Armrest hinge assembly with POM friction plate structure and automobile armrest

Abstract

The present invention relates to an armrest hinge assembly and an automobile armrest of a POM friction plate structure. The armrest hinge assembly comprises an upper hinge bracket, a lower hinge bracket and a hinge shaft assembly; the upper hinge bracket comprises an upper bracket plate and an upper hinge arm protruding from the upper bracket plate; the lower hinge bracket comprises a lower bracket plate and a lower hinge arm protruding from the lower bracket plate; the hinge shaft assembly comprises an upper connecting plate detachably connected to the end of the upper hinge arm, a lower connecting plate detachably connected to the end of the lower hinge arm, a hinge shaft passing through the upper connecting plate and the lower connecting plate, and a first annular POM friction plate, a second annular POM friction plate, a spring washer, a fixing nut and a locking nut sequentially arranged on the hinge shaft. The present invention can solve the problem that the spring hinge cannot be opened to achieve arbitrary angle positioning, and the metal friction plate spring hinge has high cost and heavy weight; at the same time, the hinge shaft assembly can realize modular production, which can effectively improve the assembly efficiency of the hinge shaft assembly and reduce the development cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of automobile armrests, and in particular to an armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure and an automobile armrest. Background Art

[0002] In traditional technology, the car armrests on the market are mainly opened by spring hinges. Under the action of spring force, the car armrest will automatically open to a fixed angle, while other positions need to be manually maintained by the passengers, which is inconvenient to use.

[0003] In order to solve the problem that the car armrest cannot be opened and positioned at a fixed angle, a car armrest opened by a metal friction plate spring hinge has appeared on the market. However, this metal friction plate spring hinge has a high cost and is heavy, which is not conducive to the development of lightweight vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides an armrest hinge assembly and a vehicle armrest with a POM (Polyformaldehyde) friction plate structure to solve the problems in the related art that the spring hinge cannot achieve angle positioning when opened and the metal friction plate spring hinge is costly and heavy.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure, comprising:

[0006] A hinged lower bracket, comprising a lower bracket plate and a lower hinged arm protruding out of the lower bracket plate; and,

[0007] A hinge shaft assembly, comprising an upper connecting plate detachably connected to the end of the upper hinge arm, a lower connecting plate detachably connected to the end of the lower hinge arm, a hinge shaft passing through the upper connecting plate and the lower connecting plate, and a first annular POM friction plate, a second annular POM friction plate, a spring washer, a fixing nut and a locking nut sequentially passing through the hinge shaft;

[0008] Among them, the first annular POM friction plate and the second annular POM friction plate are respectively tightly arranged on both sides of the upper connecting plate, and a first groove is provided on the friction surface of the first annular POM friction plate in contact with the upper connecting plate, and a second groove is provided on the friction surface of the second annular POM friction plate in contact with the upper connecting plate, the first groove is arranged along the radial direction of the first annular POM friction plate and penetrates the friction surface of the first annular POM friction plate, and the second groove is arranged along the radial direction of the second annular POM friction plate and penetrates the friction surface of the second annular POM friction plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, a plurality of the first grooves are provided through the friction surface of the first annular POM friction plate, and a plurality of the second grooves are provided through the friction surface of the second annular POM friction plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, a first snap-fit ​​structure is provided at one end of the upper connecting plate, and a first snap-fit ​​structure snap-fitted with the first snap-fit ​​structure is provided at the end of the upper hinged arm;

[0011] A second clamping structure is provided at one end of the lower connecting plate, and a second clamping structure that is clamped and matched with the second clamping structure is provided at the end of the lower hinged arm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first clamping structure includes first clamping claws protruding from both sides of the end of the upper connecting plate, and a first clamping protrusion protruding from the top surface of the end of the upper connecting plate, the first clamping claws on both sides are arranged opposite to each other, and a first gripping gap is formed between the first clamping claws and the upper connecting plate;

[0013] The end of the upper hinge arm extends into the first gripping gap; the first buckling structure includes a first clamping hole opened at the end of the upper hinge arm, and the first clamping protrusion is clamped in the first clamping hole;

[0014] The second buckling structure comprises second claws protruding from both sides of the end of the lower hinge arm, a second clamping hole is opened at the end of the lower hinge arm, and the second claws on both sides are arranged opposite to each other and surround the lower hinge arm to form a second gripping gap;

[0015] The end of the lower connecting plate extends into the second gripping gap; the second clamping structure includes a second clamping protrusion protruding from the top surface of the end of the upper hinged arm, and the second clamping protrusion is clamped in the second clamping hole.

