A hinge structure

Abstract

This utility model discloses a hinge structure, relating to the field of hardware accessories technology, aiming to solve the problems of easy eccentricity and interference noise in existing spring hinges. The structure includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve, a first hinge, and a second hinge. The first sleeve is fixed to the first hinge, and the second sleeve is fixed to the second hinge, with the first sleeve rotatably positioned relative to the second sleeve. The first sleeve has an extension extending into the second sleeve, with a first annular groove on its outer wall. The inner wall of the second sleeve has a corresponding second annular groove, communicating with and at the same height as the first annular groove. The two annular grooves combine to form a ball bearing groove, in which multiple balls are fitted. This structure, through the cooperation of the ball bearing groove and the balls, converts sliding friction into rolling friction, effectively limiting sleeve eccentricity, reducing interference noise, improving rotational smoothness, while also reducing wear and extending service life. The structure is simple, reliable, and easy to manufacture and assemble.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of door and window hardware accessories, and in particular to a hinge structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of building doors, windows, and furniture hardware, spring hinges, as a key component enabling automatic door closing, have been widely used due to their convenience and practicality. The core design goal of this type of product is to achieve automatic closing of doors and windows without manual intervention through the ingenious coordination of mechanical structures, thereby meeting the dual needs of indoor ventilation and space sealing, while also improving safety and space utilization to a certain extent.

[0003] In existing spring hinges, the automatic closing function relies primarily on the coordinated action of an internal spring drive mechanism and a linkage transmission structure. Specifically, the spring inside the device undergoes elastic deformation and stores elastic potential energy during the opening of the door or window. When the external force is removed, the spring releases the potential energy and pushes the drive rod to produce a linear displacement. The drive rod drives the linkage rod to move synchronously through a connecting structure at its end. The other end of the linkage rod forms a sliding engagement with a helical groove on the hinge assembly. This engagement converts the linear motion of the linkage rod into rotational motion, thereby driving the second hinge to rotate relative to the first hinge, ultimately completing the automatic closing process.

[0004] In the aforementioned transmission process, the relative rotational accuracy between the first and second hinges directly determines the performance of the spring hinge. This relative rotational action is mainly achieved through the cooperation of the first and second sleeves, which are respectively mounted on the first and second hinges. In other words, the rotational cooperation accuracy between the first and second sleeves is the core element ensuring the smooth operation of the spring hinge. However, in currently disclosed spring hinge structures, the rotational cooperation design of the first and second sleeves has significant flaws, and its cooperation accuracy generally fails to meet practical application requirements.

[0005] Specifically, the first and second sleeves are prone to eccentricity after assembly, meaning their axes cannot be aligned or parallel, leading to radial runout during relative rotation. This eccentricity causes extremely uneven stress distribution between the sleeve mating surfaces, with some areas experiencing excessive compression and others forming gaps. When the hinge is in the opening or closing motion, this uneven fit causes interference between the two sleeves, increasing rotational resistance and making the opening and closing of doors and windows difficult, as well as producing noticeable abnormal noises, severely impacting the user experience. Furthermore, long-term interference friction accelerates wear on the sleeve mating surfaces, shortens the lifespan of the spring hinge, and increases maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0006] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a hinge structure.

[0007] A hinge structure designed for this purpose includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve, a first hinge, and a second hinge; the first sleeve is fixedly connected to the first hinge and rotatably disposed relative to the second sleeve; the second sleeve is fixedly connected to the second hinge; the first sleeve is provided with an extension portion extending into the second sleeve and rotatably engaging with the second sleeve, the outer wall of the extension portion is provided with a first annular groove, the inner wall of the second sleeve is provided with a second annular groove communicating with the first annular groove and located at the same height, the first annular groove and the second annular groove are combined to form a ball bearing groove, and a plurality of balls are disposed in the ball bearing groove.

