Silicone free torsion spring hinge damper

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a torsion spring damper having a compression limiter, a first disk, and a second disk. The first disk is disposed at a first end of the compression limiter, and the second disk is disposed at a second end of the compression limiter, wherein the second end is opposite the first end. The torsion spring damper also has a tension member. The tension member is connected to the first disk and the second disk. The tension member is comprised of a block copolymer.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 067,231, filed August 18, 2020, entitled “SILICONE FREE ROTATIONAL SPRINGHINGE DAMPENER”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Torsion springs can be used in a wide variety of applications. For some applications, it is desirable to combine torsion springs with dampers. Dampers reduce the release velocity of a loaded torsion spring after release. Some dampers may be particularly beneficial when combined with specific types of torsion springs. For example, typical silicone dampers provide only a small amount of resistive torque and may only be suitable for use with low-torque torsion springs and not for use with high-torque springs. Additionally, some dampers may not be suitable for use in all situations, such as at extreme temperatures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a torsion spring damper having a compression limiter, a first disc, and a second disc. The first disc is disposed at a first end of the compression limiter, and the second disc is disposed at a second end of the compression limiter, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end. The torsion spring damper also has a tension member. The tension member is connected to the first disc and the second disc. The tension member is made of a block copolymer. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1A An embodiment of the damper in its preloaded position is shown;

[0006] Figure 1B The damper is shown in a position where a 30-degree rotation has been applied;

[0007] Figure 1C The damper is shown in a position where a 240-degree rotation has been applied;

[0008] Figures 2A to 2D An isometric view of an embodiment of the damper is shown, wherein Figure 2A An isometric side view of a single damper is shown. Figure 2B An isometric bottom view of a damper positioned between the unassembled portions of the assembly is shown. Figure 2C An isometric top view of a damper positioned between the unassembled portions of the assembly is shown, while Figure 2D An isometric top view shows the damper positioned within the assembled assembly;

[0009] Figure 3 Another embodiment of a damper connected to a torsion spring is shown;

[0010] Figure 4 Is with Figure 3 Examples of stress-strain curves for dampers similar to those of other dampers;

[0011] Figure 5 This is a schematic top view of different dampers already installed in the application;

[0012] Figure 6A This is a side view of a car seat side shield in one embodiment where a damper is deployed;

[0013] Figure 6B This illustrates the torsion spring-driven motion of a car seat with and without a torsion spring damper; and

[0014] Figures 7A to 7C An inside view of another embodiment of the damper is shown, in which Figure 7B The damper in the neutral position is shown. Figure 7A The damper is shown in its position after being rotated counterclockwise, while Figure 7C The damper is shown in its position after clockwise rotation. Detailed Implementation

[0015] This disclosure provides a damper that can be combined with a torsion spring to improve the performance of a spring. As described herein, the term "torsion spring" is interchangeable with the term "torsional spring." Torsional springs are typically coupled with dampers so that the spring can be driven to perform mechanical motion in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction while being damped to control the rotational speed and / or resonant rebound of the spring. Such springs are typically metal disc springs or watch springs.

[0016] For some applications, metal springs can adequately meet the requirements of low mass and low torque. However, when using metal springs in applications with high torque requirements, specifications typically necessitate the use of coarse-diameter wire to achieve the desired torque. This increases product mass and size / volume, which is often undesirable. For example, in some applications, the packaging structure of torsion springs and dampers must be small to maximize storage space and aesthetic goals, while performing well and operating quietly with changes in time and temperature. Additionally, for some applications, certain materials may be unsuitable for use in dampers. For example, in high-heat applications (such as temperatures above 140°F), some polymer materials may become over-oriented, which can lead to undesirable annealing of the polymer material. The embodiments of this disclosure discussed herein address some of these shortcomings.

[0017] Figures 1A to 1C An embodiment of the damper is shown. Figures 2A to 2D Another embodiment of the damper is shown. Figures 3 to 4 Another embodiment of the damper is shown. Additionally, Figure 5 Figure 6 shows the damper installed in the application. Figures 7A to 7C Another embodiment of the damper is shown.

[0018] Turning Figures 1A to 1C The damper 100 has a compression limiter 110. The damper 100 also has a first disc 120 and a second disc 130, the first disc being disposed at a first end 112 of the compression limiter 110, and the second disc being disposed at a second end 114 of the compression limiter 110. The second end 114 is opposite to the first end 112 relative to the axial length of the compression limiter 110. The damper 100 also has a tension member 140.

[0019] See further Figures 1A to 1C The compression limiter 110 is located between the first disk 120 and the second disk 130, thereby preventing the first disk 120 and the second disk 130 from contacting each other. The compression limiter can be cylindrical, such as... Figures 1A to 1C As shown. However, the compression limiter can alternatively be formed into other shapes, such as a rectangular prism, a hexagonal prism, or an octagonal prism. The compression limiter can be elongated, such that its axial length is greater than its diameter. However, the compression limiter can alternatively have a wide shape, such that its diameter is greater than its axial length. In one embodiment, the compression limiter can be cylindrical. In a given application, the compression limiter can be made of any material suitable for separating the first and second discs. In a particular embodiment, the compression limiter is made of a rigid polymer material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), fluoroplastics (such as Teflon), polyamides (such as nylon, especially nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 12, nylon 13, and nylon 11), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyoxymethylene (POM). Compression limiters made of such materials can be advantageous because they have relatively low mass, low manufacturing cost, and also offer advantages in terms of the amount of friction generated between the compression limiter and the tension member.

