Elastic hinge

Abstract

The present invention provides an elastic hinge (100) including a first sleeve (102) and a second sleeve (104). Each of the first sleeve (102) and the second sleeve (104) includes a respective outer skeleton (106, 108), a respective inner skeleton (110, 111), and a respective elastomer (112, 114) located between its respective outer and inner skeletons. The elastic hinge (100) further includes a ring (140) longitudinally connecting the first sleeve (102) and the second sleeve (104). The ring (140) forms a radial stopper between the inner skeleton (110) and the outer skeleton (106) of the first sleeve (102), and between the inner skeleton (111) and the outer skeleton (108) of the second sleeve (104). The elastic hinge improves damping control in different directions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of elastic hinges. Background Art

[0002] Elastic hinges can be used to damp vibrations between two mechanical components forming part of the same assembly. In particular, such hinges can be used in the automotive industry to connect different mechanical components of a vehicle, thereby dampening vibrations between the connected components.

[0003] Some elastic hinges include an inner skeleton connected to a first mechanical component, an outer skeleton connected to a second mechanical component, and an elastomer located between the outer skeleton and the inner skeleton. These hinges can be in the shape of a sleeve, where the outer skeleton surrounds the inner skeleton around the longitudinal axis of the hinge. The inner skeleton can further include a central longitudinal channel that allows for the insertion of a complementary first mechanical component in the form of an arm to connect the mechanical component to the hinge. The outer skeleton can be connected to the second mechanical component in any way. For example, in a motor vehicle, one of the inner skeleton and the outer skeleton can be connected to the vehicle engine, while the other can be connected to the vehicle body. The presence of the elastomer between the outer skeleton and the inner skeleton allows for the dampening of vibrations between the two mechanical components.

[0004] These elastic hinges can be manufactured by positioning the outer skeleton around the inner skeleton along the longitudinal axis and forming the elastomer between the two skeletons by a molding process. The resulting elastomer is homogeneous, and thus there are minor variations or no variations in the way the hinge dampens vibrations. Although there are solutions to more finely control vibration damping, such as introducing inserts before the molding process, these solutions typically result in complex manufacturing methods.

[0005] In this context, there is a need for improved elastic hinges. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To this end, an elastic hinge is proposed, which includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve. Each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve includes an outer skeleton, an inner skeleton, and an elastomer located between the outer skeleton and the inner skeleton. The elastic hinge further includes a ring that longitudinally connects the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The ring forms a radial stop between the inner skeleton and the outer skeleton of the first sleeve, and between the inner skeleton and the outer skeleton of the second sleeve.

[0007] The outer skeleton of the first sleeve and the outer skeleton of the second sleeve can be pressed onto the ring and are pressed onto each side of the ring.

[0008] The ring can include an elastic lining. For example, the elastic lining can be made of a rubber material.

[0009] The elastic lining can have a radial cross-section with different shapes.

[0010] The elastic liner may have a variable thickness.

[0011] The elastic liner may include one or more alveoli.

[0012] The hinge may further include radial position markings.

[0013] On the one hand, the elastomers of the first sleeve and the second sleeve may have different stiffnesses, and on the other hand, the elastomer of the first sleeve and the elastic liner may have different stiffnesses.

[0014] The outer skeleton of the first sleeve may include notches, and / or the outer skeleton of the second sleeve may include notches.

[0015] The ring may include a radially outward projection that engages with the notches of the outer skeleton of the first sleeve and / or the notches of the outer skeleton of the second sleeve.

[0016] The ring may include a rigid outer wall of, for example, plastic or metallic material. Description of the Drawings

[0017] The following non-limiting examples will be described with reference to the following drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 An example of an elastic hinge is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 the first sleeve of the elastic hinge of.

[0020] Figure 3 Shows the first sleeve of the elastic hinge of Figure 1 after being force-fitted onto the ring.

[0021] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 the outer skeleton of the elastic hinge of.

[0022] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 a longitudinal half-sectional view of the elastic hinge of.

[0023] Figure 6 Shows the first sleeve after being force-fitted onto the ring according to the Figure 5 half-section of.

[0024] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 a longitudinal plan view of the elastic hinge according to the half-section of.

[0025] Figure 8 Shows Figure 5 a transverse plan view of the ring pressed onto the first sleeve according to the half-section of.

[0026] Figure 9 shows a Figure 1 schematic transverse plane view of the resilient hinge.

