first aperture, the interior space and the second aperture The shaft is separate from the first component and configured to be attached to the first component; the housing is separate from the second component; , And is configured to be attached to the second component. This new design allows the use of brackets of lighter materials such as molded plastics or castings.

  In another aspect of the invention, the hinge module set is configured to couple the first component to the second component for pivotal movement relative to each other, the hinge module set comprising: A first assembled hinge module configured to control relative pivoting movement of the first and second components in a first pivot direction; and a first of the first and second components A second assembled hinge module configured to control relative pivoting motion in a second pivot direction opposite to the pivot direction, wherein the first and second assembled hinge modules are A shaft comprising a pivot shaft; at least one torque element in frictional engagement with the shaft; a housing including a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, wherein the front wall, the side wall and the rear wall are internal to the housing Surrounded by A housing defining a defined interior space, wherein the interior space contains at least one torque element inside the housing, the front wall defines a first aperture, and the rear wall is a second wall. The first and second apertures are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, and the shaft extends through the first aperture, the interior space, and the second aperture; The shaft is separate from the first component and configured to be attached to the first component; the housing is separate from the second component and is attached to the second component. It is configured.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, the hinged system includes a first component; a second component; and a pivot to allow pivoting movement of the first component relative to the second component. An assembled hinge module coupling the first component to the second component in a dynamic connection, the assembled hinge module comprising: a shaft defining a pivot shaft; and at least one in frictional engagement with the shaft A torque element; and a housing including a front wall, a side wall, and a rear wall, wherein the front wall, the side wall, and the rear wall constitute an internal space surrounded by the interior of the housing; The space houses at least one torque element inside the housing, the front wall constitutes a first aperture, the rear wall constitutes a second aperture, and the first and second apertures are in the shape of a shaft. And the shaft extends through the first aperture, the interior space and the second aperture; the shaft is separate from the first component, Attached to the component; the housing is separate from the second component and attached to the second component.

  In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for pivotally coupling a first component to a second component using an assembled hinge module, the assembled hinge module comprising a pivot A housing including a shaft constituting an axis, at least one torque element frictionally engaging with the shaft, and a front wall, a side wall, and a rear wall, wherein the front wall, the side wall, and the rear wall are surrounded by the interior of the housing A housing defining an interior space, the interior space accommodating at least one torque element inside the housing, the front wall constituting the first aperture, and the rear wall constituting the second aperture The first aperture and the second aperture are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, the shaft extending through the first aperture, the interior space and the second aperture; The shaft is separate from the first component and configured to be attached to the first component, and the housing is separate from the second component and is attached to the second component. The method includes attaching a shaft to the first component and attaching a housing to the second component.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, in a method for manufacturing a hinge module, attaching at least one torque element to a mounting plate, the at least one torque element forming a recess through a portion thereof. A mounting plate defining an aperture aligned with the recess; applying a lubricant within the recess of the at least one torque element; and on the at least one torque element in the form of a foam locking fit Mounting a cover, the cover including an aperture aligned with at least one torque element and a recess in the mounting plate, thus forming a passage through the cover, at least one torque element and the mounting plate; At least the mounting plate is inside the housing. Forming a housing enclosing one torque element and a lubricant; inserting a shaft into a passage configured through the cover, at least one torque element and the mounting plate, wherein the shaft is at least Extending through the housing in frictional engagement with a torque element.

  The foregoing summary and the following description are better understood and understood in conjunction with the non-limiting examples illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a hinged system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a set of two assembled hinge modules according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each hinge module being shown with a separately-coupled coupling ring. FIG. 6 is a side view of an assembled hinge module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown with a separate ring that can be provided. It is a front view of the attachment plate of the hinge module of FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mounting plate of the hinge module of FIG. 3 showing the rear surface of the mounting plate. It is a perspective view of the cover of the hinge module of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of the hinge module of FIG. 3 taken through line AA showing the torque elements retained within the cover. It is a perspective view of the shaft of the hinge module of FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an assembled hinge module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

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

  Referring to FIG. 1, a hinged system according to one embodiment is shown. The hinged system 100 can be used in a variety of applications that incorporate one or more friction hinges to control the relative pivoting motion of the components. For example, hinged in various types of closure systems used on automobiles, ships and / or aircraft, including but not limited to various types of compartments, cabinets, hatches, receptacles, luggage storage and storage units System 100 can be incorporated.

  In this embodiment, the hinged system 100 is incorporated into the automobile center console. The hinged system 100 includes a first component in the form of a console receptacle 110 and a second component in the form of a cover 120. Cover 120 is connected to receptacle 110 by a pivotal connection. The pivot connection allows a pivoting movement between the open position and the closed position of the cover 120 relative to the receptacle 110. The cover 120 is connected to the receptacle 110 by a pair of hinge modules 200, one on each side of the cover. Each hinge module 200 is an assembled unit configured for universal attachment to components that require friction hinges. As such, the hinge module 200 can be installed in various arrangements on various types of assemblies.