[0016] In some embodiments, the other end of the upper connecting plate is provided with an upper hinge hole, and the other end of the lower connecting plate is provided with a lower hinge hole; the hinge shaft comprises a flat shaft section passing through the upper hinge hole and the lower hinge hole, and a circular threaded shaft section protruding from the end of the flat shaft section;

[0017] The lower hinge hole is set as a flat shaft hole with an interference fit with the flat shaft section, the upper hinge hole is set as a circular shaft hole with a clearance fit with the flat shaft section, and the centers of the first annular POM friction plate and the second annular POM friction plate are both provided with flat connecting holes with an interference fit with the flat shaft section; the fixing nut and the anti-loosening nut are both connected to the circular threaded shaft section, and the spring washer is clamped between the fixing nut and the second annular POM friction plate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the hinge shaft assembly further includes a damping sleeve sleeved on the flat shaft segment, and the damping sleeve is inserted into the upper hinge hole.

[0019] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the damping sleeve is in frictional contact with the inner wall surface of the upper hinge hole.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first annular POM friction plate, the damping sleeve and the second annular POM friction plate are all polyoxymethylene resin injection molding parts.

[0021] In some embodiments, an upper hinge ring is provided at the end of the upper connecting plate, and the upper hinge hole is formed at the center of the upper hinge ring; both side surfaces of the upper hinge ring are set as first rough surfaces, and the two first rough surfaces are in friction contact with the first annular POM friction plate and the second annular POM friction plate respectively;

[0022] A lower hinge ring is provided at the end of the lower connecting plate, and the lower hinge hole is formed at the center of the lower hinge ring; the inner side surface of the lower hinge ring is set as a second rough surface, and the second rough surface is in friction contact with the first annular POM friction plate.

[0023] In some embodiments, a lower arm protrusion is protrudingly provided on the outer circumferential surface of the lower hinge ring, and the lower arm protrusion extends along the axial direction of the lower hinge ring toward the upper hinge ring;

[0024] A first arc-shaped limiting protrusion is protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the first annular POM friction plate, and the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion is in corresponding limiting contact with the lower arm protrusion;

[0025] Or / and, a second arc-shaped limiting protrusion is protrudingly provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second annular POM friction plate, and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion is in corresponding limiting contact with the lower arm protrusion.

[0026] In some embodiments, a first arc-shaped limiting protrusion is protruding from the outer circumference of the first annular POM friction plate, and a second arc-shaped limiting protrusion is protruding from the outer circumference of the second annular POM friction plate;

[0027] The first arc-shaped limiting protrusion and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion are respectively in contact with two ends of the lower arm protrusion; or,

[0028] One of the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion abuts against one end of the lower arm protrusion, and the other abuts against the inner side surface of the lower arm protrusion; or,

[0029] The first arc-shaped limiting protrusion and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion are both in contact with the inner side surface of the lower arm protrusion.

[0030] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle armrest, comprising an armrest hinge assembly with the POM friction plate structure as described above.

[0031] The embodiment of the present invention provides an armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure, which makes the upper connecting plate detachably connected to the upper hinge arm of the hinge upper bracket, and makes the lower connecting plate detachably connected to the lower hinge arm of the hinge lower bracket, so that the hinge shaft assembly connected to the upper connecting plate and the lower connecting plate is detachably connected to the hinge upper bracket and the hinge lower bracket, and the hinge shaft assembly can be independently modularized so that the hinge shaft assembly can adapt to different vehicle models. That is, the hinge shaft assembly can be modularly produced, which can effectively improve the assembly efficiency of the hinge shaft assembly and reduce the development cost. Moreover, different vehicle models can be easily assembled with the hinge shaft assembly according to different hinge upper brackets and hinge lower brackets.

[0032] Moreover, the upper hinge arm of the hinge upper bracket and the lower hinge arm of the hinge lower bracket are frictionally hinged by the hinge shaft assembly, so that the upper hinge bracket can be opened relative to the hinge lower bracket and fixed at any angle. The upper hinge arm of the hinge upper bracket and the lower hinge arm of the hinge lower bracket can be rotatably connected through the hinge shaft of the hinge shaft assembly to achieve relative free rotation of the two. Moreover, the first annular POM friction plate and the second annular POM friction plate are inserted on the hinge shaft, so that the upper connecting plate can be in friction contact with the first annular POM friction plate and the second annular POM friction plate at the same time, and the two POM friction plates are pressed against the upper connecting plate by the spring washer, the fixing nut and the locking nut, and the upper connecting plate can be stopped at any angle by the friction between the two POM friction plates and the upper connecting plate. Moreover, by setting both friction plates as POM friction plates, that is, polyoxymethylene resin friction plates, not only good friction effect is achieved, but also the weight of the friction plates can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. Moreover, by opening a radially penetrating first groove on the first annular POM friction plate and a radially penetrating second groove on the second annular POM friction plate, not only can the first groove and the second groove be used to discharge the residue generated during the friction process, but the weight of the friction plate can also be further reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0034] Figure 1 The three-dimensional structure of the armrest hinge assembly with the POM friction plate structure according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 2 The three-dimensional structure of the armrest hinge assembly with the POM friction plate structure according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the hinge shaft assembly of the armrest hinge assembly with the POM friction plate structure according to the embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the hinge shaft assembly of the armrest hinge assembly with the POM friction plate structure according to the embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0038] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a partially exploded structure of a hinge shaft assembly of an armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a completely exploded structure of a hinge shaft assembly of an armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the hinge shaft assembly of the armrest hinge assembly with the POM friction plate structure described in an embodiment of the present invention (when the upper connecting plate and the lower connecting plate are removed).