[0020] See further Figures 1A to 1C The first tray 120 and the second tray 130 can be shaped into any suitable form for the application in which they are deployed. Figures 1A to 1C In the illustrated embodiment, both the first disk 120 and the second disk 130 are circular. In other embodiments, the disks can be rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. The disks can be formed to any size suitable for the application. Figures 1A to 1CIn the illustrated embodiment, the diameters of both the first disc 120 and the second disc 130 are larger than the diameter of the axial end of the compression limiter 110. In alternative embodiments, the diameter of the discs may be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the axial end of the compression limiter. Discs 120 and 130 may be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the discs are both made of a rigid polymer material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), fluoroplastics (e.g., Teflon), polyamides (e.g., nylon, especially nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 12, nylon 13, and nylon 11), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyoxymethylene (POM). Furthermore, it is contemplated that the first disc 120 may be made of a different material than the second disc 130. Additionally, it is contemplated that discs 120 and 130 may be made of the same material as the compression limiter 110. In one particular embodiment, discs 120 and 130 are both made of the same block copolymer material as tension member 140 (described below).

[0021] See you again Figures 1A to 1C Tension member 140 is connected to first disc 120 and second disc 130. Figures 1A to 1C In the illustrated embodiment, the damper 100 has two tension members 140. The damper 100 may have three, four, six, or more tension members. The tension members may be strips. In this embodiment, when the damper is twisted about its axis, the tension members apply compressive forces to the first and second discs, causing these discs to engage the first and second ends of the compression limiter, respectively, and generating friction between the axial surface of the compression limiter and the discs arranged at both ends of the compression limiter.

[0022] The tensile member 140 may be made of a block copolymer. Preferably, the tensile member 140 may be made of a modified block copolymer.

[0023] As used herein, the term "block copolymer" refers to a polymer having large, continuous segments (at least 1000 monomer units long) of polymer chains consisting primarily of a single type of monomer. Block copolymers differ from random copolymers in that the monomer units are not randomly distributed along the polymer chain, but rather arranged into blocks / parts consisting primarily of a single type of monomer unit. For example, a block copolymer consisting of monomers A and B will have a large, continuous segment consisting primarily of monomer A and a different large, continuous segment consisting primarily of monomer B. Blocks formed by polymerizing monomers A / B can be arranged in an alternating manner to form block copolymers with ABA or BAB structures, and / or arranged in a repeating manner to form block copolymers with, for example, AAB or BBA structures, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, each block can contain substantially the same number of monomers as other blocks consisting of the same monomers (i.e., each A block has substantially the same number of A monomers and each B block has substantially the same number of B monomers), or can contain a different number of monomers than other blocks consisting of the same monomers (i.e., different A blocks have different amounts of A monomers).

[0024] As used herein, the term "basic block copolymer" refers to a block copolymer having an unmodified chemical composition and structure (specifically, uncrosslinked and / or unexposed to treatments that induce significant crosslinking after polymerization), although the block copolymer may contain additives or functional groups that, upon exposure to such treatments (e.g., exposure to high-energy beta radiation), induce, promote, or enable significant crosslinking. As used herein, the term "modified block copolymer" refers to a basic block copolymer that has undergone chemical and / or structural modification after polymerization (specifically, has been exposed to treatments that induce significant crosslinking). Modified block copolymers may be basic block copolymers that have undergone radiation crosslinking. As used herein, the term "radiation crosslinked" refers to a copolymer exposed to sufficiently high-energy beta radiation (referred to as negative beta radiation). -Radiation is used to induce significant crosslinking of block copolymers in polymers. Regarding the radiation crosslinking process, the amount of radiation the polymer has been exposed to is controlled (and defined) by the exposure time and intensity. This radiation exposure measurement is typically performed using Becquerel metric units and a sacrificial paper test, where the sacrificial paper (usually indicated by color change) indicates the amount of radiation exposure. During the sacrificial paper test, the sacrificial paper is analyzed periodically, and based on the analysis of the sacrificial paper, it is determined whether to continue exposing the polymer component to additional radiation cycles or to terminate the exposure process. Regarding the crosslinking process, the exposure of the polymer component to radiation is generally limited to a few seconds. The duration of each exposure cycle can range from about 15 seconds to about 30 seconds. During the crosslinking process, a particular polymer component may undergo 1 to 30 radiation exposure cycles, depending on the properties of the uncrosslinked material itself and the intended application of the resulting crosslinked polymer component. Overexposure of a portion to radiation during any single radiation cycle can degrade the molecular structure of the polymer component, resulting in poor product performance. For this reason, radiation exposure is highly controlled, and any particular radiation cycle is limited to avoid permanent degradation of the polymer portion. Advantageously, radiation crosslinking improves certain mechanical and chemical properties of polymers, such as G-value, yield strength, elongation, and creep resistance. Furthermore, radiation crosslinking can be used to modify polymers after molding, facilitating the easy / standard selection and formation of particularly desired base polymers and easy / standard article molding processes, which can then be reinforced by subsequent radiation crosslinking of the molded polymer articles.

