Torque hinge with clutch mechanism

Abstract

A novel torque hinge is provided, by performing a required operation, a driven side member can be rotated with respect to a driving side member having a sufficiently small force even if an inner ring 4 and an outer ring 6 are connected by a required frictional force applied by a connecting member 8. A coil spring 89 having a pair of hook portions 92 is installed on an outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 6, and the outer ring 6 is supported by a cylindrical support member 43. A control member 72 for controlling the coil spring 89 is assembled in series in an axial direction on the support member 43, and the control member 72 enables rotation with respect to the support member 43 around a common rotation axis (o1) of the inner ring 4 and the outer ring 6. The support member 43 and the control member 72 are provided with hook grooves 48 and 82 in which the pair of hook portions 92 of the coil spring 89 are respectively fitted. The coil spring 89 holds or releases the outer ring 6 by a required operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a torque hinge. More specifically, this invention relates to a torque hinge having a clutch mechanism capable of switching between: a state in which two members connected to both sides rotate integrally or relative to each other by performing a required operation to overcome a required frictional force, and a state in which the members rotate relative to each other without depending on the required frictional force. Background Technology

[0002] Torque hinges are commonly used in practical applications, for example, to suspend the LCD display of a laptop or the cover of a copier at any tilt angle relative to the main unit. Patent documents 1 and 2 below disclose examples of torque hinges having an inner and outer ring with a common axis of rotation and a connecting member disposed between the inner and outer rings to detachably connect the rings by a required frictional force. Patent documents 1 and 2 relate to so-called frictional torque hinges, in which a spring member consisting of a sheet metal is used as the connecting member. The spring member has a spring portion to make close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring, thereby generating the required frictional force. The inner and outer rings rotate relative to the required frictional force applied by the spring member.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 3 discloses a bidirectional torque limiter utilizing a helical spring. Patent Document 4 discloses a bidirectional torque limiter utilizing a so-called annular spring, and Patent Document 5 discloses a bidirectional torque limiter utilizing a so-called tolerance ring. Since the inner and outer rings are rotatable relative to the required frictional force even in the bidirectional torque limiters disclosed in Patent Documents 3 to 5, these torque limiters achieve the same effect as a torque hinge.

[0004] As described above, a torque hinge can be used as an angle-holding device to suspend a cover at any tilt angle relative to the main unit, and it can also be used as a rotary transmitter by connecting an inner or outer ring to the drive-side member and another ring to the driven-side member. For example, the inner or outer ring is connected to a motor as the drive-side member, while the other ring is connected to a door of a vehicle as the driven-side member, allowing the door to be opened and closed by the motor. When the door is in an opening / closing operation driven by the motor's torque, or when the door is held in a fully open or partially open position by the motor's starting or holding torque, the door may be suddenly subjected to wind or similar external forces. In this case, the external force applied to the door can be released by the relative rotation of the inner and outer rings, thereby preventing the door from slamming. Existing technical documents: Patent documents:

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-12514A [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-65355A [Patent Document 3] JP H09-112568A [Patent Document 4] JP 2018-35837A [Patent Document 5] JP 2021-14861A Summary of the Invention The problem this invention aims to solve:

[0006] In cases where the torque hinge (bidirectional torque limiter) disclosed in any of Patent Documents 1 to 5 is used as a rotary transmitter, either the inner or outer ring is always connected to the motor, while the other ring is always connected to the door. Therefore, for example, in situations where it is necessary to manually open / close the door due to motor failure, the user needs to overcome the so-called frictional force required to connect the inner and outer rings, or overcome the starting or holding torque of the motor, to open / close the door. In such cases, opening and closing the door requires considerable force, making it essentially impossible.

[0007] The present invention is made in view of the above facts, and its main technical objective is to provide a novel and improved torque hinge that can switch between a state for rotating two components integrally or relatively by performing a required operation and a state for rotating the components relatively independently of the required frictional force. A device for solving problems:

[0008] As a result of intensive research, the inventors discovered that the main technical problem can be solved in the following manner. Specifically, in this structure, each helical spring having a pair of hooks is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring, and the outer ring is supported by a cylindrical support member. Simultaneously, a control member for controlling the helical spring is assembled in series with the support member axially, such that the control member can rotate relative to the support member about a common axis of rotation of the inner and outer rings. Both the support member and the control member have hook slots, each of the pair of hooks of the helical spring can be fitted into the hook slot, and the helical spring can hold or release the outer ring by the desired operation.