[0041] In the figure: 100, hinge upper bracket; 110, upper bracket plate; 120, upper articulated arm; 200, hinge lower bracket; 210, lower bracket plate; 220, lower articulated arm; 300, hinge shaft assembly; 310, articulated shaft; 312, flat shaft section; 314, circular threaded shaft section; 320, first annular POM friction plate; 322, first groove; 330, damping sleeve; 340, second annular POM Friction plate; 342, second groove; 344, second arc-shaped limiting protrusion; 350, spring washer; 360, fixing nut; 370, anti-loosening nut; 380, upper connecting plate; 382, ​​first clamping structure; 384, upper hinge ring; 3842, upper hinge hole; 390, lower connecting plate; 392, second clamping structure; 394, lower hinge ring; 3942, lower hinge hole; 3944, lower arm protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] In traditional technology, automobile armrests on the market are mainly opened by spring hinges. Under the action of spring force, the automobile armrest will automatically open to a fixed angle in this opening method, while other positions require the occupants to manually maintain them, which is inconvenient to use. In order to solve the problem that the automobile armrest cannot be opened and positioned to a fixed angle, automobile armrests opened by metal friction plate spring hinges have appeared on the market. However, this metal friction plate spring hinge has a high cost and is heavy, which is not conducive to the development of lightweight automobiles. In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention proposes an armrest hinge assembly and an automobile armrest with a POM friction plate structure.

[0044] like Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown, the armrest hinge assembly of the POM friction plate structure proposed in the present invention includes an upper hinge bracket 100, a lower hinge bracket 200, and a hinge shaft assembly 300 for hinge-connecting the upper hinge bracket 100 and the lower hinge bracket 200. The upper hinge bracket 100 and the lower hinge bracket 200 are frictionally hinged by the hinge shaft assembly 300, so that the upper hinge bracket 100 can be opened relative to the lower hinge bracket 200 and fixed at any angle.

[0045] Specifically, Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the hinge upper bracket 100 may include an upper bracket plate 110 and an upper hinge arm 120 protruding from the upper bracket plate 110. Moreover, the hinge lower bracket 200 may include a lower bracket plate 210 and a lower hinge arm 220 protruding from the lower bracket plate 210. Moreover, the above-mentioned hinge shaft assembly 300 may include an upper connecting plate 380 detachably connected to the end of the upper hinge arm 120, a lower connecting plate 390 detachably connected to the end of the lower hinge arm 220, a hinge shaft 310 passing through the upper connecting plate 380 and the lower connecting plate 390, and a first annular POM friction plate 320, a second annular POM friction plate 340, a spring washer 350, a fixing nut 360 and a locking nut 370 sequentially passed through the hinge shaft 310, the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second annular POM friction plate 340 are respectively tightly arranged on both sides of the upper connecting plate 380, and the spring washer 350, the fixing nut 360 and the locking nut 370 are elastically fastened to the outer side of the second annular POM friction plate 340.

[0046] In this way, by making the upper connecting plate 380 detachably connected to the upper hinge arm 120 of the hinge upper bracket 100, and making the lower connecting plate 390 detachably connected to the lower hinge arm 220 of the hinge lower bracket 200, the hinge shaft assembly 300 connected to the upper connecting plate 380 and the lower connecting plate 390 is detachably connected to the hinge upper bracket 100 and the hinge lower bracket 200, and the hinge shaft assembly 300 can be independently modularized, so that the hinge shaft assembly 300 can adapt to different vehicle models. That is, the hinge shaft assembly can be modularly produced, which can effectively improve the assembly efficiency of the hinge shaft assembly and reduce the development cost. Moreover, different vehicle models can be easily assembled with the hinge shaft assembly according to different hinge upper brackets and hinge lower brackets. Therefore, the differentiated settings of the hinge upper bracket 100 and the hinge lower bracket 200 can be realized to correspond to different vehicle models; and the hinge shaft assembly 300 can be universally set, and different vehicle models can be directly selected without redevelopment.

