Lightweight hover-capable car handrail hinge structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile parts, and concretely relates to a light type hovering automobile handrail hinge structure, which comprises a bolt shaft pin, a central control plastic framework, a rotary hinge and a self-locking nut, the lower part of the rotary hinge is provided with the central control plastic framework and is connected with the central control plastic framework as a whole, the central control plastic framework is internally provided with a special-shaped hole, the bolt shaft pin passes through the special-shaped hole of the central control plastic framework, the special-shaped hole is matched with the flat shaft section of the bolt shaft pin, a POM wear-resistant gasket and a disc washer set are sequentially installed on the bolt shaft pin, the POM wear-resistant gasket is connected with the rotary hinge, the other side of the disc washer set is provided with the self-locking nut, and the central control plastic framework and the rotary hinge are integrated as a whole through the bolt shaft pin, the POM wear-resistant gasket, the disc washer set and the self-locking nut.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically a lightweight, hoverable automotive armrest hinge structure. [Background Technology]

[0002] A car armrest is a component installed between the front seats and the rear of the car's center console to provide elbow support and storage for passengers. Currently, most car dashboard armrests on the market still use a latching mechanism at the front and a spring-loaded hinge at the rear. When the armrest is opened, the latching structure is visible, which affects its appearance, and it can only be opened once and cannot be held in place.

[0003] Research and comparison revealed that most car armrest hinges on the market currently use traditional springs and buckles, which cannot be hovered. Some that can be hovered have the following shortcomings: (1) Multi-angle hovering relies on metal blocks, which are prone to wear and noise, and do not meet the requirements of lightweighting; (2) The design of friction plates and oil reservoirs results in insufficient temperature resistance of plastic parts, and the coefficient of friction decreases significantly at high temperatures; (3) The use of split damping plate structure results in a large number of parts (some as many as a dozen), heavy weight, and low assembly efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, although some handrails have removed the latches and achieved suspension, their installation and assembly are complicated, they are relatively heavy, the hinge adjustment is complicated, and the integration is not high. It would be of great significance to provide a lightweight suspension hinge for car handrails that can overcome the above shortcomings. [Utility Model Content]

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to address the above-mentioned shortcomings by providing a lightweight, hoverable car armrest hinge structure. This solves the problems of traditional armrests that can only be opened once and cannot be hovered, as well as the complex installation and assembly, heavy weight, complex hinge adjustment, and low integration even if hovering is achieved.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a lightweight, hovering car armrest hinge structure is designed, comprising a bolt pin 1, a central control plastic frame 2, a rotating hinge 3, and a self-locking nut 6. The rotating hinge 3 has the central control plastic frame 2 at its lower part and is integrated with the central control plastic frame 2. The central control plastic frame 2 has a shaped hole 7 inside, through which the bolt pin 1 passes. The shaped hole 7 matches the flat shaft section 1-2 of the bolt pin 1. A POM wear-resistant washer 4 and a disc washer group 5 are sequentially installed on the bolt pin 1. The POM wear-resistant washer 4 is connected to the rotating hinge 3. A self-locking nut 6 is installed on the other side of the disc washer group 5. The central control plastic frame 2 and the rotating hinge 3 are integrated into one unit through the bolt pin 1, the POM wear-resistant washer 4, the disc washer group 5, and the self-locking nut 6.

[0007] Furthermore, the bolt pin 1 includes a threaded section 1-1 and a flat shaft section 1-2. The threaded section 1-1 and the flat shaft section 1-2 are arranged coaxially. The flat shaft section 1-2 is connected to the irregular hole 7 of the central control plastic skeleton 2. A self-locking nut 6 is screwed onto the end of the threaded section 1-1.

[0008] Furthermore, the POM wear-resistant pad 4 is made of POM material, and the POM wear-resistant pad 4 has a flat hole that matches the flat shaft section 1-2. The POM wear-resistant pad 4 and the central control plastic frame 2 are respectively located on both sides of the rotating hinge 3, thereby further forming a stable friction force and realizing multi-angle suspension.

[0009] Furthermore, the POM wear-resistant pad 4 and the rotating hinge 3 are both connected to the flat shaft section 1-2, and the disc-shaped pad group 5 is connected to the threaded section 1-1, and is locked together as one unit by the self-locking nut 6.

