Novel elastic sheet friction damping locking mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of hinge assemblies, in particular to a novel elastic sheet friction damping locking mechanism which comprises a lower support, an upper support and a hinge shaft assembly connecting the lower support and the upper support, and the hinge shaft assembly synchronously rotates along with the upper support. A friction plate is fixedly installed on the lower support, and an elastic friction spring which is in friction contact with the friction plate is installed on the hinge shaft assembly. According to the invention, the elastic friction spring is matched with the friction plate to realize hovering and self-locking at any angle in the opening and closing process of the armrest box cover, and the hinge shaft assembly structure capable of being radially adjusted is adopted, so that a core friction part can be quickly disassembled and replaced without a tool after being abraded, and the functionality and the maintenance convenience are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hinge assembly technology, specifically a novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the vehicle armrest box is an important storage device inside the car, and the opening and closing experience of its cover directly affects the user's experience. Traditional armrest box hinges mostly use a simple pivot structure, which has drawbacks such as limited functionality, lack of damping feel, and poor positioning ability. Although some improved hinges achieve certain functions by adding a separate torsion spring or locking tooth structure, such as keeping it open or providing closing force, they are often complex in structure, take up a lot of space, and are prone to failure due to wear after long-term use.

[0003] Specifically, existing hinge mechanisms typically struggle to simultaneously achieve the following functions: providing uniform damping force during opening to allow for hovering at any angle; providing stable and reliable closing force to ensure a tight seal when closed; and providing effective mechanical restraint when fully open. More importantly, when friction components wear down due to prolonged use, existing hinge assemblies often require complete replacement or disassembly from the housing for maintenance, resulting in cumbersome, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism to solve the problems mentioned in the background art that the hinge mechanism in the current vehicle armrest box cannot guarantee suspension at any position within the opening and closing range and cannot be quickly disassembled.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism includes: a lower support, an upper support, and a hinge shaft assembly connecting the two, the hinge shaft assembly rotating synchronously with the upper support; a friction plate is fixedly mounted on the lower support, and an elastic friction spring that maintains frictional contact with the friction plate is mounted on the hinge shaft assembly; the hinge shaft assembly is axially locked between the lower support and the upper support by a detachable retaining spring, the hinge shaft assembly including an adjustable radial telescopic structure for releasing the locking of the retaining spring by adjusting the structure; the friction plate cooperates with the elastic friction spring to provide a closing force when the upper support is closed and a damping force to achieve hovering during the opening of the upper support.

[0006] Preferably, a limiting plate is also fixedly provided on the lower support. When the upper support is rotated to the fully open position, the limiting plate contacts the elastic friction spring to limit the maximum opening angle.

[0007] Preferably, the radial telescopic structure includes a shaft, a core rod, and an arc-shaped block. The core rod is rotatably connected to the shaft. The arc-shaped block is slidably disposed at one end of the shaft and is driven by the core rod through gear meshing. Rotating the core rod can drive the arc-shaped block to extend or retract radially into the shaft. When the arc-shaped block extends, it forms a groove with the shaft for engaging the retaining spring.

[0008] Preferably, one end of the core rod is connected to an end adjusting plate, and a corresponding head tooth is provided on the shaft. The end adjusting plate is axially movable and splinedly connected to the core rod, so that it can switch between a locked position engaged with the head tooth and an adjustable position disengaged from the head tooth.

[0009] Preferably, when the end adjusting plate is in the adjusting position, rotating the end adjusting plate can drive the core rod to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the arc-shaped block to move radially.

[0010] Preferably, the radial telescopic structure includes two opposing arc-shaped blocks, and the core rod drives the two arc-shaped blocks to move radially simultaneously through a gear mounted thereon.

[0011] Preferably, a baffle is fixed to the lower bracket by a pin, and a retaining spring is disposed on the side of the baffle.

[0012] Preferably, the friction plate is installed in the limiting plate via a slot.

[0013] Preferably, one end of the shaft is also provided with a removable cover, which is used to cover and protect the end adjusting plate and the core rod during transportation and assembly.

