Hinge structure and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of vehicle body connecting pieces, and provides a hinge structure and a vehicle. The hinge structure is suitable for connecting a vehicle door in a vehicle body. The hinge structure has a fixing piece arranged on the vehicle body, a movable piece arranged on the vehicle door, and a connecting assembly connected between the fixing piece and the movable piece. The connecting assembly comprises a ball head pivotally arranged on the movable piece and a connecting piece penetrating through the ball head and connected with the fixing piece. The hinge structure is provided by cooperation of the ball head and the movable piece, so that the movable piece can surround the ball head at multiple angles and rotate relative to the fixing piece at multiple angles. The hinge structure has multiple rotation degrees of freedom, can be coaxially arranged with another hinge rotation shaft, effectively avoids sticking and abnormal sound during opening and closing of the vehicle door, and improves the smoothness of opening and closing of the vehicle door.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle body connector technology, and in particular to a hinge structure and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, car doors are typically mounted on the vehicle body using hinges, which connect the door to the car body while allowing the door to open and close. Generally, there are two hinges between the door and the car body, and the rotation axes of the two hinges are coaxial, allowing the door to rotate stably around a single axis.

[0003] However, due to the inherent tolerances in the hinges themselves, as well as in the manufacturing and assembly processes of the doors and the body, the rotation axes of the upper and lower hinges are prone to misalignment, causing jamming and abnormal noises during door opening and closing, thus affecting the smoothness of door opening and closing. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application aims to propose a hinge structure that improves the smoothness of opening and closing of vehicle doors.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application is implemented as follows: A hinge structure suitable for connecting a vehicle door to a vehicle body, the hinge structure having a fixed member disposed on the vehicle body, a movable member disposed on the vehicle door, and a connecting assembly connecting the fixed member and the movable member; The connecting assembly includes a ball joint hinged to the movable member, and a connector passing through the ball joint and connected to the fixed member.

[0006] Furthermore, the fixing member has a connecting groove, the movable member has a connecting lug inserted into the connecting groove, and the ball head is ball-hinged on the connecting lug; there is a preset distance between the connecting lug and at least one side wall of the connecting groove, and the connecting member is connected to the ball head and both side walls of the connecting groove.

[0007] Furthermore, the connecting ear is provided with a mounting hole, and a limiting ring and a retaining ring are respectively located at both ends of the mounting hole; the ball head is disposed in the mounting hole, and the limiting ring and the retaining ring are used to prevent the ball head from dislodging from the movable part.

[0008] Furthermore, the fastener includes a fixing plate, and a first fixing ear and a second fixing ear protruding to one side of the fixing plate; the first fixing ear, the second fixing ear and the fixing plate together form the connecting groove, and the connector is connected to the ball head and the first fixing ear and the second fixing ear.

[0009] Furthermore, the first fixing ear has a through hole for the connector to pass through; the connector is a bolt, and the second fixing ear has a threaded hole for screwing into the connector.

[0010] Furthermore, the movable component is provided with a reinforcing plate spaced apart from the connecting ear, and the first fixing ear is located between the connecting ear and the reinforcing plate; the reinforcing plate is provided with a clearance hole, which avoids the connecting component.

[0011] Furthermore, the movable component is provided with a clearance groove, which is located between the reinforcing plate and the connecting ear, and the clearance groove is used to avoid the first fixed ear.

[0012] Furthermore, a pad is inserted into one end of the second fixing ear near the first fixing ear, and part of the pad extends out of the second fixing ear; the pad has a through hole for the connector to pass through.

[0013] Furthermore, the pad is provided with a limiting protrusion that protrudes outward along the radial direction of the pad; the limiting protrusion abuts against the second fixing ear to limit the insertion depth of the pad.

[0014] Compared with related technologies, this application has the following advantages: (1) The hinge structure described in this application, through the cooperation of the ball joint and the moving part, allows the moving part to rotate around the ball joint to realize the opening and closing of the car door. Furthermore, the moving part can rotate relative to the fixed part at multiple angles around the ball joint, giving the hinge structure multiple degrees of rotational freedom. Thus, the hinge structure can utilize its characteristic of having multiple degrees of rotational freedom to absorb the tolerances generated in the manufacturing and assembly of the car door and body, allowing the rotation axis of the hinge structure to adaptively remain coaxial with the rotation axis of another hinge, thereby effectively avoiding jamming and abnormal noise during the opening and closing of the car door, thereby improving the smoothness of the opening and closing of the car door, and thus improving the overall quality of the vehicle.