[0010] Furthermore, the self-locking nut 6 includes a hexagonal nut and a flange. The hexagonal nut and the flange are connected as one unit. The flange is connected to the disc gasket group 5. The hexagonal nut is screwed onto the end of the bolt pin 1. This hexagonal flange insert self-locking nut can more reliably adjust the axial elastic force, thereby forming a stable friction force.

[0011] Furthermore, the lower part of the rotating hinge 3 is symmetrically provided with plastic hinge lower supports on the left and right sides. The plastic hinge lower supports are hook-shaped. The central control plastic frame 2 is symmetrically provided with ears on the left and right sides, and is connected to the plastic hinge lower supports of the rotating hinge 3 as a whole through the ears. This solves the problem of large fluctuations of the hinges on both sides during the handrail switch movement, which reduces the weight and increases the strength of the hinge structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the height of the ear portion of the central control plastic frame 2 gradually decreases from back to front, the longitudinal section of the ear portion of the central control plastic frame 2 is triangular, and weight-reducing holes 8 are distributed on the ear portion, thereby further reducing the weight and achieving a lightweight design.

[0013] Furthermore, the rotating hinge 3 and its plastic hinge lower support are both made of plastic. Here, the original metal frame is replaced with a plastic frame, and a connecting bracket is added to the plastic lower frame to solve the problem of large fluctuations in the hinge during the movement of the handrail switch. At the same time, the weight of the hinge is reduced, saving costs.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0015] (1) Structural integration design: This utility model integrates the plastic hinge lower bracket with the central control frame, replacing the traditional metal frame, reducing the number of parts (eliminating the fixed metal hinge, friction plate and 4 mounting screws), and can optimize the structural strength through finite element analysis (FEA), reserving 30% safety redundancy to ensure the reliability of the plastic frame.

[0016] (2) Innovative Friction Suspension Module: This utility model adopts a combination of POM wear-resistant pads and disc-shaped pads, and adjusts the axial elastic force through the self-locking nut of the hexagonal flange insert to form a stable friction force, thereby achieving multi-angle suspension. At the same time, it abandons the traditional spring structure, avoids performance degradation at high temperatures, and the suspension force fluctuation range is <5%.

[0017] (3) Noise reduction and lightweight design: The POM material of this utility model is combined with the plastic frame to reduce friction noise to ≤35dB, improve the quietness performance, and its overall weight is 40% lighter than that of traditional metal hinges, and the material cost can be reduced by 25%.

[0018] (4) This utility model replaces the original metal frame with a plastic frame for the lower frame of the suspension hinge, and adds a connecting bracket to the plastic lower frame to solve the problem of large fluctuations of the hinges on both sides during the handrail switch movement, which reduces the weight and increases the strength of the hinge structure.

[0019] (5) The plastic bracket of this utility model can replace some of the plastic pads that contact the upper frame of the handrail, simplifying the design, reducing the weight of the hinge, saving space and cost. Moreover, the structure is simple and reliable, and the arrangement is reasonable. It solves the problems of complex locking mechanism, exposed locking mechanism, space occupation and aesthetics in the original handrail design with locking mechanism.

[0020] (6) This utility model adopts a brand-new structure to integrate the plastic hinge lower bracket with the central control frame. It innovatively uses the plastic hinge lower bracket and a friction plate to clamp the moving hinge, and uses a nut to press the disc-shaped washer group. The torque of the nut is adjusted to obtain axial elastic force, thereby forming friction force so that the moving hinge can be suspended. [Image Description]

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of the hinge shaft end of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bolt pin of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the side structure;

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Bolt pin; 2. Central control plastic frame; 3. Rotating hinge; 4. POM wear-resistant gasket; 5. Disc gasket set; 6. Self-locking nut; 7. Irregular hole; 8. Weight reduction hole; 1-1. Threaded section; 1-2. Flat shaft section. [Detailed Implementation]

[0026] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0027] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 As shown, this utility model provides a lightweight, hoverable car armrest hinge structure, including a bolt pin 1, a central control plastic frame 2, a rotating hinge 3, and a self-locking nut 6. The rotating hinge 3 is provided with the central control plastic frame 2 at its lower part and is connected to the central control plastic frame 2 as a whole. The central control plastic frame 2 has a special-shaped hole 7. The bolt pin 1 passes through the special-shaped hole 7 of the central control plastic frame 2. The special-shaped hole 7 matches the flat shaft section 1-2 of the bolt pin 1. A POM wear-resistant washer 4 and a disc-shaped washer group 5 are installed on the bolt pin 1 in sequence. The POM wear-resistant washer 4 is connected to the rotating hinge 3. The self-locking nut 6 is installed on the other side of the disc-shaped washer group 5. The central control plastic frame 2 and the rotating hinge 3 are integrated into one body through the bolt pin 1, the POM wear-resistant washer 4, the disc-shaped washer group 5, and the self-locking nut 6.