[0009] That is, the present invention provides a torque hinge for achieving the above-mentioned main technical objectives, characterized in that the torque hinge includes an inner ring and an outer ring having a common axis of rotation, and a connecting member disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring so as to detachably connect the inner ring and the outer ring by a required frictional force, wherein the inner ring and the outer ring are capable of rotating integrally or relative to each other against the required frictional force. The outer ring is inserted into the cylindrical support member so that it is supported by the support member, and a helical spring with a pair of hooks is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring. The control component for controlling the helical spring is assembled in series with the support component along the axial direction. The control component is rotatable relative to the support component about a common axis of rotation. Both the support component and the control component have hooks. Each of the pair of hooks of the helical spring is fitted into the hook, and the helical spring retains or releases the outer ring by the required operation.

[0010] Preferably, both the helical spring and the control member are disposed on each axial side of the support member, the support member being fitted with a bevel gear rotatable about a support shaft perpendicular to a common axis of rotation, and the control member being provided with an arcuate rack extending circumferentially to mesh with the bevel gear. In this case, preferably, the helical springs disposed on both axial sides of the support member consist of wires wound in opposite directions when viewed from one axial end. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the control member has cylindrical support protrusions to enter between the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring and the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring, and the connecting member is supported axially from both sides by corresponding support protrusions of the control members disposed on both axial sides of the support member. Suitably, the helical spring tightens and holds the outer ring when it is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring and no force is applied to each of the pair of hooks, and the control member rotates relative to the support member, causing the helical spring to release the outer ring. Preferably, the connecting member is non-rotatable relative to the outer ring. In this case, it is suitable that the connecting member is held axially from both sides by a pair of retainers, each of which is circumferentially locked to the outer ring by a circumferential locking device. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the connecting member is a spring member composed of a thin metal sheet having a spring portion that is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring. Effects of the invention:

[0011] In the torque hinge of the present invention, a pair of hooks of each of the helical springs mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring are respectively fitted into hook grooves formed on the support member and the control member for supporting the outer ring, so as to be assembled in series with the support member in the axial direction. Since the control member is rotatable relative to the support member about the common axis of rotation of the inner and outer rings, the state in which the helical springs are tightened to hold the outer ring and the state in which the helical springs are released from the outer ring can be switched by the relatively rotating support member and the control member about the common axis of rotation.

[0012] With the helical spring tightened and the outer ring held in place, the support member is integrated with the outer ring. As a result, the inner ring, connected to the outer ring by the required frictional force applied by the connecting member, rotates integrally with the support member or rotates relative to it against the required frictional force. Conversely, with the helical spring released from the outer ring, the support member is disconnected from the outer ring and can rotate relative to it with a sufficiently small force, and the inner ring can also rotate relative to the support member with a sufficiently small force. In other words, in the torque hinge of the present invention, by performing the required operation, it is possible to switch between a state for rotating the two members connected to both sides integrally or relative to each other against the required frictional force and a state for rotating the members relative to each other with a sufficiently small force without relying on the required frictional force. Therefore, if the torque hinge of the present invention is assembled as a rotary transmitter in a vehicle door, and the inner ring and support member are respectively connected to the motor and the door, then with the helical spring held in place on the outer ring, the motor can overcome the required frictional force applied by the connecting member to open and close the door. When the door is in the open / close operation driven by the motor's drive torque, or when the door is held in the fully open or partially open position by the motor's starting or holding torque, the door may be suddenly subjected to wind or similar external forces. In this situation, the external force applied to the door can be released by the relative rotation of the inner and outer rings, thus preventing the door from slamming. On the other hand, with the outer ring released by the coil spring, the door can be opened and closed with a sufficiently small force, even if the inner ring is connected to the motor. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the entire configuration of the torque hinge according to the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The left-side view of the torque hinge shown shows the control component detached from the torque hinge. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the torque hinge shown is along... Figure 1 The section line AA is cut off in the middle. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the torque hinge shown is along... Figure 2 The section line BB in the middle is cut off. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the corresponding components of the torque hinge shown. Figure 6 Shown separately Figure 1 The inner ring of the torque hinge shown. Figure 7 Shown separately Figure 1 The outer ring of the torque hinge shown. Figure 8 Shown separately Figure 1 The connecting component of the torque hinge shown. Figure 9 Shown separately Figure 1 The retainer of the torque hinge shown. Figure 10 Shown separately Figure 1 The supporting component of the torque hinge shown. Figure 11 Shown separately Figure 1 The intermediate component of the torque hinge shown. Figure 12 Shown separately Figure 1 The control component of the torque hinge shown. Figure 13 Shown separately Figure 1 The coil spring with the torque hinge shown. Figure 14 This shows the operation. Figure 1 A diagram showing the state of the intermediate member in the torque hinge. Figure 15 Along the AA section line Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the component. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The following description will be further detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of the torque hinge configured according to the present invention.