  Referring now to FIG. 2, a hinge module set 300 is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The hinge module set 300 includes a first assembled hinge module 400 and a second assembled hinge module 500. The first hinge module 400 and the second assembled hinge module 500 are configured to couple the first component to the second component for pivotal movement relative to each other along the pivot axis. Yes. The first assembled hinge module 400 is installed at a first point along the pivot axis, and the second assembled hinge module 500 is installed at a second point along the pivot axis. Thus, the first assembled hinge module 400 and the second assembled hinge module 500 are configured to control the pivoting motion at opposite ends of the pivot shaft between the two components. For example, the assembled hinge module 400 and the assembled hinge module 500 can be installed on the center console in a mirror arrangement in which the hinge modules are installed on opposite sides of the cover.

  The assembled hinge module 400 and the assembled hinge module 500 apply a frictional resistance that resists pivoting motion. The amount of frictional resistance applied by the hinge module 400 is the same amount as the frictional resistance applied by the hinge module 500. When hinge modules 400 and 500 are installed, hinge module 400 applies frictional resistance in a first direction, and hinge module 500 applies frictional resistance in a second direction opposite to the first direction. . For this reason, the assembled hinge modules 400 and 500 must be installed on the correct side of the armrest.

  Each of the hinge modules 400 and 500 is designated to be installed on a particular side or position on the pivot axis with respect to the cover, so that the hinge module provides the same amount of frictional resistance for pivoting motion in the same direction. It has come to apply. The assembled hinge module 400 is designed to couple the cover to the left side of the console receptacle, and the assembled hinge module 500 is designed to couple the cover to the right side of the console receptacle.

  Each assembled hinge module 400 and 500 includes a unique indicia 410 and 510, respectively, indicating which side of the console the hinge module should be installed. This indicia, which may take the form of letters or symbols representing the appropriate side, can be applied to the outer surface of the hinge module by etching, printing or other forms.

  Hinge modules 400 and 500 also include geometric features to ensure that the hinge module is installed only on the correct side of the console. Specifically, the hinge module 400 includes a surface bay or notch 420 on the right and the hinge module 500 includes a surface bay or notch 520 on the left. Thus, the hinge module 400 has a contour shape 430 that is a mirror image of the contour shape 530 of the hinge module 500.

  The mounting surface on each side of the console has a recess with a shape that fits only one of the contour shapes 430 and 530, so that each side of each console receives only one of the hinge modules 400 and 500. . This ensures that the hinge modules 400 and 500 are installed on the correct side of the console.

  The assembled hinge module according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. Hinge modules 400 and 500 each include the same component parts. Accordingly, only the component parts of the hinge module 400 will be described with the understanding that the hinge module 500 also includes similar parts designed to generate frictional resistance in the opposite direction.

  The hinge module 400 includes a housing 440 and a shaft 460 that defines a pivot shaft 462. The housing 440 has a front wall 442, a side wall 444 and a rear wall 446. The back wall 446 provides a universal mounting surface 449 that can be attached to a center console receptacle, cover, or other component. The front wall 442, the side wall 444, and the rear wall 446 constitute an internal space 448 surrounded by the housing 440. Further, the front wall 442 constitutes a first aperture 443, and the rear wall 446 constitutes a second aperture 447. The first aperture 443 and the second aperture 447 are axially aligned with each other. The shaft 460 extends through the first aperture 443, the interior space 448 and the second aperture 447, so that the first and second apertures are aligned with the pivot axis 462 of the shaft. Yes.

  The interior space 448 houses at least one torque element 480 that engages the shaft 460 by friction. The amount of frictional resistance provided by torque element 480 depends in part on the amount of surface area of the torque element that contacts shaft 460. Only one torque element 480 can be seen in FIG. However, it is understood that one or more additional torque elements can be housed within the interior space 448 and stacked adjacent to the torque element 480. Placing additional torque elements adjacent to torque element 480 increases the total surface area in frictional engagement with shaft 460 and thus increases the amount of frictional resistance provided by hinge module 400. The amount of frictional resistance provided by the hinge module 400 can be achieved by placing additional torque elements in the interior space 448 to increase the total thickness of the torque elements and / or the surface area in contact with the shaft 460. This can be increased by replacing the torque element 480 with a larger and thicker torque element.