[0028] The bolt pin 1 includes a threaded section 1-1 and a flat shaft section 1-2. The threaded section 1-1 and the flat shaft section 1-2 are arranged coaxially. The flat shaft section 1-2 is connected to the irregular hole 7 of the central control plastic frame 2. A self-locking nut 6 is screwed onto the end of the threaded section 1-1. The POM wear-resistant washer 4 is made of POM material. The POM wear-resistant washer 4 has a flat hole that matches the flat shaft section 1-2. The POM wear-resistant washer 4 and the central control plastic frame 2 are respectively located on both sides of the rotating hinge 3, thereby allowing for further... The system forms a stable friction force, enabling multi-angle hovering. The POM wear-resistant pad 4 and the rotating hinge 3 are both connected to the flat shaft section 1-2, and the disc-shaped pad group 5 is connected to the threaded section 1-1. They are locked together by the self-locking nut 6. The self-locking nut 6 includes a hexagonal nut and a flange. The hexagonal nut and the flange are connected together. The flange is connected to the disc-shaped pad group 5. The hexagonal nut is screwed onto the end of the bolt pin 1. This hexagonal flange insert self-locking nut can more reliably adjust the axial elastic force, thereby forming a stable friction force.

[0029] The rotating hinge 3 has symmetrical plastic hinge lower supports on both sides of its lower part. The plastic hinge lower supports are hook-shaped. The central control plastic frame 2 has symmetrical ears on both sides, which are connected to the plastic hinge lower supports of the rotating hinge 3 to form a whole. This solves the problem of large fluctuations in the hinges on both sides during the operation of the handrail switch, reducing weight and improving the strength of the hinge structure. The ears of the central control plastic frame 2 gradually decrease in height from back to front. The longitudinal section of the ears of the central control plastic frame 2 is triangular, and weight-reducing holes 8 are distributed on the ears, which further reduces weight and achieves lightweight design. The rotating hinge 3 and its plastic hinge lower supports are both made of plastic. The original metal frame is replaced with a plastic frame, and a connecting bracket is added to the plastic lower frame to solve the problem of large fluctuations in the hinges during the operation of the handrail switch, while reducing the weight of the hinges and saving costs.

[0030] This utility model adopts a brand-new structure that integrates the lower support of the plastic hinge with the central control frame. It innovatively uses the lower support of the plastic hinge and a friction plate to clamp the moving hinge. A nut presses the disc-shaped washer group, and the torque of the nut is adjusted to obtain axial elastic force, thereby generating friction force so that the moving hinge can be suspended. This reduces one fixed metal hinge, one friction plate, and four mounting screws for fixing the hinge. The structure can be optimized through finite element analysis (FEA) and a 20% safety redundancy is reserved.

[0031] Specifically, this utility model features an integrated structural design, combining the lower support of the plastic hinge with the central control frame, replacing the traditional metal frame and reducing the number of parts (eliminating the need for fixing the metal hinge, friction plates, and four mounting screws). Structural strength can be optimized through finite element analysis (FEA), with a 30% safety redundancy to ensure the reliability of the plastic frame. This utility model uniquely combines POM wear-resistant gaskets with disc-shaped gaskets, adjusting axial spring force through a hexagonal flange insert self-locking nut to form stable friction force, achieving multi-angle hovering. It abandons the traditional spring structure, avoiding performance degradation at high temperatures, with hovering force fluctuations within <5%. Furthermore, this utility model features noise reduction and lightweight design; the combination of POM material and the plastic frame reduces friction noise to ≤35dB, improving quietness, and the overall weight is 40% lighter than traditional metal hinges, reducing material costs by 25%.

[0032] The implementation steps of this utility model can be as follows: (1) Component integration: The central control plastic frame 2 integrates the fixed hinge, limiting structure and friction pad mounting position through injection molding process. The axial center is designed with a special-shaped hole to match the flat shaft section 1-2 of the bolt pin 1. (2) Assembly process: The bolt pin 1 is passed through the special-shaped hole of the central control plastic frame 2, and the rotating hinge 3, POM wear-resistant pad 4 and disc pad group 5 are installed in sequence. The self-locking nut of the hexagonal flange insert is used to lock it. The nut torque is adjusted to the set value so that the disc pad group generates a stable axial elastic force and forms a friction suspension function. Its performance can also be further verified: After bench testing, the suspension torque can be maintained at 2-5 N·m (error ±0.1 N·m), which meets the different needs of different users for the handrail opening and closing feel.