[0015] (2) By using the connecting ear and the connecting groove, the connector can constrain the ball head in the connecting groove to ensure the stability of the moving part when it rotates. At the same time, by setting a preset distance between the connecting ear and the side wall of the connecting groove, sufficient space can be reserved for the rotation of the moving part in the connecting groove to avoid interference between the connecting ear and the connecting groove of the moving part during the opening and closing of the car door, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the opening and closing of the car door.

[0016] (3) By setting the limiting ring and the snap ring in the mounting hole, the limiting ring and the snap ring can constrain the ball head from the axial direction of the mounting hole, preventing the ball head from coming out of the mounting hole, so as to ensure that the moving part can rotate stably around the ball head, thereby ensuring the smoothness and reliability of the door opening and closing.

[0017] (4) By setting the first fixed ear and the second fixed ear to form a connecting groove, it is not only convenient to realize the connection between the fixed part and the moving part, but also has good structural strength and provides a stable installation base for the connecting part. This can effectively prevent the connecting groove from deforming due to force during the opening and closing of the car door, prevent interference with the moving part due to the deformation of the connecting groove, and further ensure the smoothness of the opening and closing of the car door.

[0018] (5) By using the combination of through holes and threaded holes, the connector can pass through the first fixing ear in the preset direction and be screwed into the second fixing ear, so that the connector and the fixing part have good connection strength, and at the same time, it is convenient to disassemble and assemble the connector, thus facilitating the disassembly and replacement of the ball head in the later stage.

[0019] (6) By setting a reinforcing plate on the moving part, structural reinforcement can be provided at the location of the connecting ear to ensure the overall structural strength of the moving part and the connection effect between the hinge structure and the door. At the same time, the setting of the clearance hole on the reinforcing plate can avoid interference with the connecting part, so as to prevent the reinforcing plate from hindering the installation and fixing of the connecting part.

[0020] (7) By setting the clearance groove, when the movable part deflects around the ball head towards the first fixed ear, the clearance groove can provide sufficient clearance space for the first fixed ear to prevent the first fixed ear and the end of the connector from interfering with the movable part, further improving the rotation range of the movable part, reducing the interference between the movable part and the fixed part, and ensuring the smoothness of the door opening and closing.

[0021] (8) By setting a pad on the second fixing ear, the second fixing ear can be protected, and the connector can be prevented from directly rubbing or squeezing the second fixing ear during installation or when the door is opened and closed, which would damage the second fixing ear. This improves the structural integrity of the second fixing ear and ensures a stable connection between the connector and the second fixing ear.

[0022] (9) By setting the limiting protrusion, the limiting protrusion abuts against the second fixing ear, which can limit the depth of the pad inserted into the second fixing ear, so that the pad is installed in place, so as to avoid the pad being inserted too deeply and thus the protection effect of the second fixing ear is insufficient, thereby ensuring the protection effect of the pad on the second fixing ear.

[0023] Another object of this application is to provide a vehicle having the hinge structure described above.

[0024] The vehicle and / or hinge structure described in this application have the same technical effects as the prior art, and will not be described in detail here. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the hinge structure described in the embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view at the location shown in AA; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the movable component described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the movable component described in an embodiment of this application from another perspective; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fastener described in the embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fastener described in an embodiment of this application from another perspective; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector, ball head, and pad block as described in the embodiments of this application, mounted on the fixing member; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ball head described in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pad block described in the embodiment of this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the hinge structure described in the embodiment of this application is connected to the car door and trim panel; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure described in the embodiment of this application when it is connected to the car door and trim panel from another perspective. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Fastener; 1a. Connecting groove; 101. Fixing plate; 1011. Fixing end; 1012. Snap-fit ​​component; 1013. Body mounting hole; 102. First fixing lug; 1021. Through hole; 103. Second fixing lug; 1031. Threaded hole; 2. Movable parts; 201. Connecting ear; 202, Mounting hole; 2021, Limiting ring; 2022, Snap ring; 203. Reinforcing plate; 2031. Clearance hole; 204. Clearance groove; 205. Connecting end; 2051. Door mounting hole; 3. Ball head; 4. Connectors; 5. Pad; 501. Limiting protrusion; 5011. Inclined surface; 6. Car door; 7. Decorative panels. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the technical solution and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0027] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this application, if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" appear, indicating orientation or positional relationship, these are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, if terms such as "first" or "second" appear, they are also used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in light of the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0031] The present application will now be described in detail through exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that, without further description, elements, structures, and features in one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments.

[0032] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a hinge structure suitable for connecting a vehicle door to a vehicle body.

