Dual-axis articulation system and vehicle

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a biaxial hinge system comprising a biaxial damper assembly and two opposing members capable of flipping under damping conditions via the biaxial damper assembly. The biaxial hinge system can be flipped into an extended state. The biaxial damper assembly includes: a damper member comprising two damping sections and a connecting section integrally connecting the two damping sections; two shafts respectively received in the damping sections, the damping sections being configured to dampen relative rotation between the shafts and the damper member; and two opposing members capable of generating a tensile force on the damper member when one of the opposing members is loaded in the extended state. The connecting section is configured to withstand the tensile force and resist elastic deformation of the damper member caused by the tensile force. This disclosure also relates to a transportation vehicle. In this disclosure, the damper member contributes to the structural strength and structural stiffness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a dual-axis articulated system and a transportation vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] CN109844333B discloses a miniaturizable two-axis hinge. The two-axis hinge includes a first body, an intermediate body rotatably connected to the first body about a first axis, and a second body rotatably connected to the intermediate body about a second axis parallel to the first axis. A first friction plate, composed of two or more stacked pieces, is fitted to the first axis with an interference fit. A second friction plate, also composed of two or more stacked pieces, is fitted to the second axis with an interference fit. The first body supports the first axis and prevents it from rotating. The second body supports the second axis and prevents it from rotating. The first and second friction plates are non-rotatably housed within the intermediate body. This two-axis hinge is used in applications such as tables, counters, doors, or lids in furniture or vehicles, or in electronic devices such as laptops.

[0003] However, in the aforementioned invention, the first friction plate and the second friction plate are constructed separately from each other. This results in the first and second friction plates, which, under a specific load, cannot directly bear the tensile force when the first and second shafts are subjected to opposing tensile forces due to their separate arrangement. Instead, the tensile force must be borne by an intermediate body. If the intermediate body is made of plastic, it may deform, or even cause damage in extreme cases. If the intermediate body is made of metal, such as steel, to achieve sufficient strength and rigidity, it is not advantageous in terms of manufacturing and cost. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a biaxial hinge system in which the damping element can directly bear the tensile force applied to the damping element under a specific load, and enable the damping element to contribute to the structural strength and structural stiffness.

[0005] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a means of transportation.

[0006] The first aspect of this disclosure relates to a biaxial articulated system comprising a biaxial damper assembly and two opposing members capable of flipping under damping conditions via the biaxial damper assembly, the biaxial articulated system being able to enter an unfolded state by flipping, characterized in that the biaxial damper assembly comprises: at least one damper element, the damper element comprising two damping sections and a connecting section integrally connecting the two damping sections; two shafts, the two shafts respectively received in corresponding damping sections of the at least one damper element by a first shaft section and fixed in corresponding opposing members by a second shaft section, the two damping sections of the corresponding damper element being respectively configured to dampen corresponding relative rotation when the corresponding shaft rotates relative to the damper element; the two opposing members being capable of generating a tensile force on the damper element when one of the opposing members is subjected to a downwardly pointing load in the unfolded state, the connecting section being configured to withstand the tensile force and resist elastic deformation of the damper element caused by the tensile force.

[0007] In this disclosure, by providing a connecting section that integrally connects two damping sections to form a damping element, the connecting section can bear the opposing tensile forces applied to the damping element when one of the opposing sections is subjected to a downward load, thereby resisting elastic deformation of the damping element caused by the tensile force or improving structural stiffness. Furthermore, this connecting section can also connect the two damping sections together for overall load-bearing and improve the strength of the entire structure. In addition, this disclosure also allows for process optimization, eliminating the cumbersome process of pressing two sets of damping plates separately into the shell. Moreover, replacing the two damping plates with an integrated damping element simplifies warehousing management and optimizes SKU management.

[0008] In some implementations, the connecting section extends in a straight line. This provides a significant increase in strength and stiffness compared to separate damping solutions.