[0015] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 5 Mainly Figures 3 to 5 The following explanation is provided. A torque hinge, typically represented by the number 2, has an inner ring 4 and an outer ring 6, which share a common axis of rotation o1 and a connecting member 8.

[0016] The following will refer to Figures 3 to 5 as well as Figure 6 The inner ring 4 is made of metal and has a generally cylindrical shape. A working portion 14 is provided at the axial center of the inner ring 4, the working portion 14 having an outer peripheral surface with a circular cross-section and a relatively large diameter. On both axial sides of the working portion 14, inner ring shaft portions 16 are provided, each inner ring shaft portion having a relatively small diameter and an outer peripheral surface with a circular cross-section. A U-shaped notch 18 is formed at the axial free end of one of the two inner ring shaft portions 16. The notch 18 is formed on both radial sides of the inner ring shaft portion 16. The inner ring 4 can be... Figure 3 and 4 The double-dotted line in the diagram indicates that the drive side is connected to the shaft member s.

[0017] The following will refer to Figures 3 to 5 as well as Figure 7The outer ring 6 is made of metal and has a generally cylindrical shape. (See reference...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 Understandably, the inner diameter of the outer ring 6 is larger than the outer diameter of the working portion 14 of the inner ring 4, and the outer ring 6 is positioned outside the inner ring 4, including the inner ring 4. Although the cross-sectional shape of the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 6 is circular, six circumferential locking ridges 20 are circumferentially provided at equal angular intervals on the inner circumferential surface, and the circumferential locking ridges 20 are formed by locally reducing the inner diameter. The circumferential locking ridges 20 extend linearly along the axial direction above the outer ring 6, and their cross-sectional shape is approximately rectangular.

[0018] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the connecting member 8 is disposed between the inner ring 4 and the outer ring 6, more specifically, between the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 6. The following will refer to... Figures 3 to 5 as well as Figure 8 The following explanation is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 8 is made of metal and has a connecting base 22 formed as a generally annular thin plate. Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the connecting base 22 is positioned perpendicular to the common axis of rotation o1 by surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 4. An annular outer peripheral reinforcing portion 24 is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the connecting base 22, which is axially upright and radially outwardly curved. At the inner peripheral edge portion of the connecting base 22, six generally rectangular engagement recesses 26 are formed at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The engagement recesses 26 are formed by locally increasing the inner diameter of the connecting base 22. At connecting bases 22 where engagement recesses 26 are not formed, the inner peripheral edge of the corner region is axially curved to form a spring portion 28. Figure 4 As shown, the spring portion 28 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the working portion 14 of the inner ring 4 elastically. (As indicated...) Figure 8 As shown in the enlarged view of part B, it can be understood that the spring part 28 is bent axially to the same side as the outer peripheral reinforcement part 24.