[0025] Suitable base block copolymers for use in the tensile member 140 include thermoplastic elastomers. Particularly advantageous thermoplastic elastomers suitable for use as base block copolymers in the tensile member 140 include base block copolymers having monomer units derived from esters and monomer units derived from ethers, hereinafter referred to as "ether / ester block copolymers". Some ether / ester block copolymers may consist only of monomer units derived from ethers and monomer units derived from esters. For example, the ether / ester block copolymers used in this disclosure have large continuous segments (referred to as "polyesters") consisting primarily of monomer units derived from esters and large continuous segments (referred to as "polyethers") consisting primarily of monomer units derived from ethers. Polymer chain segments (i.e., blocks) consisting primarily of polyesters are hereinafter referred to as "hard blocks", while polymer chain segments (or blocks) consisting primarily of polyethers are hereinafter referred to as "soft blocks". Other thermoplastic elastomers suitable for use as base block copolymers include silicon-based block copolymer elastomers (i.e., block copolymers having more than 50% by weight of silicon-derived monomers), nylon-based block copolymer elastomers (i.e., block copolymers having more than 50% by weight of nylon or amide-like monomers), fluoroblock copolymer elastomers (i.e., block copolymers having more than 50% by weight of monomers containing fluorine atoms), and polyurethane block copolymer elastomers.

[0026] The ratio of hard to soft blocks can be adjusted to promote the orientation of the base block copolymer, thereby enhancing its properties (yield strength, elongation, and creep resistance) when the base block copolymer resin is subjected to torsional, compressive, and tensile loads. Base block copolymer resins with a larger weight percentage of soft blocks exhibit higher elongation compared to those with a smaller weight percentage of soft blocks. Similarly, base block copolymer resins with a larger weight percentage of hard blocks will exhibit lower elongation and a higher yield point after orientation compared to those with a smaller weight percentage of hard blocks. Regarding yield point, base block copolymer resins with a larger weight percentage of soft blocks exhibit a lower tensile modulus compared to those with a smaller weight percentage of soft blocks. Similarly, base block copolymer resins with a larger weight percentage of hard blocks exhibit a higher tensile modulus compared to those with a smaller weight percentage of hard blocks.

[0027] Non-limiting examples of specific base block copolymers suitable for use in the tensile member 140 include: Hytrel block copolymers (polyethylene terephthalate / polybutylene terephthalate hard blocks, polyether soft blocks) available from DuPont; Arnitel block copolymers (polyethylene terephthalate / polybutylene terephthalate hard blocks, polyether soft blocks) available from DSM; KEYFLEX block copolymers (polyethylene terephthalate / polybutylene terephthalate hard blocks, polyether soft blocks) available from LG Chemical; and silicon-based thermoplastic block copolymers, such as those available from DuPont. 4000-50A 4000-60A and 4000-75A; amide-based thermoplastic block copolymers (polyamide hard blocks, polyether soft blocks), such as PEBAX available from Arkema; ​​and fluoroblock copolymer elastomers, such as Kynar available from Arkema.

[0028] Additionally, base block copolymers can be blended with other polymeric materials and additives to obtain base block copolymer resins with desired properties. Some resin compositions may include base block copolymers blended with additional pure hard block polymers. For example, base block copolymer resins can be formed by adding additional pure polyamide polymers to amide-based thermoplastic base block copolymers (polyamide hard blocks, polyether soft blocks) such as PEBAX. In another example, a base ether / ester block copolymer can be melt-blended with a pure hard block polymer (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin) prior to injection molding to increase the hard block content of the final block copolymer resin. Adding pure hard block polymers to the block copolymer can alter the hardness (compared to the hardness of the block copolymer) and / or the glass transition temperature (compared to the glass transition temperature of the block copolymer) of the resulting resin, which can advantageously reduce orientation annealing and / or increase its thermal creep resistance. This makes such base block copolymer resins particularly advantageous for use in tensile members 140 for high-heat applications (i.e., 140°F or higher). Furthermore, prior to molding, additives such as siloxanes, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorocarbons derived from Teflon™, and other fluorine-based resins can be added to the base block copolymer to modify its viscosity and other friction-related properties.

[0029] In some embodiments, the tensile member 140 may be composed of a modified block copolymer. The tensile member 140 may be composed of a modified block copolymer—a radiation-crosslinked block copolymer. In a particular embodiment, the tensile member 140 may be composed of a modified block copolymer—an ether / ester-based block copolymer that has been radiation-crosslinked. The tensile member 140 may be composed of a modified block copolymer resin—a base block copolymer resin comprising a base block copolymer and at least one additive, wherein the base block copolymer resin has been radiation-crosslinked. For example, the tensile member 140 may be composed of a modified block copolymer resin—a base block copolymer resin comprising ether / ester-based block copolymers, pure ether polymers, and siloxane / TPFE, wherein the base block copolymer resin has been radiation-crosslinked.