[0014] Preferably, the cover is mounted on the shaft by a clip, and when the hinge shaft assembly is installed in place, the upper bracket can push the cover open to automatically detach it.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: Through continuous and stable frictional contact between the elastic friction spring and the fixed friction plate, uniform and reliable frictional damping is provided throughout the opening process. This allows the upper bracket and its connected cover (such as the armrest box cover) to be stably suspended at any angle within the opening range without the need for additional limiters or slots, greatly improving ease of use and user experience. The mechanism is ingeniously designed. When closed, the friction plate applies an upward thrust to the elastic friction spring, which is then converted into a downward closing force on the upper bracket, ensuring that the cover is tightly closed and preventing abnormal noise or popping open. When fully open, the mechanical contact between the limiting plate and the elastic friction spring effectively limits the maximum opening angle, avoiding damage to the mechanism caused by excessive opening. It has a compact structure and complete functions. By axially moving and rotating the end adjustment plate, the arc-shaped block can be driven to retract radially through internal gear transmission, thereby quickly releasing the axial lock of the snap ring and allowing the entire hinge shaft assembly to be easily pulled out. This design eliminates the need to disassemble other connecting parts or use special tools, greatly simplifying the replacement process of vulnerable parts such as friction plates and elastic friction springs, reducing maintenance costs and time, and avoiding damage to the bracket or housing itself during maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism of the present invention when closed; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism of the present invention when fully open. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the upper bracket, hinge shaft assembly, and elastic friction spring of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting piece, baffle and lower support portion of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the hinge mechanism of the present invention when it is closed; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the hinge mechanism of the present invention when it is open; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge shaft assembly of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge shaft assembly of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the hinge shaft assembly portion of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the hinge shaft assembly portion of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the end position of the hinge shaft assembly of the present invention; Figure 12 The physical product of this invention Figure 1 ; Figure 13 The physical product of this invention Figure 2 .

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Lower bracket; 2. Upper bracket; 3. Hinge shaft assembly; 31. Shaft body; 32. Core rod; 33. End adjusting plate; 34. Head tooth; 35. Arc block; 36. Cover; 361. Clip; 4. Snap ring; 5. Limiting plate; 6. Baffle; 7. Friction plate; 8. Elastic friction spring. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] One embodiment provided by the present invention: A novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism, comprising:

[0020] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lower support 1 and the upper support 2 are connected by a hinge shaft assembly 3 between the lower support 1 and the upper support 2. The hinge shaft assembly 3 rotates synchronously with the upper support 2. The lower support 1 and the upper support 2 are rotatably connected by the hinge shaft assembly 3. The lower support 1 is provided with a limiting piece 5 and a baffle 6, which are fixedly installed on the lower support 1 by pins; The side of the baffle 6 is provided with a retaining spring 4, and the hinge shaft assembly 3 is axially locked in the lower bracket 1 and the upper bracket 2 by the retaining spring 4. The limiting piece 5 has a friction piece 7 held in place by a groove. The friction piece 7 has an elastic friction spring 8 in frictional contact with it. The elastic friction spring 8 is mounted on the hinge shaft assembly 3 through a groove. The elastic friction spring 8 also rotates synchronously with the hinge shaft assembly 3.

[0021] When the upper support 2 is closed, the friction plate 7 is used to apply a pushing force upward from below the elastic friction spring 8 to generate a closing force on the upper support 2; When the upper support 2 is opened, the friction plate 7 is used to make the upper support 2 easily hover within the opening range through friction with the elastic friction spring 8; When the upper support 2 is fully open, the limiting piece 5 contacts the elastic friction spring 8 to limit the maximum opening angle of the upper support 2.

