Hinge with double pivot shafts
By combining a double pivot design with a spring mechanism, independent movement of the hinge blades and a range of motion greater than 180° are achieved, while concealing the internal structure, thus solving the aesthetic and functional problems of existing hinges.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- EACH JEWELS LLC
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing hinge mechanisms struggle to achieve a single external gap, independently moving blades, and a range of motion greater than 180°, while simultaneously concealing the spring mechanism for improved aesthetics.
Employing a dual-pivot design, combined with auxiliary internal components and a spring mechanism, the blades can move independently and open more than 180°, with the internal structure concealed by near-parallel pins and connectors.
It achieves a hinge design with only a single external gap, allowing the blades to move independently with a large range of motion, and the internal structure is aesthetically pleasing and concealed, thus enhancing the hinge's aesthetic appeal.
Smart Images
Figure CN122003537A_ABST
Abstract
Description
background Technical Field
[0001] The present invention generally relates to hinges, and more specifically to hinges having dual pivots, some embodiments of which are spring-biased, or hinges that conceal the hinge joints and form a single visible slit between two adjacent hinge blades. Background Technology
[0002] In many hinge mechanisms and applications (e.g., hair ornaments, jewelry, foldable electronics, cabinets), it is ideal to have only a single external seam, without any visible joint. This can be achieved using multiple nearly parallel pins. Furthermore, some applications require independent movement of the two blades of the hinge. Others require a large range of motion (>180°). Still others require a spring mechanism to return the blades to their original position. Previous inventions have not solved all of these problems. Summary of the Invention
[0003] This invention discloses a functional hinge with only a single, easily visible slit between the blades. The hinge can open more than 180° without the need for visible joints (although such joints are not excluded). This is achieved using one or more pairs of nearly parallel pins. An auxiliary internal component guides the axis of rotation. This can be an additional body piece, one or more springs, or a combination of body pieces and springs, which allows the blades to be easily opened and closed back to their original positions. Crucially, these blades are not coupled and can move independently (although coupling is not excluded by the invention). One or more springs can be used to provide tension to the hinge assembly and return the blades to their original positions. Attached Figure Description
[0004] Figure 1A This is a top perspective front view of the hinge with double pivots according to the present invention, shown in a closed configuration.
[0005] Figure 1B This is a partially opened configuration showing the exploded upper stereoscopic rear view.
[0006] Figure 1C It is a three-dimensional rear view in the upper left corner, showing the hinge in a partially open configuration after assembly.
[0007] Figure 1D This is a top front view of the connector according to the present invention.
[0008] Figure 1E It is along Figure 1C A cross-sectional view taken from line 1E-1E.
[0009] Figure 1F and Figure 1GThese are perspective and plan views of the connector board at the upper left corner according to the present invention.
[0010] Figure 2A This is a top perspective front view of a second embodiment of the hinge with double pivots according to the present invention, shown in a closed configuration.
[0011] Figure 2B This is a partially opened configuration showing the exploded upper stereoscopic rear view.
[0012] Figure 2C It is a three-dimensional rear view in the upper left corner, showing that the hinges are assembled and in a closed configuration.
[0013] Figure 2D It is a three-dimensional rear view in the upper left corner, showing the hinge in the open configuration after assembly.
[0014] Figure 2E Is with Figure 2A-2C The upper perspective rear view of a third embodiment of a hinge similar to the one shown is shown in a partially opened configuration.
[0015] Figure 3A This is an upper perspective front view of a hinge with double pivots according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, shown in an open configuration.
[0016] Figure 3B This is a three-dimensional rear view of its upper part, shown in a closed configuration.
[0017] Figure 3C This is a rear view of the upper left of the exploded three-dimensional structure, shown in a closed configuration.
[0018] Figure 3D It is a stereoscopic rear view of the explosion shown in its partially opened configuration, from the upper left.
[0019] Figure 3E Is Figure 3D A three-dimensional view of the fasteners seen in the image.
[0020] Figure 4A This is a top perspective view of a bracelet using a biaxial hinge according to the present invention.