[0033] In related technologies, two hinges are typically installed between the car door and the car body, and the rotation axes of the two hinges need to be coaxial to ensure that the car door can rotate around a single axis to open and close. However, due to certain tolerances in the hinge structure itself and in the manufacturing and assembly processes of the car door, the rotation axes of the upper and lower hinges may not be coaxial, causing jamming and abnormal noises during the opening and closing of the car door, thus affecting the smoothness of the door opening and closing.

[0034] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of related technologies, the hinge structure of this embodiment combines... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the overall design includes a fixed part 1, a movable part 2, and a connecting assembly connecting the fixed part 1 and the movable part 2.

[0035] The fixed component 1 is located on the vehicle body, and the movable component 2 is located on the door 6. The connecting assembly includes a ball head 3 that is ball-hung on the movable component 2, and a connector 4 that passes through the ball head 3 and is connected to the fixed component 1.

[0036] Therefore, through the cooperative arrangement of the ball joint 3 and the movable component 2, the movable component 2 can rotate around the ball joint 3 to realize the opening and closing of the door 6. Furthermore, the movable component 2 can rotate relative to the fixed component 1 at multiple angles around the ball joint 3, giving the hinge structure multiple degrees of rotational freedom. Thus, the hinge structure can utilize its multiple degrees of rotational freedom to absorb tolerances arising from the manufacturing and assembly of the door 6 and the vehicle body, allowing the hinge structure's rotation axis to adaptively remain coaxial with the rotation axis of another hinge. This effectively prevents jamming and abnormal noises during the opening and closing of the door 6, thereby improving the smoothness of the door 6's opening and closing, and ultimately enhancing the overall quality of the vehicle.

[0037] Based on the above overview, specifically, in this embodiment, the hinge structure can be located between the top of the vehicle body and the top of the door 6. Another hinge between the door 6 and the vehicle body is located between the A-pillar of the vehicle body and the door 6. Furthermore, the hinge located at the corresponding position on the A-pillar of the vehicle body can be a conventional hinge with a single axis of rotation. In this case, the aforementioned conventional hinge located on the A-pillar of the vehicle body restricts the rotation axis of the entire door.

[0038] Based on this, since the rotation axis of the movable component 2 around the ball head 3 in this embodiment is the rotation axis of the hinge structure itself, when the movable component 2 is connected to the door 6 and the fixed component 1 is connected to the vehicle body, the movable component 2 can be pulled by the door 6 to adaptively adjust its angle relative to the ball head 3 and the fixed component 2, so that the rotation axis of the movable component 2 around the ball head 3 matches the rotation axis of the door 6, thereby ensuring that the rotation axis of the hinge structure in this embodiment is coaxially set with the rotation axis of another hinge on the door.

[0039] Understandably, the assembly process of the car door using this technology requires repeated adjustments to the hinges to ensure that the rotation axes of the upper and lower hinges are coaxial, making the assembly operation complex.

[0040] In this embodiment, because the movable part 2 can rotate relative to the fixed part 1 at multiple angles, the rotation axis of the hinge structure can automatically match the rotation axis of the other hinge after assembly, thus achieving coaxiality. This eliminates the need for repeated adjustments to the hinge structure during assembly, which is beneficial for the assembly of the hinge structure. Specifically, combined with Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the end of the movable component 2 furthest from the fixed component 1 is provided with a connecting end 205 for connecting to the sheet metal structure of the car door 6. The connecting end 205 is provided with a car door mounting hole 2051 for fasteners such as bolts and rivets to pass through. The sheet metal structure of the car door 6 is provided with a movable component mounting hole corresponding to the car door mounting hole 2051. Fasteners can pass through the car door mounting hole 2051 and connect to the sheet metal structure of the car door 6, thereby achieving the connection and fixation between the movable component 2 and the car door 6. Furthermore, to facilitate adjustment of the installation position of the movable component 2 on the car door 6 during assembly, at least one car door mounting hole 2051 in this embodiment is constructed as an elongated oval hole structure.

[0041] Furthermore, to ensure the vehicle's refined appearance and protect the hinged structure, in this embodiment, a decorative panel 7 for concealing the fixing member 1 can be further connected to the fixing member 1. Specifically, in combination with Figure 6 As shown, the fastener 1 has a fixing end 1011 at each end for connecting the decorative panel 7, and the decorative panel 7 has two connecting ears that correspond one-to-one with the fixing end 1011. The connecting ears can be connected to the fixing end 1011 by fasteners.

