Ball hinge for mute operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a ball hinge for mute operation. The invention relates to a hinge comprising a first element (2) and a second element (4), each element being intended to be fastened to a component in order to hinge one element relative to the other wherein the first element (2) comprises a body provided with a male component (6) and the second element (4) comprises a body provided with a female component (8) comprising two parallel flanges (10), the male part (6) is inserted between the two flanges, the male part (6) and the female part (10) are hinged to each other through a pin (16), the body of the second element (4) comprises a hole (36) penetrating through the flanges (10) and going out between the flanges (10), and the second element (4) comprises a ball (38) accommodated in the hole (36) and kept in place in the hole (36) through a spring (34) accommodated in the hole (36). The ball (38) is positioned such that the ball (38) protrudes between the flanges (10) and mechanically mates with the male part (6) of the first element (2), and wherein the second element (4) comprises a cup (50) interposed between the ball (38) and the spring (34).

Description

[0001] Technical field and prior art

[0002] The present invention relates to a ball hinge and to a box, such as a case, comprising at least one such hinge.

[0003] Watches and jewelry are often displayed and / or stored in boxes. The boxes are required to have a significant aesthetic appearance. The box includes a box for placing the watch or jewelry and a lid for closing the box.

[0004] The cover is hingedly connected to the box by at least one hinge.

[0005] In order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the box when the lid is open and when the lid is closed, it is desirable to use a hinge that is not too noticeable. In addition, in order to provide a sense of quality when operating the lid, it is sought to use a hinge that keeps the lid open or closed.

[0006] There is a hinge called a "spring-loaded ball hinge" in which two cylindrical elements are connected to each other at one end by a pin about which the two elements pivot relative to each other. One element is mounted in a hole made in the box and the other in a hole made in the cover.

[0007] One of the elements has a hole open at both longitudinal ends of the element, a ball is received in the hole and projects from one of the longitudinal ends and is held in position by a spring mounted in the hole.

[0008] The ball cooperates with another element and ensures that this element remains in relative position in two stable positions, folded and unfolded. In the case of boxes of large dimensions and / or boxes made of precious materials, such as wood, or covered with leather, springs with high stiffness are required to keep the box in the closed or open position.

[0009] This hinge is satisfactory, but during its operation a rattling noise is audible. This noise may be detrimental to the impression of the quality of the box. In addition, due to the high stiffness of the spring, there is a risk of brinelling of the hinge element cooperating with the ball. This brinelling may affect the operation of the hinge. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present application to provide a hinge having silent operation.

[0012] The above objects are achieved by a ball hinge comprising two mutually articulated elements, a ball and a spring mounted in one of the elements, the spring pressing the ball against the other element. According to the invention, the cup is arranged between the spring and the ball.

[0013] Very advantageously, the cup is made of a synthetic material, preferably a plastic material.

[0014] The inventors have discovered that the noise is generated by the friction between the ball and the spring.

[0015] Thanks to the invention, the actuation of the hinge is silent, which further improves the feeling of quality felt by the user when he manipulates the cover.

[0016] Very advantageously, a hinge is produced which also has an increased lifespan.

[0017] For this purpose, the element carrying the ball has a mechanical stop so that the force exerted by the ball on the other element is limited, which significantly reduces the risk of impact wear.

[0018] The subject of the invention is therefore a hinge comprising a first element and a second element, each intended to be fastened to a part so as to be articulated relative to one another. The first element comprises a body provided with a male part, and the second element comprises a body provided with a female part, the female part comprising two parallel flanges, between which the male part is inserted, the male part and the female part being articulated relative to one another by a pin. The body of the second element comprises a hole extending through the flanges and opening between the flanges. The second element comprises a ball housed in the hole and held in position in the hole by a spring housed in the hole, the ball being positioned so that the ball protrudes between the flanges and mechanically cooperates with the male part of the first element, and the second element comprises a cup inserted between the ball and the spring.

[0019] Advantageously, the cup is made of a synthetic material, preferably a plastic material, for example POM (polyoxymethylene) or PEEK (polyetheretherketone).