  Torque element 480 defines a recess 482 that extends through a portion of the torque element. The recess 482 is aligned with the pivot shaft 462 of the shaft 460 with the shaft extending through the recess in frictional engagement with the torque element 480. Torque element 480 is attached to housing 460 by fasteners in the form of rivets 486. The rivet 486 secures and holds the torque element 480 within the housing 440 and prevents the torque element from rotating relative to the housing. Torque element 480 defines a bore hole 484 that aligns with bore hole 446d in rear wall 446. Rivet 486 is installed through bore holes 446 d and 484 to attach torque element 480 to rear wall 446.

  The front wall 442 and the side wall 444 constitute a first footprint (footprint) 442a. The rear wall 446 constitutes a second footprint 446a that extends beyond the first footprint 442a to the outside of the first footprint to form an extension 446b that projects beyond the front wall 442 and the side wall 444. To do. The extension 446b constitutes an aperture 446c for receiving a mounting fastener such as the screw 205 shown in FIG. 1 for attaching the housing 440 to the console receptacle or cover.

  Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the front wall 442 and the side wall 444 of the housing 440 are integrally formed as a single unitary piece that is separate from the rear wall 446. Thus, the front wall 442 and the side wall 444 collectively form the cover 450 in a state where the opening on one side is surrounded by the flat edge 451. The rear wall 446 takes the form of a flat mounting plate 470 that mates with a flat edge 451 of the cover 450 to form a housing 440. The flat edge 451 prevents the lubricant applied to the torque element 480 from leaking out of the housing 440 and prevents the entry of dirt and other contaminants into the mounting plate with a fluid tight connection. 470 meshes.

  Cover 450 accommodates torque element 480 in a foam locking fit. An interior surface 454 extending along the interior of the sidewall 444 includes an engagement surface in the form of a sharp ridge 456. The ridge 456 engages the edge 488 of the torque element 480 to hold the torque element in a foam locking fit.

  The interior space 448 of the housing 440 forms a sealed chamber or tank 448a adapted to store a quantity of lubricant, such as grease 490. Grease 490 is applied along edge 488 where the edge engages shaft 460 in a frictional engagement as shown.

  Referring to FIG. 8, shaft 460 has a proximal end 464 and a distal end 466 opposite the proximal end. Proximal end 464 includes a head 463 having an enlarged diameter relative to other sections of shaft 460. The head 463 meshes with the first aperture 443 in the front wall 442. The distal end 466 constitutes a coupling surface in the form of an annular recess 467. An annular recess 467 cooperates with a coupling element that is not part of the hinge module 400 to couple the hinge module to the console receptacle or cover. 1-3 again, the hinge module is secured by a ring coupling in the form of an e-ring 600. It will be appreciated that other types of couplings may be attached to the distal end of the shaft according to the present invention and need not necessarily be e-rings.

  To pivotally couple the first component to the second component, the assembled hinge module 400 can be used as follows. The hinge module 400 is delivered to the installer in an assembled state with the appropriate number of torque elements 480 in the housing 440. Accordingly, the hinge module 400 arrives ready for installation.

  The distal end 466 of the shaft 460 is inserted through a pivot hole in the first and second components. The housing 440 is attached to the first component by advancing a screw 205 or other fastener through an aperture 446c in the extension 446b of the rear wall 446. Further, the outer edge 478 of the mounting plate 470 can be mounted between ribs on the first component as shown in FIG. The notches 420 in the mounting plate 470 mesh with similar shaped protrusions in the first component so that the hinge module 400 is placed on the correct side of the pivot axis. The distal end 466 of the shaft 460 protrudes through the first component and the second component such that the annular recess 467 is exposed.

  A separately provided e-ring 600 or other coupling element is mounted around the annular recess 467 to secure the shaft 460 to the second component and the shaft is pulled away from the first and second components. The first and second components are coupled together in a pivoted connection. The same procedure is followed to install the hinge module 500 on opposite sides of the first and second components.

  Referring now to FIG. 9, a method 1000 of manufacturing an assembled hinge module in connection with components of the hinge module 400 will be described according to one embodiment. In step 1100, at least one torque element 480 is attached to the mounting plate 470. The torque element 480 can be attached to the mounting plate 470 by installing a rivet 486 or other type of fastener through the aperture 466d. In step 1200, a lubricant such as grease 490 is applied in the recess 482 of the torque element 480. Thereafter, in step 1300, the cover 450 is mounted on the torque element 480 with a foam locking fit. The aperture 443 is aligned with the recess 482 of the torque element 480 and the aperture 447 of the mounting plate 470. In this arrangement, a single passage 401 is formed through the cover 450, the torque element 480 and the mounting plate 470. Cover 450 and mounting plate 470 form an enclosed housing 440, thus enclosing torque element 480 and grease 490 within the housing. In step 1400, shaft 460 is inserted through passage 401 configured through cover 450, torque element 480 and mounting plate 470, thus extending the shaft through housing 440 in frictional engagement with the torque element. It will be. For the purpose of resisting withdrawal from the housing 440, the shaft 460 is firmly held in frictional engagement by the torque element 480. Thus, the hinge module 400 is in an assembled state and can be installed at any time to pivotally couple the two components.

