KR20180003338U - Preassembled friction hinge module, hinged system, and method for making preassembled friction hinge modules and systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The hinged system includes a preassembled hinge module for pivotably coupling the first component to the second component. The preassembled hinge module includes a shaft, at least one torque element frictionally engaged with the shaft, and a housing. The housing includes a front wall, a side wall, and a rear wall defining an interior space enclosed within the housing. The inner space houses at least one torque element within the housing. The front wall defines a first aperture and the rear wall defines a second aperture, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft. The shaft extends through a first aperture, an inner space, and a second aperture. The shaft is detached from the first component and is configured to be mounted to the first component. The housing is separate from the second component and is configured to be mounted to the second component.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a pre-assembled friction hinge module, a pre-assembled friction hinge module, a pre-assembled friction hinge module, a pre-assembled friction hinge module,

The present invention relates generally to friction hinges, and more particularly to pre-assembled friction hinge modules that can be used to pivotally connect components in a system.

Various types of mechanical hinges are available for connecting components in a pivoting relationship. A friction hinge, also referred to as a " constant torque hinge "or" position hinge ", features a pivoting door, panel, or other portion that is opened and closed about a pivot axis Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI > Friction hinges are commonly used to connect laptop computer screens to keyboards and arm rests to automobile center consoles, among other applications.

In a typical friction hinge, the pivot shaft has an outer surface that bear mechanical interferences at the hinges bearing the inner surface of the other portion. This mechanical interference keeps the components in a stable position after the components are pivoted and released, which is desirable for keeping components such as doors and armrests in an arbitrary position.

Conventional friction hinges used in center consoles are typically manufactured as large assemblies of parts. The assembly may include large brackets and other stamped pieces designed for installation into the interior of the vehicle. The size of these hinge assemblies is relatively large, adding significant weight to the console. Additionally, the stamped portions require additional tooling for manufacturing the portions.

The drawbacks of conventional friction hinge assemblies are addressed in many aspects by the friction hinge modules, systems, and methods according to the present invention.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a preassembled hinge module is configured to couple a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to one another. The preassembled hinge module includes: a shaft defining a pivot axis; At least one torque element frictionally engaged with the shaft; And a housing, wherein the housing includes a front wall, a side wall, and a rear wall, the front wall, the side wall, and the rear wall defining an interior space enclosed within the housing, wherein the interior space comprises at least one torque element Wherein the front wall defines a first aperture and the rear wall defines a second aperture, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are configured such that the shaft defines a first aperture, And a second aperture, aligned with a pivot axis of the shaft; The shaft is detached from the first component and configured to be mounted to the first component; And the housing is detached from the second component and configured to be mounted to the second component. This new design allows the use of lighter material brackets, such as molded plastics or castings.

In another aspect of the present invention, a set of hinge modules is configured to couple a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to each other, the set of hinge modules having a first pivot direction And a second preassembled hinge module configured to control the relative pivotal movement of the first and second components in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first direction, Wherein each of the first and second pre-assembled hinge modules comprises: a shaft defining a pivot axis; At least one torque element frictionally engaged with the shaft; And a housing, the housing including a front wall, a side wall, and a rear wall, the front wall, the side wall, and the rear wall defining an inner space enclosed within the housing, wherein the inner space comprises at least one torque element Wherein the front wall defines a first aperture and the rear wall defines a second aperture, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are configured such that the shaft defines a first aperture, And a second aperture, aligned with a pivot axis of the shaft; The shaft is detached from the first component and configured to be mounted to the first component; And the housing is detached from the second component and configured to be mounted to the second component.