[0020] In an example of embodiment, the spring is a helical spring and the cup comprises a stud on the face opposite to the face contacting the ball, said stud being housed in one end of the helical spring.

[0021] The ball is advantageously held in the hole on the axis side by machining performed in the flange.

[0022] In one embodiment, the male part comprises two seats for accommodating a part of a ball, which are arranged on the male part so that the ball is partially accommodated in one of the seats in a first relative position of the first element and the second element, and is partially accommodated in the other seat in a second relative position of the first element and the second element.

[0023] Preferably, the first element, the second element and the ball are made of metal.

[0024] For example, the body of the first element and the body of the second element are cylindrical.

[0025] The body of the first element and the body of the second element advantageously comprise structures on their outer surfaces.

[0026] Another subject of the invention is a box comprising a box, a lid and at least one hinge according to the invention, which connects the box and the lid, the body of the first element of the hinge being fixed in a housing in the box or the lid, and the body of the second element of the hinge being fixed in a housing in the lid or the box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The present application will be better understood with the aid of the following description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a hinge according to the present invention,

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the hinge shown in FIG.

[0031] Figure 3 It uses two open positions Figure 1 A side view of an example of a hinged box,

[0032] Figure 4 is along Figure 1 sectional view along plane AA of the second element shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a hinge according to the invention is shown.

[0034] The hinge C comprises two elements 2 , 4 articulated in rotation relative to one another about an axis Y.

[0035] The first element 2 comprises a body extending along an axis X1. In the example shown, the body has a cylindrical shape with a circular section.

[0036] The first element 2 comprises, at a longitudinal end 2 . 1 , a male part 6 configured to cooperate with a female part 8 supported by the longitudinal end 4 . 1 of the second element 4 .

[0037] The male part 6 extends along the plane X1 .

[0038] The second element 4 comprises a body extending along the axis X2. Similar to the element 2, the body of the element 4 has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section.

[0039] The female part 8 comprises two flanges 10 which are parallel to each other and extend on either side of the axis X2 and which define a space therebetween for housing the male part 6 .

[0040] Each flange 10 has an eyelet 12 and the male part 6 has an eyelet 14. When the male part 6 is placed between the two flanges, the eyelets 12 and 14 are aligned and receive a pin 16 which rigidly attaches the first and second elements to each other and forms the axis of rotation Y. In the example shown, the pin 16 has at one longitudinal end a head 16.1 of a diameter greater than the diameter of the eyelet 12. When the pin 16 is in place in the eyelets 12 and 14, the other longitudinal end is deformed to prevent the pin 16 from detaching.

[0041] Figure 3 A box comprising two hinges C, of ​​which only one is visible, is shown according to one embodiment. The box comprises a box 18 and a lid 20 interconnected by a hinge C.

[0042] The box and the cover may be made of the same material or of different materials, such as wood, or be covered or uncovered, such as by fabric or leather.

[0043] In the example shown, the box has a rectangular shape, as does the cover. The box has two eyelets 22 that open into the upper surface of a side edge 24 of the box. Each of the eyelets 22 receives the body of the second element of the hinge C.

[0044] The cover also has two holes 26 in the lower face of a side edge 28 intended to face the side edge 24 of the box. Each of the holes 26 receives the body of the first element of the hinge C.

[0045] It will be appreciated that the body of the first element may be mounted in the box and the body of the second element may be mounted in the cover.

[0046] The body of the element is advantageously retained in the box and cover by force fitting, for example they are push-fitted and glued. Preferably, the sides of the body include means 32 for increasing such retention. The means 32 include, for example, a knurled structure.

[0047] The hinge C also includes retaining means for retaining it in the closed position and in the open position.

[0048] The device comprises a spring 34, in the example shown a helical spring, mounted in a through hole 36 (shown in dotted lines) made in the body of the second element. The hole 36 extends along the axis X2.