[0008] Preferably, the outer wall of the second sleeve is provided with a ball bearing assembly port that communicates with the ball bearing groove; when the second sleeve is assembled with the second hinge, the second hinge blocks the ball bearing assembly port.

[0009] Preferably, the device also includes an elastic retaining module for driving the second hinge to remain in a first position relative to the first hinge; The elastic retaining module includes an elastic element, a drive rod, and a linkage rod; The drive rod is configured to move vertically relative to the first sleeve; The linkage rod is fixedly connected to the drive rod; the second sleeve is provided with a spiral guide groove, and the linkage rod is movably inserted into the spiral guide groove. The elastic element is used to apply force to the drive rod to drive the drive rod to move relative to the first sleeve.

[0010] Preferably, the extension is provided with a through groove extending in the vertical direction; The extension is hollow inside and extends vertically; the drive rod passes through the extension in the vertical direction. The linkage rod passes through the through groove and is movably inserted into the spiral guide groove.

[0011] Preferably, the first sleeve is hollow inside and a guide sleeve is provided inside it, and the drive rod extends at least partially into the first sleeve and is inserted into the guide sleeve in the vertical direction.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, this hinge structure significantly improves the overall performance through an innovative design of the cooperation method between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The specific beneficial effects are as follows: In this structure, the first sleeve extends into the second sleeve to form a nested fit. Simultaneously, the first annular groove on the outer wall of the extension combines with the second annular groove on the inner wall of the second sleeve to form a complete ball bearing groove, allowing multiple built-in balls to roll flexibly within the groove. This ball bearing fit structure provides uniform circumferential support and positioning for the first and second sleeves, forcibly constraining their axes to remain aligned. This effectively avoids the eccentricity problem that easily occurs in traditional fit methods, ensuring that the relative rotation of the first and second hinges always revolves around a fixed axis, providing a fundamental guarantee for smooth transmission.

[0013] Based on the rolling friction characteristics of balls, when the first and second sleeves rotate relative to each other, the friction between the balls and the inner wall of the annular groove changes from traditional sliding friction to rolling friction. This not only significantly reduces the coefficient of friction but also resolves stress concentration between the mating surfaces through the adaptive adjustment of the balls. This design effectively avoids interference between the sleeves caused by eccentricity, significantly improves the rotational noise problem present in traditional structures, and makes the opening and closing of doors and windows smoother and more effortless, greatly enhancing user comfort.

[0014] Compared to sliding friction, rolling friction significantly reduces wear on mating surfaces. In this structure, the contact area between the balls and the annular groove is small and the force is evenly distributed, effectively reducing mechanical wear during long-term use. Simultaneously, the annular groove structure provides stable positioning for the balls, preventing them from shifting or falling out during movement and ensuring the stability of the mating relationship. This design reduces the maintenance frequency and cost of spring hinges, significantly extends the overall service life of the product, and enhances its market competitiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is one of the exploded structural diagrams of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the first sleeve and the second sleeve; Figure 6 This is the second exploded structural diagram of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] See Figures 1 to 6A hinge structure includes a first sleeve 10, a second sleeve 20, a first hinge 30, and a second hinge 40; the first sleeve 10 is fixedly connected to the first hinge 30 and rotatably disposed relative to the second sleeve 20; the second sleeve 20 is fixedly connected to the second hinge 40; the first sleeve 10 is provided with an extension 110 extending into the second sleeve 20 and rotatably engaging with the second sleeve 20, the outer wall of the extension 110 is provided with a first annular groove 120, the inner wall of the second sleeve 20 is provided with a second annular groove 210 communicating with the first annular groove 120 and located at the same height, the first annular groove 120 and the second annular groove 210 combine to form a ball bearing groove, and a plurality of balls 50 are disposed in the ball bearing groove.