[0019] The connecting member 8 described above detachably connects the inner ring 4 and the outer ring 6 by the required frictional force. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 8 is held axially from both sides by a pair of retainers 30 and 32 made of synthetic resin, and each of these retainers 30 and 32 is circumferentially locked to the outer ring 6 by a circumferential locking device described later. That is, the connecting member 8 is assembled to the outer ring 6 in a non-rotatable manner relative to the outer ring 6. Reference will be made below. Figure 9 The following description is provided. A pair of retainers 30 and 32 have corresponding shapes and each has a retainer base 34 shaped as an annular plate. (See attached image.) Figure 3 and 4As shown, the retainer base 34 is also positioned perpendicular to the common axis of rotation o1, surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 4. At the outer peripheral edge of the retainer base 34, six approximately rectangular circumferential locking recesses 36 are provided at equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction. The circumferential locking recesses 36 are formed by locally reducing the outer diameter of the retainer base 34. Figure 2 As shown, the circumferential locking recess 36 corresponds to the circumferential locking ridge 20 formed on the outer ring 6, thus forming the circumferential locking device as described above. On the retainer base 34, an annular inner ring axial bearing surface 38 is formed by reducing the axial width along the inner circumferential edge. As... Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the inner ring axial bearing surface 38 axially supports the working portion 14 of the inner ring 4. In the retainer base 34 of the retainer 30, six engaging protrusions 40 extending linearly along the axial direction are arranged at equal angular intervals along the outer peripheral edge of the inner ring axial bearing surface 38. In the retainer base 34 of the retainer 32, six engaging recesses 42 recessed along the axial direction are arranged at equal angular intervals along the outer peripheral edge of the inner ring axial bearing surface 38. Furthermore, the engaging recesses 42 are provided with minute stepped portions 42a that extend continuously along the outer peripheral edge in the circumferential direction. The corresponding cross-sectional shapes of the engaging protrusions 40, engaging recesses 42, and engaging recesses 26 (formed in the connecting member 8) correspond to each other.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of connecting members 8 (three in the illustrated embodiment) are arranged in series along the axial direction. The circumferential angular positions of the corresponding engagement recesses 26 of the plurality of connecting members 8 and the circumferential angular positions of the corresponding spring portions 28 are matched with each other. A pair of retainers 30 and 32 are provided on both axial sides of the plurality of connecting members 8 arranged in series along the axial direction. The end portion of the engagement protrusion 40 of the retainer 30 passes axially through the engagement recess 26 of the connecting member 8 and is then fitted into the engagement recess 42 of the retainer 32. In this way, the plurality of connecting members 8 arranged in series along the axial direction are fully held from both axial sides via a pair of retainers 30 and 32. The circumferential locking recesses 36 formed on the pair of retainers 30 and 32 and the circumferential locking ridges 20 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 6 (see also) Figure 2 After mating, the connecting member 8 and the pair of retainers 30 and 32, thus assembled, are pushed into the outer ring 6. In this way, the connecting member 8 is mounted in a non-rotatable manner relative to the outer ring 6 via the pair of retainers 30 and 32. If desired, the connecting member can also be mounted directly on the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 6 without using the pair of retainers 30 and 32 by forming a circumferential locking recess on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 8.

[0021] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the outer ring 6 is inserted into and supported by the cylindrical support member 43. Figure 10 and Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the support member 43 is formed of synthetic resin by a suitable molding method and has an annular support base 44. Except for the required circumferential portion, the support base 44 has a constant radial width. On the two axially opposite sides of the support base 44, a wound portion axial bearing surface 46 and a groove 48 are formed, respectively. The annular wound portion axial bearing surface 46 is formed by reducing the axial width along both sides of the inner circumferential edge of the support base 44, and the groove 48 extends radially outward from the wound portion axial bearing surface 46. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the axial bearing surface 46 and the hook groove 48 of the wound portion support the hook portion 92 of the wound portion 90 and the helical spring 89, respectively. On the outer peripheral surface of the support base 44, except for the required corners, a generally arc-shaped support outer peripheral wall 50 extending continuously in the circumferential direction is formed. At the circumferential angle position of the support outer peripheral wall 50 where the hook groove 48 is formed, a gap 51 extending radially through the axial direction is formed (see...). Figure 5 A pair of radially outwardly extending ears 52 are formed on both radially outward sides of the outer peripheral surface of the supporting outer peripheral wall 50. A fixing hole 54 extending axially is formed at the center of each pair of ears 52. The supporting member 43 can be fixed to a driven side member (not shown), such as a vehicle door, by inserting a fixing device (not shown) such as a bolt into the fixing hole 54. Locking ridges 55 extending circumferentially are formed at the axially extending ends of the inner peripheral surface of the supporting outer peripheral wall 50.

[0022] A support shaft 56 extending radially is positioned at the circumferential center of the outer peripheral surface of the desired corner of the support base 44. In the illustrated embodiment, when the support shaft 56 is integrally cylindrical, a slit 58 extending radially through the support shaft 56 forms from the free end to the fixed end, and the free end is elastically deformable. Furthermore, a radially outwardly projecting locking protrusion 60 is provided at the free end of the support shaft 56. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the support shaft 56 is assembled with an intermediate member 62 that can rotate around the support shaft 56.