[0027] Figure 10 shows a Figure 9 axial sectional view of the Figure 1 resilient hinge according to the section A-A shown.

[0028] Figure 11 shows a Figure 9 axial sectional view of the Figure 1 resilient hinge according to the section B-B shown.

[0029] Figure 12 shows another example of a resilient hinge.

[0030] Figure 13 shows a Figure 12 first sleeve of the resilient hinge.

[0031] Figure 14 shows a Figure 12 ring of the resilient hinge.

[0032] Figure 15 shows a Figure 12 second sleeve of the resilient hinge.

[0033] Figure 16 shows a ring including a tooth groove, wherein the tooth groove is different from the Figure 14 tooth groove of the ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] A resilient hinge including a first sleeve and a second sleeve is proposed. Each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve includes an outer skeleton, an inner skeleton, and an elastomer located between the outer skeleton and the inner skeleton. The resilient hinge further includes a ring that longitudinally connects the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The ring forms a radial stop between the inner skeleton and the outer skeleton of the first sleeve, and between the inner skeleton and the outer skeleton of the second sleeve.

[0035] This constitutes an improved resilient hinge.

[0036] In particular, the ring can adjust the vibration damping of the hinge made of an elastomer. In fact, depending on the mechanical stress to which the hinge is subjected, there may be a radial contact between the inner skeleton of each sleeve and the ring, and / or between the outer skeleton of each sleeve and the ring. This contact changes the vibration damping curve of the hinge provided by the elastomer alone. The radial stop formed by the ring thus enables a finer damping, and thus more precise control of, for example, the movement and / or its progression of vibrations through the hinge.

[0037] In other words, the ring makes it possible to locally (i.e., at the location where the ring is located) change the performance of the elastic hinge in terms of radial vibration damping. Therefore, the ring is an additional variable for adjusting the damping curve. Even if the elastomer is made of a homogeneous material only (i.e., having a constant local elasticity), this makes a finer damping possible. This homogeneity of the material can in particular be produced by a conventional process for obtaining the elastomer by simple shaping operations.

[0038] In addition, the fact that the hinge includes two sleeves facilitates the manufacture of the hinge. In fact, each sleeve can be manufactured separately, especially for providing ring integration, which may make the structural hinge more complex. However, since the elastic hinge assembly can be easily realized by means of the rings connected to each sleeve, the manufacture remains simple. Therefore, the ring makes damping possible and has a moderate complexity in the manufacture of the elastic hinge.

[0039] The ring longitudinally connects the first sleeve and the second sleeve. This means that the ring longitudinally couples the first sleeve and the second sleeve, that is to say, the ring assembles the first sleeve and the second sleeve along the longitudinal axis.

[0040] The elastic hinge can be used to connect mechanical components of a vehicle. The vehicle can be any type of land vehicle, marine vehicle and / or aircraft, such as a car. The elastic skeleton can be installed between two mechanical components of the vehicle. For example, in the case of a car, the elastic hinge can be installed on the mechanical components connected to the car chassis and the body, or on the engine and the body.

[0041] For this purpose, the elastic hinge has a generally sleeve shape produced by connecting two sleeves by means of a ring, wherein, for each sleeve, an outer skeleton surrounds an inner skeleton about the longitudinal axis of the hinge. Each inner skeleton can further include a central longitudinal channel, thereby allowing a first complementary arm-shaped mechanical component to be inserted into the inner skeleton of each sleeve in order to connect the mechanical component to the hinge. The outer skeleton can be connected to the second mechanical component. For example, the second mechanical component can be assembled around the outer skeletons of the two sleeves. Therefore, the elastic hinge can connect the first mechanical component and the second mechanical component, with damping existing between these components.

[0042] The shapes of the inner skeleton and the outer skeleton can be generally cylindrical. The skeletons can be made of a rigid material. For example, the inner skeleton can be made of aluminum or steel, and / or the outer skeleton can be made of steel or plastic.

[0043] The outer skeleton can include an inner surface of a specific shape, which includes a constriction formed between the ring and the plate. This constriction makes it possible to adjust the axial-radial stiffness ratio. The outer skeleton can include a straight or specifically shaped outer surface parallel to the inner surface.

[0044] The shape of the ring can be approximately cylindrical / annular. By inserting the ring between the inner and outer skeletons of each sleeve, connection can be made through the ring. Thus, the ring can keep the first sleeve and the second sleeve mechanically connected / coupled to each other.