[0021] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The image shows an enlarged upper perspective rear view of the bracelet's hinge.
[0022] Figure 5A This is a perspective rear view of the hair clip using the biaxial hinge according to the present invention, located at the upper left.
[0023] Figure 5B This is a three-dimensional view on its right side.
[0024] Figure 6This is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a hinge with dual axes.
[0025] Figure 7 This is a top perspective view of another embodiment.
[0026] Figure 8A This is another embodiment of the upper stereoscopic rear view shown in an open configuration.
[0027] Figure 8B This is a three-dimensional rear view of its upper part, shown in a closed configuration.
[0028] Figure 8C This is a three-dimensional front view of its upper part, shown in a closed configuration.
[0029] Figure 8D This is a partially opened configuration showing its upper three-dimensional rear view.
[0030] Figure 8E This is the top three-dimensional rear view of its decomposed form. Detailed Implementation
[0031] A hinge with two pivots according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A hinge with two pivots (generally referring to...) Figure 1A and 1B The hinge element 100 (100 in the diagram) comprises two hinge members 101, each hinge member having one or more joints 120 extending along its inner edge 105 and a hinge leaf 102 having a mounting hole 150 for securing the hinge leaf 102 to a support structure. The joints are typically semi-circular, but this is not necessary—other curved shapes such as ellipses, catenaries, portions of parabolas, etc., are conceivable—essentially any shape that allows the leaves to rotate relative to each other is conceivable. A central hole 130 extends axially through each joint for receiving a pivot pin 140. In the illustrated embodiment, each hinge member 100 comprises two joints 120, but one or more joints are also within the scope of the invention. Figure 1C and 1E As seen, two pivot pins 140 (generally, but not necessarily, parallel) are received in the central hole 130 of the joint 120 to form spaced pivot axes, about which the hinge member 100 moves independently of each other. The spacing of the pivot axes allows the hinge member 100 to open more than 180°.
[0032] The hinge comprises two springs 160 and a connector 170. (As in...) Figure 1DAs seen, the connector 170 includes two connector plates 171 and a connector body 172 extending between the connector plates. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector body 172 has a rear wall 173 and two side walls 174, which combine to form an inner cavity 175. However, the connector body 172 can be cylindrical or any shape defining the inner cavity. It can be seen that... Figure 1C In the assembly configuration shown, the spring 160 is hidden by the connector 170, which offers an aesthetic advantage compared to existing hinges that reveal their internal structure.
[0033] Each of the connector plates 171 of the connector has two spaced-apart openings 190 in which two pivot pins 140 are received. Thus, the connector plates 171 connect the pins 140 and thereby the hinge members 100 to each other.
[0034] Two springs 160 have helical coils defining a central hole 141, a first end 161, and a second end 162. Each spring 160 is held by one of two pivot pins 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the springs are also axially held between two joints 120. One end 161 of the spring 160 is biased against a hinge leaf 101 of one of the hinges 100, and the other end is caught in a hole 180 in the rear wall 173 of the connector 170 and thereby biased against the connector 170 so that the hinge leaf is... Figure 1B and 1C The open configuration shown is biased towards, as Figure 1A The closed configuration shown.
[0035] The single advantage of a hinge with a double pivot as described above is that the inner edges 105 of the hinge elements 101 are arranged adjacent to or immediately next to each other to form a single slit 195, as in Figure 1A The hinge is best seen in the front view shown. Because the joints are very close to each other, and the connector 172 (especially its rear wall 173) is arranged behind the joint, any structural connection between the hinge blades is substantially or completely hidden behind the joint 120 when viewed from the front. Figure 1B In the rear view shown, the internal structure of the hinge is also hidden by the connector 170. Compared to hinges in the prior art (e.g.) Figure 5A and 5B The hinge shown for a hair clip, with its concealed spring or other biasing device, offers significant aesthetic advantages. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments of the invention, such as... Figure 1F and 1G As shown, since the connector body 172 is optional, only a separate connector board 177 is required.