[0009] In some implementations, the connecting section is constructed in a curved manner. This can also provide a good increase in strength and stiffness compared to damping solutions that are separated from each other.

[0010] In some embodiments, the connecting section has a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped structure. This achieves a significant improvement in strength and stiffness.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connecting section is configured to undergo a predetermined deformation in the unfolded state due to the abutment of the two opposing components, thereby generating a preload. This allows full utilization of the curved shape, providing increased strength and stiffness while simultaneously providing a preload to the two opposing components in the unfolded state, ensuring stable maintenance in that position. Furthermore, this integrated damping element also provides a better sense of separation when transitioning from the folded to the unfolded state.

[0012] In some embodiments, the shaft structures of the corresponding first shaft segments of the two shafts are configured such that the corresponding first shaft segment only partially contacts the corresponding damping segment of the at least one damping element, so that only a portion of the first shaft segment is damped by the damping segment; or the shaft structures of the corresponding first shaft segments of the two shafts are configured such that the corresponding first shaft segment fully contacts the corresponding damping segment of the at least one damping element, so that all first shaft segments are damped by the damping segment. Especially when the first shaft segment only partially contacts the corresponding damping segment of the at least one damping element, damping adjustment can be performed with a fixed number of damping elements. For example, there may be a situation where a relatively perfect stiffness requirement can only be achieved with a specific number of damping elements, but in this case, if all the first shaft segments of the shaft are in contact with the damping segments of each damping element, it may lead to excessive damping, resulting in customer complaints. In this case, only a portion of the first shaft section can be in contact with the damping section, while the remaining first shaft section, for example, has a smaller diameter and thus does not contact the damping section, thereby allowing for adjustment to a smaller, suitable damping.

[0013] In some embodiments, the contact areas of corresponding first shaft sections of the two shafts and corresponding damping sections of the at least one damping element are identical. This allows for substantially the same damping effect of the corresponding damping sections on both shafts.

[0014] In some embodiments, the contact areas of corresponding first shaft sections of the two shafts and corresponding damping sections of the at least one damping element are different from each other. This allows for the provision of different damping forces to the two shafts.

[0015] In some embodiments, the lengths of the corresponding portions of the respective first shaft sections of the two shafts that contact the corresponding damping section of the at least one damping element are different from each other. This allows for the provision of different damping forces for the two shafts in a visually intuitive manner.

[0016] In some embodiments, the end diameter of one of the two shafts, including a portion of the first shaft section, is smaller than the rest of the shaft, while the diameter of the other shaft remains unchanged overall.

[0017] In some embodiments, multiple damping elements are provided, stacked on top of each other. The number of damping elements is chosen such that the multiple damping elements as a whole can provide the required damping force and the required section modulus. Thus, by changing the number, not only can the damping be adjusted, but the thickness of all damping sections can also be adjusted to regulate the section modulus, thereby regulating the structural stiffness.

[0018] In some embodiments, the biaxial damper assembly further includes a housing in which the at least one damping element is housed.

[0019] In some embodiments, a protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the housing, and a corresponding recess is provided at the connection section of the at least one damping member; or a protrusion is provided at the connection section of the at least one damping member, and a corresponding recess is provided on the inner wall of the housing, wherein the protrusion engages with the recess to fix the at least one damping member within the housing. This achieves good fixation of the damping member within the housing. In particular, when a protrusion is provided at the connection section of the at least one damping member, and a corresponding recess is provided on the inner wall of the housing, better structural strength and rigidity can also be achieved.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least one damping element is made of metal.

[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one damping element is made of steel. This allows for good damping characteristics, as well as high material strength and a high modulus of elasticity. The high modulus of elasticity, combined with the section modulus, results in good structural tensile stiffness.

[0022] In some embodiments, the damping section is configured to be open, and the opening of the damping section is oriented away from the direction of the tensile force applied to the damping element. Therefore, the tensile force can be better received by the damping section material present in the direction of the tensile force extension, thereby achieving better tensile resistance.

