Inertial lock friction hinge

Abstract

One aspect is an inertia-locked frictional hinge including a shaft assembly having a shaft assembly recess and a friction assembly having a friction assembly recess. The shaft assembly and the friction assembly are rotatably coupled for relative frictional rotation. The hinge includes a limiting component positioned within the hinge such that when the hinge is in an unlocked state, the limiting component does not engage both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, such that the shaft assembly and the friction assembly are permitted to rotate relative to one another. The limiting component is positioned such that when the inertia-locked frictional hinge is in a locked state, the limiting component at least partially engages both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, such that the shaft assembly and the friction assembly are locked by the limiting component and are prevented from relative rotation.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Friction hinges are commonly used in many applications and come in various types throughout the industry. One specific application is in automotive applications for compartment closures. When friction is added to hinges used in center consoles and other compartments, the user gets a solid feel and can expect the cover to remain open until manually moved to close. Under certain load conditions, a friction hinge alone may not prevent the compartment from opening. For this reason, latches or inertial locks are known to be used to keep the cover closed, particularly in automotive compartments to meet safety standards. Inertial locks are used when it is undesirable for the user to operate the latch every time the compartment is opened. In latchless compartment designs, inertial locks are often used instead of latches to meet safety standards. These features only prevent the compartment cover from moving when exposed to certain shock loads. However, these inertial locks have disadvantages, including aesthetic drawbacks, large package size, the need for resetting after engagement, engagement time, and potentially complex assembly.

[0002] Therefore, a compact design is needed that provides both frictional torque and inertial locking functionality to meet the cost and aesthetic expectations of these applications. It is also important to include these features in the design to limit the rotational angle of the moving parts of the system due to inertial forces. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system, comprising: a first hinge element; a second hinge element; a shaft assembly coupled to the first hinge element, the shaft assembly having a shaft assembly recess; and a friction assembly coupled to the second hinge element, the friction assembly having a friction assembly recess. The shaft assembly and the friction assembly are rotatably coupled for relative frictional rotation. A limiting member is positioned within the inertial locking friction hinge such that: when the limiting member is fully accommodated within one of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, the shaft assembly and the friction assembly are allowed to rotate relative to each other under frictional action, thereby placing the inertial locking friction hinge system in an unlocked state. The limiting member is also positioned such that: when the limiting member is at least partially located within both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, relative rotation of the shaft assembly and the friction assembly is prevented, thereby placing the inertial locking friction hinge system in a locked state.

[0004] An embodiment of an inertial locking friction hinge system is any of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the inertial locking friction hinge system is configured to be in the unlocked state when gravity acts on the inertial locking friction hinge, and the inertial locking friction hinge system is configured to be in the locked state when an external impact force acts on the inertial locking friction hinge.

[0005] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the inertial locking friction hinge system is configured such that gravity acting on the inertial locking friction hinge system causes the limiting member to be fully accommodated within one of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, such that the inertial locking friction hinge system is in the unlocked state.

[0006] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the inertial locking friction hinge system is configured such that an external impact force acting on the inertial locking friction hinge system causes the limiting member to be partially accommodated in each of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, such that the inertial locking friction hinge system is in the locked state.

[0007] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the shaft assembly includes a shaft housing and a shaft, and the friction assembly includes a friction housing that houses at least one friction element, wherein the at least one friction element is disposed on the shaft in an interference fit manner.

[0008] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the shaft rotates along the axis of the shaft, and wherein, when the inertial locking friction hinge system changes between the locked state and the unlocked state, the limiting member moves radially relative to the shaft.

[0009] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the limiting component is one of a pin and a rectangular block.

[0010] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the limiting member further includes a biasing mechanism configured to retain the limiting member in one of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess until an impact force generates a load on the biasing mechanism, thereby moving the limiting member at least partially into both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess.

[0011] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge comprising a shaft assembly having a shaft assembly recess and a friction assembly having a friction assembly recess. The shaft assembly and the friction assembly are rotatably coupled for relative frictional rotation. A limiting member is positioned within the inertial locking friction hinge such that, when the inertial locking friction hinge is in an unlocked state, the limiting member does not engage with both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, allowing the shaft assembly and the friction assembly to rotate relative to each other under frictional action. The limiting member is also positioned such that, when the inertial locking friction hinge is in a locked state, the limiting member at least partially engages with both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, locking the shaft assembly and the friction assembly by the limiting member and preventing relative rotation.

[0012] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system or inertial locking friction hinge of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the inertial locking friction hinge is configured to be in the unlocked state when gravity acts on the inertial locking friction hinge, and the inertial locking friction hinge is configured to be in the locked state when an external impact force acts on the inertial locking friction hinge.

[0013] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system or inertial locking friction hinge of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the inertial locking friction hinge is configured such that an external impact force acting on the inertial locking friction hinge causes the limiting member to partially engage with each of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, thereby placing the inertial locking friction hinge in the locked state.

[0014] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system or inertial locking friction hinge of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the shaft assembly includes a shaft housing and a shaft, and the friction assembly includes a friction housing that houses at least one friction element, and wherein the at least one friction element is disposed on the shaft in an interference fit manner.

[0015] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system or inertial locking friction hinge of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the shaft rotates along the axis of the shaft, and wherein, when the inertial locking friction hinge system changes between the locked state and the unlocked state, the limiting member moves radially relative to the shaft.