[0042] Meanwhile, the decorative panel 7 is also provided with a snap-fit ​​rib extending towards the fixing member 1, and the fixing member 1 is provided with a snap-fit ​​fitting 1012, the end of which is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove. The end of the snap-fit ​​rib can be snapped into a spring clip, and the spring clip can be snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove, thereby completing the snap-fit ​​fixing of the decorative panel 7 and the fixing member 1. Through the setting of the snap-fit ​​rib and the snap-fit ​​fitting 1012, the snap-fit ​​fixing of the decorative panel 7 and the fixing member 1 can be realized, thereby realizing the pre-installation of the decorative panel 7. After the decorative panel 7 and the fixing member 1 are snapped together, the fixing end 1011 and the connecting lug can be used to fix the mounting plate on the fixing member 1, thereby completing the installation of the mounting plate.

[0043] Additionally, the ball head 3 can slide on the connector 4 to facilitate adjusting the position of the moving part 2 relative to the fixed part 1 during assembly. And combined with... Figure 7 As shown, the main body of the fastener 1 is also provided with a body mounting hole 1013 for connecting the vehicle body. The fastener 1 can be installed on the vehicle body by setting fasteners in the body mounting hole 1013.

[0044] It is worth mentioning that, in this embodiment, the main body of the movable component 2 extends in a cantilever shape from the connecting end towards the side where the fixed component 1 is located. A portion of the main body of the movable component 2 is exposed on the outside of the vehicle. When the door 6 is closed, a portion of the movable component 2 is flush with the door 6 and the trim panel 7 to ensure the integrity of the vehicle's appearance. Furthermore, a sealing structure is provided between the door 6, the trim panel 7, and a portion of the movable component 2 to seal the gaps between them, preventing external water from entering the vehicle interior through these gaps, thereby ensuring the vehicle's airtightness.

[0045] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the fixing member 1 has a connecting groove 1a, the movable member 2 has a connecting lug 201 inserted into the connecting groove 1a, and the ball head 3 is ball-hung onto the connecting lug 201. The connecting lug 201 has a predetermined distance from at least one side wall of the connecting groove 1a, and the connecting member 4 is connected to the ball head 3 and both side walls of the connecting groove 1a.

[0046] By cooperating with the connecting ear 201 and the connecting groove 1a, the connector 4 can constrain the ball head 3 within the connecting groove 1a, ensuring the stability of the movable part 2 during rotation. Simultaneously, maintaining a preset distance between the connecting ear 201 and the side wall of the connecting groove 1a allows sufficient space for the movable part 2 to rotate within the connecting groove 1a, preventing interference between the connecting ear 201 and the connecting groove 1a during the opening and closing of the door 6, thus ensuring the smoothness of the door 6's opening and closing.

[0047] In practice, there is a preset distance between the connecting ear 201 and the two side walls of the connecting groove 1a to further expand the range of motion of the connecting ear 201, that is, the movable part 2, so as to avoid interference between the movable part 2 and the fixed part 1.

[0048] In some of the exemplary implementations, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 9 As shown, the connecting ear 201 is provided with a mounting hole 202, and a limiting ring 2021 and a retaining ring 2022 are respectively located at both ends of the mounting hole 202. The ball head 3 is provided in the mounting hole 202, and the limiting ring 2021 and retaining ring 2022 are used to prevent the ball head 3 from dislodging from the movable part 2.

[0049] By setting the limiting ring 2021 and the snap ring 2022 in the mounting hole 202, the limiting ring 2021 and the snap ring 2022 can constrain the ball head 3 from the axial direction of the mounting hole 202, preventing the ball head 3 from coming out of the mounting hole 202, so as to ensure that the moving part 2 can rotate stably around the ball head 3, thereby ensuring the smoothness and reliability of the door 6 when opening and closing.

[0050] Furthermore, the mounting hole 202 is provided with a slot for mounting the retaining ring 2022. The retaining ring 2022 can be detachably mounted at one end of the mounting hole 202. During the assembly process of the hinge structure, the ball head 3 is first installed in the mounting hole 202, and then the retaining ring 2022 is installed in the mounting hole 202, thereby completing the ball joint connection between the ball head 3 and the connecting ear 201.

[0051] In practical implementation, the side of the limiting ring 2021 facing the ball head 3 in this embodiment can be constructed as an arc-shaped structure that fits the surface of the ball head 3 to reduce friction between the limiting ring 2021 and the ball head 3. This ensures smooth opening and closing of the door 6 while reducing wear on the moving part 2 and the ball head 3, thus improving the service life of the hinge structure. Furthermore, the ball head 3 in this embodiment is provided with a channel for the connecting part to pass through, and both ends of the channel are provided with abutment surfaces.

