Torque hinge, device with torque hinge and method for joining two objects using a torque hinge

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a torque hinge, a device comprising two objects connected via a torque hinge, and a method for pivotably and electrically and / or electronically connecting two objects using a torque hinge.

[0002] Torque hinges (also known as friction, constant torque, friction, friction torque position hinges) have mechanical components that allow an object to be moved and positioned in any angular position relative to another object connected by the torque hinge.

[0003] Torque hinges are often found in devices such as laptops, where the screen is hinged to a base containing the keyboard, holding the screen at the desired angular position relative to the base. A torque hinge therefore includes components for pivoting, positioning, and fastening.

[0004] Essentially, a hinge is a joint that can rotate around an axis and has at least two bushings that are attached to the respective objects. If necessary, the bushings can also be attached to the objects themselves. A torque hinge also has at least one friction element that generates a friction torque in one of the bushings when rotating around the axis. This friction torque must be overcome by the user to pivot the hinged object if the object is to be moved to a different angular position.

[0005] To generate the friction torque, there are various friction elements used in torque hinges. A friction element can consist of several clamping rings, as known, for example, from EP 2 891 029, which are pressed onto a first section of the axle and connected to one of the bushings (of the first object). The other section of the axle without clamping rings is arranged in the other bushing (of the second object). When one object pivots relative to the other about the axle, a uniform friction torque is generated between the axle and the clamping rings.

[0006] Other examples of friction elements include friction discs with a wave spring that is clamped against a stop on a section of the axle and connected to a bushing, or roll pins that are pressed over a section of the axle and anchored in one of the bushings. The torque is generated by the tension of the wave spring or by friction between the inner surface of the roll pin and the outer surface of the axle, respectively.

[0007] It is also known to provide an internal cable guide through a torque hinge, for example through an axis designed as a hollow shaft, in order to electrically and electronically connect two objects - e.g. monitor and keyboard of a laptop - for power supply and data transmission.

[0008] For example, US Pat. No. 5,751,544 A discloses a detachable hinge with an internal cable guide for pivoting and electrical / electronically connecting two objects. The hinge comprises a joint housing associated with the first object, which can be reversibly separated and connected to a tubular section on the second object. The internal cable guide has connector elements at both ends for electrical / electronic connection to the first and second objects.

[0009] US 2018 / 0052497 A1 discloses a modular torque hinge for the pivotable and electrical / electronic connection of two objects. The hinge comprises two joint section bodies that can be reversibly separated and connected at an interface, each of which is assigned to a respective object. An internal cable guide has reversibly separable and connectable electrical / electronic connector elements at the interface of the joint section bodies. To enable the objects connected by the modular hinge to be pivotable in the use arrangement, the modular hinge is designed as a multi-joint hinge, with each joint section body being pivotably connected to the associated object via a hollow axle element.Electrical / electronic lines extend through each hollow axle element from the respective object to the connector elements at the interface of the respective joint section body, which are rigidly connected to one another at the interface.

[0010] Based on this prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a separation of two pivotally and electrically and / or electronically connected objects via a torque hinge.

[0011] This object is achieved by the device having the features of independent claim 1.

[0012] The further task is to provide a torque hinge with internal cable routing that is easy to close and separate, making it particularly easy to maintain. The torque hinge should also demonstrate improved dust and water resistance.

[0013] This object is achieved by a torque hinge having the features of independent claim 8.

[0014] The further object of releasably connecting two objects is achieved by the method using a torque hinge having the features of independent claim 9.

[0015] Further developments of the devices are set out in the subclaims.

[0016] A first embodiment of a device according to the invention, consisting of two objects which are pivotally connected via at least one torque hinge, relates to a torque hinge with an internal cable guide which, in a use arrangement of the torque hinge in which the objects are connected via the torque hinge, provides an electrical and / or electronic - ie electrical or electronic or electrical and electronic - connection of the objects.