[0016] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system or inertial locking friction hinge of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein, when an impact force is applied to the inertial locking friction hinge, the limiting member undergoes a radial transition toward the axis.

[0017] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system or inertial locking friction hinge of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the limiting component is one of a pin, a rectangular block, and a pawl.

[0018] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge comprising a shaft assembly having a shaft assembly recess and a friction assembly having a friction assembly recess. The shaft assembly and the friction assembly are rotatably coupled for relative frictional rotation. A limiting member is positioned within the inertial locking friction hinge such that, when the inertial locking friction hinge is in an unlocked state, the limiting member is fully accommodated within one of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, allowing the shaft assembly and the friction assembly to rotate relative to each other under frictional action. The limiting member is further positioned such that, when the inertial locking friction hinge is in a locked state, the limiting member is at least partially accommodated within both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, locking the shaft assembly and the friction assembly by the limiting member and preventing relative rotation.

[0019] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system or an inertial locking friction hinge system of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the inertial locking friction hinge system is configured such that when an external impact force is applied to the inertial locking friction hinge, the inertial locking friction hinge system changes from the locked state to the unlocked state or from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0020] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system or inertial locking friction hinge of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein an external impact force on the inertial locking friction hinge system or causing the limiting member to be fully accommodated in one of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, such that the inertial locking friction hinge system is in the unlocked state, or causing the limiting member to be partially accommodated in each of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, such that the inertial locking friction hinge system is in the locked state.

[0021] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system or inertial locking friction hinge of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the shaft assembly includes a shaft housing and a shaft, and the friction assembly includes a friction housing that houses at least one friction element, and wherein the at least one friction element is disposed on the shaft in an interference fit manner.

[0022] One embodiment is an inertial locking friction hinge system or inertial locking friction hinge of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the shaft rotates along the axis of the shaft, and wherein, when the inertial locking friction hinge system changes between the locked state and the unlocked state, the limiting member moves radially relative to the shaft. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments. Other embodiments and many anticipated advantages of the embodiments will be readily understood as they become better understood by referring to the following detailed description. Elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Similar reference numerals denote corresponding similar parts.

[0024] Figure 1 A perspective view of a hinge system incorporating an inertial locking friction hinge element is shown according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 A configuration incorporating an inertial locking friction hinge according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 1 An exploded view of the hinge system.

[0026] Figure 3 A perspective view of an inertial locking friction hinge according to one embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 An embodiment is shown. Figure 3 Exploded view of the inertial locking friction hinge in the figure.

[0028] Figures 5-7 An embodiment is shown. Figures 3-4 A cross-sectional view of the inertial locking friction hinge in the figure.

[0029] Figure 8 An exploded view of an inertial locking friction hinge according to one embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figures 9-10 An embodiment is shown. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the inertial locking friction hinge in the figure.

[0031] Figure 11 A perspective view of a hinge system incorporating an inertial locking friction hinge element is shown according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 12 A configuration incorporating an inertial locking friction hinge according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 11 A partially exploded view of the hinge system.

[0033] Figure 13 A perspective view of a three-part inertial locking friction hinge according to one embodiment is shown.

[0034] Figure 14 An embodiment is shown. Figure 13 Exploded view of a three-part inertial locking friction hinge.

[0035] Figures 15-17 An embodiment is shown. Figures 13-14 A cross-sectional view of the inertial locking friction hinge in the figure.

[0036] Figure 18 A perspective view of an inertial locking friction hinge according to one embodiment is shown.

[0037] Figure 19 An embodiment is shown. Figure 18 Exploded view of the inertial locking friction hinge in the figure.

[0038] Figures 20-23 An embodiment is shown. Figures 18-19 A cross-sectional view of the inertial locking friction hinge in the figure.

[0039] Figure 24 A perspective view of an inertial locking friction hinge according to one embodiment is shown.

[0040] Figure 25 An embodiment is shown. Figure 24 Exploded view of the inertial locking friction hinge in the figure.

[0041] Figures 26-28 An embodiment is shown. Figures 24-25 A cross-sectional view of the inertial locking friction hinge in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description, and specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced are illustrated by way of example. In this regard, directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “leading,” “tailing,” etc., are descriptions of orientation used with reference to the drawings. Because components of the embodiments can be positioned in multiple different orientations, the directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and are by no means limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be regarded as limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0043] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein can be combined with each other.

[0044] Figure 1 A hinge system 10 incorporating an inertial locking friction hinge 16 is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 2 An exploded view of the hinge system 10 is further shown, illustrating... Figure 1 Other components not visible in the diagram. In one embodiment, the hinge system 10 includes a base 14 and a top 12. In one embodiment, the base 14 includes an opening 18 and the top 12 includes an opening 19, said openings 18 and 19 being respectively configured to receive or contain portions of the inertial locking friction hinge 16. Thus, the top 12 is frictionally hinged relative to the base 14 by the inertial locking friction hinge 16. In the illustrated embodiment, although two inertial locking friction hinges 16 are shown, in some embodiments one inertial locking friction hinge 16 may be used, while in other embodiments more than two inertial locking friction hinges 16 may be used.