[0052] In some of the exemplary implementations, combined with Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, the fastener 1 includes a fixing plate 101, and a first fixing ear 102 and a second fixing ear 103 protruding to one side of the fixing plate 101. The first fixing ear 102, the second fixing ear 103 and the fixing plate 101 form a connecting groove 1a, and the connector 4 is connected to the ball head 3 and the first fixing ear 102 and the second fixing ear 103.

[0053] By setting the first fixed ear 102 and the second fixed ear 103 to form a connecting groove 1a, it is not only convenient to realize the connection between the fixed part 1 and the movable part 2, but also has good structural strength and provides a stable installation base for the connecting part 4. This can effectively prevent the connecting groove 1a from deforming due to force during the opening and closing of the car door 6, and prevent interference with the movable part 2 due to the deformation of the connecting groove 1a, thus further ensuring the smoothness of the opening and closing of the car door 6.

[0054] In specific implementation, the aforementioned fixing ends 1011 are respectively disposed at two opposite ends of the fixing plate 101, and the snap-fit ​​fitting 1012 and the mounting hole 202 are both provided on the fixing plate 101. Specifically, in this embodiment, the fixing end 1011 extends outward from one end of the fixing plate 101, and the end of the fixing end 101 bends towards the side where the decorative panel 7 is located. This shortens the distance between the fixing end 1011 and the connecting lug on the decorative panel 7, so as to reduce the length of the connecting lug and avoid the connecting lug being too long and prone to breakage, thereby further improving the stability of the connection between the decorative panel 7 and the fixing member 1.

[0055] Meanwhile, the snap-fit ​​fitting 1012 is located on the side of the fixed plate 101 away from the connecting end 205 of the movable part 2. At this time, the snap-fit ​​fitting 1012 and the two fixed ends 1011 can form a triangular support structure to further ensure the installation stability of the decorative panel 7 on the fixed part 1.

[0056] Furthermore, the first fixing ear 102 is located in the middle of the fixing plate, and the body mounting holes 1013 are configured to be located on opposite sides of the first fixing ear 102. The second fixing ear 103 is located on the side of the fixing plate away from the connecting end 205 of the movable member 2, so as to avoid the body mounting holes 1013. At the same time, the second fixing ear 103 and the snap-fit ​​member 1012 are both provided with avoidance recesses on the side facing the body mounting holes 1013, so as to avoid the fasteners provided in the body mounting holes 1013 and the tools used to fasten the fasteners.

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, the first fixing lug 102 has a through hole 1021 through which the connector 4 passes. The connector 4 is a bolt, and the second fixing lug 103 has a threaded hole 1031 for screwing into the connector 4.

[0058] With the cooperation of through hole 1021 and threaded hole 1031, connector 4 can pass through first fixing ear 102 in a preset direction and be screwed into second fixing ear 103, so that connector 4 and fixing member 1 have good connection strength, and at the same time facilitate the disassembly and assembly of connector 4, thus facilitating the disassembly and replacement of ball head 3 in the later stage.

[0059] In specific implementation, since the second fixing ear 103 is provided with a threaded hole 1031 for screwing the connector 4, the threaded hole 1031 needs to have sufficient depth in order to ensure the connection effect of the connector 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the width of the second fixing ear 103 in the preset direction, that is, the length direction of the connector 4, is greater than the width of the second fixing ear 103, so as to ensure the structural strength of the second fixing ear 103 itself and the fixing effect of the connector 4.

[0060] Furthermore, both the movable part 2 and the fixed part 1 in this embodiment can be made of aluminum alloy to achieve a lightweight design of the hinge structure. Meanwhile, the connecting part 4 in this embodiment can be made of SWRCH35K hexagon head bolts, which have good structural strength and can ensure the connection effect between the movable part 2 and the fixed part 1, ensuring the reliability of the hinge structure and thus ensuring the connection effect between the door 6 and the vehicle body. At the same time, the connecting part in this embodiment is fastened using an internal hex wrench. The internal hex wrench is small in size, which reduces interference with the movable part, the fixed part, and the reinforcing plate described below, thereby facilitating the assembly operation of the connecting part. In some exemplary embodiments, the movable member 2 is provided with a reinforcing plate 203 spaced apart from the connecting ear 201, and the first fixing ear 102 is located between the connecting ear 201 and the reinforcing plate 203. The reinforcing plate 203 is provided with a clearance hole 2031, which avoids the connecting member 4.