[0045] The radial stop is a mechanical stop during the relative radial movement of the inner and outer skeletons of each sleeve, that is, when the inner and outer skeletons move relative to each other in the radial direction, the presence of the ring achieves the stop.

[0046] The outer skeleton of the first sleeve and the outer skeleton of the second sleeve can be force-fitted onto the ring and on each side of the ring. In this case, when the elastic hinge is subjected to radial vibration, the ring remains substantially stationary relative to the outer skeleton of the sleeve, and the ring thus forms a radial stop for the inner skeleton. Alternatively, the inner skeleton of the sleeve can be force-inserted into the ring and on either side of the ring. In this case, the ring forms a radial stop for the outer skeleton.

[0047] Force-fitting facilitates the assembly of the elastic hinge. In fact, force-fitting enables the simple assembly of the elastic hinge without using specific assembly methods such as stamping or hemming, and / or without using forging operations. Force-fitting makes the connection between the two sleeves strong enough without these assembly methods. Thus, the elastic hinge can be assembled by a simple pressing / applying force operation.

[0048] For example, the diameter of the outer surface of the ring can be slightly larger than the diameter of the inner surface of the outer skeleton of each sleeve (e.g., from a fraction of a millimeter to several millimeters, depending on the material of the component). Thus, force-fitting causes the ring to deform due to its compression. Therefore, when each sleeve is force-fitted onto the ring, each sleeve can be held in place by the frictional force caused by this compression of the ring. The edges of each circular end of the ring can be rounded (chamfered) for force-fitting. The rounding can be oriented outward with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hinge.

[0049] The ring can include an elastic lining. For example, the elastic lining can be made of a rubber material. The elastic lining improves the damping control during stopping.

[0050] On the one hand, the elastomers of the first sleeve and the second sleeve can have different stiffnesses, and on the other hand, the elastomer of the first sleeve and the elastic lining can have different stiffnesses.

[0051] The stiffness difference between the elastomer of the sleeve and the elastic lining enables further improvement in damping control. In fact, this enables the stiffness of each elastic component to come into play in order to better control the response curves in different hinge directions. On the one hand, in the linear component, the elastomer of the sleeve contributes to the linear stiffness around the original hinge position. On the other hand, in addition to the elastomer of the sleeve, the geometry and properties of the elastic lining material contribute to the progression and final saturation of the hinge. The original hinge position corresponds to the position of the sleeve when it is not stressed, i.e., when the hinge is at rest, and each skeleton is centered and aligned on the longitudinal axis. Thus, the stiffness of the elastomer enables a response to the stiffness around the original hinge position, and the stiffness of the elastic lining enables the construction of the progression curve. Therefore, the stiffness difference between the elastomer of the sleeve and the elastic lining enables precise adjustment of the hinge damping.

[0052] The hinge can exhibit different elastic behaviors in the radial direction. For example, the elastic lining can have a variable shape, in particular a radial cross-section with variable thickness. This enables further refinement of the damping control in this radial direction.

[0053] Each sleeve can include corresponding radial position markings, and the ring can include radial position markings. This enables the ring to be precisely oriented relative to the sleeve in the radial position. For example, the ring can include a protrusion that is inserted into a corresponding notch in the sleeve. This ensures the relative radial positioning. The notch can be made on the outer skeleton of the sleeve. In the case where the hinge has different elastic behaviors in the radial direction, these radial position markings enable the hinge to be positioned according to the desired behavior in the radial direction.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the hinge can include one or more (e.g., additional) radial position markings. This enables the elastic components to be oriented in the mechanical assembly. In the case where the hinge has different elastic behaviors in the radial direction, this enables the hinge to be positioned according to the desired behavior in the radial direction.

[0055] In particular, for example, the hinge can include one or more notches, such as notches at each end of the hinge, which are formed in the elastomer of each sleeve forming the end. Such notches ensure the radial positioning of the hinge relative to the mechanical assembly.

[0056] A method for manufacturing such an elastic hinge is also proposed. The manufacturing method includes providing a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a ring. The manufacturing method also includes connecting the first sleeve and the second sleeve longitudinally with the ring such that the ring forms a radial stop between the inner and outer skeletons of the first sleeve and between the inner and outer skeletons of the second sleeve.