[0030] The modified block copolymer of tensile member 140 has a yield strength of about 5 MPa to about 15 MPa, or about 6 MPa to about 12 MPa, or about 7 MPa to about 9 MPa, or about 8 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638. The percentage elongation at break of the modified block copolymer of tensile member 140 can be about 100% to about 2000%, or about 200% to about 1800%, or about 300% to about 1500%, or about 400% to about 1200%, as measured according to ASTM D638. The percentage elongation at break of the modified block copolymer of tensile member 140, when measured at -40°C, can be at least 200%, or at least 300%, or at least 400%. The modified block copolymer of tensile member 140 also exhibits good creep resistance under continuous loading at 85°C. Modified block copolymers exhibiting good creep resistance may show less than 30% performance loss after 200 hours of exposure at 140°F under 100% peak load.

[0031] Tensile members made of modified block copolymers offer several advantages over those made of other materials, particularly metals, including high torsional resistance while maintaining low mass, and the ability to generate significant friction between themselves and other components of the damper, such as compression limiters and / or discs. Furthermore, tensile members made of modified block copolymers are suitable for use in high-temperature conditions (i.e., temperatures exceeding 140°F). Without being bound by any specific theory, the chemical structure of the modified block copolymers allows them to avoid over-orientation under high-temperature conditions, and thus allows undesirable annealing to occur under such conditions. Additionally, the production and manufacturing costs of tensile members made of modified block copolymers can be lower. These advantages allow dampers with tensile members made of modified block copolymers to be smaller, lighter, more versatile, less conspicuous, and more affordable, while also providing greater torsional strength, making them particularly suitable for certain applications.

[0032] The tension members can be attached to the first and second discs in any suitable manner. For example, the tension members can be mechanically fastened to or adhered to the discs. In an embodiment, the tension members and discs form a single integral piece made of a single material. For example, the tension members and discs can be simultaneously overmolded onto the compression restraint via a two-strand injection molding process. In one embodiment, the tension members and discs form a single integral piece, and both the tension members and discs are made of a modified block copolymer.

[0033] return Figures 1A to 1C The damper 100 can be twisted about its axis, which is in the axial direction of the compression limiter 110. In an embodiment, the force that causes the damper 100 to twist about its axis can be generated by a separate torsion spring already integrated with the damper 100. When the damper 100 is twisted, the tension member 140 is loaded and elongates, thereby wrapping around the compression limiter 110, as... Figure 1B and Figure 1CAs shown, when the tension member 140 is wound around the compression limiter 110, the tension member 140 defines an angle relative to the plane defined by the first disc 120. The tension member 140 can be configured and positioned such that the angle defined by the tension member 140 and the first disc 120 has any value less than 90°. For example, the angle defined by the tension member 140 and the first disc 120 can have values ​​greater than 0° to less than 90°, or from 10° to 80°, or from 20° to 70°, or from 30° to 60°. In an embodiment, the angle defined by the tension member 140 and the first disc 120 can have a value of about 45°. Furthermore, as the tension member 140 continues to be wound around the compression limiter 110, the angle defined by the tension member 140 and the first disc 120 can continue to change. Specifically, as the tension member 140 continues to be wound around the compression limiter 110, the angle defined by the tension member 140 and the first disc 120 can continue to decrease (towards an angle closer to 0°). When the damper 110 is twisted, the tension member 140 also applies a compressive force to the first disc 120 and the second disc 130, thereby pulling these discs toward each other. This also pulls the first disc 120 toward the first end 112 of the compression limiter 110 and the second disc 130 toward the second end 114 of the compression limiter 110. In some embodiments, this compressive force can generate significant friction between the ends of the compression limiter and the discs, which may consume energy and reduce the rotational speed.

[0034] In an embodiment, a portion of the compression limiter 110, the first disc 120, the second disc 130, and the tension member 140 may contact each other and generate friction. The friction between the compression limiter 110 and the tension member 140 acts to slow the rotational motion provided by the damper 100 and any torsion springs combined with it. Additional friction can be added to further control the rotational speed at which the torsion spring returns to its original position. This friction / interference can be controlled in part by the design and composition of the tension member, the discs, and the compression limiter. The tension member 140 also provides tensile resistance, which translates into rotational motion resistance, or provides torque, thus acting as a torsion spring. In many applications, rotational damping is required to compensate for the strong or violent high-speed motion of a torsion spring (e.g., a torsion spring deployed in a car seat or closing door).

[0035] Friction that dampens rotational speed can be provided in two ways. One way is along the axial direction on the axial surface of the compression limiter. The other way is acting on the radial surface of the compression limiter. There are many factors that can be controlled or changed to affect the amount of friction that will dampen the rotational speed of the damper and any torsion springs that can be combined with it.