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

Claims (18)

In an assembled hinge module configured to couple a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to each other;
-The shaft constituting the pivot axis;
-At least one torque element in frictional engagement with the shaft;
A housing including a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, wherein the front wall, the side wall and the rear wall constitute an internal space surrounded by the interior of the housing;
Including
The internal space houses the at least one torque element inside the housing;
The front wall constitutes a first aperture, the rear wall constitutes a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture being aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft; A shaft extends through the first aperture, the interior space, and the second aperture;
The shaft is separate from the first component and is configured to be attached to the first component;
The housing is separate from the second component and is configured to be attached to the second component;
Assembled hinge module.   The assembled hinge module of claim 1, wherein the rear wall of the housing includes a universal mounting surface configured to be mounted to the second component.   The at least one torque element defines a recess through a portion of the at least one torque element, the recess being aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, the shaft being the at least one torque The assembled hinge module of claim 1, extending through the recess in frictional engagement with an element.   The assembled hinge module of claim 1, comprising a fastener that couples the at least one torque element to the housing.   The assembled hinge according to claim 4, wherein the fastener holds the at least one torque element fixedly inside the housing and prevents the at least one torque element from rotating relative to the housing. module.   The assembled hinge of claim 4, wherein the at least one torque element comprises a borehole and the fastener includes a rivet housed within the borehole for coupling the at least one torque element to the housing. module.   The assembled hinge module of claim 1, wherein the front and side walls form a footprint and the rear wall extends outside the footprint to form an extension.   The assembled hinge module of claim 7, wherein the extension of the rear wall constitutes an aperture for receiving a mounting fastener for attaching the housing to the second component.   The assembled hinge module of claim 1, wherein the front and side walls of the housing are integrally formed as a single unitary piece that is separate from the rear wall.   The assembled hinge module according to claim 9, wherein the rear wall includes a mounting plate, and the front wall and the side wall constitute a cover that is mounted to the mounting plate.   The assembled hinge module of claim 10, wherein the cover houses the at least one torque element in a foam locking fit.   The assembled hinge module of claim 10, wherein the interior space forms a tank for storing a quantity of lubricant.   The shaft includes a proximal end having a head that mates with the first aperture in the front wall and a distal end defining a coupling surface for engagement with a coupling element; The assembled hinge module according to claim 1.   The assembled hinge module of claim 13, wherein the coupling surface includes an annular recess configured in the distal end to accommodate a coupling element in the form of a ring coupling. In a hinge module set configured to couple a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to each other, the first and second components in a first pivot direction A first assembled hinge module configured to control relative pivoting motion and relative to a second pivoting direction opposite to the first direction of the first and second components; A second assembled hinge module configured to control dynamic pivoting movement, comprising:
Each of the first and second assembled hinge modules is
-The shaft constituting the pivot axis;
-At least one torque element in frictional engagement with the shaft;
A housing including a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, wherein the front wall, the side wall and the rear wall constitute an internal space surrounded by the interior of the housing;
Including
The internal space houses the at least one torque element inside the housing;
The front wall constitutes a first aperture, the rear wall constitutes a second aperture, and the first and second apertures are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft; The shaft extends through the first aperture, the interior space, and the second aperture;
The shaft is separate from the first component and is configured to be attached to the first component;
The housing is separate from the second component and is configured to be attached to the second component;
Hinge module set.   The housing of the first assembled hinge module includes a first indicia corresponding to a first mounting location, and the second assembled hinge module is opposite the first mounting location. The hinge module set according to claim 15, comprising a second indicia corresponding to the second mounting location. -A first component;
-A second component;
An assembled hinge module that couples the first component to the second component in a pivotal connection to allow pivotal movement of the first component relative to the second component;
In a hinged system including
The assembled hinge module is:
-The shaft constituting the pivot axis;
-At least one torque element in frictional engagement with the shaft;
A housing including a front wall, a side wall and a rear wall, wherein the front wall, the side wall and the rear wall constitute an internal space surrounded by the interior of the housing;
Including
The internal space houses the at least one torque element inside the housing;
The front wall constitutes a first aperture, the rear wall constitutes a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture being aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft; A shaft extends through the first aperture, the interior space, and the second aperture;
The shaft is separate from the first component and attached to the first component;
The housing is separate from the second component and attached to the second component;
Hinged system.   The hinged system of claim 17, wherein the hinged system is a storage compartment in one of an automobile, a ship and an aircraft.

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