[0057] The longitudinal connection of the first sleeve and the second sleeve through the ring can be accomplished by pressing the first sleeve and the second sleeve against the ring on each side of the ring with force. For example, the manufacturing method can include pressing the first sleeve against the ring with force on one side and pressing the second sleeve against the ring with force on the other side. The process of assembling the first mechanical component and the second mechanical component through the elastic hinge can be carried out directly after the manufacturing method. This process can follow the manufacturing method without any steps of structurally changing the elastic hinge between pressing the sleeves against the ring with force, and in particular, without hemming the elastic hinge.

[0058] The method can include prefabricating each sleeve, which includes the following steps: providing a corresponding inner skeleton and an outer skeleton, surrounding the inner skeleton with the outer skeleton, and then molding an elastomer between the two skeletons (possibly using one or more removable inserts and / or one or more non-removable inserts). The molding can include a vulcanization operation, that is, a vulcanizing agent can be incorporated into the molded elastomer to form the elastomer.

[0059] Optionally, the molding of the elastomer can further include the adhesion of the inner skeleton and / or the outer skeleton. In other words, molding the elastomer can include pre-treating the outer surface of the inner skeleton and / or the inner surface of the outer skeleton of each sleeve before molding, and this pre-treatment includes bonding the inner skeleton and / or the outer skeleton with a specific adhesive. During the vulcanization process that occurs during molding, this adhesion can establish a connection between the skeleton and the elastomer.

[0060] Now reference will be made to Figures 1 to 16 give an example of an elastic hinge.

[0061] Figure 1 An elastic hinge 100 including a first sleeve 102 and a second sleeve 104 is shown. The first sleeve 102 includes an outer skeleton 106 (adhered or not adhered), an inner skeleton 110 (adhered or not adhered, not visible here, but shown in the following Figure 2 ), and an elastomer 112 located between the outer skeleton 106 and the inner skeleton. Similarly, the second sleeve 104 includes an outer skeleton 108 (adhered or not adhered), an inner skeleton 111 (adhered or not adhered), and an elastomer 114 located between the outer skeleton and the inner skeleton 111. The two sleeves are the same, and for each sleeve, the outer skeleton surrounds the inner skeleton around the longitudinal axis 101 of the hinge. Each inner skeleton further includes a generally cylindrical central longitudinal channel 103, so that a first complementary mechanical component in the form of an arm can be inserted to connect the mechanical component to the hinge. The outer skeleton in turn can be connected to the second mechanical component.

[0062] The inner surface of each outer skeleton may include a constriction 118 formed between the ring 120 and the plate 122. The plate 122 may be formed on the inner surface by a portion having a circular cross-section with a constant diameter along the longitudinal axis, while the ring 120 may be formed by a portion having a circular cross-section with a shorter constant diameter. The constriction 118, in turn, may be formed on the inner surface by a circular cross-section whose diameter decreases from the plate 122 to the ring 120 and then increases. The constriction 118 of each outer skeleton enables the regulation of the radial and axial stiffness of the hinge to be adjusted, including the radial and axial stiffness ratio.

[0063] The hinge 100 includes radial position markings 116 formed by notches on each sleeve, which will be described in more detail in the following figures. The inner skeletons 110, 111 may be made of aluminum or steel. The outer skeletons 106, 108 may be made of steel or plastic.

[0064] As Figure 1 shown, the elastic hinge 100 is substantially symmetric about a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis 101. In particular, the first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve may be identical and are simply symmetrically arranged relative to each other during assembly. Although the first sleeve 102 is described below, these descriptions apply equally to the second sleeve 104.

[0065] Figure 2 Shown is Figure 1 the first sleeve 102 of the elastic hinge 100. The outer skeleton 106, the inner skeleton 110, and the elastomer 112 form a circumferential cavity 105 therebetween, suitable for accommodating a ring during assembly (by pushing the ring in, i.e., pressing the sleeve 102 onto the ring by force).

[0066] The outer skeleton 106 has an outer wall parallel to the inner wall forming the plate 122. At the connection position, the outer skeleton has a circular end, while the inner skeleton has a substantially disk-shaped end. The ends of the outer and inner skeletons are located in the same plane transverse to the longitudinal axis so that they abut against the skeleton ends of the second sleeve when assembling the hinge.

[0067] The outer skeleton 106 of the first sleeve 102 includes a notch 128. The outer skeleton of the second sleeve includes the same notch (see Figure 1 ). The notch serves as a marking when assembling the hinge.