[0017] For the purposes of the invention, objects that can be connected to a torque hinge according to the invention are understood to mean any type of article and device that has at least one connectable electrical and / or electronic component. These articles therefore include not only hardware items from information technology such as monitors, keyboards, tablets, etc., but also, for example, tool items such as lights whose electrical component is designed to supply power to a light source, or mounting items such as support arms that have at least one electrical and / or electronic line or cable as an electrical and / or electronic component.

[0018] The torque hinge of the device according to the invention comprises two or, optionally, more component groups that can be reversibly separated and connected at an interface, of which a first component group is assigned to the first object and a second component group to the second object in the usage arrangement. The internal cable guide comprises at least one reversibly separable and connectable electrical and / or electronic connector element pair at the interface, consisting of a first connector element assigned to the first component group and a corresponding / complementary second connector element assigned to the second component group, so that the internal cable guide is divided into two cable guide sections according to the component groups.The torque hinge according to the invention thus advantageously enables easy separation of the objects hinged in the use arrangement and also allows for an advantageously simple connection for transfer into the use arrangement. Furthermore, the torque hinge according to the invention enables mechanical self-locking and continuous adjustment of the objects relative to one another.

[0019] This also makes it much easier to remove an object that is articulated in the usage arrangement, for example to replace the removed object or for mobile use of the removed object (for example, if it is a tablet).

[0020] The term "internal cable routing" encompasses all cables and wires that extend through the torque hinge for the electrical / electronic connection of the objects. This can be a single cable comprising one or more individual electrical and / or electronic wires, or possibly two or more cables that can be separated at the interface according to the component groups. The cable routing is divided into two cable routing sections at the interface between the component groups, with the cable ends connected to the respective corresponding connector elements at the interface, so that the connection of the corresponding connector elements establishes the electrical / electronic contact of the cable routing sections, thus providing the internal cable routing.

[0021] The torque hinge comprises a hollow axle element, a friction element, and at least a first and second bushing element, which are designed to be connected to the objects. If necessary, a torque hinge according to the invention can also comprise more than two bushing elements. The hollow axle element has a first section (longitudinal section) arranged in the first bushing element, and a second section (longitudinal section) extending into the second bushing element and on which the friction element is arranged in a region between the first and second bushing elements. This means that the friction element is arranged on the second section of the hollow axle element, but not within the second bushing element, at least not completely.Thus, the second section of the hollow axle element can be divided into two regions: a central section adjacent to the first section, where the friction element is arranged, and an end section, which encompasses the end of the hollow axle element opposite the first section and extends into the second bushing element. The "region between the bushing elements" also includes receiving openings in the mutually facing sides of the bushing elements, which may be provided for some components of different friction elements.

[0022] In one variant of the torque hinge according to the invention, the hollow axle element is connected to the first bushing element in a rotationally fixed manner at the first section, and the second section of the hollow axle element is pivotally received in the second bushing element, so that the friction element enables mechanical self-locking and stepless adjustability of the torque hinge. In another variant of the torque hinge according to the invention, the hollow axle element is designed as a free-running axle, which is pivotally received with the first section in the first bushing element and with the second section in the second bushing element. In both variants, and in particular in the second variant, an axial tensioning device - in relation to the hollow axle element - such as a disc spring or a disc spring assembly is provided on the second section, which ensures a constant axial contact pressure on the friction element.

[0023] In both variants, the hollow axle element has a longitudinal axial passage opening through which the internal cable guide extends as well as through the socket elements.

[0024] Furthermore, the torque hinge comprises a connecting device designed for electrical and / or electronic connection to the first object, which is arranged in the first socket element and connected to the first connector element via a partial section of the internal cable guide. Accordingly, the torque hinge according to the invention can comprise a connecting element designed for electrical and / or electronic connection to the second object, which is arranged in the second socket element and connected to the second connector element via a further partial section of the internal cable guide.