[0045] In one embodiment, the articulation system 10 is a console, such as one located between the front seats of a car. A frictional torque within the inertial locking frictional hinge 16 holds the top 12 closed against the base 14. Thus, the articulation system 10 does not require a separate latch to keep the top 12 closed. The user can open the top 12 by simply applying a force greater than the frictional torque within the inertial locking frictional hinge 16. This allows for easy one-handed operation, and the friction at the hinge location allows for efficient packing when space is occupied in the rear corner of the compartment.

[0046] Furthermore, in the event of inertial forces exceeding those within the inertial locking friction hinge 16, such as when a vehicle equipped with the hinge system 10 is subjected to external dynamic forces, such as impacts that would typically cause the cover to open, the inertial locking friction hinge 16 holds the cover 12 fully closed and locked in place. This ensures that the cover 12 is prevented from rotating significantly away from the base 14, so that any contents therein cannot protrude into the vehicle in the event of an impact or collision. The inertial locking friction hinge 16 can also be similarly used in applications other than automobiles.

[0047] In one embodiment, when the hinge system 10 is as follows Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the orientation is shown, gravity F G Along arrow F G The force acts downwards. In this orientation, gravity acting on the inertial locking friction hinge 16 holds it in the unlocked state. In this way, the user can open and close the cover 12 relative to the base 14 by overcoming the frictional torque or force of the inertial locking friction hinge 16. However, when the hinge system 10 is subjected to dynamic forces or impact forces, the inertial force caused by the impact interacts with gravity F. G The components in the same direction overcome gravity F G This keeps the inertial locking friction hinge 16 in a locked state. Thus, regardless of the force applied to the cover 12, the cover 12 cannot be opened or moved relative to the base 14.

[0048] Figures 3-7 An inertial locking friction hinge 16 according to one embodiment is shown. In one embodiment, the inertial locking friction hinge 16 includes a shaft assembly 30, a friction assembly 40, and a restraining member 50. In one embodiment, a first hinge element 12 is coupled to the friction assembly 40 and a second hinge element 14 is coupled to the shaft assembly 30. When the first hinge element 12 and the friction assembly 40 rotate relative to the second hinge element 14 and the shaft assembly 30, a frictional torque is generated by the inertial locking friction hinge 16, as will be further explained below. In one embodiment, for example when added to a console or other compartment, the user experiences a solid feel and can expect the hinge element 12, such as a cover, to remain open until manually moved to close and to remain closed until manually moved to open. This allows for simple one-handed operation. Furthermore, the inertial locking friction hinge 16 allows for the release of latches and snap-fit ​​components.

[0049] In one embodiment, the shaft assembly 30 includes a shaft housing 32 and a shaft 34. In one embodiment, the shaft housing 32 further includes a shaft housing opening 33 and a shaft assembly recess 54. In one embodiment, the friction assembly 40 includes a plurality of friction elements 44 and a friction housing 42. In one embodiment, the friction housing 42 includes a friction assembly recess 52.

[0050] In one embodiment, when the inertial locking friction hinge 16 is assembled, the shaft 34 is securely attached to the shaft housing opening 33. In one embodiment, the shaft 34 has a knurled end that is pressed into the shaft housing opening 33, thereby securing them together. The shaft 34 is configured to rotate about its axis X, and the shaft 34 and the shaft housing 32 rotate together by being secured together.

[0051] Friction element 44 is mounted on shaft 34 with an interference fit and is also contained within friction housing 42. In one embodiment, grease is placed between friction element 44 and shaft 34. In one embodiment, friction housing 42 has friction housing opening 43 with a profile that matches a portion of the outer contour of friction element 44, thereby preventing relative rotation between friction element 44 and friction housing 42. Therefore, when shaft housing 32 rotates relative to friction housing 42, shaft 34 rotates within friction element 44. Due to the interference fit between shaft 34 and friction element 44, their relative rotation generates a frictional torque within inertia-locking friction hinge 16. The amount of frictional torque within inertia-locking friction hinge 16 can be easily adjusted up or down by correspondingly increasing or decreasing the number of friction elements 44.

[0052] At at least one relative orientation of the shaft housing 32 and the friction housing 42, the friction assembly recess 52 and the shaft assembly recess 54 are aligned, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 5 As shown. In one embodiment, the limiting member 50 is completely located within the shaft assembly recess 54, as also... Figure 5 As shown. In this position, the inertial locking friction hinge 16 is in the unlocked state, such that the shaft assembly 30 including the shaft housing 32 and the friction assembly 40 including the friction housing 42 can rotate relative to each other by applying a force greater than the frictional torque of the inertial locking friction hinge 16.

[0053] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates how the shaft housing 32 rotates relative to the friction housing 42 (counterclockwise as shown), because the restraining member 50 remains fully contained within the shaft assembly recess 54. During this rotation, the restraining member 50 of the shaft housing 32 is held within the shaft assembly recess 54 by the outer diameter of the friction housing 42. Therefore, any acceleration or deceleration occurring during this orientation will not move the restraining member 50. The restraining member 50 will only move by gravity and / or impact forces that result in engagement when the friction assembly recess 52 and the shaft assembly recess 54 are aligned.