[0018] The operating principle of this hinge structure is based on the coordinated cooperation between components. Stable rotation is achieved through precise structural design, which can be divided into two key aspects: basic load-bearing and rotational coordination, as detailed below: Firstly, there is the fundamental load-bearing capacity and structural linkage. The first sleeve 10 and the first hinge 30, and the second sleeve 20 and the second hinge 40, respectively form a fixedly connected integrated unit. The first hinge 30 is fixed to the door frame or cabinet, and the second hinge 40 is fixed to the door or window sash, making the hinge the core load-bearing component connecting the door / window to the fixed structure. When the door / window is subjected to an external force for opening or closing, this force is directly transmitted to the corresponding hinge unit, driving the first sleeve 10 and the second sleeve 20 to rotate relative to each other. The load-bearing stability of the entire structure provides a fundamental guarantee for subsequent rotational movements.

[0019] Secondly, there is the core rotational fit mechanism. The extension 110 of the first sleeve 10 is inserted into the interior of the second sleeve 20, forming a nested guide structure to ensure that the relative rotation of the two always proceeds along a preset axis. The first annular groove 120 on the outer wall of the extension 110 and the second annular groove 210 on the inner wall of the second sleeve 20 are completely aligned after assembly, forming a closed arc-shaped ball bearing groove, in which multiple balls 50 are evenly distributed. When the first sleeve 10 rotates relative to the second sleeve 20, the balls 50 roll tangentially under the constraint of the annular groove, converting the sliding friction in the traditional sleeve fit into rolling friction, significantly reducing rotational resistance; at the same time, the point contact between the balls 50 and the inner wall of the annular groove can form a circumferentially uniform support force, effectively limiting the axial offset of the two sleeves, avoiding eccentricity problems, and ensuring smooth and wobbly rotation.

[0020] In this invention, the outer wall of the second sleeve 20 is provided with a ball bearing assembly port 220 that communicates with the ball bearing groove. When the second sleeve 20 is assembled with the second hinge 40, the second hinge 40 blocks the ball bearing assembly port 220. The ball bearing assembly port 220 on the outer wall of the second sleeve 20 plays a dual core role in meeting the assembly and fixing requirements of the balls 50 in the hinge structure. On the one hand, this assembly port provides a convenient channel for the installation of the balls 50. During the hinge assembly stage, the balls 50 can be quickly filled one by one into the bearing groove formed by the combination of the first annular groove 120 and the second annular groove 210 through this port without disassembling the main sleeve structure, significantly improving assembly efficiency and ease of operation. On the other hand, after the second sleeve 20 and the second hinge 40 are assembled, the structure of the second hinge 40 naturally covers and blocks the ball bearing assembly port 220, forming a closed protection. This sealing effect can prevent external dust, moisture and other impurities from entering the bearing groove, avoiding wear or jamming of the ball 50 and the ring groove due to contamination. It can also structurally limit the displacement of the ball 50, preventing it from coming out of the assembly port during hinge rotation, further ensuring the stability of the sleeve fit and the service life of the hinge.

[0021] This invention further includes an elastic retaining module 60 for driving the second hinge 40 to remain in a first position relative to the first hinge 30; the elastic retaining module 60 includes an elastic element 610, a drive rod 620, and a linkage rod 630; the drive rod 620 is vertically movable relative to the first sleeve 10; the linkage rod 630 is fixedly connected to the drive rod 620; the second sleeve 20 is provided with a spiral guide groove 200, and the linkage rod 630 is movably inserted into the spiral guide groove 200; the elastic element 610 applies a force to the drive rod 620 to drive the drive rod 620 to move relative to the first sleeve 10. This embodiment is based on Figure 3 As shown, the core function of the elastic retaining module 60 is to drive and maintain the second hinge 40 in a stable first position relative to the first hinge 30. It provides a continuous force through the elastic element 610, pushing the drive rod 620 downward relative to the first sleeve 10, and the linkage rod 630, fixedly connected to the drive rod 620, moves synchronously. Since the linkage rod 630 is movably inserted into the spiral guide groove 200 of the second sleeve 20, its linear motion is guided by the spiral groove and converted into rotational power for the second sleeve 20, driving the second hinge 40 to rotate to the first position. At this time, the continuous force of the elastic element 610 keeps this position stable, achieving reliable hinge positioning and meeting the requirement for doors and windows to remain in a specific position.