[0036] In one aspect of the invention, the joint 120 and inner edge 105 of each of the hinge members 100 have an arcuate shape (e.g., Figure 1E (best viewed from the center), which ensures that they maintain the same spacing with their corresponding parts on another hinge member at all angles of hinge member rotation. In one embodiment of the invention, the connector plate 171 of the connector 170 includes an arcuate recess 176 that receives the arched inner edge 105 of the hinge member when the hinge member pivots.
[0037] Figure 2A-2D A second embodiment of a hinge 200 with dual pivots is shown, wherein each of the two hinge elements 201 has components similar to those in the first embodiment described above, including hinge blades 202, joints 220, a center hole 230, a pivot pin 240, a mounting hole 250, and a connector 270 having an opening 280 for receiving the pivot pin, but with different springs 260. Each end 261 of the spring 260 is attached to one of the pivot pins 240. When the hinge element 200 is... Figure 2A The closed configuration seen in the diagram pivots to Figure 2B When the hinge is in the open configuration, its inner edge 205 contacts and stretches the spring 260, thereby biasing the hinge 201 toward the closed configuration.
[0038] like Figure 2C The third embodiment of the present invention shown is... Figure 2A-2B The second embodiment shown is similar, comprising a double upper joint 220 with an opening 230 for receiving pivot pins and a double lower joint 225 with an opening 255 for receiving pivot pins. An upper pivot pin 240 in the upper joint 220 holds a spring 260, and a lower pivot pin (not shown) in the joint 225 holds a spring 265.
[0039] For reference Figures 3A-3B The fourth embodiment 300 of the present invention includes a hinge member 301 with hinge blades 302, joints 320T and 320B including holes 330, a pivot pin 340, and a mounting hole 350, similar to the other embodiments described above. However, the fourth embodiment includes separate connector plates 377 disposed at the top of the top joint 320T and the bottom of the bottom joint 320B to connect the pivot pin 340 and the hinge member 301 together. (See reference...) Figure 3A As can be seen, an optional connector 370 can be inserted between the top and bottom joints 320T and 320B to further secure the pivot pin 340 in place and to conceal the middle portion 356 of the leaf spring 355, which is discussed in detail in the following embodiments.
[0040] The fourth embodiment features a leaf spring 355 instead of a coil spring. It should be understood that other elastic materials also fall within the scope of the invention and can replace the leaf spring. The middle portion 356 of the leaf spring 355 is gripped between the hinge member 301 and the pivot pin 340. The outer portion 357 of the leaf spring 355 is slidably gripped in a groove 380 formed between the hinge leaf 302 and a retaining rod 382, which is fixed to the hinge leaf at its upper and lower ends. The leaf spring 355 pulls the hinge member 301 from... Figure 3A The shown configuration bias to Figure 3B The closed configuration shown.
[0041] The outer portion 357 of the leaf spring 355 can be more securely secured to the hinge blade 302 by fasteners 395, each of which is attached to one of the hinge blades. Each fastener has a head 396 that is wider than the fastener body 397, thus leaving space between the fastener head 396 and the surface of the hinge blade 355. A slot 365 provided in the outer portion 357 is wider than the fastener body 397 but smaller than the fastener head, so that when the leaf spring 355 bends between open and closed configurations, its outer portion 357 is held between the fastener head 396 and the hinge blade 355 and slides between the fastener head 396 and the hinge blade 355. The length and position of the slot can be set to limit the movement of the leaf spring and thereby limit the pivoting of the hinge member 301.
[0042] Figure 4A and 4B An exemplary application of a hinge with dual pivots is shown, depicting a bracelet 400 with a hinge having two pivot pins 410 holding a leaf spring 420, each end of which is inserted into a slot 430 provided in the body of the bracelet.
[0043] like Figure 5A and 5B The hair clip 500 shown uses a hinge with double pivots and has a single seam 510 between its two hinged halves 501. The connector 530 conceals the spring mechanism (which is easily visible in prior art hair clips) to present a more aesthetically pleasing hair accessory in which only the single seam 510 is visible.