[0023] In some embodiments, the opposing component is the tabletop in the tabletop structure of the chair.

[0024] In some embodiments, the table structure is configured for use in a means of transport.

[0025] In some embodiments, the two opposing members, when in the unfolded state, can abut against each other with their respective lower parts when one of the opposing members is subjected to a downward load, thereby generating a tensile force on the damping member via the two axes.

[0026] A second aspect of this disclosure relates to a means of transport including the dual-axis articulation system of this disclosure, the dual-axis articulation system being configured for use in a table structure of a seat.

[0027] The technical features mentioned above, those to be mentioned below, and those shown individually in the accompanying drawings can be combined arbitrarily, provided that the combined technical features are not contradictory. All feasible combinations of features are the technical content explicitly described herein. Any one of the multiple sub-features contained in the same statement can be applied independently, without necessarily being applied together with other sub-features. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the illustrative drawings and exemplary embodiments. Wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a biaxial articulated system according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the biaxial damper assembly of a biaxial hinged system.

[0031] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 A schematic exploded view of the biaxial damper assembly.

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a biaxial articulated system according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 Show Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of the biaxial damper assembly of a biaxial hinged system.

[0034] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 A schematic exploded view of the biaxial damper assembly.

[0035] Figure 7 Showing targets Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of the two axes of a variant of the biaxial damper assembly shown.

[0036] Figure 8 Showing targets Figure 6 The schematic perspective view of a variant of the biaxial damper assembly shown is incorporated into two axes of a plurality of damping elements. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Firstly, by using Figures 1 to 3The basic structure and operating principle of the biaxial articulation system 100 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure are described.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the biaxial articulation system 100 according to this disclosure includes a biaxial damper assembly 2 and two opposing members 1 that can be flipped under damping conditions via the biaxial damper assembly 2. The biaxial articulation system 100 can be flipped into... Figure 1 The diagram shows the unfolded state. The two opposing parts 1 can be two tabletops in the table structure of a vehicle's seat, such as a motor vehicle. Of course, the two opposing parts 1 can also be other flip-up parts that require a large opening angle. In this disclosure, the vehicle can be, for example, a motor vehicle. Of course, the vehicle can also be other types of land transportation, such as a train. Furthermore, the vehicle can also be an air transport vehicle, such as an airplane, or a water transport vehicle, such as a cruise ship.

[0039] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 3 As can be clearly seen, the biaxial damper assembly 2 includes: a plurality of stacked, sheet-like damping elements 21 (also referred to as damping plates), each damping element 21 comprising two damping sections 211 and an integrally connected section 212 connecting the two damping sections 211; and two shafts 22, each shaft 22 being received in a corresponding damping section 211 of the plurality of damping elements 21 by a first shaft section and fixed in a corresponding opposing member 1 by a second shaft section. The two damping sections 211 are respectively configured to dampen a corresponding relative rotation when the corresponding shaft 22 rotates relative to the damping element 21. In addition to the above components, the biaxial damper assembly 2 may include a housing 23 in which the plurality of damping elements 21 are housed. Furthermore, the biaxial damper assembly 2 may also include a cover 24 that can close one opening of the housing 23 so that the damping elements 21 are housed within the housing 23 in a closed state. Of course, in addition to the sheet form, the damping element 21 may also be specified as having a block structure, having a greater thickness, and being formed, for example, by casting.

[0040] from Figure 1 As can be seen, when one of the two opposing parts 1 is subjected to a downward load F in the unfolded state, the two opposing parts 1 can abut against each other with their respective lower parts and thereby generate a tensile force F1 on the damping member 21 via the two shafts 22. The connecting section 212 is configured to withstand the tensile force F1 and resist the elastic deformation of the damping member 21 caused by the tensile force F1.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the connecting section 212 of the damping member 21 is constructed in a curved manner, particularly as Figure 1The structure shown is U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped. Here, the connecting section 212 can be configured such that, in the unfolded state, a predetermined deformation occurs due to the abutment of the two opposing parts 1, especially their lower parts, thereby generating a preload.