In another aspect of the present invention, the hinge system comprises a first component; A second component; And a preassembled hinge module coupling the first component to the second component in a pivotal connection to permit pivotal movement of the first component relative to the second component, wherein the preassembled hinge module includes a pivot axis Regulating shaft; At least one torque element frictionally engaged with the shaft; And a housing, the housing including a front wall, a side wall, and a rear wall, wherein the front wall, the side wall, and the rear wall define an inner space enclosed within the housing, wherein the inner space includes at least one torque element The front wall defining a first aperture and the rear wall defining a second aperture, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are configured such that the shaft defines a first aperture, an inner space, and a second aperture, Aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, extending through the second aperture; The shaft is detached from the first component and mounted to the first component; And the housing is detached from the second component and mounted to the second component.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for pivotally coupling a first component to a second component using a preassembled hinge module, the preassembled hinge module comprising a shaft defining a pivot axis, At least one torque element frictionally engaged with the housing, and a housing, the housing including a front wall, a side wall, and a rear wall, the front wall, the side wall, and the rear wall defining an inner space enclosed within the housing , The inner space houses at least one torque element inside the housing, the front wall defining a first aperture and the rear wall defining a second aperture, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture define a first aperture Is aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, extending through the first aperture, the inner space, and the second aperture, and the shaft is configured to be detached from and mounted to the first component, And the housing is detached from the second component and configured to be mounted to the second component, the method comprising: mounting the shaft to the first component; And mounting the housing to the second component.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing a hinge module, the method comprising the steps of: attaching at least one torque element to a mounting plate, wherein at least one torque element comprises a portion of at least one torque element Defining a recess through which the mounting plate defines an aperture aligned with the recess; Depositing a lubricant in the recess of the at least one torque element; Attaching the cover over the at least one torque element with a form locking fit, the cover comprising at least one torque element and at least one torque element to define a passage through the cover, The cover and the mounting plate forming a housing, the housing enclosing at least one torque element and a lubricant within the housing; and an aperture aligned with the recesses of the recess and the mounting plate, wherein the cover and the mounting plate form a housing; And inserting the shaft through a cover, at least one torque element, and a passage defined through the mounting plate, whereby the shaft extends through the housing in frictional engagement with the at least one torque element.

The foregoing summary and the following description are better understood and understood, together with the non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
1 is a perspective view of a hinged system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a perspective view of a set of two pre-assembled hinge modules according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each hinge module being shown with a coupling ring that can be provided separately;
3 is a side view of a set of preassembled hinge modules according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown with a coupling ring that may be provided separately;
Figure 4 is a front view of the mounting plate of the hinge module of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mounting plate of the hinge module of Figure 3, showing the rear surface of the mounting plate;
6 is a perspective view of the cover of the hinge module of Fig. 3;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of the hinge module of Figure 3, taken through line AA, showing the torque element held within the cover;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the shaft of the hinge module of Figure 3; And
9 is a block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a preassembled hinge module in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

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

Referring to Figure 1, a hinged system 100 is shown in accordance with one embodiment. The hinge system 100 may be utilized in a variety of applications including one or more friction hinges for controlling the relative pivotal motion of the components. For example, hinged system 100 may include various types of compartments, cabinets, hatches, receptacles, overhead compartments, and storage units used in vehicles, ships, and / or aircraft, But may be incorporated within various types of closure systems that are not limited.

In this example, the hinge system 100 is integrated within the center console of the vehicle. The hinge 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. The cover 120 is coupled to the receptacle 110 in a pivotal connection. The pivotal connection permits pivotal movement of the cover 120 relative to the receptacle 110 between the open position and the closed position. The cover 120 is coupled to the receptacle 110 by a pair of hinge modules 200, one on each side of the cover. Each hinge module 200 is a preassembled unit configured for universal mounting for components that require a friction hinge. As such, the hinge module 200 can be installed in various types of assemblies and various arrangements.

Referring now to Figure 2, a set 300 of hinge modules is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The hinge module set 300 includes a first pre-assembled hinge module 400 and a second pre-assembled hinge module 500. The first pre-assembled hinge module 400 and the second pre-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. A first pre-assembled hinge module 400 is installed at a first point along the pivot axis and a second pre-assembled hinge module 500 is installed at a second point along the pivot axis. As such, the first pre-assembled hinge module 400 and the second pre-assembled hinge module 500 are configured to control pivoting motion at opposite ends of the pivot axis between the two components. For example, the preassembled hinge module 400 and the preassembled hinge module 500 may be installed on the center console with mirrored arrangements in which the hinge modules are mounted on opposite sides of the cover.