[0022] refer to Figures 7-11The hinge shaft assembly 3 includes a shaft body 31, a core rod 32 rotatably connected to the shaft body 31, an end adjusting piece 33 mounted on the core rod 32, a head tooth 34 corresponding to the end adjusting piece 33 on the shaft body 31, the head tooth 34 being used to lock the end adjusting piece 33, two arc-shaped blocks 35 being provided at one end of the shaft body 31, the arc-shaped blocks 35 being slidably connected within the shaft body 31, a gear being provided on the core rod 32 corresponding to the arc-shaped blocks 35, and the core rod 32 engaging the two arc-shaped blocks 35 through the gear, forming a groove between the arc-shaped blocks 35 and the shaft body 31, and the inner ring of the retaining spring 4 being embedded in the groove, a cover 36 being provided on one side of the shaft body 31, the cover 36 being mounted on the shaft body 31 through a clip 361.

[0023] The core rod 32 and the end adjusting plate 33 are connected by a spline and spline sleeve. The end adjusting plate 33 can move along the axis of the core rod 32. When the end adjusting plate 33 rotates, it will drive the core rod 32 to rotate together. When adjusting the arc block 35, the end adjusting plate 33 moves axially away from the shaft 31. At this time, the end adjusting plate 33 disengages from the head tooth 34. Then, rotating the end adjusting plate 33 drives the core rod 32 to rotate. The core rod 32 drives the two meshing arc blocks 35 to move inward or outward along the radial direction of the core rod 32 through the gear, so as to control the arc blocks 35 to extend out of the shaft 31 or retract into the shaft 31.

[0024] It should be noted that the elastic friction spring 8 has a triangular structure with one side being an arc-shaped friction surface. It mainly makes frictional contact with the friction plate 7 through this friction surface. The elastic friction spring 8 is connected to the hinge shaft assembly 3 through a square slot, so it can rotate together with the hinge shaft assembly 3.

[0025] refer to Figure 3 The upper bracket 2, hinge shaft assembly 3, and elastic friction spring 8 shown in the diagram will all rotate synchronously, and the retaining spring 4, which is not shown, will also rotate together. Figure 4 The structure shown includes a lower support 1, a limiting plate 5, a baffle 6, and an internal friction plate 7, all of which are relatively stationary.

[0026] The limiting plate 5, friction plate 7, and elastic friction spring 8 in this application are all multi-plate designs, with multiple plates stacked together for use. The number used can be increased or decreased depending on the size of the specific mechanism.

[0027] The cover 36 in the hinge shaft assembly 3 is installed on the shaft body 31. When needed, the hinge shaft assembly 3 is directly inserted into the holes of the lower bracket 1 and the upper bracket 2. The end of the clip 361 away from the cover 36 has an outward expansion structure. When it contacts the upper bracket 2 and continues to approach the upper bracket 2, it will be squeezed and expanded, thus causing it to disengage from the shaft body 31, thereby allowing the cover 36 to disengage from the shaft body 31.

[0028] Working principle: In practical applications of the locking mechanism, the lower bracket 1 is fixed inside the armrest box with bolts, while the upper bracket 2 is connected to the armrest box cover. When the armrest box cover is closed, the locking mechanism functions as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown in the configuration, the lower support 1 and the upper support 2 form an angle of approximately ninety degrees. In this position, the bottom of the elastic friction spring 8 is subjected to an upward pushing force from the friction plate 7. This force is transmitted to the upper support 2 through the elastic friction spring 8, thereby applying a continuous closing force to the cover plate to ensure its stable closure.

[0029] When the armrest box cover is opened, the upper bracket 2 drives the hinge shaft assembly 3 and the elastic friction spring 8 mounted on it to rotate counterclockwise together. Figures 5 to 6 Within the opening range shown, the friction plate 7 always maintains frictional contact with the elastic friction spring 8, thereby generating sufficient frictional damping so that the upper bracket 2 can be suspended at any opening angle.

[0030] When the upper bracket 2 is rotated to the fully open position, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the limiting piece 5 contacts the elastic friction spring 8, which plays a mechanical limiting role, limiting the maximum opening and closing angle of the upper bracket 2 and preventing excessive opening.