[0054] In one embodiment, the inertial locking friction hinge 16 is subjected to an external impact or dynamic force, causing it to change from an unlocked state to a locked state. For example, when the inertial locking friction hinge 16 is subjected to an impact force F...I At times, such as Figure 7 As shown, due to its inertial force, sometimes also referred to as friction, this causes the limiting member 50 to partially move out of the shaft assembly recess 54 and at least partially move into the friction assembly recess 52. When this occurs, the shaft housing 32 and the friction housing 42 are prevented from significant relative rotation by the limiting member 50. When the limiting member 50 is partially oriented within the shaft assembly recess 54 and partially oriented within the friction assembly recess 52, the inertial locking friction hinge 16 is in a locked state. When the inertial locking friction hinge 16 is installed in the console, the cover 12 then locks closed against the base 14 and will retain any contents within the base 14.

[0055] In one embodiment, when the inertial locking friction hinge 16 is installed in the hinge system 10, the inertial locking friction hinge 16 is oriented such that gravity F G The downward action causes the limiting component 50 to remain within the shaft assembly recess 54 (e.g., ...). Figure 5 (As shown). When the hinge system is in contact with gravity F G Dynamic force or impact force F in the same direction I At that moment, the inertia of the stopper 50 causes it to try to remain in place relative to the ground, while the rest of the hinge 16 accelerates downwards due to the impact. In the application of the hinge system 10 mounted on an automobile, the shaft assembly 30, friction assembly 40, first hinge element 12, and second hinge element 14 are all fixed to the vehicle and will all accelerate downwards due to the impact force F on the vehicle. I And accelerate. However, since the limiting member 50 is not fixed and moves freely within the shaft assembly recess 54 and the friction assembly recess 52, the inertial force of the limiting member will cause the limiting member to move upward (relative to how...). Figure 7 (as shown in the diagram), or move radially toward the axis X of the shaft.

[0056] In one implementation, when the dynamic force or impact force F I When it dissipates, gravity F G This will cause the limiting member 50 to move radially away from the axis X and return to the shaft assembly recess 54. Figure 5 Within this space, the inertial locking friction hinge 16 is once again in the unlocked state, and then the cover 12 can move relative to the base 14. In one embodiment, the impact force F required to move the limiting member 50 out of the shaft assembly recess 54 into the locked position is... I The amount is approximately the gravity F that holds the limiting component 50 there. G Twice that, and is applied in conjunction with gravity F G In the same direction.

[0057] exist Figures 3-7In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting member 50 is configured as a pin or generally cylindrical shape. The corresponding shapes of the friction assembly recess 52 and the shaft assembly recess 54 are then configured to adapt to the shape of the limiting member 50. Other configurations of the limiting member 50 are possible, as will be described below.

[0058] The hinge system 10 with inertial locking friction hinge 16 includes an inertial locking mechanism located directly within the components of the friction hinge mechanism. Combining these two mechanisms simplifies the assembly of system 10, as the two functions are integrated into one system, eliminating the need for additional components in known separate systems. Positioning the inertial locking feature, including the limiting member 50, near the axis of rotation X of shaft 34 provides the advantage of allowing additional engagement time for the inertial lock, in addition to providing friction at the axis. The inertial locking friction hinge 16 presents a challenge in handling high stresses due to directing the energy of cover 12 to the pivot region. However, the structure of the inertial locking friction hinge 16 and cover 12 can accommodate this without adding much mass. Several variations of friction hinges, including friction discs and other friction torque techniques, can be used to provide the same functionality.

[0059] Furthermore, due to both the frictional torque and inertial action of the inertial locking friction hinge 16, neither a separate latching mechanism nor a separate inertial locking mechanism associated with existing systems is required. For example, by installing the inertial locking friction hinge 16 in the hinge system 10, a latch is not required to keep the top 12 pressed against the base 14. Figures 1-2 As shown, when the inertial locking friction hinge 16 is mounted toward the rear of the hinge system 10, no latch is required at the front of the hinge system 10, whereas in some existing systems a latch is required to ensure that the top 12 remains closed. This frees up valuable space, especially in applications where other mechanisms require space.

[0060] Figures 1-7 The inertial locking friction hinge 16 shown provides symmetrical functionality in either rotational direction. In applications requiring multiple hinges due to high inertial forces or frictional requirements, one design can be used for all hinges. Other inertial locking designs may require a pair for the left and right sides. Figures 1-7 The inertial locking friction hinge 16 shown can be used with the shaft assembly 30 or attached to a rotating system component. Figure 1 It is used together with the friction component 40 at the top 12).

[0061] Figures 8-10An exploded view and a cross-sectional view of the inertial locking friction hinge 116 are shown. In one embodiment, the inertial locking friction hinge 116 further includes a spring 158 coupled to the limiting member 150. In one embodiment, the spring 158 is configured to be in a relaxed state to retain the limiting member 150 within the shaft assembly recess 154. In this position, the inertial locking friction hinge 116 is in an unlocked state, such that the shaft housing 132 and the friction housing 142 can be rotated relative to each other by applying a force greater than the frictional torque of the inertial locking friction hinge 116.

[0062] Figure 10 This illustrates an impact force F on the inertial locking friction hinge 116 sufficient to apply a tensile load to the spring 158. I Subsequently, the inertial locking friction hinge 116 moves the spring 158 from a relaxed state to a stretched state, thereby allowing the restraining member 150 to move out of the shaft assembly recess 154. Thus, the restraining member 150 extends at least partially into the friction assembly recess 152, locking the inertial locking friction hinge 116 and preventing relative rotation between the shaft housing 132 and the friction housing 142. Therefore, the inertial locking friction hinge 116 can be designed to provide an adjustable amount of tensile load due to the spring 158, such that the impact force F required to transition the inertial locking friction hinge 116 from the unlocked state to the locked state... I The quantity is customizable for any specific application.