[0036] The characteristics of damper components (such as size, shape, design, and spacing) can affect the amount of friction generated. For example, the presence or absence of features that increase the surface area of ​​the disc / axial face of the compression limiter (such as undulations, grooves, or corrugations) also affects the amount of friction generated. Similarly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tension member is relevant, as a larger tension member width will increase the contact area between the tension member and the compression limiter, thereby increasing friction. Additionally, the polishing or surface conditions of the molded cavity used to form the compression limiter or tension member mold, and therefore the smoothness of these components, affect the amount of friction generated. The material / resin chosen for the compression limiter also affects friction. Furthermore, the length of the compression limiter can affect friction, with longer compression limiters generating greater friction. The radial spacing of the tension members (which can widen or increase interference with the compression limiter) also affects the amount of friction generated.

[0037] Furthermore, the structure, composition, and properties of the modified block copolymer and any resins containing it also affect the amount of friction generated. For example, the hardness of the modified block copolymer used in the tension member, especially the hard block / soft block ratio, affects the amount of friction generated. The more soft blocks present in the modified block copolymer, the more viscous the polymer, and therefore the greater the friction generated. In addition, the final composition of the resin containing the modified block copolymer (including the presence or absence of friction-modifying additives, such as siloxanes, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorocarbons as derivatives of Teflon™, and / or other fluorine-based resins) affects the amount of friction generated. Relatedly, the coefficient of friction between the block copolymer resin of the tension member and the material used in the compression restraint affects the amount of friction generated, which increases the torque output of the device. Furthermore, the orientation percentage of the resin used in the tension member affects the elastic modulus of the tension member and therefore also affects the amount of friction generated. It is worth noting that the damping effect of modified block copolymer resins refers to the elongation stress and stress relief of tensile members composed of modified block copolymers, as well as the rate of return to the initial position of the tensile member; this can be controlled by adding polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which increases the hard block ratio of the block copolymer resin and thus affects the resin damping. The orientation of the stress-strain profile of the modified block copolymer is also important, as a flexural stress-strain profile contributes to energy dissipation.

[0038] The amount of linear spring loading along the axial direction on the compression limiter, the number of preloaded rotations at the initial position of the damper, the torque related to the number of rotations at the initial position of the damper, and the reset speed of the stressed block copolymer resin also affect the amount of friction generated.

[0039] Regarding the block copolymer composition, increasing the hard block ratio decreases elongation and increases yield point, which increases the rotational stiffness of the damper. Increasing the hard block ratio also alters the coefficient of friction between the tension member and the compression restraint, as well as the wear characteristics between these components. Importantly, a harder resin reduces friction between the compression restraint and the tension member, thus reducing the damping effect and consequently increasing speed. Increasing the soft block ratio has the opposite effect. Notably, this hard / soft block ratio can be increased by introducing pure polyethylene terephthalate resin into the masterbatch mix during injection molding to increase the hard block content of the final block copolymer used in the tension member.

[0040] In addition to friction, block copolymers can be used as damping media via energy loss during plastic deformation. Damping can be achieved through energy loss caused by applying and removing loads to a tensile member composed of modified block copolymers.

[0041] Advantageously, dampers with tensile members made of modified block copolymers can be used in conjunction with tension springs having a wide range of torques. Typical silicon dampers can provide drag torques of only up to 70 Ncm, and high-torque dampers can provide drag torques of up to 2000 Ncm. However, the dampers of this disclosure with tensile members made of modified block copolymers can provide high torsional strength values, for example, from 2000 Ncm to 10000 Ncm. Importantly, the dampers of this disclosure provide this high torsional strength by using modified block copolymers and excluding heavy metal components, while maintaining low weight / mass and small volume. For example, the dampers of this disclosure can advantageously be metal-free. Furthermore, the dampers of this disclosure can advantageously be fluid-free, such as silicon fluid. Typically, metal components and silicon fluid components increase the weight / mass and volume of the damper. The dampers with high torsional strength and low mass and small volume are uniquely well-suited for a variety of applications, including use in automotive seats, doors, and tailgates.

[0042] See now Figures 2A to 2D It shows something similar to Figures 1A to 1C Examples of dampers. First see... Figure 2A The damper 200 has a compression limiter 210. The damper 200 also has a first disc 220 and a second disc 230 respectively arranged at the first and second ends of the compression limiter, and a tension member (not visible from this angle). The tension member of the damper 200 and... Figures 1A to 1CThe tension member of damper 100 is substantially the same as that of damper 200. Specifically, the tension member of damper 200 is connected to the first disc 220 and the second disc 230. Similar to the tension member 140 of damper 100, the tension member of damper 200 is configured such that it can be wound around the compression limiter when the damper 200 is twisted about its longitudinal axis. In this way, the tension member of damper 200 provides substantially the same benefits to damper 200 as the tension member 140 provides to damper 100. Damper 200 has a hexagonal hole 216. This hole 216 is configured to receive a bolt that can be used to mount the damper 200 to an application, such as a car seat. The hole 216 can be rotated by the application when it is active / moving. For example, when the car seat is folded / unfolded in a hinged manner, the hole 216 can rotate with the car seat. In another embodiment, the hole 216 may have a different shape.