[0044] like Figure 6 The alternative embodiment 600 with a hinge having two pivot axes shown is... Figure 2A and 2BThe illustrated embodiment is similar, featuring a hinge element 601, hinge blade 302, joint 603, connector plate 604, and spring 605, but it has a pin assembly 610 that includes two pivot pins 611 connected by a bridge 612, instead of having two separate pivot pins. The pin assembly shown facilitates the manufacturing process.
[0045] like Figure 7 Another embodiment 700 of the hinge with double pivots shown has hinge elements 701, hinge blades 702, joints 703, and pivot pins 704. These elements are similar to those discussed above, but use double torsion springs 705, which have a first end 706 and a second end 707 that are slidably gripped by retaining protrusions 708 against the hinge blades 702 to connect the hinge elements 701 to each other and bias them toward a closed position.
[0046] Another embodiment 800 of the present invention omits the connector board and connector, as shown below. Figures 8A-8E As shown, this embodiment 800 has two hinge members 801, each of which includes a hinge leaf 802 and a joint 803. In the illustrated embodiment, the joint 803 spans the entire height of the hinge member, but it can also be shorter. A pivot pin 804 is inserted into a hole 805 extending longitudinally through the joint 803. If necessary, the hinge leaf 802 may include a mounting hole 806.
[0047] Each end 807 of the spring 808 is attached to and held by one of the pivot pins 804, which, as can be seen, is accessible through an opening 809 in the body of the joint 803. Two springs 808 are shown in the illustrated embodiment, but one or more springs may also be used. When the hinge element 802 is... Figure 8B The closed configuration seen in the text moves to, for example Figure 8A In the closed configuration, the spring is stretched and biases the hinge component toward the closed configuration, as seen in the reference. Figure 8B and 8C Understandably, the flat surface 810 of the hinge element 802 is adjacent. The rounded corner 811 of the joint 803 facilitates movement between the open and closed configurations.
[0048] The dual-pivot hinge according to the present invention has several advantages over the prior art, including: concealing the spring mechanism (if used) while only a single slit is visible between the two hinge members; allowing the hinge members to open more than 180°; and allowing each hinge member to move independently of the other. The dual-pivot hinge has many possible applications, including not only hair accessories but also doors, hinged panels, containers, and any other hinged items.
[0049] Therefore, certain embodiments of the dual-axis hinge according to the present invention have been described and illustrated. Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it should be clearly understood that this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention, the spirit and scope of which are limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Claims
1. A hinge having two pivot axes, the hinge comprising: Two hinge elements, each hinge element having a hinge leaf and one or more joints, each of the one or more joints extending along the inner edge of the hinge leaf and having an axially extending hole. Two or more pivot pins, and One or more connector plates, each connector plate having two spaced-apart axially extending openings. Each of the two or more pivot pins is received in the hole of one or more joints of one of the hinge components and in one of the two openings of each of the one or more connector plates, such that each of the one or more connector plates connects at least two of the two or more pivot pins, each pivot pin defining a pivot axis about which one of the hinge components pivots. The one or more connector plates connect the hinge components such that the joint of one of the hinge components is arranged to form a slot with the joint of another hinge component in close proximity, and each of the hinge components is independently rotatable about the pivot axis of one of the two or more pivot pins, thereby enabling the hinge blades to pivot relative to each other between open and closed configurations.
2. The hinge as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: The one or more connector boards, including top and bottom connector boards, A connector comprising the top and bottom connector plates and a connector body extending between and integrally connecting the top and bottom connector plates, wherein each of the openings in one or more connector plates is axially aligned with the hole in one or more joints of one of the hinge elements.
3. The hinge as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: Two or more helical springs, each spring having a coil defining a center hole, each of the springs having two ends. One of the pivot pins is received in the central hole of each of the two or more helical springs. One end of each of the two or more springs is biased against the connector body, and the other end of the spring is biased against one of the hinge blades, so that the two or more helical springs bias the hinge blades into the closed configuration.
4. The hinge of claim 1, further comprising: When viewed from the front, any structural connection between the hinge blades is essentially hidden behind the adjacently arranged joints.