[0063] The orientation of spring 158 can also be adjusted. For example, spring 158 can be configured to retain the limiting member 150 within the friction assembly recess 152, such that the inertial locking friction hinge 116 is in the unlocked state. When an impact force F sufficient to provide a sufficient tensile load to spring 158 is applied... I At this time, the limiting member 150 extends at least partially into the shaft assembly recess 154, such that the inertial locking friction hinge 116 is in a locked state, and the shaft housing 132 and the friction housing 142 are prevented from rotating relative to each other. Other biasing mechanisms may also be used to store the energy that needs to be overcome by inertial force to transition the inertial locking friction hinge 116 from an unlocked state to a locked state. For example, compression springs, leaf springs, magnets, fluid pressure, and similar biasing mechanisms may be used to hold the limiting member 150 in a locked or unlocked position, such that the biasing mechanism must be overcome to change from locked to unlocked or from unlocked to locked.

[0064] Furthermore, the orientation of the inertial locking friction hinge 116, and therefore the orientation of the spring 158 and the restraining member 150, can be adjusted so that the spring 158 and the restraining member 150 are aligned with the expected impact force F. I Alignment ensures that the application of force will result in a transition between the locked and unlocked states.

[0065] Figures 11-12 The illustration shows an embodiment of an inertial locking friction hinge 116 within a hinge system 100. In this system, the inertial locking friction hinge 116 hinges a movable door 112 relative to a base 114. In one embodiment, the movable door 112 is a glove box in a vehicle. Figures 1-2 The hinge system 10 is similar to the hinge system 100 along arrow F. G The gravitational force F acting downwards G Oriented. In this orientation, the energy stored in the spring 158 of the inertial locking friction hinge 116 keeps the inertial locking friction hinge 116 in the unlocked state, regardless of gravity F. G In this way, the user can open and close the door 112 relative to the base 114 simply by overcoming the frictional force or torque of the inertial locking friction hinge 116.

[0066] In one implementation method Figure 10 The orientation of the inertial locking friction hinge 116 shown is used in the hinge system 100. Therefore, when as Figure 12 The impact force F shown I When applied to the hinge system 100, the limiting member 150 moves out of the shaft assembly recess 154 and at least partially enters the friction assembly recess 152, such that the inertial locking friction hinge 116 is locked, and the shaft housing 132 and the friction housing 142 are prevented from rotating relative to each other. Thus, regardless of the force applied to the door 112 during an impact event, the door 112 cannot be opened relative to the base 114.

[0067] In this orientation of the inertial locking friction hinge 116, when the inertial locking friction hinge 116 is in the unlocked state, the spring 158 can also be used to ensure that the restraining member 150 is held in the shaft assembly recess 154. Due to gravity F G The direction is perpendicular to Figure 12 The orientation of the friction assembly recess 152 and the shaft assembly recess 154 in the hinge system 100, therefore the gravity F G This will not help ensure that the limiting member 150 is held in the shaft assembly recess 154. A spring 158 may be added for this purpose in one embodiment.

[0068] Some safety standards in cars may need to be Figure 11 and Figure 12The articulation system 100 is used to prevent objects from detaching from the container and becoming flying projectiles. Various other articulation systems can be easily implemented with one or more inertial locking friction articulations 116 to take advantage of their advantageous performance characteristics. For example, inertial locking friction articulations 16 or 116 can be used in hospital trolleys to prevent contents from flying out when the trolley tipps over.

[0069] Figures 13-17 An inertial locking friction hinge 216 according to one embodiment is shown. In one embodiment, the inertial locking friction hinge 216 includes a shaft assembly 230, a friction assembly 240, and a restraining member 250. In one embodiment, the inertial locking friction hinge 216 includes only these three main components. As previously described, a first hinge element, such as top 12, base 14, door 112, or base 114, is coupled to the friction assembly 240, while a second hinge element, such as top 12, base 14, door 112, or base 114, is coupled to the shaft assembly 230, and the relative movement of the restraining member 250 between them causes the inertial locking friction hinge 216 to transition between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0070] In one embodiment, the shaft assembly 230 is configured as a single component and the friction assembly 240 is configured as a single integrated component. This configuration significantly reduces the number of parts, assembly costs, and overall cost. In one embodiment, all three components—shaft assembly 230, friction assembly 240, and restraint component 250—are manufactured using injection molding, especially when they are made of plastic materials. In another embodiment, each is manufactured using metal injection molding (MIM). Other processes and combinations of processes can also be used to construct the shaft assembly 230, friction assembly 240, and restraint component 250 as individual components.

[0071] In one embodiment, the shaft assembly 230 has a shaft housing portion 232, a shaft portion 234, and a shaft assembly recess 254. In one embodiment, the friction assembly 240 includes a friction portion 244, a friction housing portion 242, and a friction assembly recess 252. Figures 13-17 The inertial locking friction hinge 216 and the above-mentioned Figures 1-10 The inertial locking friction hinge operates similarly, except that both the shaft assembly 230 and the friction assembly 240 are constructed as a single component.