The pre-assembled hinge module 400 and pre-assembled hinge module 500 apply a frictional resistance to the pivot motion. The amount of frictional resistance applied by the hinge module 400 is equal to the amount of frictional resistance applied by the hinge module 500. When the hinge modules 400 and 500 are installed, the hinge module 400 applies a frictional resistance in a first direction and the hinge module 500 applies frictional resistance in a second direction opposite to the first direction . For this reason, the preassembled hinge modules 400 and 500 must be installed on the correct sides of the armrest.

Each of the hinge modules 400 and 500 is designated for installation on a particular side or position on the pivot axis with respect to the cover so that the hinge modules apply the same amount of frictional resistance to pivoting motion in the same directions . The preassembled hinge module 400 is designed to couple the cover to the left side of the console receptacle and the preassembled hinge module 500 is designed to couple the cover to the right side of the console receptacle.

Each of the preassembled hinge modules 400 and 500 each includes a unique indication 410 and 510 indicating the side of the console where the hinge module is to be installed. This indication, which may be in the form of letters or symbols indicating the appropriate side, may be etched, printed or otherwise applied to the outer surface of the hinge module.

The hinge modules 400 and 500 also include geometric features that ensure that the hinge modules are installed only on the correct side of the console. In particular, the hinge module 400 includes a surface indentation or notch 420 on the right side, and the hinge module 500 includes a surface indent or notch 520 on the left side. The hinge module 400 thus has an outline shape 430 that is a mirror image of the profile shape 530 of the hinge module 500.

The mounting surfaces on each side of the console have recesses with shapes that match only one of the contour shapes 430 and 530 so that each side of the console has a recess Only one will accept. This ensures that the preassembled hinge modules 400 and 500 are installed on the correct sides of the console.

Referring to Figures 3-8, the preassembled hinge modules according to the present invention will be described in more detail. Each of the hinge modules 400 and 500 includes identical component parts. Thus, only the component parts of the hinge module 400 will be described, with the understanding that the hinge module 500 also includes similar portions 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 axis 462. The housing 440 has a front wall 442, a side wall 444, and a rear wall 446. The rear wall 446 provides a universal mounting surface 449 that can be mounted to a center console receptacle, cover, or other component. The front wall 442, the side wall 444, and the rear wall 446 define an interior space 448 enclosed within the housing 440. Additionally, the front wall 442 defines a first aperture 443 and the rear wall 446 defines a second aperture 447. The first aperture 443 and the second aperture 447 are axially aligned with each other. The shaft 460 extends through a first aperture 443, an interior space 448 and a second aperture 447 such that the first aperture and the second aperture are aligned with the pivot axis 462).

The inner space 448 accommodates at least one torque element 480 that is frictionally engaged with the shaft 460. The amount of frictional resistance provided by torque element 480 depends in part on the amount of surface area of the torque element in contact with shaft 460. In Figure 7, only one torque element 480 is visible. It will be appreciated, however, that one or more additional torque elements may be accommodated in the interior space 448 and stacked adjacent to the torque element 480. Placing additional torque elements adjacent to the torque element 448 increases the total surface area that is frictionally engaged with the shaft 460 and therefore increases the amount of frictional resistance provided by the hinge module 400 . The amount of frictional resistance provided by the hinge module 400 may be adjusted by placing additional torque elements in the interior space 448 and / or by disengaging the torque element 480 from the shaft 460 With a thicker torque element having a larger surface area in contact with the < / RTI >

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

Front wall 442 and side wall 444 define a first footprint 442a. The rear wall 446 is larger than the first footprint 442a and extends beyond the first footprint to form a second footprint 442b that forms an extension 446b that protrudes beyond the front wall 442 and the side wall 444. [ (446a). The extension 446b defines an aperture 446c for receiving a mounting fastener, e.g., the screw 205 shown in FIG. 1, for mounting the housing 440 to the console receptacle or cover.