[0068] Figure 3 Shown is the first sleeve 102 after being pressed onto the ring 140 by force. The outer skeleton 106 of the first sleeve 102 is pressed onto the ring 140 by force on one side of the ring 140. Similarly, the outer skeleton 108 of the second sleeve 104 can be pressed onto the ring 140 by force on the other side of the ring 140 (see Figure 1)。Therefore, the ring 140 can longitudinally connect the first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 104.

[0069] The ring inserts itself into the circumferential gap formed between the outer skeleton 106, the inner skeleton 110, and the elastomer 112. Therefore, after assembling the hinge, the ring is located between the inner and outer skeletons. Thus, the ring 140 forms a radial stop between the inner skeleton 110 and the outer skeleton 106 of the first sleeve 102, particularly a radial stop for the inner skeletons 110, 111.

[0070] The ring 140 includes an elastic lining 142. The elastic lining 142 can be made of a rubber material. Since the elastic lining 142 enables damping adjustment during stopping, the elastic lining 142 improves damping control. The elastic lining can be overmolded onto the ring by, for example, an adhesive method. The rubber can be pre-compressed. This avoids the tension generated due to rubber expansion during cooling. The pressing force can be higher than the resilience of the rubber. The clamping force for pressing each sleeve onto the ring can be strong enough.

[0071] The ring 140 also includes an outer wall of a substantially rigid material 143 (while still allowing press-fitting through force). The outer wall 143 can be made of a plastic or metal material.

[0072] Figure 3 A reference Figure 1 The shown radial position marking 116 enables the ring 140 to be oriented relative to the second sleeve during press-fitting through force. This enables precise control of the orientation of the elastic hinge during assembly with mechanical components.

[0073] In this example, the radial position marking 116 is formed by a notch 130 on the outer skeleton 106 and a radially outward protrusion 132 of the ring 140. The radially outward protrusion 132 of the ring 140 engages the notch 130 on the outer skeleton 106 during press-fitting (and similarly engages the notch on the outer skeleton 108 of the second sleeve 104). This ensures the radial positioning of the ring relative to the sleeve. Alternatively, the ring and / or the sleeve can include any other radial position marking, such as a longitudinal line drawn with ink.

[0074] Figure 4An independent view of the outer skeleton 106 of the first sleeve is shown. As can be seen in the figure, the outer skeleton 106 includes an inner surface of a specific shape, which includes a constriction 118 formed between the ring 120 and the plate 122. The constriction 118 on the inner surface enables adjustment of the axial-radial stiffness ratio. In this example, the outer skeleton 106 has an outer surface 123, which is also of a specific shape and is parallel to the inner surface at the plate 122 and at the ring 120 and the constriction 118. In other examples, the outer skeleton 106 may have a straight outer surface and an inner surface of a specific shape. In still other examples, conversely, the outer skeleton 106 may have an outer surface of a specific shape and a straight inner surface. Generally, the outer skeleton 106 of any shape can be used. The outer skeleton 106 can have a suitable shape such that the axial and radial stiffness ratios can be adjusted, that is, the desired axial-to-radial stiffness ratio can be achieved in the hinge.

[0075] Figure 5 A longitudinal half-sectional view of the elastic hinge 100 is shown. The inner skeletons 110, 111 include a generally cylindrical inner surface forming a central channel 103.

[0076] The ring 140 forms a radial stop between the inner skeleton 110 and the outer skeleton 106 of the first sleeve 102, and between the inner skeleton 111 and the outer skeleton 108 of the second sleeve 104. In particular, when the outer skeletons 106, 108 move relative to the inner skeletons 110, 111 due to vibration, the ends 127 of the inner skeletons 110, 111 radially abut the elastic lining 142. The ends 127 can at least partially cover a layer of elastomer 112, elastomer 114 around their circumferences, so that the stop against the ring 140 can be achieved through the elastomer 112, elastomer 114.

[0077] The radial stop against the ring 140 enables adjustment of the damping generated by the elastic hinge 100. In particular, the elastic lining 142 can have characteristics different from those of the elastomer 112, elastomer 114. For example, the elastic lining 142 can be made of a different material, have a specific geometry, and / or have different elasticity. Therefore, the ring 140 improves the damping control of the elastic hinge by introducing additional damping adjustment variables.

[0078] Figure 6 Shows the first sleeve 102 after being force-fitted onto the ring 140 according to Figure 5 a semi-section.