[0072] In one embodiment, when assembling the inertia-locking friction hinge 216, the shaft portion 234 of the shaft assembly 230 extends into the friction portion 244 of the friction assembly 240 in an interference fit. In one embodiment, grease is also added between them. As shown, for example in Figures 13-14In this configuration, the friction portion 244 is at least partially spaced from the friction housing portion 242, such that the friction portion 244 can be slightly bent when the shaft portion 234 is forced into the friction portion 244. Therefore, when the shaft assembly 230 and the friction assembly 240 rotate relative to each other, the shaft portion 232 rotates within the friction portion 244, generating a frictional torque within the inertia-locking friction hinge 216.

[0073] In at least one of the relative orientations of the shaft assembly 230 and the friction assembly 240, the friction assembly recess 252 and the shaft assembly recess 254 are aligned, for example, as Figure 15 As shown. In one embodiment, the limiting member 250 is completely located within the shaft assembly recess 254, as... Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown. In this position, the inertial locking friction hinge 216 is unlocked, allowing the shaft assembly 230 and the friction assembly 240 to rotate relative to each other by applying a force greater than the frictional torque of the inertial locking friction hinge 216. Figure 16 This illustrates how the friction assembly 240 rotates relative to the shaft assembly 230 (counterclockwise as shown) when the limiting member 250 remains fully within the shaft assembly recess 254.

[0074] In one embodiment, the inertial locking friction hinge 216 is subjected to an impact force F. I This causes the inertial locking friction hinge 216 to change from an unlocked state to a locked state. For example, when the inertial locking friction hinge 216 is subjected to an impact force F... I At times, such as Figure 17 As shown, the inertial force on the limiting member 250 causes the limiting member to partially move out of the shaft assembly recess 254 and at least partially move into the friction assembly recess 252. When this occurs, the shaft assembly 230 and the friction assembly 240 are prevented from significant relative rotation by the limiting member 250. When the limiting member 250 is partially oriented within the shaft assembly recess 254 and partially oriented within the friction assembly recess 252, the inertial locking friction hinge 216 is in a locked state.

[0075] exist Figures 13-17 In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting member 250 is configured as a rectangular block. The corresponding shapes of the friction assembly recess 252 and the shaft assembly recess 254 are then configured to adapt to the shape of the limiting member 250. In one embodiment, the surfaces of the shaft assembly recess 254 and the friction assembly recess 252, and / or the surface of the limiting member 250, may be designed to have minute angles, which can provide improved engagement in some embodiments.

[0076] Figures 18-23An inertial locking friction hinge 316 according to one embodiment is shown. In one embodiment, the inertial locking friction hinge 316 includes a shaft assembly 330, a friction assembly 340, and a restraining member 350. The operation of the inertial locking friction hinge 316 is similar to that of the aforementioned inertial locking friction hinges 16, 116, and 216.

[0077] In one embodiment, the shaft assembly 330 includes a shaft housing 332 and a shaft 334. In one embodiment, the shaft housing 332 further includes a shaft assembly recess 354. In one embodiment, the friction assembly 340 includes a plurality of friction elements 344 and a friction housing 342. In one embodiment, the friction housing 342 includes a friction assembly recess 352.

[0078] In one embodiment, when the inertia-locking friction hinge 316 is assembled, the shaft 334 is securely attached to an opening in the shaft housing 332, thus fixing them together. In this way, the shaft 334 and the shaft housing 332 rotate together. Along with optional grease, the friction element 344 is placed on the shaft 334 and also housed within the friction housing 342. In one embodiment, the friction element 344 includes a retaining plate member 344a, a friction disc member 344b, a Belleville disc spring 344c, and a retaining ring 344d. In one embodiment, the retaining plate member 344a is clockwise synchronized with the housing 342, the friction disc member 344b is clockwise synchronized with the shaft 334, and the retaining ring 344d is press-fitted to the shaft 334 using a compressive force that holds all the components axially together. The Belleville disc spring 344c provides the compressive force on the friction disc member 344b. Therefore, when the shaft housing 332 rotates relative to the friction housing 342, the compressive force between the fixed plate member 344a and the friction disc member 344b generates a frictional torque within the inertia-locking friction hinge 316 during their relative rotation. The amount of frictional torque within the inertia-locking friction hinge 316 can be easily adjusted upwards or downwards by adjusting the compression of the Bellevue disc spring 344c or by increasing or decreasing the number of fixed plate members 344a and friction disc members 344b. Other methods of generating frictional torque through the relative rotation of the shaft housing 332 and the friction housing 342 are also possible.

[0079] Similar to the aforementioned inertial locking friction hinges 16, 116, and 216, in at least one relative orientation of the shaft housing 332 and the friction housing 342 with respect to the inertial locking friction hinge 316, the friction assembly recess 352 and the shaft assembly recess 354 are aligned, for example, as... Figure 22 As shown. In one embodiment, the limiting member 350 is completely located within the shaft assembly recess 354, as also... Figure 22As shown. In this position, the inertial locking friction hinge 316 is in the unlocked state, allowing the shaft assembly 330, including the shaft housing 332, and the friction assembly 340, including the friction housing 342, to rotate relative to each other by applying a force greater than the frictional torque of the inertial locking friction hinge 316. Figure 23 This illustrates how the shaft housing 332 rotates relative to the friction housing 342 (counterclockwise as shown) when the limiting member 350 remains fully within the shaft assembly recess 354.