[0043] See next. Figure 2B The diagram shows a damper 200 positioned as part of an assembly, as seen from a bottom view. Specifically, the damper 200 is positioned between a cover 250 and a base plate 260. The damper 200, cover 250, and base plate 260 together form the assembly. The cover 250 has a cover opening 256 disposed near the center of the cover 250, through which a portion of the first disc 220 and the entire opening 216 of the damper 200 are visible and accessible. The cover opening 256 is located in... Figure 2B The cover opening 256 is shown as circular. However, the cover opening 256 can alternatively be formed into any suitable shape, including but not limited to elliptical, square, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal. The cover 250 also has a plurality of cover peripheral openings 254 arranged circumferentially around the outer periphery of the cover 250. The substrate 260 has a substrate opening 266 arranged near the center of the substrate 260, and at least a portion of the hole 216 of the damper 200 is visible and accessible through this substrate opening. At least a portion of the opening 216 can be aligned with both the cover opening 256 and the substrate opening 266 simultaneously, such that an object (e.g., a bolt) can extend through each of the openings 216, 256, and 266 simultaneously. The substrate 260 also has a plurality of substrate peripheral openings 264 arranged circumferentially around the outer periphery of the substrate 260. The peripheral opening 254 of the cover can be aligned with the peripheral opening 264 of the substrate, allowing an object (such as a screw) to extend simultaneously through each pair of peripheral openings 254 and 264, thereby securing the cover 250 to the substrate 260. The shape of the cover 250 and / or the substrate 260 ensures that when the cover 250 is secured to the substrate 260 via multiple pairs of peripheral openings 254 and 264 (i.e., when the assembly is in the assembled state), the entire damper 200 can be enclosed between the cover 250 and the substrate 260. For example, in Figures 2B to 2D In the embodiment shown, the cover 250 has a cavity in which the entire damper 200 can be enclosed when the components are in the assembled state.

[0044] Additionally, the damper 200 has a plurality of fastening members 232 arranged on the bottom surface of the second disc 230. The fastening members 232 protrude away from the bottom surface of the second disc 230. Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening member 232 is generally T-shaped or cross-shaped. In other embodiments, the fastening member 232 may have any suitable shape, including square, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal.

[0045] See now Figure 2C This shows what it looks like from a top view. Figure 2B The components are described. Notably, a plurality of fastening openings 262 are visiblely arranged on the top surface of the substrate 260. The fastening openings 262 have substantially the same shape and size as the fastening members 232. The fastening openings 262 may extend through the entire thickness of the substrate 260, thereby forming a plurality of holes in the substrate 260. Alternatively, the fastening openings 262 may extend through only a portion of the thickness of the substrate 260, thereby forming a plurality of notches / recesses in the substrate 260. The fastening openings 262 may be aligned with the fastening members 232 such that the fastening members 232 can be positioned within the fastening openings 262.

[0046] See Figure 2D The diagram shows the components in an assembled state (i.e., damper 200, cover 250, and base plate 260). The fastening member 232 of damper 200 is located within the fastening opening 262 of base plate 260, thereby fastening / holding the second disc 230 of damper 200 in a fixed position by base plate 260 (i.e., preventing rotation of the second disc 230 when damper 200 is wound). Thus, when damper 200 is applied, for example, in a car seat drive (i.e., wound about its longitudinal axis), at least a portion of the first disc 220 and / or compression limiter 210 can move relative to the second disc 230. This movement causes the tension member to extend and contact and wrap around compression limiter 210, which helps achieve at least a portion of the damping effect of damper 200.

[0047] See you again Figure 2A and Figure 2C The first disc 220 has a slot 222, and the compression limiter 210 has a post 242. For example... Figure 2AAs shown, the compression limiter 210 includes posts 242 arranged such that they mate with and pass through the slot 222 of the first disc. When the damper 200 is twisted about its axis, causing the posts 242 to travel along the slot 222, the damper 200 is unloaded until it has been twisted sufficiently to cause the posts 242 to encounter the opposite end of the slot 222 (i.e., the first object / barrier encountered by the posts 242 is the edge of the slot 222). This unloaded portion through the twisting of the damper 200 is referred to herein as “free-running.” During free-running, the rotational speed of the damper 200 and any torsion springs that may be combined with it is not damped. Once the damper 200 has been sufficiently twisted so that the posts 242 encounter the end of the slot 222, any further twisting of the damper 200 begins as described above. Figures 1A to 1C The damper is loaded in a similar manner as described. The free-running length can be adjusted by changing the length of the slot 222, wherein a longer slot length allows for a greater amount of free-running. Additionally, the damper in this embodiment can have any number of paired columns 242 and slots 222. This is exemplified by damper 200, for example, damper 200 in… Figure 2A The middle is shown as having two pairs of columns 242 and slots 222, while the damper 200 is in Figure 2C The damper 200 is shown with three pairs of posts 242 and slots 222, both of which are effective configurations of the damper 200. It is also envisioned that the damper of the embodiment can have any number of pairs of posts 242 and slots 222, such as one pair, four pairs, five pairs, or more pairs. Advantageously, this allows the damper to allow the torsion spring to move freely for a certain distance before it produces a damping effect on the movement of the torsion spring.