[0047] Moreover, the upper hinge arm 120 of the hinge upper bracket 100 and the lower hinge arm 220 of the hinge lower bracket 200 are frictionally hinged by the hinge shaft assembly 300, so that the hinge upper bracket 100 can be opened relative to the hinge lower bracket 200 and fixed at any angle. Moreover, the upper hinge arm 120 of the hinge upper bracket 100 and the lower hinge arm 220 of the hinge lower bracket 200 can be rotatably connected through the hinge shaft 310 (as well as the upper connecting plate 380 and the lower connecting plate 390) of the hinge shaft assembly 300 to achieve relative free rotation of the two. Moreover, by passing through the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second annular POM friction plate 340 on the hinge shaft 310, the upper connecting plate 380 can be in friction contact with the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second annular POM friction plate 340 at the same time, and the two POM friction plates are pressed against the upper connecting plate 380 by the spring washer 350, the fixing nut 360 and the locking nut 370. The friction force between the two POM friction plates and the upper connecting plate 380 can make the upper connecting plate 380 stay at any angle position, that is, the hinge upper bracket 100 connected to the upper connecting plate 380 can stay at any angle position. Moreover, by setting both friction plates as POM friction plates, that is, polyoxymethylene resin friction plates, not only a good friction effect is achieved, but also the weight of the friction plates can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, if Figure 6 to Figure 7As shown, a first groove 322 is provided on the friction surface of the first annular POM friction plate 320 in contact with the upper connecting plate 380, and a second groove 342 is provided on the friction surface of the second annular POM friction plate 340 in contact with the upper connecting plate 380. Moreover, the first groove 322 is provided along the radial direction of the first annular POM friction plate 320 and penetrates the friction surface of the first annular POM friction plate 320, and the second groove 342 is provided along the radial direction of the second annular POM friction plate 340 and penetrates the friction surface of the second annular POM friction plate 340. Moreover, by providing the first groove 322 and the second groove 342 in radial direction on the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second groove 342 in radial direction on the second annular POM friction plate 340, not only can the first groove 322 and the second groove 342 be used to discharge the residue generated during the friction process, but also the weight of the friction plate can be further reduced. Moreover, by setting the first groove 322 and the second groove 342 through the friction surface of the friction plate, not only the slag removal effect is better, but also the weight of the friction plate can be further reduced. In addition, by discharging the injection molding powder slag on the friction plate through the grooves, the force balance between the POM friction plate and the hinge upper bracket 100 and the hinge lower bracket 200 can be maintained, ensuring durable reliability.

[0049] Moreover, in some embodiments, a plurality of first grooves 322 may be provided on the friction surface of the first annular POM friction plate 320, and a plurality of second grooves 342 may be provided on the friction surface of the second annular POM friction plate 340. By evenly providing a plurality of first grooves 322 and a plurality of second grooves 342, the slag removal effect is better, the force on the friction plate is more uniform, and the weight of the friction plate can be further reduced. In addition, a first groove 322 may be provided on the friction surface of the first annular POM friction plate 320, and a second groove 342 may be provided on the friction surface of the second annular POM friction plate 340. In addition, the number of grooves and the depth of the grooves may be correspondingly set as needed.

[0050] In addition, the upper connecting plate 380 can be detachably connected to the upper articulated arm 120 of the hinge upper bracket 100 by a snap connection or a screw connection, and the lower connecting plate 390 can also be detachably connected to the lower articulated arm 220 of the hinge lower bracket 200 by a snap connection or a screw connection. In addition, the upper bracket plate 110 and the upper articulated arm 120 of the hinge upper bracket 100 can be integrated, and the entire hinge upper bracket 100 can be designed accordingly according to different vehicle models; in addition, the upper bracket plate 110 and the upper articulated arm 120 can be detachably connected, and the upper bracket plate 110 can be designed accordingly according to different vehicle models. Moreover, the lower bracket plate 210 and the lower articulated arm 220 of the hinge lower bracket 200 can be integrated, and the entire hinge lower bracket 200 can be designed accordingly according to different vehicle models; in addition, the lower bracket plate 210 and the lower articulated arm 220 can be detachably connected, and the upper bracket plate 210 can be designed accordingly according to different vehicle models.

[0051] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a first snap-fit ​​structure 382 is provided at one end of the upper connecting plate 380, and a first snap-fit ​​structure snap-fitted with the first snap-fit ​​structure 382 is provided at the end of the upper hinge arm 120. Moreover, a second snap-fit ​​structure 392 is provided at one end of the lower connecting plate 390, and a second snap-fit ​​structure snap-fitted with the second snap-fit ​​structure 392 is provided at the end of the lower hinge arm 220. That is, the upper connecting plate 380 and the upper hinge arm 120, and the lower connecting plate 390 and the lower hinge arm 220 can be snap-fitted by snap-fitting. This assembly connection method is relatively easy to assemble, and there is no need to develop a corresponding hinge shaft assembly according to each vehicle model (no need to adjust the torque of the connecting bolts, etc.).