[0042] The number of the plurality of damping elements 21 can be selected such that the plurality of damping elements 21 as a whole can provide the required damping force and the required section modulus.

[0043] To achieve sufficient strength and stiffness, the damper 21 is made of steel. Of course, other types of metals with high strength and high modulus of elasticity can also be considered. Since the damper 21 itself already bears the main load-bearing load, the housing 23 can be made of, for example, plastic, and manufactured, for example, by injection molding, thereby reducing the cost of the housing 23.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the damping section 211 is configured to be open, and the orientation of the opening of the damping section 211 is offset from the direction of the tensile force F1 applied to the damping member 21, thereby better receiving the tensile force F1 and reducing the tendency of the opening of the damping section 211 to be stretched open due to the tensile force F1 applied to the shaft 22.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the damping applied to each shaft 22 by the damping segment 211 can be the same. In this respect, the contact areas of the corresponding first shaft segments of the two shafts 22 with the corresponding damping segments 211 of the at least one damping element 21 are identical and each fully contacts the corresponding damping segment 211. Of course, other configurations that allow for varying or adjustable damping are also conceivable, and are described below.

[0046] The following uses Figures 4 to 6 The basic structure of a biaxial articulated system 100 according to a second embodiment of this disclosure is described. The main difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the shape of the corresponding damping members 21. In the second embodiment, the connecting section 212 of the damping member 21 extends in a straight line. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the housing 23, and a corresponding recess is provided at the connecting section 212 of each damping member 21, wherein the protrusion engages with the recess to fix each damping member 21 within the housing 23. Of course, it is also conceivable to have a protrusion at the connecting section 212 of each damping member 21, and a corresponding recess on the inner wall of the housing 23. This recess-protrusion structure can also be applied to the first embodiment. Figure 4In the case shown, when the two opposing members 1 are in the unfolded state and one of the opposing members 1 is subjected to a downward load, their respective lower parts will abut against each other, thereby generating a tensile force on the damping member 21. For other aspects, please refer to the description of the first embodiment.

[0047] Finally, by using Figure 7 and Figure 8 A variation of the second embodiment is described.

[0048] In this variant, the specifications of the two shafts 22 are different; specifically, the lengths of the corresponding portions of the corresponding first shaft sections of the two shafts 22 that contact the corresponding damping section 211 of the at least one damping element 21 are different from each other. In this case, the contact areas of the corresponding first shaft sections of the two shafts 22 and the corresponding damping section 211 of the at least one damping element 21 are different from each other. For example, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the end diameter of the first shaft 22a, including a portion of the first shaft section, is thinner than that of the second shaft 22b, while the overall diameter of the second shaft 22b remains constant. Therefore, the damping force experienced by the first shaft 22a, with its thinner end diameter, is less than that experienced by the second shaft 22b.

[0049] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the one” as used herein should include the plural forms unless the context explicitly states otherwise. It is understood that the terms “comprising” and “including,” and other similar terms, when used in the application documents, specifically describe the presence of the stated operation, element, and / or component, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The term “and / or” as used herein includes all arbitrary combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals always denote similar elements.

[0050] The thickness of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. It is also understood that if an element is described as being on, coupled to, or connected to another element, then the element may be directly formed on, coupled to, or connected to the other element, or there may be one or more intermediate elements between them. Conversely, if the expressions "directly on," "directly coupled to," and "directly connected to" are used herein, it indicates that there is no intermediate element. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly, such as "between" and "directly between," "attached" and "directly attached," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.

[0051] Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “over,” “under,” etc., are used to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region relative to another element, layer, or region, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these terms should also encompass other orientations of the device in addition to those described in the accompanying drawings.