6 and 7, the front wall 442 and the side wall 444 of the housing 440 are integrally formed as a single body of a single structure separated from the rear wall 446. [ The front wall 442 and the side wall 444 collectively form a cover 450 having an aperture 452 on one side surrounded by a flat edge 451. [ The rear wall 446 is in the form of a flat mounting plate 470 that mates with the flat edge 451 of the cover 450 to form the 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 lubricant from leaking out of the housing 440 with a fluid tight connection preventing dust and other contaminants from entering the housing. ).

The cover 450 receives the torque element 480 in a form lock fit. The inner surface 454 extending along the interior of the side wall 444 includes an engaging surface in the form of sharp ridges 456. Ridges 456 engage edge 488 of torque element 480 to hold the torque element in a form lock fit.

The interior space 448 of the housing 440 defines a sealed chamber or reservoir 448a adapted to store a large amount of lubricant, e.g., grease 490. [ The grease 490 is applied along the edge where the edge 488 engages the shaft 460 in frictional engagement, as shown.

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

The preassembled hinge module 400 may be used in the following manner for pivotally coupling the first component to the second component. The hinge module 400 can reach the installer in a pre-assembled condition with an appropriate number of torque elements 480 in the housing 440. [ Therefore, the hinge module 400 is ready for installation.

The distal end 466 of the shaft 460 is inserted through the pivot holes of the first and second components. The housing 440 is attached to the first component by advancing the screw 205 or other fastener through the aperture 446c of the extension 446b of the rear wall 446. [ Additionally, the outer edge 478 of the mounting plate 470 may be attached between the ribs on the first component, as shown in FIG. The notch 420 of the mounting plate 470 is mated with a protrusion of the desired shape on the first component to determine that the hinge module 400 is installed 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.

The individually-provided e-ring 600 or other coupling element can be used to secure the shaft 460 to the second component and to prevent the shaft from being pulled out or withdrawn from the first and second components, And is attached around the recess 467, thereby coupling the first and second components together in a pivotal connection. This same procedure is followed to install the hinge module 500 on the opposite side of the first and second components.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a method 1000 for manufacturing a pre-assembled hinge module will be described in accordance with one embodiment and with respect to the components of the hinge module 400. At step 1100, at least one torque element 480 is attached to the mounting plate 470. The torque element 480 may 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. Then, at step 1300, a cover 450 is attached to the torque element 480 in form lock fit. The apertures 443 are aligned with the recesses 482 of the torque element 480 and the apertures 447 of the mounting plate 470. In this arrangement, passageway 401 is defined through cover 450, torque element 480, and mounting plate 470. The cover 450 and the mounting plate 470 form an enclosed housing 440 enclosing the torque element 480 and the grease 490 within the housing. In step 1400 the shaft 460 is inserted through a defined passage 401 through a cover 450, a torque element 480 and a mounting plate 470, In the frictional engagement state of the housing 440. The shaft 460 is held firmly in frictional engagement with the torque element 480 to resist being pulled out of the housing 440. Now, the hinge module 400 is pre-assembled and ready for installation to pivotally connect the two components.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Various modifications, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims include all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (18)