5. The hinge of claim 4, further comprising: The distance between the inner edges of the hinge blades along the slot defines the spacing. The inner edge of each of the hinge blades has an arc shape with a radius around its joint, such that the spacing between the inner edges remains constant during the pivoting movement of the hinge blades.
6. The hinge of claim 1, further comprising: Each hinge element's one or more joints include two or more joints, the two or more joints comprising a top joint and a bottom joint spaced apart from the top joint, the top joint having a bottom end and the bottom joint having a top end. The length of each pivot pin extends between the bottom end of the top joint and the top end of the bottom joint of one of the hinge components, and The one or more connector boards, including top and bottom connector boards, A connector comprising the top and bottom connector plates and a connector body extending between and integrally connecting the connector plates, the connector body and the connector plates forming an inner cavity, the length of the pivot pins being held within the cavity so that they are concealed.
7. The hinge of claim 6, further comprising: The connector body has a rear wall and two side walls extending from the rear wall, the side walls intersecting with the top and bottom plates, the rear wall, side walls, and top and bottom plates defining the cavity.
8. The hinge of claim 6, further comprising: The connector plate is disposed between the top and bottom joints of the hinge member.
9. The hinge of claim 1, further comprising: One or more elastic bodies bias the hinge blades toward the closed configuration.
10. The hinge of claim 9, further comprising: The one or more elastomers include two or more helical springs, each of the springs having two ends, each end being fixed to one of the pivot pins.
11. The hinge of claim 10, further comprising: Each of the hinge blades has an arc-shaped segment at its inner edge, the arc-shaped segment extending between its top and bottom joints. The arc-shaped segment is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the arc-shaped segment of the hinge blade is arranged in a retracted position relative to the one or more springs and does not contact or barely contact the one or more springs, and in the open configuration, the arc-shaped segment is arranged in a rearward projecting position, contacting and tensioning the one or more springs, such that the springs push the hinge blades toward their position in the closed configuration.
12. The hinge of claim 10, further comprising: One or more additional joints are arranged between the two helical springs.
13. The hinge of claim 9, further comprising: Each hinge leaf in the two hinge components has a free end. The one or more elastic bodies include leaf springs having a central portion and two opposing outer portions, the central portion being constrained between the inner edge of the hinge leaf and the two pivot pins, each of the outer portions being engaged against one of the hinge leaf between the pivot pin and its free end.
14. The hinge of claim 13, further comprising: Each hinge leaf has a slit, and each outer portion of the leaf spring is gripped in the slit of one of the hinge leaves.
15. The hinge of claim 14, further comprising: A retaining rod having opposite ends attached to the hinge blade, the retaining rod having a middle portion between the opposite ends, the middle portion being spaced apart from the hinge blade to form the slit.
16. The hinge of claim 14, further comprising: At least one of the outer portions of the leaf spring has a groove. A fastener, which is secured to one of the hinge blades via the slot, the fastener having a head whose width is greater than the width of the slot. The outer portion of the leaf spring is slidably gripped between the head of the fastener and the hinge leaf, such that the outer portion slides against the hinge leaf during the pivoting movement of the hinge member.
17. The hinge of claim 1, further comprising: The two pivot pins are connected by a bridge.
18. A hinge having two pivots, comprising: Two hinge elements, each hinge element having a hinge leaf and top and bottom joints, each joint extending along the inner edge of the hinge leaf and having an axially extending hole, the top joint having a bottom end and the bottom joint having a top end, the joints of each hinge element being arranged in close proximity to the joints of the other hinge element. Two pivot pins, each pivot pin extending between the bottom end of the top joint and the top end of the bottom joint of one of the hinge components, and A connector having top and bottom connector plates and an inner cavity, each of the top and bottom connector plates having two spaced-apart openings extending axially parallel to and aligned with two pivot pins, the connector being disposed between the bottom end of the top joint and the top end of the bottom joint, the length of the pivot pins being held within the cavity such that they are concealed. Each of the two pivot pins is received in the hole of the joint in one of the hinge components and in one of the openings in each of the top and bottom connector plates of the connector, each pivot pin defining a pivot axis about which one of the hinge components pivots. The connector connects the hinge members so that each hinge member can rotate independently about one of the pivot axes, thereby enabling the hinge blades to pivot between open and closed configurations.