[0052] It is understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0053] It can also be considered that all the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Furthermore, all individual technical features in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other, as long as the combined technical features are not contradictory. All technically feasible combinations of features are the technical content described in this application.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely for understanding this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make modifications based on the above embodiments, and these modifications will not depart from the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A biaxial hinge system, the biaxial hinge system comprising a biaxial damper assembly and two opposing members capable of flipping under damping conditions via the biaxial damper assembly, the biaxial hinge system being able to enter an unfolded state by flipping. Its features are, The biaxial damper assembly includes: At least one damping element, the damping element comprising two damping sections and an integrally connected section connecting the two damping sections; Two shafts, each received in a corresponding damping section of the at least one damping member by a first shaft section and fixed in a corresponding counter member by a second shaft section, wherein the two damping sections of the corresponding damping member are respectively configured to dampen the corresponding relative rotation when the corresponding shaft rotates relative to the damping member. When the two opposing members are in the unfolded state, they can generate a tensile force on the damping member when one of the opposing members is subjected to a downward load. The connecting section is configured to withstand the tensile force and resist the elastic deformation of the damping member caused by the tensile force.

2. The dual-axis hinge system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting section extends along a straight line.

3. The dual-axis hinge system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting section is constructed in a curved manner.

4. The dual-axis hinge system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting section has a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped structure.

5. The dual-axis hinge system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connection section is constructed such that, in the unfolded state, a predetermined deformation occurs due to the two opposing parts abutting against each other, thereby generating a preload force.

6. The biaxial articulated system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The shaft structures of the corresponding first shaft sections of the two shafts are respectively configured such that the corresponding first shaft section only partially contacts the corresponding damping section of the at least one damping element, so that only a portion of the first shaft section is subjected to the damping effect of the damping section. or The shaft structures of the corresponding first shaft sections of the two shafts are respectively configured such that the corresponding first shaft section is in complete contact with the corresponding damping section of the at least one damping element, so that all first shaft sections are subjected to the damping effect of the damping section.

7. The biaxial articulated system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The contact areas of the corresponding first shaft sections of the two shafts and the corresponding damping sections of the at least one damping element are the same.

8. The biaxial hinge system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The contact areas of the corresponding first shaft sections of the two shafts and the corresponding damping sections of the at least one damping element are different from each other.

9. The dual-axis hinge system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lengths of the corresponding portions of the first shaft sections of the two shafts that contact the corresponding damping sections of the at least one damping element are different from each other.

10. The dual-axis hinge system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The diameter of the end of the first section of one of the two shafts, including a portion of the first section, is thinner than the rest of the shaft, while the diameter of the other shaft remains constant overall.

11. The biaxial articulated system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The device is provided with multiple damping elements stacked on top of each other, wherein the number of the multiple damping elements is selected such that the multiple damping elements as a whole can provide the required damping force and the required section modulus.

12. The biaxial articulated system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The damping element is constructed in a sheet-like shape.

13. The biaxial articulated system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The biaxial damper assembly also includes a housing, in which the at least one damping element is housed.

14. The dual-axis hinge system according to claim 13, characterized in that, A protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the housing, and a recess corresponding to the protrusion is provided at the connection section of at least one damping member, or A protrusion is provided at the connection section of at least one damping element, and a corresponding recess is provided on the inner wall of the housing. The protrusion engages with the recess to secure the at least one damping element within the housing.

15. The biaxial hinge system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The at least one damping element is made of metal.

16. The dual-axis articulated system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The at least one damping element is made of steel.

17. The biaxial articulated system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The damping section is configured to be open, and the orientation of the opening of the damping section is offset from the direction of the tensile force applied to the damping element.

18. The biaxial articulated system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The opposing component is the tabletop in the tabletop structure of the chair.

19. The dual-axis articulated system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The table structure is configured for use in a means of transport.

20. The biaxial articulated system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, When the two opposing members are in the unfolded state, and one of the opposing members is subjected to a downward load, their respective lower parts can abut against each other, thereby generating a tensile force on the damping members via the two axes.

21. A means of transport, characterized in that, The transport vehicle includes a dual-axis articulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, the dual-axis articulation system being configured for use in the table structure of the seat.

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