[0079] The elastomer 112 of the first sleeve 102 includes a first circumferential cavity 150 that longitudinally extends from the end of the first sleeve opposite the interface with the second sleeve. The first cavity 150 enables local adjustment of the damping provided by the elastomer 112.

[0080] The elastomer 112 of the first sleeve 102 further includes an inclined surface from the other end of the first sleeve (i.e., the end forming an interface with the second sleeve), which extends longitudinally towards the periphery of the sleeve and forms a second circumferential cavity 152 (radially) facing the ring 140. The second cavity 152 enables local adjustment of the damping provided by the elastomer 112. Additionally, the second cavity 152 forms a space that can accommodate the ring 140 and its gasket 142.

[0081] As shown in the figure, the size of the second cavity 152 can be adjusted to leave a space between the elastic lining 142 and the inner skeleton 110 when the outer skeleton 106 is pressed into the ring 140. The size of this gap can be adjusted to interact with the gasket 142 and the elastomers 112, 114 to achieve different performances in terms of damping.

[0082] Furthermore, this space ensures that there is no contact / friction in any direction around the origin (i.e., around the position assumed by the hinge in the stationary state) when no external force is applied to the skeleton. This also helps to improve damping control.

[0083] It can also be seen from the figure that the elastic lining 142 can have a radially cross-sectional shape of different shapes. In particular, the elastic lining 142 can have a variable thickness (in the radial direction). In particular, the elastic lining 142 in the example has a thickness that continuously increases at least from the first (thinner) radial part 161 and at least towards the second (thicker) radial part 167. This thickness variation enables variable damping control, depending on the radial position. Therefore, the elastic hinge can independently control the movement and its progress in each direction.

[0084] In this case, the visual marking can radially position the hinge 100 between the two mechanical components to be connected, so as to consider this damping difference according to the radial position.

[0085] Figure 7 Shows a longitudinal plan view of the elastic hinge 100 in a half-section according to Figure 5 The elastomer 112 of the first sleeve 102 covers the end face 133 of the outer skeleton 106. The elastomer 112 covers the end face 133 so as to form a space along the longitudinal axis between the outer surface 154 of the elastomer and the end face 156 of the inner skeleton 110. Symmetrically, for the second sleeve 104, the elastomer 114 covers the end face 136 so as to form a space along the longitudinal axis between the outer surface 155 of the elastomer and the end face 157 of the inner skeleton 111. These spaces can adjust the damping along the longitudinal axis of the elastic hinge.

[0086] Each elastomer includes corresponding notches 134, 135 on respective ends 133, 136 opposite the connection interfaces between the elastomer and the two sleeves. The notches 134, 135 are aligned with the radially outer protrusions of the ring. The notches 134, 135 enable the insertion of the protrusions of the mechanical components, thus facilitating the assembly of the hinge to the mechanical components. In particular, the notches 134, 135 thus ensure that when the hinge is assembled in a vehicle, the hinge is oriented in the correct direction such that the damping in each radial direction is as desired between the two mechanical components to which the hinge is assembled. The notches 134, 135 enable a specific orientation to be achieved such that the characteristics of the hinge are oriented in the desired direction. This enables the independence in each radial direction with respect to the progression to be considered. In this example, the notches are aligned with the radially outer protrusions of the ring. In other examples, the notches and / or the radially outer protrusions may be oriented differently. In addition to or as an alternative to the notches 134, 135, the sleeves may include any other radial position markings.

[0087] Symmetric to what has been described with reference to Figure 6 the elastomer 112, the elastomer 114 includes a first cavity 151 at the first end of the hinge and a second cavity 153 at the connection with the first sleeve 102. When the outer skeletons 106, 108 of the first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 104 slide on the ring 140, the second cavities 152, 153 form spaces between the elastic lining 142 of the ring 140 and the inner skeletons 110, 111.

[0088] Figure 8 A transverse plan view of the ring pressed onto the first sleeve is shown according to Figure 5 a half-section. The elastic lining 142 of the ring 140 has a radially varying cross-section. This figure illustrates that the elastic lining can have a variable thickness. The elastic lining 142 has a first radial thickness 146 along a first plane P1 of the half-section and a second radial thickness 147 greater than the first radial thickness 146 along a second plane P2 of the half-section. This difference in radial thickness causes the space formed by the ring 140 in the radial direction of the first plane P1 to be larger than the space formed in the radial direction of the second plane P2. Thus, the two different cross-sections of the lining enable the damping to be adjusted in these two radial directions. In other examples, the variable cross-section of the elastic lining 142 can be different and enable other damping curves in the radial direction.