[0023] The following will refer to Figure 11The intermediate member 62 is formed of synthetic resin by a suitable molding method and has a bevel gear 64 and a spur gear 66 that rotate integrally about a support shaft 56. The bevel gear 64 and the spur gear 66 have a common central axis o2. The outer end of the bevel gear 64 extends linearly along the axial direction and connects to the side surface of the spur gear 66. At the center of the intermediate member 62, a support shaft hole 68 is formed that extends linearly along the axial direction along the common central axis o2. In the support shaft hole 68, at the axial end facing the spur gear 66, a locking stepped portion 70 formed by locally enlarging the diameter is provided. Figure 3 As shown, the intermediate member 62 is rotatably assembled relative to the support shaft 56. Since the support shaft 56 is inserted from the bevel gear 64 side of the support shaft hole 68, the locking protrusion 60 of the support shaft 56 passes through the locking step portion 70 provided in the support shaft hole 68 of the intermediate member 62, thereby elastically locking it. In the illustrated embodiment, the spur gear 66 is connected to an operating mechanism (not shown). The operation of the operating mechanism drives the intermediate member 62 to rotate about the support shaft 56.

[0024] The following will refer to Figure 1 The following description is provided. Two control members 72 for controlling the helical spring 89, described later, are assembled in series axially with the support member 43. In the illustrated embodiment, the control members 72 are disposed on each axial side of the support member 43. When referring to each of the two control members 72, they are distinguished by the suffix "a" or "b". Reference will be made below. Figures 3 to 5 as well as Figure 12 The following description is provided. Each control member 72 is formed of synthetic resin by a suitable molding method and has a generally circular control base plate 74 arranged perpendicular to the common axis of rotation o1. A circular through hole 75 is formed at the center of the control base plate 74. The control base plate 74 is provided with a cylindrical support protrusion 76 extending axially around the outer peripheral edge of the through hole 75 and an annular outer ring bearing groove 78 around the fixed end of the support protrusion 76. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, when the control member 72 is assembled with the support member 43, as described below, the free end of the support protrusion 76 enters between the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 6 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 4 (more specifically, the inner ring shaft portion 16), thereby connecting the member 8 and the pair of retainers 30 and 32 for holding it from both axial sides by the support protrusions 76 of the control members 72a and 72b provided on both axial sides of the support member 43. Furthermore, at this time, the inner ring 4 is rotatably supported by the support protrusions 76, while the axial end of the outer ring 6 is rotatably supported by the outer ring bearing groove 78. A generally cylindrical control outer peripheral wall 80 extending axially parallel to the support protrusions 76 is also formed on the outer peripheral edge portion of the control base plate 74. A hook groove 82 is formed at a specific corner of the control outer peripheral wall 80, extending radially and linearly along the axial direction. The hook groove 82 extends axially above the control outer peripheral wall 80. In a specific angular region indicated by reference numeral 84 on the outer peripheral wall 80, the outer diameter is slightly reduced, and an arcuate rack 86 extending circumferentially is provided on the axial free end surface. A specific angular region 84 is provided on each radial side. Figure 1 and 3 As shown, since the rack 86 engages with the bevel gear 64 of the intermediate member 62, the rack 86 preferably extends circumferentially along a desired tapered surface, which corresponds to the tapered surface forming the teeth of the bevel gear 64. Even at the free ends of the angular regions other than the specific angular regions 84 on the outer peripheral wall 80, the outer diameter is slightly reduced, and an arcuate locking ridge 88 extending circumferentially is formed on the outer peripheral surface.

[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, the locking ridge 88 elastically passes over the engagement ridge 55 of the support member 43 to lock axially together with it, thereby assembling the control member 72 with the support member 43. In the state where the control member 72 is assembled with the support member 43, the control member 72 is rotatable relative to the support member 43 about a common axis of rotation o1. Furthermore, in this state, as described above, the rack 86 of the control member 72 meshes with the bevel gear 64 of the intermediate member 62, which is assembled with the support shaft 56 of the support member 43. In the illustrated embodiment, two control members 72a and 72b are arranged on each axial side of the support member 43. Therefore, the racks 86 formed on each of the two control members 72a and 72b are interconnected via the bevel gear 64, such that each of the two control members 72a and 72b interlocks with the intermediate member 62. Therefore, if the intermediate member 62 rotates counterclockwise about the support shaft 56 in the front view of the same figure, as also referenced... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As understood, due to the meshing between the bevel gear 64 of the intermediate member 62 and the corresponding racks 86 of the two control members 72a and 72b, located in Figure 1The control member 72a on the left side of the center front view rotates clockwise around the common rotation axis o1 (viewed from the left side of the same figure), while the one located on the left side of the center front view rotates clockwise around the common rotation axis o1. Figure 1 The control member 72b on the right rotates counterclockwise around the common rotation axis o1 (viewed from the same left side), that is, the two control members 72a and 72b rotate in opposite directions. This will be described further below.