[0052] Furthermore, the first clamping structure 382 may include first clamping claws protruding from both sides of the end of the upper connecting plate 380, and a first clamping protrusion protruding from the top surface of the end of the upper connecting plate 380. The first clamping claws on both sides are arranged opposite to each other and a first gripping gap is formed between the upper connecting plate 380. Moreover, the end of the upper hinge arm 120 extends into the first gripping gap; the first buckling structure may include a first clamping hole opened at the end of the upper hinge arm 120, and the first clamping protrusion is clamped in the first clamping hole. That is, when the upper connecting plate 380 and the upper articulated arm 120 are connected by snapping, the end of the upper articulated arm 120 can be first extended into the first gripping gap formed by the first claws on both sides of the end of the upper connecting plate 380, and the upper connecting plate 380 and the upper articulated arm 120 can be limited from the circumferential side; and by snapping the first convex on the upper connecting plate 380 into the first clamping hole of the upper articulated arm 120, the upper articulated arm 120 and the upper connecting plate 380 can be limited from the length direction of the upper articulated arm 120 to prevent the two from loosening. In this way, the upper connecting plate 380 and the upper articulated arm 120 can be detachably connected. In addition, the above-mentioned first claws can be respectively set on both sides of the end of the upper articulated arm 120, the above-mentioned first convex can be set at the end of the upper articulated arm 120, and the above-mentioned first clamping hole can be set on the upper connecting plate 380. In addition, in order to facilitate the connection between the upper connecting plate 380 and the upper hinge arm 120, the first clamping claw and the first clamping protrusion can be set as elastic members.

[0053] Furthermore, the second buckling structure may include second claws protruding from both sides of the end of the lower hinge arm 220, a second clamping hole opened at the end of the lower hinge arm 220, and the second claws on both sides are arranged opposite to each other and a second gripping gap is formed between the lower hinge arm 220. Furthermore, the end of the lower connecting plate 390 extends into the second gripping gap; the second clamping structure 392 may include a second clamping protrusion protruding from the top surface of the end of the lower connecting plate 390, and the second clamping protrusion is clamped in the second clamping hole. That is, when the lower connecting plate 390 and the lower articulated arm 220 are connected by snapping, the end of the lower connecting plate 390 can be first extended into the second gripping gap formed by the second claws on both sides of the end of the lower articulated arm 220, and the lower connecting plate 390 and the lower articulated arm 220 can be limited from the circumferential side; and by snapping the second snap protrusion on the lower connecting plate 390 into the second snap hole of the lower articulated arm 220, the lower articulated arm 220 and the lower connecting plate 390 can be limited from the length direction of the lower articulated arm 220 to prevent the two from loosening. In this way, the lower connecting plate 390 and the lower articulated arm 220 can be detachably connected. In addition, the second snap claws can be respectively arranged on both sides of the end of the lower connecting plate 390, the second snap protrusion can be arranged on the end of the lower articulated arm 220, or the second snap hole can be arranged on the lower connecting plate 390. In addition, in order to facilitate the connection between the lower connecting plate 390 and the lower hinge arm 220, the second clamping claw and the second clamping protrusion can be set as elastic members.

[0054] In addition, in some other embodiments, the upper connecting plate 380 and the upper hinge arm 120 may be detachably connected via connecting bolts; similarly, the lower connecting plate 390 and the lower hinge arm 220 may be detachably connected via connecting bolts.

[0055] In addition, an upper hinge hole 3842 is provided at the other end of the upper connecting plate 380, and a lower hinge hole 3942 is provided at the other end of the lower connecting plate 390. Moreover, in some embodiments, the hinge shaft 310 may include a flat shaft section 312 passing through the upper hinge hole 3842 and the lower hinge hole 3942, and a circular threaded shaft section 314 protruding from the end of the flat shaft section 312. Moreover, the lower hinge hole 3942 may be set as a flat shaft hole with an interference fit with the flat shaft section 312, the upper hinge hole 3842 may be set as a circular shaft hole with a clearance fit with the flat shaft section 312, and the centers of the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second annular POM friction plate 340 are both provided with a flat connection hole with an interference fit with the flat shaft section 312. By providing a flat shaft section 312 on the hinge shaft 310, it can correspond to the flat shaft hole on the lower connecting plate 390, so that the hinge shaft 310 and the lower connecting plate 390 are fixedly connected together (no relative rotation will occur between the two); and by making the flat shaft section 312 cooperate with the circular shaft hole of the upper connecting plate 380, the upper connecting plate 380 can be rotated relative to the flat shaft section 312, that is, the upper connecting plate 380 can be rotated relative to the lower connecting plate 390, so that the upper hinge arm 120 can be rotated relative to the lower hinge arm 220; at the same time, by providing a flat connecting hole that cooperates with the flat shaft section 312 at the center of the two friction plates, the friction plates can also be fixed on the hinge shaft 310, so that the upper connecting plate 380 is in friction contact with the fixed friction plate during the rotation process, so as to generate friction resistance on the upper connecting plate 380.