[0089] Now reference will be made to Figures 9 to 11 discuss, by way of example and not in an exhaustive manner, example dimensions of the components.

[0090] Figure 9 A schematic transverse plane view of the Figure 1 elastic hinge 100 is shown. Figure 10shows along Figure 9 the axial sectional view of the Figure 1 elastic hinge 100 shown in the cross-section A-A. Figure 11 shows the Figure 9 axial sectional view of the Figure 1 elastic hinge 100 shown in the cross-section B-B.

[0091] The diameter 160 of the inner surface 124 of the circular inner cross-section of the inner skeleton 110 is 16.5 mm, with a tolerance of 0.5 mm. The diameter 162 of the outer surface end of the outer skeleton 106 is 70.1 mm, with a tolerance of 0.3 mm.

[0092] The total length 162 along the longitudinal axis of the adjacent inner skeletons is 66 mm, with a tolerance of 0.25 mm. For each sleeve, the elastomer overlaps with the end face 133 so as to form a space 163 of 2 mm along the longitudinal axis between the top face 154 of the elastomer and the end face 156 of the inner skeleton, with a tolerance of 0.5 mm. The inner surface 124 of the circular inner cross-section expands at each end of the hinge, and its diameter 164 at each end is at most 20 mm. The diameter 165 of the expanded end of the inner skeleton of each sleeve is 37 mm, with a tolerance of 2 mm. The total length 166 in the axial direction of the plane of the outer surface of the outer skeleton is 18.71 mm. The radial stop enables controlling the damping in the first radial direction 169. The radial stop enables controlling the movement and progress in the first radial direction 169. The space 163 enables controlling the damping along the longitudinal axis 168. The space 163 enables controlling the movement and progress along the longitudinal axis 168.

[0093] The diameter 170 of the ring 120 on the outer surface of the outer skeleton 106 is 65.1 mm, with a tolerance of 0.25 mm. The radial stop enables controlling the damping at the stop in the second radial direction 172. The radial stop enables controlling the movement and progress in the second radial direction 172. Therefore, the elastic hinge enables controlling in two radial directions and along the longitudinal axis. Around the origin, there is no contact or friction, and only the elastomer functions.

[0094] Figures 12 - 15 shows an elastic hinge 200 according to another embodiment. This elastic hinge 200 is different from the Figures 1 - 11 hinge 100, in particular, the ring 240 includes serrations 280, 281, and 282.

[0095] As Figure 12As shown, the resilient hinge member 200 includes a first sleeve 202 and a second sleeve 204. The first sleeve 202 and the second sleeve 204 each include a respective outer skeleton 206, 208, a respective inner skeleton 210, 211, and respective elastomers 212, 214 located between their respective outer and inner skeletons. The resilient hinge member 200 includes two radial position markers 232 and 233. The inner skeletons 210, 211 may be made of aluminum or steel. The outer skeletons 206, 208 may be made of steel. The resilient hinge member 200 further includes a ring 240 that longitudinally connects the first sleeve 206 and the second sleeve 208. The ring 240 forms a radial stop between the inner skeleton 210 and the outer skeleton 206 of the first sleeve 202 and between the inner skeleton 211 and the outer skeleton 208 of the second sleeve 204. Thus, the ring 240 is integrated within the hinge member, which improves damping control.

[0096] Figure 13 As shown Figure 12 The first sleeve 202 of the resilient hinge member 200 is shown. The outer surface of the outer skeleton 206 includes a plate 218 and a tapered portion 220. The outer skeleton 206 includes a first notch 228 and a second notch 229. The elastomer 212 includes a first cavity 251 at the first end of the hinge member and a second cavity 253 at the connection with the second sleeve 204. The end 226 of the inner skeleton 210 at the connection with the second sleeve 204 is expanded.

[0097] Figure 14 As shown Figure 12 The ring 240 of the resilient hinge member 200 is shown and the tooth grooves 280, 281, and 282 are highlighted. The ring 240 includes an elastic lining 242. The elastic lining 242 may be made of a rubber material. The ring 240 includes an outer wall 243 of a rigid material. The outer wall 243 may be made of a plastic or metal material. The ring 240 includes a first radially outward projection 232 that engages the first notch 228 of the outer skeleton 206 of the first sleeve 202 and the first notch of the outer skeleton 208 of the second sleeve 204. The ring 240 includes a second radially outward projection 233 that engages the second notch 229 of the outer skeleton 206 of the first sleeve 202 and the second notch of the outer skeleton 208 of the second sleeve 204. The elastic lining 242 has a radially varying cross-section.