[0061] Understandably, if the connecting ear 201 is located in the middle of the movable part 2, it is difficult to install the reinforcing plate 203 on the movable part 2 due to the presence of the first fixed ear 102 and the second fixed ear 103. Furthermore, the limited width of the connecting ear 201 will result in a weaker structural strength on the side of the movable part 2 where the connecting ear 201 is located.

[0062] Therefore, a reinforcing plate 203 is provided on the movable part 2, and the connecting ear 201 and the reinforcing plate 203 are respectively located on both sides of the first movable part 2. Since the width of the first movable part 2 is effective, sufficient installation space is provided for the reinforcing plate 203, so that the reinforcing plate 203 can provide structural reinforcement for the location of the connecting ear 201, thereby ensuring the overall structural strength of the movable part 2 and ensuring the connection effect between the hinge structure and the door 6. At the same time, the setting of the clearance hole 2031 on the reinforcing plate 203 can avoid interference with the connecting part 4, thereby preventing the reinforcing plate 203 from hindering the installation and fixing of the connecting part 4.

[0063] In practice, the retaining ring 2022 is located at the end of the mounting hole 202 away from the reinforcing plate 203, so as to avoid the reinforcing plate 203 affecting the installation of the retaining ring 2022.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, the movable part 2 is provided with a clearance groove 204, which is located between the reinforcing plate 203 and the connecting ear 201, and the clearance groove 204 is used to avoid the first fixing ear 102.

[0065] By setting the clearance groove 204, when the movable part 2 deflects around the ball head 3 toward the first fixed ear 102, the clearance groove 204 can provide sufficient clearance space for the first fixed ear 102 to prevent the first fixed ear 102 and the end of the connector 4 from interfering with the movable part 2, further improving the rotation range of the movable part 2, reducing the interference between the movable part 2 and the fixed part 1, and ensuring the smoothness of the opening and closing of the door 6.

[0066] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, a pad 5 is inserted into one end of the second fixing ear 103 near the first fixing ear 102, and a portion of the pad 5 extends out of the second fixing ear 103. The pad 5 has a through hole through which the connector 4 passes.

[0067] It is understandable that, since the strength of the connector 4 is greater than that of the fastener 1, during the opening and closing of the car door 6, the connector 4 is easily damaged by the external force from the car door 6, which may crush the area around the screw hole on the fastener 1 and cause structural damage to the fastener 1.

[0068] Therefore, by setting a pad 5 on the second fixing ear 103, the second fixing ear 103 can be protected, preventing the connector 4 from directly rubbing or squeezing the second fixing ear 103 during installation or when the door 6 is opened and closed and subjected to force, which would damage the second fixing ear 103. This improves the structural integrity of the second fixing ear 103 and ensures a stable connection between the connector 4 and the second fixing ear 103.

[0069] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the pad 5 is provided with a limiting protrusion 501 that protrudes radially outward from the pad 5. The limiting protrusion 501 abuts against the second fixing lug 103 to limit the insertion depth of the pad 5.

[0070] By setting the limiting protrusion 501, the limiting protrusion 501 abuts against the second fixing ear 103, which can limit the depth of the pad 5 inserted into the second fixing ear 103, so that the pad 5 is installed in place, so as to avoid the pad 5 being inserted too deeply and thus not providing sufficient protection for the second fixing ear 103, thereby ensuring the protective effect of the pad 5 on the second fixing ear 103.

[0071] In practical implementation, due to the vehicle's design, the connector 4 in this embodiment is tilted to one side of the second fixing ear 103, so that the height of the through hole 1021 on the first fixing ear 102 is the same as the height of the screw hole on the second fixing ear 103.

[0072] At this time, the ball head 3 fitted on the connector 4 will slide towards the side of the second fixed ear 103. If the ball head 3 slides towards the second fixed ear 103 and causes the connector 201 to abut against the side of the second fixed ear 103, the preset distance of the connector 201 towards the side of the second fixed ear 103 will disappear, thereby affecting the deflection of the connector 201 towards the side where the second fixed ear 103 is located, and thus affecting the rotation of the movable part 2.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, the end of the pad 5 facing the ball head 3 can abut against the abutting surface of the ball head 3, so that the ball head 3 is kept in the middle of the connecting groove 1a, thereby ensuring the preset distance on both sides of the connecting ear 201 and ensuring the range of motion of the movable part 2.