[0056] Moreover, the fixing nut 360 and the locking nut 370 are both connected to the circular threaded shaft section 314, and the spring washer 350 is clamped between the fixing nut 360 and the second annular POM friction plate 340. The second annular POM friction plate 340 can be clamped by the spring washer 350, so that the friction plate and the upper connecting plate 380 are clamped, which has a good friction effect. Moreover, by arranging the circular threaded shaft section 314 on the hinge shaft 310, it is convenient to connect and fix the fixing nut 360 and the locking nut 370 on the hinge shaft 310, so as to tightly fasten the second annular POM friction plate 340, the upper connecting plate 380, and the first annular POM friction plate 320.

[0057] In addition, in some embodiments, the hinge shaft assembly 300 may further include a damping sleeve 330 sleeved on the flat shaft section 312, and the damping sleeve 330 is inserted into the upper hinge hole 3842 of the upper connecting plate 380. That is, a cylindrical damping sleeve 330 is arranged between the hinge shaft 310 and the upper hinge hole 3842 of the upper connecting plate 380, and friction force can be applied from the inner wall surface of the upper hinge hole 3842 of the upper connecting plate 380 through the damping sleeve 330, and the friction effect on the upper connecting plate 380 can be further enhanced in combination with the friction plate. Moreover, the outer surface of the damping sleeve 330 is in friction contact with the inner wall surface of the upper hinge hole 3842 of the upper connecting plate 380, and the inner surface of the damping sleeve 330 is interference fit with the flat shaft section 312, so that the damping sleeve 330 is firmly fixed on the hinge shaft 310, and the damping sleeve 330 is frictionally rotated relative to the upper connecting plate 380.

[0058] Moreover, in some embodiments, the first annular POM friction plate 320, the damping sleeve 330 and the second annular POM friction plate 340 can all be set as polyoxymethylene resin injection moldings. That is, the friction plate and the damping sleeve 330 can be obtained by polyoxymethylene resin injection molding, which is simple and convenient. Such polyoxymethylene resin injection moldings have hardness, strength and rigidity similar to metals, and have good self-lubrication and good fatigue resistance in a wide range of temperature and humidity. In addition, the upper connecting plate 380 (and the hinge upper bracket 100), the lower connecting plate 390 (and the hinge lower bracket 200), the hinge shaft 310, the spring washer 350, the fixing nut 360 and the locking nut 370 can all be set as metal parts; in addition, the upper connecting plate 380, the lower connecting plate 390 and the hinge shaft 310 can also be set as polyoxymethylene resin injection moldings, which can further reduce weight.

[0059] In addition, in some embodiments, an upper hinge ring 384 may be provided at the end of the upper connecting plate 380, and the upper hinge hole 3842 is formed at the center of the upper hinge ring 384; and both sides of the upper hinge ring 384 are set as first rough surfaces, and the two first rough surfaces are in friction contact with the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second annular POM friction plate 340 respectively. By providing the upper hinge ring 384 with the upper hinge hole 3842 at the end of the upper connecting plate 380, the upper hinge ring 384 is completely corresponding to the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second annular POM friction plate 340 (the inner diameter of the upper hinge ring 384 can be the same as the inner diameter of the friction plate, and the outer diameter of the upper hinge ring 384 can also be the same as the outer diameter of the friction plate), and the friction effect is better. Moreover, by setting both sides of the upper hinge ring 384 as rough surfaces, the friction effect with the abutting POM friction plate can be enhanced.

[0060] Similarly, the end of the lower connecting plate 390 may be provided with a lower hinge ring 394, the center of which is formed with the lower hinge hole 3942; and the inner side surface of the lower hinge ring 394 is set as a second rough surface, and the second rough surface is in frictional contact with the first annular POM friction plate 320. By setting the lower hinge ring 394 with the lower hinge hole 3942 at the end of the lower connecting plate 390, the lower hinge ring 394 is matched with the first annular POM friction plate 320 (the inner diameter of the lower hinge ring 394 can be the same as the inner diameter of the friction plate, and the outer diameter of the lower hinge ring 394 can be the same as the outer diameter of the friction plate), and the friction effect is better. Moreover, by setting the inner side surface of the lower hinge ring 394 (the side surface corresponding to the first annular POM friction plate 320) as a rough surface, the friction effect with the first POM friction plate 320 abutting against can be enhanced.

[0061] In addition, a lower arm protrusion 3944 is protrudingly provided on the outer circumference of the lower hinge ring 394, and the lower arm protrusion 3944 can extend in the direction of the upper hinge ring 384 along the axial direction of the lower hinge ring 394. Moreover, in some embodiments, a first arc-shaped limiting protrusion is protrudingly provided on the outer circumference of the first annular POM friction plate 320 (arranged along the circumference of the first annular POM friction plate 320), and the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion is correspondingly limited and abutted with the lower arm protrusion 3944. By providing a protruding lower arm protrusion 3944 on the outer circumference of the lower hinge ring 394 at the end of the lower connecting plate 390, it can be correspondingly matched with the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion protrudingly provided on the outer circumference of the first annular POM friction plate 320 to limit the first annular POM friction plate 320, so as to avoid driving the annular POM friction plate to rotate together and affecting the rotation and suspension effect of the upper connecting plate 380 during the friction rotation of the upper connecting plate 380 and the two annular POM friction plates.