[0033] This invention solves the problems of complex, exposed, and space-consuming locking mechanisms in traditional armrest designs, which negatively impact aesthetics. To address customer demands for both the visual appeal and tactile feel of the armrest when open, this lightweight, hovering hinge for automotive armrests innovatively replaces the metal frame with a plastic frame for the lower skeleton. A connecting bracket is added to the plastic lower skeleton to resolve the issue of significant hinge oscillation during armrest opening and closing, thus reducing weight while maintaining hinge strength. Simultaneously, the plastic bracket replaces some of the plastic gaskets that contact the upper skeleton, simplifying the design, reducing hinge weight, saving space, and reducing costs. Furthermore, this invention boasts advantages such as simple and reliable structure, reasonable layout, good process feasibility, simple and reasonable installation and assembly, superior performance, and cost savings, making it worthy of widespread application.

[0034] The contents not described in detail in this specification are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art. The standard parts used can be purchased from the market, and the irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the existing technology. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the existing technology, and the circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the existing technology, which will not be described in detail here.

[0035] This utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of this utility model shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A lightweight, hovering car armrest hinge structure, characterized in that: The device includes a bolt pin (1), a central control plastic frame (2), a rotating hinge (3), and a self-locking nut (6). The rotating hinge (3) has a central control plastic frame (2) at its lower part and is connected to the central control plastic frame (2) as a whole. The central control plastic frame (2) has a special-shaped hole (7). The bolt pin (1) passes through the special-shaped hole (7) of the central control plastic frame (2). The special-shaped hole (7) matches the flat shaft section (1-2) of the bolt pin (1). A POM wear-resistant washer (4) and a disc washer group (5) are installed on the bolt pin (1) in sequence. The POM wear-resistant washer (4) is connected to the rotating hinge (3). A self-locking nut (6) is installed on the other side of the disc washer group (5). The central control plastic frame (2) and the rotating hinge (3) are integrated into one unit through the bolt pin (1), POM wear-resistant washer (4), disc washer group (5), and self-locking nut (6).

2. The lightweight, hovering car armrest hinge structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bolt pin (1) includes a threaded section (1-1) and a flat shaft section (1-2). The threaded section (1-1) and the flat shaft section (1-2) are arranged coaxially. The flat shaft section (1-2) is connected to the irregular hole (7) of the central control plastic skeleton (2). A self-locking nut (6) is screwed onto the end of the threaded section (1-1).

3. The lightweight, hovering car armrest hinge structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The POM wear-resistant pad (4) is made of POM material. The POM wear-resistant pad (4) has a flat hole that matches the flat shaft section (1-2). The POM wear-resistant pad (4) and the central control plastic frame (2) are respectively located on both sides of the rotating hinge (3).

4. The lightweight, hovering car armrest hinge structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The POM wear-resistant pad (4) and the rotating hinge (3) are both connected to the flat shaft section (1-2), and the disc-shaped pad group (5) is connected to the threaded section (1-1) and locked together by the self-locking nut (6).

5. The lightweight, hovering car armrest hinge structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The self-locking nut (6) includes a hexagonal nut and a flange. The hexagonal nut and the flange are connected as one unit. The flange is connected to the disc gasket group (5). The hexagonal nut is screwed onto the end of the bolt pin (1).

6. The lightweight, hovering car armrest hinge structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The lower part of the rotating hinge (3) is symmetrically provided with plastic hinge lower brackets on the left and right sides. The plastic hinge lower brackets are hook-shaped. The central control plastic frame (2) is symmetrically provided with ears on the left and right sides, and is connected to the plastic hinge lower bracket of the rotating hinge (3) as a whole through the ears.

7. The lightweight, hovering car armrest hinge structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The height of the ear part of the central control plastic frame (2) gradually decreases from back to front. The longitudinal section of the ear part of the central control plastic frame (2) is triangular, and weight reduction holes (8) are distributed on the ear part.

8. The lightweight, hovering car armrest hinge structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The rotating hinge (3) and its plastic hinge support are both made of plastic.

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