[0026] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, a helical spring 89 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the helical spring 89 is disposed on each axial side of the support member 43. When referring to each of the two helical springs 89, "a" or "b" is suffixed for their distinction. The following will be explained by reference... Figure 13 as well as Figures 3 to 5 To illustrate, each of the helical springs 89 has a wound portion 90 formed by a metal wire having a rectangular cross-section through helical winding, and a pair of hook portions 92 formed by bending the metal wire radially outward at both axial ends of the wound portion 90. When the helical spring 89 is in a free state, the inner diameter of the wound portion 90 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring 6, and the helical spring 89 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6 in a state where the inner diameter of the wound portion 90 is temporarily expanded. (Comparison and reference are provided.) Figure 13 and Figure 2 It will be understood that when the coil spring 89 is in its free state, each of the pair of hooks 92 is positioned at an angular interval of approximately 140 degrees. Figure 1 In the illustrated state (i.e., the state in which the intermediate member 62 is not operated by the operating mechanism not shown, which will be described later), each of the pair of hooks 92 is positioned at an angular interval of approximately 180 degrees. Therefore, with the helical spring 89 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6 and no force applied to the pair of hooks 92, the inner peripheral surface of the winding portion 90 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6, and the helical spring 89 tightens the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6 to hold it. In the illustrated embodiment, two helical springs 89a and 89b are provided on each axial side of the support member 43. After the outer ring 6 is inserted into the support member 43 and before the control member 72 is assembled with the support member 43, the two helical springs 89a and 89b are each mounted on the outer ring 6 from each axial side, and each of the pair of hooks 92 is fitted into each of the hook grooves 48 and 82 formed on the support member 43 and the control member 72. At this time, for example, when viewed from one end in the axial direction, the winding directions of the wires constituting the two helical springs 89a and 89b can be opposite to each other. The reasons will be described later.

[0027] Next, the function of torque hinge 2 will be explained. Figure 1In the illustrated state, the operating mechanism (not shown) connecting the spur gear 66 to the intermediate member 62 for rotating and driving the member 62 is not actuated. Therefore, each of the two helical springs 89a and 89b arranged on both axial sides of the support member 43 is tightened and holds the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 6. When a rotational torque is applied from the shaft member s to the inner ring 4 in this state, the inner ring 4 and the support member 43 rotate integrally because the inner ring 4 is connected to the outer ring 6 by the required frictional force applied by the connecting member 8. Alternatively, the inner ring 4 may slide relative to the outer ring 6 because it overcomes the required frictional force applied by the connecting member 8, thus rotating relative to the support member 43.

[0028] When a rotational torque is applied to the inner ring 4, the outer ring 6, connected to the inner ring 4 via the connecting member 8, attempts to rotate in the same direction as the rotation of the inner ring 4. In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed from one axial end, the winding directions of the wires forming the two helical springs 89a and 89b arranged on opposite sides of the support member 43 are opposite to each other. Therefore, when the inner ring 4 rotates from... Figure 3 and Figure 4 When viewed from the left side and rotated clockwise, for example, as... Figure 5 As shown, one of the pair of hooks 92 of the helical spring 89a mounted on the outer ring 6, that is, the hook 92 fitted into the groove 48 formed in the support member 43, is pressed by the support member 43 in the direction of releasing the spring within the groove 48 formed in the support member 43. On the other hand, the other hook 92 of the helical spring 89b mounted on the outer ring 6, that is, the hook 92 fitted into the groove 48 formed in the support member 43, is pressed by the support member 43 in the direction of tightening the spring formed in the groove 48 on the support member 43. If the inner ring 4 rotates in the opposite direction, the situation is reversed. That is, regardless of the direction of rotation of the inner ring 4, since either of the hooks 92 of the two helical springs 89a and 89b is always pressed in the direction of tightening the spring, the outer ring 6 is held sufficiently and reliably by the helical spring 89. Therefore, when a single helical spring 89 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6, or when two helical springs 89 are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6 with the same winding direction of the wire when viewed from one end in the axial direction, when the outer ring 6 attempts to rotate in the same direction as the inner ring 4 and a rotational torque is applied to the inner ring 4, even if either of the pair of hooks 92 of the helical spring 89 is pressed by the supported member 43 in the direction of releasing the spring, the magnitude of the input torque needs to be limited to the range that allows the helical spring 89 to hold the outer ring 6.