A preassembled hinge module configured to couple a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to each other,
The preassembled hinge module comprises:
A shaft defining a pivot axis;
At least one torque element frictionally engaged with the shaft; And
The housing including a front wall, a side wall, and a rear wall, the front wall, the side wall, and the rear wall defining an interior space enclosed within the housing,
Said inner space receiving said at least one torque element within said housing,
Wherein the front wall defines a first aperture and the rear wall defines a second aperture, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture define the first aperture and the second aperture, An inner space, and a second aperture extending through the second aperture and aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft;
The shaft being separate from the first component and configured to be mounted to the first component; And
The housing being separate from the second component and configured to be mounted to the second component,
Pre-assembled hinge module. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the rear wall of the housing includes a universal mounting surface configured to be mounted to the second component,
Pre-assembled hinge module. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein said at least one torque element defines a recess through a portion of said at least one torque element and wherein said recess is aligned with said pivot axis of said shaft, In a frictional engagement state with said recess,
Pre-assembled hinge module. The method according to claim 1,
And a fastener coupling said at least one torque element to said housing.
Pre-assembled hinge module. 5. The method of claim 4,
The fastener being operable to securely retain the at least one torque element within the housing and to prevent the at least one torque element from rotating relative to the housing,
Pre-assembled hinge module. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the at least one torque element defines a bore hole and the fastener comprises a rivet received within the bore hole for coupling the at least one torque element to the housing.
Pre-assembled hinge module. The method according to claim 1,
The front wall and the side wall defining a footprint and the rear wall extending outwardly of the footprint to form an extension,
Pre-assembled hinge module. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the extension of the rear wall defines an aperture for receiving a mounting fastener for mounting the housing to the second component,
Pre-assembled hinge module. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the front wall and the side wall of the housing are integrally formed as a single body of a single structure separated from the rear wall,
Pre-assembled hinge module. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the rear wall includes a mounting plate, the front wall and the side wall defining a cover attached to the mounting plate,
Pre-assembled hinge module. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the cover receives the at least one torque element in a form-locking fit,
Pre-assembled hinge module. 11. The method of claim 10,
The inner space defines a reservoir containing a large amount of lubricant,
Pre-assembled hinge module. The method according to claim 1,
The shaft having a proximal end having a head mating with a first aperture of the front wall and a distal end defining a coupling surface for engagement with the coupling element ,
Pre-assembled hinge module. 14. The method of claim 13,
Said coupling surface comprising an annular recess defined in said distal end for receiving a coupling element in the form of a ring coupling,
Pre-assembled hinge module. A set of hinge modules configured to couple a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to each other,
Wherein the set of hinge modules includes a first pre-assembled hinge module configured to control relative pivotal movement of the first and second components in a first pivot direction, and a second pre- And a second pre-assembled hinge module configured to control relative pivotal movement in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction,
The first and second preassembled hinge modules are each:
A shaft defining a pivot axis;
At least one torque element frictionally engaged with the shaft; And
The housing including a front wall, a side wall, and a rear wall, the front wall, the side wall, and the rear wall defining an interior space enclosed within the housing,
Said inner space receiving said at least one torque element within said housing,
Wherein the front wall defines a first aperture and the rear wall defines a second aperture and wherein the first aperture and the second aperture define a position in which the shaft contacts the first aperture, And extending along the second aperture, with the pivot axis of the shaft;
The shaft being separate from the first component and configured to be mounted to the first component; And
The housing being separate from the second component and configured to be mounted to the second component,
A set of hinge modules. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the housing of the first pre-assembled hinge module includes a first indicia corresponding to the first mounting location and the second pre-assembled hinge module includes a second mounting on the opposite side of the first mounting location, ≪ / RTI > comprising a second indication corresponding to a position,
A set of hinge modules. As a hinged system,
A first component;
A second component; And
And a pre-assembled hinge module coupling the first component to the second component in a pivotal connection to allow pivotal movement of the first component relative to the second component,
The preassembled hinge module comprises:
A shaft defining a pivot axis;
At least one torque element frictionally engaged with the shaft; And
The housing including a front wall, a side wall, and a rear wall, the front wall, the side wall, and the rear wall defining an interior space enclosed within the housing,
Said inner space receiving said at least one torque element within said housing,
Wherein the front wall defines a first aperture and the rear wall defines a second aperture and wherein the first aperture and the second aperture define a position in which the shaft contacts the first aperture, And extending along the second aperture, with the pivot axis of the shaft;
The shaft being separate from the first component and mounted to the first component; And
The housing being separate from the second component and being mounted to the second component,
Hinge system. 18. The method of claim 17,
The hinge system comprises a storage compartment of one of a vehicle, a vessel, and an aircraft,
Hinge system.

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