19. A hinge having two pivots, comprising: Two hinge elements, each hinge element having a hinge leaf and top and bottom joints, each joint extending along the inner edge of the hinge leaf and having an axially extending hole, the top joint having a bottom end and the bottom joint having a top end. Two pivot pins, each pivot pin extending between the bottom end of the top joint and the top end of the bottom joint of one of the hinge components, and A connector having a rear wall, opposing side walls extending from the rear wall, and top and bottom connector plates and an inner cavity, the rear wall, side walls, and top and bottom connector plates defining the cavity, each of the top and bottom connector plates having two spaced-apart openings, the length of the pivot pins being arranged within the cavity so that they are concealed. Each of the two pivot pins is received in the hole of the joint in one of the hinge components and in one of the openings in each of the top and bottom connector plates of the connector, each pivot pin defining a pivot axis about which one of the hinge components pivots. The connector connects the hinge members such that the joint of one of the hinge members is arranged adjacent to the joint of the other hinge member, and such that each hinge member can rotate independently about one of the pivot axes, thereby enabling the hinge blades to pivot between open and closed configurations.
20. A hinge having two pivot axes, the hinge comprising: Two hinge elements, each hinge element having a hinge leaf and top and bottom joints, each joint extending along the inner edge of the hinge leaf, each joint having a top end, a bottom end, and an axially extending hole between the top and bottom ends. Two pivot pins, A connector having a top connector plate, a bottom connector plate, and a connector body extending between and integrally connecting the top and bottom connector plates, each of the top and bottom connector plates having two spaced-apart axially extending openings, and Two helical springs, each with a coil defining a center hole, each spring having two ends, each of two pivot pins being received in the center hole of one of the two helical springs, one end of each spring biased against the connector, and the other end of each spring biased against one of the hinge blades. One of the openings in each of the top and bottom connector plates of the connector is axially aligned with the hole in the joint of one of the hinge components, and one of the two pivot pins is received in the holes of both the top and bottom joints of one of the hinge components, and is also received in one of the openings in each of the top and bottom connector plates of the connector. The connector connects the hinge members such that the joint of one of the hinge members is arranged to be physically adjacent to the joint of the other hinge member, and such that each of the hinge members can rotate independently about one of the pivot pins, thereby enabling the hinge blades to pivot between open and closed configurations.
21. A hinge having two pivots, the hinge comprising: Two hinge elements, each hinge element having a hinge leaf and one or more joints, each of the one or more joints extending along the inner edge of the hinge leaf and having an axially extending hole. Two or more pivot pins, Each of the two pivot pins is received in the hole of one or more joints of one of the hinge components and in one of the openings of each of the one or more connector plates, each pivot pin defining a pivot axis about which one of the hinge components pivots. One or more elastic bodies connect the hinge elements to each other and bias the hinge blades toward their positions in the closed configuration. Each of the joints is arranged adjacent to another joint, and each of the hinge elements is independently rotatable about the pivot axis of one of the two or more pivot pins, thereby enabling the hinge blades to pivot relative to each other between open and closed configurations.
22. The hinge of claim 21, further comprising: The one or more elastomers include two or more helical springs, each of the springs having two ends, each end being fixed to one of the pivot pins.
23. The hinge of claim 21, further comprising: In the closed configuration, each of the joints of one of the two hinge members has a plane adjacent to the plane of the other of the two hinge members, the plane being used to stabilize the hinge member in the desired arrangement.
24. The hinge of claim 21, further comprising: The two pivot pins are connected by a bridge.
25. The hinge as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The one or more connector plates are arranged behind the adjacent joints of the hinge member such that, when viewed from the front, the connector plates are substantially hidden behind the joints.
26. The hinge as claimed in claim 1, wherein: When viewed from the front, none of the connector plates are easily visible directly between the joints.
27. The hinge as claimed in claim 18, wherein: Each joint extends axially along the inner edge of one of the hinge members.