[0029] When operated by a mechanical device (not shown) from Figure 1 The state-driven intermediate component 62 shown surrounds Figure 1When the support shaft 56 in the central front view rotates counterclockwise, the control member 72, equipped with a rack 86 that meshes with the bevel gear 64 of the intermediate member 62, rotates relative to the support member 43 about a common axis of rotation o1, and presses the hook portion 92 of the helical spring 89 fitted into the hook groove 82 of the control member 72 in the direction of releasing the helical spring 89. In the illustrated embodiment, both the control member 72 and the helical spring 89 are arranged on each axial side of the support member 43. When viewed from one axial end, the wires constituting the two helical springs 89a and 89b arranged on the axial sides of the support member 43 are wound in opposite directions to each other. Since the two control members 72a and 72b rotate in opposite directions to each other as described above, the hook portions 92 of the two helical springs 89a and 89b are simultaneously pressed in the direction of releasing the helical spring 89. Figure 14 The diagram shows the intermediate member 62 stopped after being rotated counterclockwise by the operating mechanism to the desired angle. The intermediate member 62 is held in place by the operating mechanism. Figure 14 The shown angle position. (As can be compared and referenced) Figure 1 Left view and Figure 14 From the left view, it can be determined that the control component 72a rotates clockwise around the common rotation axis o1. Simultaneously, by comparison and reference... Figure 1 The right view and Figure 14 From the right view, it can be determined that control member 72b also rotates clockwise around the common rotation axis o1. Control members 72a and 72b in the attached figure rotate in the same direction, but as mentioned above, when viewed from one end along the axial direction, their rotation directions appear opposite to each other. Figure 14 In the state shown, as Figure 15 As shown, helical springs 89a and 89b release the outer ring 6, and the outer ring 6 is rotatable relative to helical springs 89a and 89b. That is, when a rotational torque is applied to the support member 43 about a common axis of rotation o1, since the support member 43 (and the control members 72a and 72b to which it will be assembled) is rotatable relative to the outer ring 6, the inner ring 4 and the support member 43 are rotatable relative to each other, regardless of the required frictional force applied by the connecting member 8. Figure 15 In the original design, the inner circumferential surfaces of the wound portions 90 of the helical springs 89a and 89b are completely separated from the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 6. However, if the outer ring 6 is rotatable relative to the helical springs 89a and 89b, the inner circumferential surfaces of the wound portions 90 of the helical springs 89a and 89b do not need to be completely separated from the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 6. The two surfaces can be in contact with each other.

[0030] For the torque hinge of the present invention, a pair of hooks 92 of each helical spring 89 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6 are fitted into hook grooves 48 and 82 respectively formed in the support member 43 for supporting the outer ring 6, and a control member 72 is assembled in series with the support member 43 axially. The control member 72 is rotatable relative to the support member 43 about the common axis of rotation o1 of the inner ring 4 and the outer ring 6. Therefore, by rotating the support member 43 and the control member 72 relative to each other about the common axis of rotation o1, it is possible to switch between a state in which the helical spring 89 is tightened and holds the outer ring 6 and a state in which the helical spring 89 releases the outer ring 6.

[0031] Therefore, with the coil spring 89 tightened and holding the outer ring 6, the support member 43 is integrated with the outer ring 6. Thus, the inner ring 4, connected to the outer ring 6 by the required frictional force applied by the connecting member 8, becomes capable of rotating integrally with or relative to the support member 8 against the required frictional force. On the other hand, with the coil spring 89 releasing the outer ring 6, the support member 43 separates from the outer ring 6 and is rotatable relative to the outer ring 6 with a sufficiently small force, and therefore the inner ring 4 is also rotatable relative to the support member 43 with a sufficiently small force. In other words, by using the torque hinge of the present invention, it is possible to switch between states: a state in which the two members connected to both sides rotate integrally or relative to overcome the required frictional force by performing the required operation, and a state in which they rotate relative to each other with a sufficiently small force without depending on the required frictional force. Therefore, if the torque hinge of the present invention is assembled in a car door, for example as a rotary transmitter, with the inner ring 4 and the support member 43 respectively connected to the motor and the door, then with the coil spring 89 holding the outer ring 6, the motor can open / close the door over the required frictional force via the connecting member 8. Meanwhile, when the door is in the opening / closing operation driven by the motor's torque, or when the door is held in the fully open or partially open position by the motor's starting or holding torque, the door may be suddenly subjected to wind or similar external forces. In this case, the external force applied to the door can be released by the relative rotation of the inner ring 4 and the outer ring 6, thereby preventing the door from slamming. On the other hand, with the outer ring 6 released by the coil spring 89, the door can be opened and closed with a sufficiently small force, even if the inner ring 4 is connected to the motor.