[0022] In this invention, the extension portion 110 is provided with a through groove 130 extending vertically; the extension portion 110 is hollow and vertically continuous; the drive rod 620 passes through the extension portion 110 vertically; the linkage rod 630 passes through the through groove 130 and is movably inserted into the spiral guide groove 200. The hollow design and through groove of the extension portion 110 are key to ensuring stable power transmission. The vertically continuous internal space provides precise installation guidance for the drive rod 620, allowing it to move smoothly downwards along the axial direction and avoiding jamming caused by movement deviation; the vertically extending through groove 130 provides a channel for the linkage rod 630, allowing it to move synchronously with the drive rod 620, and also allowing the linkage rod 630 to pass through the extension portion 110 and effectively cooperate with the spiral guide groove 200 of the second sleeve 20, ensuring that the linear motion of the drive rod is smoothly converted into the rotational power of the second sleeve, thus achieving reliable structural linkage.

[0023] In this invention, the first sleeve 10 is hollow and has a guide sleeve 640 inside. The drive rod 620 extends at least partially into the first sleeve 10 and is inserted into the guide sleeve 640 in a vertical direction. The guide sleeve 640 provides precise guidance and stable support for the drive rod 620. Fixed inside the hollow first sleeve 10, it forms a vertical insertion fit with the drive rod 620 extending into the sleeve, strictly limiting the radial sway of the drive rod and ensuring its smooth axial movement only. This avoids affecting the power transmission accuracy with the linkage rod due to drive rod misalignment, ensuring the stable and reliable operation of the elastic holding module.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0025] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, comprising a first sleeve (10), a second sleeve (20), a first hinge (30), and a second hinge (40); the first sleeve (10) is fixedly connected to the first hinge (30) and rotatably disposed relative to the second sleeve (20); the second sleeve (20) is fixedly connected to the second hinge (40); characterized in that: The first sleeve (10) is provided with an extension (110) that extends into the second sleeve (20) and is rotatably engaged with the second sleeve (20). The outer wall of the extension (110) is provided with a first annular groove (120). The inner wall of the second sleeve (20) is provided with a second annular groove (210) that communicates with the first annular groove (120) and is located at the same height. The first annular groove (120) and the second annular groove (210) are combined to form a ball bearing groove, in which a plurality of balls (50) are provided.

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, wherein: The outer wall of the second sleeve (20) is provided with a ball assembly port (220) that communicates with the ball bearing groove; when the second sleeve (20) is assembled with the second hinge (40), the second hinge (40) blocks the ball assembly port (220).

3. The hinge structure of claim 1, wherein: It also includes an elastic retaining module (60) for driving the second hinge (40) to remain in a first position relative to the first hinge (30); The elastic retaining module (60) includes an elastic element (610), a drive rod (620), and a linkage rod (630). The drive rod (620) is configured to move up and down relative to the first sleeve (10); The linkage rod (630) is fixedly connected to the drive rod (620); the second sleeve (20) is provided with a spiral guide groove (200), and the linkage rod (630) is movably inserted into the spiral guide groove (200); The elastic element (610) is used to apply force to the drive rod (620) to drive the drive rod (620) to move relative to the first sleeve (10).

4. A hinge structure according to claim 3, wherein: The extension (110) is provided with a through groove (130) extending in the vertical direction. The extension (110) is hollow inside and extends vertically; the drive rod (620) passes through the extension (110) in the vertical direction; The linkage rod (630) passes through the through groove (130) and is movably inserted into the spiral guide groove (200).

5. The hinge structure of claim 3, wherein: The first sleeve (10) is hollow inside and a guide sleeve (640) is provided inside it. The drive rod (620) extends at least partially into the first sleeve (10) and is inserted into the guide sleeve (640) in the vertical direction.

Images