[0074] Based on this, in order to prevent the upper limit protrusion 501 of the pad 5 from affecting the deflection of the connecting ear 201 toward the second fixed ear 103, the upper limit protrusion 501 of this embodiment is provided with an inclined surface 5011, so that one end of the pad 5 with the upper limit protrusion 501 forms a frustum structure, and the end with the smaller diameter of the frustum structure abuts against the ball head 3. Thus, by setting the inclined surface 5011 on the upper limit protrusion 501, the connecting ear 201 can be further avoided, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the opening and closing of the door 6.

[0075] It is worth noting that, regarding the hinge structure of this embodiment, based on the above exemplary implementations, in specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment, it is still composed of... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, it includes a fixed member 1, a movable member 2, and a connecting assembly connecting the fixed member 1 and the movable member 2. The fixed member 1 is located on the vehicle body, and the movable member 2 is located on the door 6. The connecting assembly includes a ball joint 3 that is ball-hung on the movable member 2, and a connector 4 that passes through the ball joint 3 and is connected to the fixed member 1.

[0076] In this embodiment, the movable part 2, away from the fixed part 1, is provided with a connecting end 205 for connecting the sheet metal structure of the car door 6. The connecting end 205 is provided with a car door assembly hole 2051 for fasteners such as bolts and rivets to pass through. The sheet metal structure of the car door 6 is provided with a movable part mounting hole corresponding to the car door assembly hole 2051. The fasteners can pass through the car door assembly hole 2051 and connect with the sheet metal structure of the car door 6, thereby realizing the connection and fixation between the movable part 2 and the car door 6.

[0077] Furthermore, to ensure the refined appearance of the vehicle body and protect the hinge structure, a decorative panel 7 for concealing the fixing member 1 is connected to the fixing member 1 in this embodiment. Specifically, the fixing member 1 has fixing ends 1011 at both ends for connecting the decorative panel 7, and the decorative panel 7 has two connecting lugs corresponding one-to-one with the fixing ends 1011. The connecting lugs can be connected to the fixing ends 1011 by fasteners.

[0078] In addition, the fixed member 1 has a connecting groove 1a, the movable member 2 has a connecting lug 201 inserted into the connecting groove 1a, and the ball head 3 is ball-hung onto the connecting lug 201. There is a preset distance between the connecting lug 201 and the two side walls of the connecting groove 1a to further expand the range of motion of the connecting lug 201, i.e., the movable member 2, thereby avoiding interference between the movable member 2 and the fixed member 1. The connecting member 4 is connected to the ball head 3 and the two side walls of the connecting groove 1a.

[0079] Based on this, the connecting ear 201 is provided with a mounting hole 202, and a limiting ring 2021 and a retaining ring 2022 are respectively located at both ends of the mounting hole 202. The ball head 3 is provided in the mounting hole 202, and the limiting ring 2021 and retaining ring 2022 are used to prevent the ball head 3 from dislodging from the moving part 2.

[0080] Furthermore, the fastener 1 includes a fixing plate 101, and a first fixing ear 102 and a second fixing ear 103 protruding to one side of the fixing plate 101. The first fixing ear 102, the second fixing ear 103, and the fixing plate 101 form a connecting groove 1a, and the connector 4 is connected to the ball head 3 and the first fixing ear 102 and the second fixing ear 103. The first fixing ear 102 has a through hole 1021 for the connector 4 to pass through.

[0081] Specifically, the connector 4 is a bolt, and the second fixing lug 103 is provided with a threaded hole 1031 for screwing into the connector 4. Meanwhile, both the moving part 2 and the fixing part 1 can be made of aluminum alloy to achieve a lightweight design of the hinge structure. In this embodiment, the connector 4 can be made of SWRCH35K bolt.

[0082] Furthermore, the movable component 2 is provided with a reinforcing plate 203 spaced apart from the connecting ear 201, and the first fixing ear 102 is located between the connecting ear 201 and the reinforcing plate 203. The reinforcing plate 203 is provided with a clearance hole 2031, which avoids the connecting component 4. The movable component 2 is provided with a clearance groove 204, which is located between the reinforcing plate 203 and the connecting ear 201, so that the connecting ear 201 and the reinforcing plate 203 are respectively located on both sides of the first movable component 2, and the clearance groove 204 is used to avoid the first fixing ear 102.

[0083] Finally, a pad 5 is inserted into the end of the second fixing ear 103 near the first fixing ear 102, and a portion of the pad 5 extends outward from the second fixing ear 103. The pad 5 has a through hole for the connector 4 to pass through. The pad 5 has a limiting protrusion 501, which protrudes radially outward from the pad 5. Based on this, the limiting protrusion 501 abuts against the second fixing ear 103 to limit the insertion depth of the pad 5. The end of the pad 5 facing the ball head 3 can abut against the ball head 3 to keep the ball head 3 in the middle of the connecting groove 1a. At the same time, the limiting protrusion 501 has an inclined surface 5011, so that the end of the pad 5 with the limiting protrusion 501 forms a frustum structure, and the end with the smaller diameter of the frustum structure abuts against the ball head 3 to further avoid the connecting ear 201.