[0032] Although the torque hinge configured according to the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and appropriate modifications and changes can be made without departing from the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, with the helical spring 89 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6 and no force applied to the pair of hooks 92, the inner peripheral surface of the winding portion 90 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6, wherein the control member 72 rotates about a common rotation axis o1, causing the helical spring 89 to release the outer ring 6. According to the desired configuration, with the helical spring mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6 and no force applied to the pair of hooks, the inner peripheral surface of the winding portion separates from the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 6, and the control member 72 rotates about the common rotation axis o1, causing the helical spring to tighten and hold the outer ring 6. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the control member 72 is driven by operating the intermediate member 62 using an operating mechanism (not shown). The control member 72 can also be directly connected by a suitable connection method, and the control member 72 can be directly operated by an operating mechanism. In this configuration, as described above, the two control members 72a and 72b are connected and interlocked by the bevel gear 64 of the intermediate member 62 to the corresponding rack 86. Therefore, if either of the two control members 72a and 72b is directly operated by the operating mechanism, the other can be driven by the control member driven by the operating mechanism. Furthermore, a connecting member is provided between the inner ring 4 and the outer ring 6, allowing the rings to be detachably connected by the required frictional force; thus, a helical spring, a so-called annular spring, or a tolerance ring can be used as the connecting member described in the aforementioned patent documents.

[0033] Figure label: 2: Torque hinge 4: Inner Ring 6: Outer Ring Road 8: Connecting components 30 and 32: Retainer 43: Supporting components 48: Hook and groove (support component) 56: Support shaft 62: Intermediate components 64: Bevel gear 72 (72a and 72b): Control components 82: Hook and Groove (Control Component) 86: Rack 89 (89a and 89b): Coil springs 92: Hook

Claims

1. A torque hinge, comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, and a connecting member, wherein, The inner ring and the outer ring have a common axis of rotation. The connecting member is disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring so as to detachably connect the inner ring and the outer ring by a required frictional force. The inner ring and the outer ring can rotate relative to each other either integrally or against the required frictional force. The outer ring is inserted into a cylindrical support member and thus supported by the support member, and a helical spring with a pair of hooks is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring. A control member for controlling the helical spring is assembled in series with the support member axially. The control member is rotatable relative to the support member about the common axis of rotation. Both the support member and the control member have hook slots, and each of the pair of hooks of the helical spring is fitted into a hook slot. Furthermore, the helical spring holds or releases the outer ring by the required operation.

2. The torque hinge according to claim 1, wherein, The helical spring and the control member are arranged on each axial side of the support member, the support member is provided with a bevel gear, the bevel gear is rotatable about a support shaft perpendicular to the common axis of rotation, and the control member is equipped with an arcuate rack extending circumferentially to mesh with the bevel gear.

3. The torque hinge according to claim 2, wherein, The helical springs arranged on both sides of the support member consist of lines wound in opposite directions when viewed from one axial end.

4. The torque hinge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The control member has cylindrical support protrusions that enter between the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring and the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring, and the connecting member is supported from the axial sides by the support protrusions of the control member arranged on both sides of the support member.

5. The torque hinge according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The helical spring is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring and no force is applied to each of the pair of hooks. In this state, the helical spring tightens and holds the outer ring, and the control member rotates relative to the support member, causing the helical spring to release the outer ring.

6. The torque hinge according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The connecting member cannot rotate relative to the outer ring.

7. The torque hinge according to claim 6, wherein, The connecting member is held from both sides of the axial direction by a pair of retainers, and each of the pair of retainers is locked to the outer ring along the circumference by a circumferential locking device.

8. The torque hinge according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The connecting member is a spring member composed of a thin metal plate, the thin metal plate having a spring portion that is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring.

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