[0080] In one embodiment, the inertial locking friction hinge 316 is subjected to an external impact force F. I This causes the inertial locking friction hinge 316 to change from an unlocked state to a locked state. For example, when the inertial locking friction hinge 316 is subjected to an impact force F... I This will cause the limiting component 350 to partially move out of the shaft assembly recess 354 and at least partially move into the friction assembly recess 352 due to its inertial force, such as Figure 21 As shown. When this occurs, the shaft housing 332 and the friction housing 342 are prevented from significant relative rotation by the engagement of each limiting member 350. The inertial locking friction hinge 316 is in a locked state when the limiting member 350 is partially oriented within the shaft assembly recess 354 and partially oriented within the friction assembly recess 352.

[0081] When the inertial locking friction hinge 316 is installed in the console, as Figure 1 As shown, the cover 12 then locks closed against the base 14, retaining any contents within the base 14. When the inertial locking friction hinge 316 is installed in the glove box, for example in… Figure 11 Then the door 112 locks closed against the base 114, retaining any contents therein. In one embodiment, when the inertial locking friction hinge 316 is installed in the glove box, it may also include, depending on the orientation, a spring coupled to the limiting member 350, for example... Figure 10 Spring 158 in the middle.

[0082] like Figure 19 As shown, the limiting component 350 is roughly a rectangular block, while Figure 4 The limiting component 50 is pin-shaped or cylindrical, and Figure 14 The limiting member 250 is another rectangular shape. Therefore, many different shapes can be used for the limiting member, wherein the shaft assembly recess and the friction assembly recess are formed in a complementary manner to accommodate the limiting member. Various types of limiting members, friction elements, and biasing mechanisms in the embodiments can be combined in different ways within the inertial locking friction hinge.

[0083] Figures 24-28An inertial locking friction hinge 416 according to one embodiment is shown. In one embodiment, the inertial locking friction hinge 416 includes a shaft assembly 430, a friction assembly 440, and a restraining member 450. In one embodiment, the shaft assembly 430 includes a shaft housing 432, a shaft 434, and a shaft housing recess 454. In one embodiment, the friction assembly 440 includes a plurality of friction elements 444, a friction housing 442, and a friction housing recess 452. The operation of the inertial locking friction hinge 416 is similar to that of the previously described inertial locking friction hinges 16, 116, 216, and 316.

[0084] In one embodiment, when the inertia-locking friction hinge 416 is assembled, the shaft 434 is securely attached to an opening in the shaft housing 432, such that they are fixed together and the shaft 434 and shaft housing 432 rotate together. The friction element 444 is placed on the shaft 434 with an interference fit and is also housed within the friction housing 442, thereby preventing relative rotation between the friction element 444 and the friction housing 442. Therefore, when the shaft housing 432 rotates relative to the friction housing 442, the shaft 434 rotates within the friction element 444, generating a frictional torque within the inertia-locking friction hinge 416.

[0085] In one embodiment, the limiting member 450 is configured as a pawl stop. When the inertial locking friction hinge 416 is in the unlocked state, the limiting member 450 or the pawl rests on the pivot 456 (see...). Figure 27 And it does not engage the friction housing recess 452 or the shaft housing recess 454. For example... Figure 26 and Figure 28 As shown, the limiting member 450 rotates together with the shaft housing 432, and gravity holds the limiting member 450 in a position disengaged from the friction housing recess 452. When the limiting member 450 is a pawl as shown, the geometry of the limiting member makes the center of gravity CG of the limiting member (see Figure 1)... Figure 27 It is away from the pivot 456 and is held in a disengaged position under normal gravity. Similar to the previously described embodiment, the frictional torque from the friction portion of this embodiment is the total force resisting the movement between the shaft housing 432 and the friction housing 442 during normal operation.

[0086] When an external impact force F is in the same direction as the normal gravity... IWhen the value is exceeded, the limiting component 450 rotates to engage with the shaft housing recess 454, thereby preventing relative rotation between the shaft housing 432 and the friction housing 442 and placing the inertia-locking friction hinge 416 in this locked state. The friction housing recess 452, the shaft housing recess 454, and the pawl feature of the limiting component 450 are designed with a locking angle to prevent disengagement under load during the locked state. When the inertial force dissipates, the pawl returns to the disengaged position due to gravity, causing the inertia-locking friction hinge 416 to return to the unlocked state.

[0087] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that various alternatives and / or equivalent embodiments can be used to replace the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the invention. This application is intended to cover any modifications or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, the invention is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An inertial locking friction hinge system, the inertial locking friction hinge system comprising: First hinge element; Second hinge element; A shaft assembly connected to the first hinge element, the shaft assembly having a shaft assembly recess and a shaft; A friction assembly connected to the second hinge element, the friction assembly having a friction assembly recess; The shaft assembly and the friction assembly are rotatably connected to rotate relative to each other about the shaft. A limiting member is positioned within an inertial locking friction hinge system such that: when the limiting member is fully accommodated within one of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, the shaft assembly and the friction assembly are allowed to rotate relative to each other under frictional action, thereby placing the inertial locking friction hinge system in an unlocked state; and the limiting member is positioned such that: when the limiting member is at least partially located within both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, relative rotation of the shaft assembly and the friction assembly is prevented, thereby placing the inertial locking friction hinge system in a locked state, wherein the limiting member moves radially relative to the shaft.