[0048] See brief Figures 7A to 7C Another embodiment of the damper with a free-running configuration is shown (similar to the damper 200 shown in Figure 2). Specifically, Figure 7B The damper 700 is shown in the neutral position. Figure 7A The damper 700 is shown after being rotated counterclockwise from the neutral position (indicated by arrow A), while Figure 7C The damper 700 is shown after being rotated clockwise (indicated by arrow B) from its neutral position. The damper 700 includes a compression limiter 710, a first disc 720 disposed at a first end of the compression limiter, a second disc (not shown) disposed at a second end of the compression limiter 710, a tension member 740, and mounting holes 716. The damper 700 also includes brakes 750 connected to the tension member 740 and positioned adjacent to and in contact with the outer surface of the compression limiter 710.

[0049] Figure 7BAs shown, when the damper 700 is in the neutral position (i.e., without clockwise or counterclockwise rotation), the tension member 740 is relaxed (i.e., not stretched), and therefore the tension member 740 does not exert any significant force on the brake 750.

[0050] Figure 7A As shown, as the damper 700 rotates counterclockwise about its longitudinal axis (indicated by arrow A), the tension member 740 extends and applies a force to the brake 750. The force applied by the tension member 740 to the brake 750 increases the contact between the brake 750 and the outer surface of the compression limiter 710, subsequently transmitting at least a portion of the force to the compression limiter 710 in the form of friction. However, the damper 700 is configured to delay the generation of this force, meaning that the tension member 740 does not apply a force to the brake 750 that increases the contact between the brake 750 and the outer surface of the compression limiter 710 until the damper 700 has rotated a sufficient distance counterclockwise. The distance that the damper 700 must rotate before the tension member 740 is fully extended to apply a force to the brake 750 that increases the contact between the brake 750 and the outer surface of the compression limiter 710 can be referred to as the "free-running" portion of the damper 700. Once the damper 700 has rotated a sufficient distance counterclockwise, allowing the tension member 740 to fully extend and apply a force to the brake 750 that increases the contact between the brake 750 and the outer surface of the compression limiter 710, the "free-running" motion ends, and the damping effect of the damper 700 begins.

[0051] Importantly, as the damper 700 rotates counterclockwise and even further beyond the end of the "free-running" section, the force exerted by the tension member 740 on the brake 750 continues to increase, and subsequently, the force exerted by the brake 750 on the compression limiter 710 also increases further. This application of force further amplifies the damping effect of the damper 700. In this way, the damper 700 is not a "binary damper" (i.e., a damper with only a single neutral state and a single damped state); instead, the damper 700 can provide a wide range of damping effects depending on how far the damper 700 rotates counterclockwise.

[0052] on the contrary, Figure 7CAs shown, as the damper 700 rotates clockwise about its longitudinal axis (indicated by arrow B), the tension member 740 extends and applies a force to the brake 750. However, in this direction, the force applied by the tension member 740 to the brake 750 does not increase the contact between the brake 750 and the outer surface of the compression limiter 710. Thus, the force transmitted from the brake 750 to the compression limiter 710 does not increase. Therefore, when the compression limiter 700 rotates clockwise, the damping effect of the damper 700 does not increase. In fact, when the damper 700 rotates in this direction, the force applied by the brake 750 to the outer surface of the compression limiter 710 is almost zero. Thus, the clockwise rotation of the damper 700 can be referred to as "free-running" or "unidirectional rotation."

[0053] See now Figure 3 The damper 300 has a tension member 340 that forms a triangular truss 342 and is connected to the rotor 310. As the rotor 310 spins, a cam extends the truss 342, thereby loading the tension member 340. The truss 342 is unloaded at the rear end, which results in energy loss and a damping effect, at least in part because the stress-strain curve of the modified block copolymer (from which the tension member 340 and the truss 342 are formed) is curved.

[0054] See Figure 4 The figure shows the stress-strain curves of the modified block copolymer. Since the stress-strain modulus portion of the curve is actually curved (not straight), the modified copolymer dissipates energy through plastic deformation. This dissipated energy is represented by the colored regions between the curves. Therefore, the damper can be designed to utilize either the gentle slope (low modulus) or the steep slope (high modulus) portion of the curve. The result is a different spring stiffness per unit vector.

[0055] Figure 4 The stress-strain curves demonstrate how the stress-strain curves differ in the loading direction from those in the unloading direction, which can... Figure 3 Taking the damper shown as an example, the total work done by unloading the tension member (W=FD) is less than the work done by loading the tension member. This difference in work done due to plastic deformation results in energy loss or kinetic energy decay. Additionally, the normal force exerted by the tension member on the rotor (which could be a torsion spring) generates friction, which increases the overall damping ratio.