[0084] In the preferred embodiment of the hinge structure above, the specific settings and arrangements of the movable part 2, the fixed part 1, the ball head 3, etc. can still be referred to the descriptions in the above exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, the beneficial effects brought about by the design of the movable part 2, the fixed part 1, the ball head 3, and the pad 5, etc., can also be referred to the descriptions in the above exemplary embodiments.

[0085] The hinge structure in this embodiment adopts the design described above. Through the cooperation of the ball joint 3 and the movable member 2, the movable member 2 can rotate around the ball joint 3 to realize the opening and closing of the door 6. Furthermore, the movable member 2 can rotate relative to the fixed member 1 at multiple angles around the ball joint 3, giving the hinge structure multiple degrees of rotational freedom. Therefore, the hinge structure can utilize its multiple degrees of rotational freedom to absorb tolerances arising from the manufacturing and assembly of the door 6 and the vehicle body. This allows the rotation axis of the hinge structure to adaptively remain coaxial with the rotation axis of another hinge, effectively preventing jamming and abnormal noises during the opening and closing of the door 6, thereby improving the smoothness of the door 6's opening and closing, and ultimately enhancing the overall quality of the vehicle.

[0086] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a vehicle having a hinge structure as described above.

[0087] In this embodiment, the hinge structure described above improves the smoothness of opening and closing the door 6, thereby enhancing the user experience during the opening and closing process of the door 6 and ultimately improving the overall quality of the vehicle.

[0088] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The technical features or structures in the foregoing different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form other specific technical solutions as needed. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge structure suitable for connecting a vehicle door (6) to a vehicle body, characterized in that: The hinge structure has a fixed member (1) provided on the vehicle body, a movable member (2) provided on the door (6), and a connecting assembly connecting the fixed member (1) and the movable member (2); The connecting assembly includes a ball head (3) that is ball-hung on the movable member (2), and a connector (4) that passes through the ball head (3) and is connected to the fixed member (1).

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing member (1) has a connecting groove (1a), the movable member (2) has a connecting lug (201) inserted into the connecting groove (1a), and the ball head (3) is ball-hung on the connecting lug (201); The connecting ear (201) has a preset distance from at least one side wall of the connecting groove (1a), and the connecting member (4) is connected to the ball head (3) and the two side walls of the connecting groove (1a).

3. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting ear (201) is provided with a mounting hole (202), and a limiting ring (2021) and a retaining ring (2022) located at both ends of the mounting hole (202); The ball head (3) is located in the mounting hole (202), and the limiting ring (2021) and the retaining ring (2022) are used to restrict the ball head (3) from coming out of the movable part (2).

4. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fastener (1) includes a fixing plate (101), and a first fixing ear (102) and a second fixing ear (103) protruding to one side of the fixing plate (101). The first fixing ear (102), the second fixing ear (103) and the fixing plate (101) form the connecting groove (1a), and the connector (4) is connected to the ball head (3) and the first fixing ear (102) and the second fixing ear (103).

5. The hinge structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first fixing lug (102) has a through hole (1021) through which the connector (4) passes. The connector (4) is a bolt, and the second fixing ear (103) is provided with a threaded hole (1031) that is screwed into the connector (4).

6. The hinge structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The movable part (2) is provided with a reinforcing plate (203) spaced apart from the connecting ear (201), and the first fixing ear (102) is located between the connecting ear (201) and the reinforcing plate (203); The reinforcing plate (203) is provided with a clearance hole (2031), which avoids the connector (4).

7. The hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The movable part (2) is provided with a clearance groove (204), which is located between the reinforcing plate (203) and the connecting ear (201), and the clearance groove (204) is used to avoid the first fixed ear (102).

8. The hinge structure according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: A pad (5) is inserted into one end of the second fixing ear (103) near the first fixing ear (102), and part of the pad (5) extends out of the second fixing ear (103); The pad (5) has a through hole through which the connector (4) passes.

9. The hinge structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The pad (5) is provided with a limiting protrusion (501), which protrudes outward along the radial direction of the pad (5); The limiting protrusion (501) abuts against the second fixing ear (103) to limit the insertion depth of the pad (5).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle is provided with a hinge structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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