2. The inertial locking friction hinge system according to claim 1, wherein, The inertial locking friction hinge system is configured such that it is in the unlocked state when gravity acts on it, and the inertial locking friction hinge system is configured such that it is in the locked state when an external impact force acts on it.

3. The inertial locking friction hinge system according to claim 1, wherein, The inertial locking friction hinge system is configured such that gravity acting on the inertial locking friction hinge system causes the limiting member to be fully accommodated within one of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, thereby placing the inertial locking friction hinge system in the unlocked state.

4. The inertial locking friction hinge system according to claim 1, wherein, The inertial locking friction hinge system is configured such that an external impact force acting on the inertial locking friction hinge system causes the limiting member to be partially accommodated in each of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, thereby placing the inertial locking friction hinge system in the locked state.

5. The inertial locking friction hinge system according to claim 1, wherein, The shaft assembly includes a shaft housing and the shaft, and the friction assembly includes a friction housing that houses at least one friction element, wherein the at least one friction element is disposed on the shaft in an interference fit manner.

6. The inertial locking friction hinge system according to claim 5, wherein, The shaft rotates along its axis, and the limiting member moves radially relative to the shaft as the inertial locking friction hinge system changes between the locked state and the unlocked state.

7. The inertial locking friction hinge system according to claim 1, wherein, The limiting component is either a pin or a rectangular block.

8. The inertial locking friction hinge system according to claim 1, wherein, The limiting component also includes a biasing mechanism configured to hold the limiting component in one of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess until an impact force generates a load on the biasing mechanism, thereby moving the limiting component at least partially into both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess.

9. An inertial locking friction hinge, the inertial locking friction hinge comprising: A shaft assembly having a shaft assembly recess and a shaft; Friction assembly, the friction assembly having a friction assembly recess; The shaft assembly and the friction assembly are rotatably connected to rotate relative to each other about the shaft. A limiting member is positioned within the inertial locking friction hinge such that: when the inertial locking friction hinge is in the unlocked state, the limiting member does not engage with both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, allowing the shaft assembly and the friction assembly to rotate relative to each other under frictional action; and the limiting member is positioned such that: when the inertial locking friction hinge is in the locked state, the limiting member engages at least partially with both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, locking the shaft assembly and the friction assembly by the limiting member and preventing relative rotation, wherein the limiting member moves radially relative to the shaft.

10. The inertial locking friction hinge according to claim 9, wherein, The inertial locking friction hinge is configured such that it is in the unlocked state when gravity acts on it, and the inertial locking friction hinge is configured such that it is in the locked state when an external impact force acts on it.

11. The inertial locking friction hinge according to claim 9, wherein, The inertial locking friction hinge is configured such that an external impact force acting on the inertial locking friction hinge causes the limiting member to partially engage with each of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, thereby placing the inertial locking friction hinge in the locked state.

12. The inertial locking friction hinge according to claim 9, wherein, The shaft assembly includes a shaft housing and the shaft, and the friction assembly includes a friction housing that houses at least one friction element, wherein the at least one friction element is disposed on the shaft in an interference fit manner.

13. The inertial locking friction hinge according to claim 12, wherein, The shaft rotates along its axis, and the limiting member moves radially relative to the shaft as the inertial locking friction hinge changes between the locked state and the unlocked state.

14. The inertial locking friction hinge according to claim 13, wherein, When an impact force is applied to the inertial locking friction hinge, the limiting member transitions radially toward the axis.

15. The inertial locking friction hinge according to claim 9, wherein, The limiting component is one of a pin, a rectangular block, and a pawl.

16. An inertial locking friction hinge, the inertial locking friction hinge comprising: A shaft assembly having a shaft assembly recess and a shaft; Friction assembly, the friction assembly having a friction assembly recess; The shaft assembly and the friction assembly are rotatably connected to rotate relative to each other about the shaft. A limiting member is positioned within the inertial locking friction hinge such that: when the inertial locking friction hinge is in the unlocked state, the limiting member is fully accommodated within one of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, allowing the shaft assembly and the friction assembly to rotate relative to each other under frictional action; and the limiting member is positioned such that: when the inertial locking friction hinge is in the locked state, the limiting member is at least partially accommodated within both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, locking the shaft assembly and the friction assembly by the limiting member and preventing relative rotation, wherein the limiting member moves radially relative to the shaft.

17. The inertial locking friction hinge according to claim 16, wherein, The inertial locking friction hinge is configured such that when an external impact force is applied to the inertial locking friction hinge, the inertial locking friction hinge changes from the locked state to the unlocked state or from the unlocked state to the locked state.

18. The inertial locking friction hinge according to claim 17, wherein, An external impact force on the inertial locking friction hinge, or the restraining member being fully accommodated in one of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, causes the inertial locking friction hinge to be in the unlocked state, or the restraining member being partially accommodated in each of the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess, causes the inertial locking friction hinge to be in the locked state.

19. The inertial locking friction hinge according to claim 16, wherein, The shaft assembly includes a shaft housing and the shaft, and the friction assembly includes a friction housing that houses at least one friction element, wherein the at least one friction element is configured on the shaft in an interference fit, and wherein the shaft rotates along its axis, and wherein the limiting member moves radially relative to the shaft when the inertial locking friction hinge changes between the locked state and the unlocked state.

20. The inertial locking friction hinge according to claim 16, wherein, The shaft assembly, the friction assembly, and the restraining component are all single integrated components.

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