[0056] See here. Figure 3The damper shown uses the same principle employed in the dampers of Figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the tension member 340 is formed as a triangular truss 342. These triangular trusses 342 are in a tensioned or compressed state depending on the configuration of the damper 300. The compression limiter (or rotor) may be hollow to receive the tensioned triangular truss 342. Alternatively, the compression limiter may be solid to compress the truss 342. The triangular truss 342 is stressed by interference with the compression limiter or rotor, thereby generating friction. If the compression limiter (or rotor) is irregular (non-circular), a cam-type compression limiter will be formed and will apply varying stress to the truss 342 during rotation. The truss 342 may retract when combined with a compression limiter with indentations to form a stop function during rotation. Furthermore, the triangular legs of the truss may be designed to have non-parallel compression / tension resistance, causing the triangular truss to be unbalanced. If one leg is weaker than the other, the compression limiter will experience less friction during rotation in one direction than during rotation in the opposite direction. This is important when a free-running rotary damper is desired.

[0057] See Figure 5 The diagram shows a top view of an embodiment where the damper 500 is mounted on the application 550 via bolts 560. The damper 500 is similar to... Figures 1A to 1C The damper shown has a compression limiter 510, a first disc 520, a second disc 530, and a tension member (not shown). The application includes a clock spring 570, to which the damper 500 is combined via bolts 560.

[0058] Figure 6A A side shield for a car seat is shown. An embodiment includes a damper 600 deployed within this side shield. The damper 600 can be used to slow the movement of the car seat, where the movement of the car seat is driven by a torsion spring. Figure 6B The movement of a car seat with and without a tension spring damper is shown. Figure 6B The tension spring damper shown in this disclosure can slow down the rotational movement of a car seat to beneficially produce a safer, smoother, and more comfortable ride.

[0059] In an embodiment, the damper includes a compression limiter, a first disc, a second disc, and a tension member, with the damper in its initial position (similar to...). Figure 1A Compared to when the damper is in a toggle / loaded state (similar to the one shown), ... Figures 1B to 1C As shown, the contact between these components does not increase significantly (and therefore does not produce significantly greater friction). In such an embodiment, the damper is actually used as an undamped torsion spring, rather than a damper for a torsion spring.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that although the invention has been described foregoing with reference to specific embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and many other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and deviations from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be covered by the appended claims. The full disclosure of the various patents and publications cited herein is incorporated by reference, just as each such patent or publication is individually incorporated herein by reference. Many different features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A torsion spring damper, comprising: A compression limiter having an outer surface and a mounting hole configured to receive a fastener; A first disc is disposed at a first end of the compression limiter, wherein the first disc is arranged around and in contact with the outer surface of the compression limiter; A second disc is disposed at the second end of the compression limiter, the second end being opposite to the first end; The tension member connecting the first disk and the second disk, and A brake, connected to the tension member and positioned adjacent to the compression limiter. The tensioning member is configured to adjust the contact between the outer surface of the brake and the compression limiter, and The tensile member comprises a block copolymer.

2. The torsion spring damper as described in claim 1, wherein, The brake and the tension member are configured to apply a frictional force to the compression limiter when the torsion spring damper rotates about its longitudinal axis.

3. The torsion spring damper as described in claim 1, wherein, The brake contacts the compression limiter and applies force to it.

4. The torsion spring damper as described in claim 1, wherein, The block copolymer is a modified block copolymer, which is a radiation-crosslinked block copolymer.

5. The torsion spring damper as described in claim 4, wherein, The modified block copolymer has a yield strength of 5 MPa to 15 MPa, which is measured according to ASTM D638.

6. The torsion spring damper as described in claim 1, wherein, The torsional strength of the torsion spring damper is from 2,000 Ncm to 10,000 Ncm.

7. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The tension member is in contact with the compression limiter.

8. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the torsion spring damper is rotated counterclockwise a first distance, the tension member is configured to extend to increase the contact between the outer surfaces of the brake and the compression limiter.

9. The torsion spring damper as described in claim 8, wherein, When the torsion spring damper is rotated clockwise a second distance, the tension member is configured to extend without increasing the contact between the outer surfaces of the brake and the compression limiter.

10. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 9, wherein, When the torsion spring damper is in the neutral position, the tension member is configured to be in a relaxed state.

11. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The block copolymer is a modified block copolymer, which is a radiation-crosslinked ether / ester block copolymer having hard blocks comprising polyester and soft blocks comprising polyether.

12. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The block copolymer is a modified block copolymer resin, which is a radiation-crosslinked ether / ester block copolymer resin. The ether / ester block copolymer resin comprises an ether / ester block copolymer and an additional pure hard block polymer.

13. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The compression limiter comprises a rigid polymer material selected from the group consisting of: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), fluoroplastics, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyoxymethylene (POM).

14. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first and second disks each comprise a rigid polymer material selected from the group consisting of: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), fluoroplastics, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyoxymethylene (POM).

15. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first disc, the second disc, and the tension member form a single-piece integral component.

16. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The torsion spring damper contains no metal.

17. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The torsion spring damper does not contain fluid.

18. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The torsion spring damper does not contain silicon fluid.

19. The torsion spring damper as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The modified block copolymer has an elongation at break percentage of 100% to 2000%, which is measured according to ASTM D638.

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