[0098] The resilient lining 242 includes a plurality of alveoli: an isolated alveolus 281 and grouped alveoli 280, 282. The alveoli 280, 282 are distributed in two rows aligned in the radial direction. The alveoli 280, 281, and 282 enable the elasticity of the gasket 242 to be adjusted so as to locally (i.e., at the location where the alveoli are formed) change the performance of the ring 240 in terms of radial vibration damping. Thus, the alveoli provide an additional variable for controlling the damping curve. Even if the gasket 242 is made of a homogeneous material only (i.e., having a constant local elasticity), this enables fine damping to be achieved.

[0099] Figure 15 shows Figure 12 a second sleeve 204 of the resilient hinge 200. The second sleeve 204 includes an outer skeleton 208, an inner skeleton 211, and an elastomer 214. The outer skeleton 208, inner skeleton 211, and elastomer 214 of the second sleeve are the same as those of the first sleeve. The outer surface of the outer skeleton 208 includes a plate 219 and a tapered portion 221. The outer skeleton 206 of the first sleeve 202 also includes a first alveolus 230 and a second alveolus 231. The elastomer 214 includes a first cavity 255 at the first end of the hinge and a second cavity 257 at the connection with the first sleeve 202.

[0100] Figure 16 shows a ring 340 including alveoli, which Figure 14 differs from the ring 240 in that the ring 340 does not include an independent cavity, in particular the independent cavity 281. The resilient lining 342 includes alveoli 290, 291, 292, 293. The resilient lining 242 includes a first group of alveoli 290, 291 and a second group of alveoli 292, 293. Each group of alveoli is distributed in two rows aligned in the radial direction. The alveoli result in differences in damping stiffness in different radial directions. In particular, in this example, the damping stiffness in the first radial direction where the alveoli are located is lower than that in other radial directions, and this lower stiffness is caused by the grouped alveoli. Thus, the alveoli can control the progress of the vibration motion within a certain range (such as a range of 10 mm).

[0101] compared with Figure 14 the ring 240 in, the ring 340 does not include the independent alveolus 281, which makes the ring 340 have a higher stiffness than the ring 240 in the second radial direction perpendicular to the first radial direction. The alveoli thus enable fine and precise damping control in different radial directions and thus improve the damping control of the vibration motion of the resilient hinge.

Claims

1. An elastic hinge member, comprising: a first sleeve and a second sleeve, each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve including an outer skeleton, an inner skeleton, and an elastomer located between the outer skeleton and the inner skeleton; and a ring longitudinally connecting the first sleeve and the second sleeve, the ring forming a radial stopper between the inner skeleton and the outer skeleton of the first sleeve and between the inner skeleton and the outer skeleton of the second sleeve, wherein the outer skeleton of the first sleeve and the outer skeleton of the second sleeve are pressed onto the ring and onto respective sides of the ring.

2. The elastic hinge according to claim 1, wherein, The ring includes an elastic inner lining.

3. The resilient hinge according to claim 2, wherein, The elastic inner lining is made of a rubber material.

4. The resilient hinge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The elastic inner lining has a radially variable cross-section.

5. The resilient hinge according to claim 4, wherein, The elastic inner lining has a variable thickness.

6. The resilient hinge according to claim 4, wherein, The elastic inner lining includes one or more tooth grooves.

7. The elastic hinge according to claim 4, wherein The elastic hinge member further includes a radial position marker.

8. The resilient hinge according to claim 2, wherein, On the one hand, the elastomers of the first sleeve and the second sleeve have different stiffnesses, and on the other hand, the elastomer of the first sleeve and the elastic inner lining have different stiffnesses.

9. The resilient hinge according to claim 1, wherein, The outer skeleton of the first sleeve includes a notch, and / or the outer skeleton of the second sleeve includes a notch.

10. The resilient hinge according to claim 9, wherein, The ring includes a radially outward protrusion that engages with the notch of the outer skeleton of the first sleeve and / or the notch of the outer skeleton of the second sleeve.

11. The resilient hinge according to claim 1, wherein, The ring includes an outer wall of a rigid material.

12. The resilient hinge according to claim 11, wherein, The rigid material is plastic or metal.

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