[0049] The hole 36 has a longitudinal end 36.1 open between the flanges and a second longitudinal end 36.2 open opposite the end supporting the flange. In the example shown and very advantageously, the diameter of the hole 36 is slightly greater than the distance between the flanges 10 and during its manufacture, the hole slightly abuts the inside of the flanges over a small length; this machining of the flanges forms an axial stop for the ball. Figure 4 1, 2. The machining of the inner surfaces 10.1, 10.2 of the flanges forms on each of the flanges a curved surface 37 which forms an abutment surface for the ball. The two curved surfaces 37 have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the ball, limiting the risk of impact wear of the surfaces 37 and improving the retention of the ball in place. The two curved surfaces form a cradle for the ball, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 can be seen in.

[0050] The abutment surface sets the maximum axial position towards the male part that the ball can take, thereby setting the level of impact wear that the ball can apply to the male part.Thereby, the impact wear of the male part is limited.

[0051] The ball housed in the bracket is positioned so that it cooperates with a cavity in the male component, as will be described below.

[0052] On the side of the second end 36 . 2 , the diameter is slightly larger and receives the plug 40 .

[0053] The retaining means also comprise a ball 38 intended to cooperate with the first element. The diameter of the hole is sufficient to accommodate the ball 38.

[0054] The ball 38 is mounted in the hole 36 and inserted between the first end 36.1 of the hole 36 and one end of the spring. The spring 34 is mounted in compression in the hole 36 between the ball 38 and the plug 40, against the machined portion of the flange, and the plug 40 is mounted in and fastened to the second longitudinal end 36.2. The plug 40 is for example welded or glued to the body of the second element.

[0055] The position of the curved surface 37 is chosen so that the ball 38 protrudes between the two flanges.

[0056] The retaining device also comprises in the male part a first seat (not visible) in the longitudinal end face 44 of the male part and a second seat 46 in the lateral end face 48 of the male part.

[0057] In an example, the seat is a cup configured to receive a portion of the ball. Alternatively, the seat is a protrusion and the ball has a hollow portion to receive one or the other of the protrusions.

[0058] The longitudinal end face 44 of the male part is connected to the lateral end face 48 by a rounded portion so as to form a ridgeless path for the ball. In the example shown, the seats are arranged at right angles to each other so that the positioning of the cover in the open position is perpendicular to the positioning of the cover in the closed position.

[0059] According to the invention, a cup 50 is inserted between the end of the spring 34 and the ball 38 so as to form a seat for the ball 38. Preferably, the cup 50 is made of a synthetic material, preferably of a plastic material, advantageously of a rigid plastic material, for example of POM (polyoxymethylene) or of PEEK (polyetheretherketone).

[0060] Advantageously, the cup has, on the face opposite to that which receives the ball, studs 52 which penetrate into the spring between the turns, which ensure that the cup remains in place and facilitates assembly. In practice, the studs are force-fitted into the end of the spring and form a single-piece assembly which can be easily fitted into the hole 36 after the ball has been inserted into the hole.

[0061] Now combine Figure 3 The box describes the operation of the hinge.

[0062] In the closed position, the cover is folded over the box. The first and second elements are oriented at right angles to each other and the ball is housed in the seat 46 and between the curved surfaces 37. The closed position is maintained due to the force exerted by the spring on the ball.

[0063] When the user wants to open the box, a force is exerted on the lid to cause it to pivot. The ball moves away from the seat 46 against the force exerted by the spring and slides or rolls on the edge of the male part until it engages the other seat, thereby locking the lid in the open position. The ball is housed between the curved surfaces 37. In this example, the lid is at right angles to the box and the first and second elements are aligned.

[0064] Thanks to the invention, the lid can be operated without generating noise at the hinge.

[0065] Thanks to the stop made in the flange, the penetration of the ball into the male part is limited, which significantly reduces the risk of impact wear, although the spring can exert a great force on the ball to ensure that the box remains in the open position and remains in the closed position. As a result, the life of the hinge is increased. In fact, in one embodiment, the force required to close the hinge is about 30 Newtons, and the force required to open the hinge is about 20 Newtons.

[0066] As an example, the element is made of metal, such as stainless steel, for example SUS304 or 316L.