[0062] In addition, in some other embodiments, a second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 (arranged along the circumference of the second annular POM friction plate 340) is protrudingly provided on the outer circumference of the second annular POM friction plate 340, and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 is correspondingly limited and abutted with the lower arm protrusion 3944. Similarly, by providing a protruding lower arm protrusion 3944 on the outer circumference of the lower hinge ring 394 at the end of the lower connecting plate 390, it can be matched with the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 protrudingly provided on the outer circumference of the second annular POM friction plate 340 to limit the two annular POM friction plates, so as to avoid driving the annular POM friction plates to rotate together and affecting the rotation and hovering effect of the upper connecting plate 380 during the friction rotation between the upper connecting plate 380 and the two annular POM friction plates.

[0063] Moreover, in some other embodiments, a first arc-shaped limiting protrusion (arranged along the circumference of the first annular POM friction plate 320) is protrudingly provided on the outer circumference of the first annular POM friction plate 320, and the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion is in corresponding limiting contact with the lower arm protrusion 3944. At the same time, a second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 (arranged along the circumference of the second annular POM friction plate 340) is protrudingly provided on the outer circumference of the second annular POM friction plate 340, and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 is in corresponding limiting contact with the lower arm protrusion 3944.

[0064] Moreover, in some embodiments, the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 may be respectively abutted against the two ends of the lower arm protrusion 3944. That is, the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion of the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 of the second annular POM friction plate 340 may be respectively clamped at the two ends of the lower arm protrusion 3944 of the lower hinge ring 384 to achieve the limiting of the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second annular POM friction plate 340.

[0065] In addition, in other embodiments, one of the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 abuts against one end of the lower arm protrusion 3944, and the other abuts against the inner side of the lower arm protrusion 3944. That is, the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion of the first annular POM friction plate 320 (or the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 of the second annular POM friction plate 340) is pressed against one end of the lower arm protrusion 3944 of the lower hinge ring 384, and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 of the second annular POM friction plate 320 (or the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion of the first annular POM friction plate 320) is pressed against the bottom surface of the lower arm protrusion 3944 of the lower hinge ring 384 (i.e., the inner side facing the outer peripheral surface of the POM friction plate), so as to limit the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second annular POM friction plate 340.

[0066] In addition, in some other embodiments, the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 are both in contact with the inner side of the lower arm protrusion 3944. That is, the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion of the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion 344 of the second annular POM friction plate 340 are both pressed against the bottom surface of the lower arm protrusion 3944 of the lower hinge ring 384 (i.e., the inner side surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the POM friction plate) to achieve the limiting of the first annular POM friction plate 320 and the second annular POM friction plate 340.

[0067] In addition, a plurality of first arc-shaped limiting protrusions may be protrudingly provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first annular POM friction plate 320. In addition, a plurality of second arc-shaped limiting protrusions 344 may be protrudingly provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second annular POM friction plate 340, and the plurality of second arc-shaped limiting protrusions 344 all protrude from the side surface of the second annular POM friction plate 340 along the axial direction of the second annular POM friction plate 340, and a limiting groove is formed between the plurality of second arc-shaped limiting protrusions 344, and the spring washer 350 is limited in the limiting groove.

[0068] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an automobile armrest, comprising an armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure as described above, and an armrest box arranged on the armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure. That is, the armrest box is installed on an upper bracket plate of a hinge upper bracket of the armrest hinge assembly, and a lower bracket plate of a hinge upper bracket of the armrest hinge assembly is installed on a vehicle body, so as to fix the automobile armrest on the vehicle body.

[0069] The armrest hinge assembly and automobile armrest with a POM friction plate structure proposed in the present invention can enable the armrest hinge assembly to hover at any angle, satisfying the user experience of customers; the armrest hinge assembly is connected by a screw-type hinge shaft, has a firm and reliable structure, is easy to install and disassemble, and has high maintainability; the armrest hinge assembly has reliable operational durability, can meet the requirements of attenuation within 10% after 12,000 opening and closing tests at room temperature, and meet the requirements of a force value of 7 to 12N after 22,000 cycle tests, and functions normally.

[0070] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", etc. indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific position, be constructed and operated in a specific position, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. Unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be a connection between the two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0071] It should be noted that, in the present invention, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.

[0072] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, so that those skilled in the art can understand or implement the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features invented herein.