[0031] This locking mechanism relies on the friction between the friction plate 7 and the elastic friction spring 8 to function, and prolonged use may lead to wear. When maintenance or replacement is required, the procedure is as follows: First, the axially moving end adjusting plate 33 disengages from the head gear 34. Then, the rotating end adjusting plate 33, through its splined connection with the core rod 32, drives the core rod 32 to rotate. The core rod 32, via gear transmission, drives the two arc-shaped blocks 35 to retract radially into the shaft body 31. At this point, the groove formed between the arc-shaped blocks 35 and the shaft body 31 disappears, the retaining spring 4 is no longer restricted, and it can be easily disassembled from the hinge shaft assembly 3. Afterward, the hinge shaft assembly 3 is pulled out entirely from the shaft holes of the lower bracket 1 and the upper bracket 2, allowing the armrest box cover to be separated, thus enabling maintenance or replacement of the elastic friction spring 8 and the friction plate 7.

[0032] During installation, the hinge shaft assembly 3 is reinserted into the shaft holes of the lower bracket 1 and the upper bracket 2. The end adjusting piece 33 is rotated in the opposite direction to make the arc-shaped block 35 extend radially, thus reforming the slot. The retaining spring 4 is inserted to fix the hinge shaft assembly 3 axially. Finally, the end adjusting piece 33 is pushed toward the head tooth 34 and engaged, achieving circumferential locking of the core rod 32 and the arc-shaped block 35.

[0033] In addition, the shaft 31 is equipped with a protective cover 36 to protect the end adjusting piece 33 and the core rod 32 from collision damage during transportation and assembly. When the hinge shaft assembly 3 is installed in place, the special design of the retaining clip 361 of the protective cover 36 will be pushed open by the upper bracket 2 and automatically disengage, without affecting the normal operation of the mechanism.

[0034] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism, characterized in that, include: The lower bracket, the upper bracket, and the hinge shaft assembly connecting the two, wherein the hinge shaft assembly rotates synchronously with the upper bracket; A friction plate is fixedly installed on the lower bracket, and an elastic friction spring that maintains frictional contact with the friction plate is installed on the hinge shaft assembly. The hinge shaft assembly is axially locked between the lower and upper brackets by a detachable retaining spring. The hinge shaft assembly includes an adjustable radial telescopic structure for releasing the retaining spring by adjusting the structure. The friction plate cooperates with an elastic friction spring to provide a closing force when the upper bracket is closed and a damping force to achieve hovering during the opening of the upper bracket.

2. The novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting plate is also fixed on the lower support. When the upper support is rotated to the fully open position, the limiting plate contacts the elastic friction spring to limit the maximum opening angle.

3. The novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radial telescopic structure includes a shaft, a core rod, and an arc-shaped block. The core rod is rotatably connected to the shaft. The arc-shaped block is slidably disposed at one end of the shaft and is driven by the core rod through gear meshing. Rotating the core rod can drive the arc-shaped block to extend or retract radially into the shaft. When the arc-shaped block extends, it forms a groove with the shaft for engaging the retaining spring.

4. The novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: One end of the core rod is connected to an end adjustment plate, and a corresponding head tooth is provided on the shaft. The end adjustment plate is axially movable and splinedly connected to the core rod, so that it can switch between a locked position engaged with the head tooth and an adjustable position disengaged from the head tooth.

5. The novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the end adjustment piece is in the adjustment position, rotating the end adjustment piece can drive the core rod to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the arc block to move radially.

6. The novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The radial telescopic structure includes two oppositely arranged arc-shaped blocks, and the core rod drives the two arc-shaped blocks to move radially simultaneously through a gear arranged on it.

7. The novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A baffle is fixed to the lower bracket by a pin, and a retaining spring is disposed on the side of the baffle.

8. The novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The friction plate is installed inside the limiting plate via a slot.

9. A novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: One end of the shaft is also provided with a removable cover, which is used to cover and protect the end adjusting plate and the core rod during transportation and assembly.

10. A novel spring-loaded friction damping locking mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cover is mounted on the shaft by a clip. When the hinge shaft assembly is installed in place, the upper bracket can push the cover open to make it automatically detach.

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