[0067] In the example shown, the element has a cylindrical shape. Any other shape can be envisaged, for example, it can have a rectangular, triangular or square cross-section. The shape is chosen in particular according to the space available for inserting the element.

[0068] Furthermore, in the example shown, the two elements have the same length. However, it is conceivable that one of the elements is longer than the other.

[0069] In the example shown, the body is in the form of one part and the spring is completely received in the hole. In a variant, the body is in the form of two parts, each of the parts having a portion of the hole.

[0070] In a variant, the ball is replaced by a cylindrical element, such as a roller that can roll like a ball. The shape of the hole 36 will be adapted.

[0071] We will now describe an example of assembly of a hinge according to the illustrated example.

[0072] We start with a cylindrical piece of metal that comes from a metal rod.

[0073] The first element is made by machining so that the male part has transverse holes. The outer surface may be partially structured.

[0074] The second element is also made by machining to form two flanges, each of which is provided with an eyelet and a through hole. The hole with two areas of different diameter is for example made in two passes. The outer surface may be partially structured.

[0075] The ball is then inserted into the hole. The cup is then installed. The spring is then inserted into the hole. The spring 34 is then compressed and the plug 40 is inserted into the end of the hole 36 and fixed in the hole 36, for example by gluing or welding.

[0076] The two elements 2 , 4 are then assembled by placing the male part between the two flanges, by inserting the pin 16 into the hole and by deforming the end of the pin so that it does not come out.

[0077] The hinge is ready for use.

[0078] The hinge according to the invention has been described in the application of the hinged connection of the lid of a box relative to the box of the box. It should be understood that the hinge can be used in other applications.

Claims

1. A hinge comprising a first element (2) and a second element (4), each element being intended to be fastened to a component so as to articulate one element relative to the other, wherein The first element (2) comprises a body provided with a male part (6), and the second element (4) comprises a body provided with a female part (8), the female part (8) comprising two parallel flanges (10), the male part (6) being inserted between the flanges, the male part (6) and the female part (10) being hinged relative to each other by a pin (16), the body of the second element (4) comprising a hole (36) about the longitudinal axis (X), the hole passing through the flanges (10) and coming out between the flanges (10), the second element (4) comprising a ball (38) which receives The second element (4) comprises a second member (4) and a second member (50) which is received in the hole (36) and is held in position in the hole (36) by a spring (34) housed in the hole (36), the ball (38) being positioned so that the ball (38) protrudes between the flanges (10) and mechanically cooperates with the male part (6) of the first element (2), wherein the second element (4) comprises a cup (50) inserted between the ball (38) and the spring (34), and wherein the second element comprises abutment means for the ball along the longitudinal axis (X) towards the male part (6), the abutment means being supported by the flanges.

2. A hinge according to claim 1, each of the flanges (10) having an inner surface (10.1, 10.2) between which the hole (36) opens, and wherein the abutment means comprises curved surfaces (37) machined into the inner surfaces of the flanges, between which the ball is accommodated.

3. The hinge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cup ( 50 ) is made of a synthetic material, preferably a plastic material, for example POM (polyoxymethylene) or PEEK (polyetheretherketone).

4. A hinge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spring (34) is a helical spring and the cup (50) comprises, on the face opposite to the face contacting the ball (38), a stud (52) housed in one end of the helical spring.

5. The hinge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The male part (6) comprises two seats (42, 46) for receiving a part of the ball, the two seats (42, 46) being arranged on the male part (10) so that the ball (38) is partially received in one of the seats (42, 46) in a first relative position of the first element (2) and the second element (4) and is partially received in the other seat in a second relative position of the first element and the second element.

6. The hinge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first element, the second element and the ball (38) are made of metal.

7. The hinge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The body of the first element and the body of the second element are cylindrical.

8. The hinge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The body of the first element and the body of the second element have structures on their outer surfaces.

9. A box comprising a box, a cover and at least one hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 8 connecting the box (18) and the cover (20), the body of the first element (2) of the hinge being fixed in a shell in the box (18) or the cover (20), and the body of the second element (4) of the hinge being fixed in a shell of the cover (20) or a shell of the box (18).

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