Claims

1. An armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure, characterized in that: include: A hinged upper bracket, comprising an upper bracket plate, and an upper hinged arm protruding out of the upper bracket plate; A hinged lower bracket, comprising a lower bracket plate and a lower hinged arm protruding out of the lower bracket plate; as well as, A hinge shaft assembly, comprising an upper connecting plate detachably connected to the end of the upper hinge arm, a lower connecting plate detachably connected to the end of the lower hinge arm, a hinge shaft passing through the upper connecting plate and the lower connecting plate, and a first annular POM friction plate, a second annular POM friction plate, a spring washer, a fixing nut and a locking nut sequentially passing through the hinge shaft; Wherein, the first annular POM friction plate and the second annular POM friction plate are respectively tightly arranged on both sides of the upper connecting plate, and a first groove is provided on the friction surface of the first annular POM friction plate in contact with the upper connecting plate, and a second groove is provided on the friction surface of the second annular POM friction plate in contact with the upper connecting plate, the first groove is provided along the radial direction of the first annular POM friction plate and penetrates the friction surface of the first annular POM friction plate, and the second groove is provided along the radial direction of the second annular POM friction plate and penetrates the friction surface of the second annular POM friction plate; A first clamping structure is provided at one end of the upper connecting plate, and a first buckling structure that is buckled with the first clamping structure is provided at the end of the upper hinged arm; A second clamping structure is provided at one end of the lower connecting plate, and a second clamping structure is provided at the end of the lower hinged arm to be buckled with the second clamping structure; The first clamping structure includes first clamping claws protruding from both sides of the end of the upper connecting plate, and a first clamping protrusion protruding from the top surface of the end of the upper connecting plate. The first clamping claws on both sides are arranged opposite to each other and form a first gripping gap with the upper connecting plate. The end of the upper hinge arm extends into the first gripping gap; the first buckling structure includes a first clamping hole opened at the end of the upper hinge arm, and the first clamping protrusion is clamped in the first clamping hole; The second buckling structure comprises second claws protruding from both sides of the end of the lower hinge arm, a second clamping hole is opened at the end of the lower hinge arm, and the second claws on both sides are arranged opposite to each other and surround the lower hinge arm to form a second gripping gap; The end of the lower connecting plate extends into the second gripping gap; the second clamping structure includes a second clamping protrusion protruding from the top surface of the end of the upper hinged arm, and the second clamping protrusion is clamped in the second clamping hole.

2. The armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of the first grooves are formed through the friction surface of the first annular POM friction plate, and a plurality of the second grooves are formed through the friction surface of the second annular POM friction plate.

3. The armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The other end of the upper connecting plate is provided with an upper hinge hole, and the other end of the lower connecting plate is provided with a lower hinge hole; the hinge shaft comprises a flat shaft section passing through the upper hinge hole and the lower hinge hole, and a circular threaded shaft section protruding from the end of the flat shaft section; The lower hinge hole is set as a flat shaft hole with an interference fit with the flat shaft section, the upper hinge hole is set as a circular shaft hole with a clearance fit with the flat shaft section, and the centers of the first annular POM friction plate and the second annular POM friction plate are both provided with flat connecting holes with an interference fit with the flat shaft section; the fixing nut and the anti-loosening nut are both connected to the circular threaded shaft section, and the spring washer is clamped between the fixing nut and the second annular POM friction plate.

4. The armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hinge shaft assembly also includes a damping sleeve sleeved on the flat shaft section, and the damping sleeve is inserted into the upper hinge hole.

5. The armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first annular POM friction plate, the damping sleeve and the second annular POM friction plate are all polyoxymethylene resin injection molding parts.

6. The armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: An upper hinge ring is provided at the end of the upper connecting plate, and the upper hinge hole is formed at the center of the upper hinge ring; both side surfaces of the upper hinge ring are set as first rough surfaces, and the two first rough surfaces are in friction contact with the first annular POM friction plate and the second annular POM friction plate respectively; A lower hinge ring is provided at the end of the lower connecting plate, and the lower hinge hole is formed at the center of the lower hinge ring; the inner side surface of the lower hinge ring is set as a second rough surface, and the second rough surface is in friction contact with the first annular POM friction plate.

7. The armrest hinge assembly with a POM friction plate structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: A lower arm protrusion is protrudingly provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower hinge ring, and the lower arm protrusion extends along the axial direction of the lower hinge ring toward the upper hinge ring; A first arc-shaped limiting protrusion is protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the first annular POM friction plate, and the first arc-shaped limiting protrusion is in corresponding limiting contact with the lower arm protrusion; Or / and, a second arc-shaped limiting protrusion is protrudingly provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second annular POM friction plate, and the second arc-shaped limiting protrusion is in corresponding limiting contact with the lower arm protrusion.

8. A car armrest, characterized in that: An armrest hinge assembly comprising a POM friction plate structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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