[0025] According to the invention, the interface is provided between the first socket element and the connecting device, which is provided for connecting the first object to the first socket element. This connecting device is designed as an adapter that is detachably arranged in the first socket element in an adapter recess that corresponds in shape and dimensions to the connecting device and is formed in a connection surface of the first socket element intended for contact with the first object.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, one of the two corresponding connector elements has a number of contact pins on the end face facing the other connector element, which number corresponds at least to the number of individual lines of the cable guide or the respective cable. The other connector element has a corresponding number of contact sections on its end face, wherein the contact pins and the contact sections are designed such that, when the connector elements are connected, an electrical / electronically secure contact is established between a respective contact pin and contact section. For example, the contact pins can be designed as plug pins and the contact sections as sockets.Preferably, the contact pins can be designed as spring contact pins, so that the contact sections can be simply realized by conductive surface sections that are contacted by touching the spring-supported contact pin.

[0027] To ensure that the connector elements are always correctly connected with respect to the arrangement of the contact pins / contact sections or the associated individual lines, the two connector elements can have the same non-circular, preferably non-rotationally symmetrical, cross-section. The correct connection position is achieved when the contours of both connector elements are aligned.

[0028] Alternatively or in addition to a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section of the connector elements, according to another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the connector elements can have a magnetic coding to clearly define the correct position of the contact pins and contact sections of the respective connector element relative to one another, so that the individual electrical and / or electronic lines are correctly connected to one another. Each connector element has at least two permanent magnets with a predetermined arrangement of north and south poles on the facing end faces, so that an attractive force between the north and south poles on the respective end faces only occurs when the connector elements are correctly positioned relative to one another.Due to the specific arrangement of the permanent magnets in relation to the contact pins / contact sections on the front sides of the connector elements, the collision of like poles in the event of incorrect positioning of the connector elements relative to each other creates a repulsion that prevents incorrect connection of the connector elements.

[0029] According to a further alternative or additional embodiment of the device according to the invention for ensuring the correct assembly of the connector elements, the connector elements can have additional control contact pins or control contact sections, the arrangement of which on the respective end face of the connector elements is predetermined in relation to the contact pins and contact sections assigned to the individual lines, wherein the control contact pins or control contact sections are connected via assigned control lines to an isolating device, which can, for example, comprise a resistance measuring circuit. The isolating device is configured to only disconnect the individual lines once the connector elements have been completely and correctly connected, so that the individual orVoltage is only applied to signal lines when the correct contact of the control contact pins with the control contact sections - and thus of the contact pins and contact sections - has been established.

[0030] To further ensure the correct connection of the connector elements, which is provided by the specific arrangement of control contact pins / control contact sections of additional control lines in relation to the contact pins / contact sections of the signal lines, the additional control contact pins / sections can differ in their shape, e.g., diameter, from the shape or diameter of the contact pins / contact sections of the signal lines. However, the first connector element can preferably have counter-shaped elements on the front side, and the second connector element can have shaped elements on the front side. The counter-shaped element is designed with a shape complementary to the shaped element, which allows for a suitable joining of the shaped element and counter-shaped element.The counter-shaped elements are therefore designed in dimensions and position on the front side of the second connector element corresponding to the dimensions and position of the shaped elements on the front side of the first connector element.

[0031] In this case, on the first connector element, each control contact pin can be assigned a first counter-shaped element, and each contact pin can be assigned a second counter-shaped element that differs from the first counter-shaped element. Accordingly, on the second connector element, each control contact section can be assigned a first shaped element that corresponds to the first counter-shaped element, and each contact section can be assigned a second shaped element that differs from the first shaped element and corresponds to the second counter-shaped element. The first and second shaped elements (and, correspondingly, the first and second counter-shaped elements) can differ in their shape and / or dimensions, e.g., they can be ring-shaped with different diameters around the respective contact pin or contact section.

[0032] A further design of the additional control lines as a lagging contact - for example by making the control contact pins shorter than the contact pins - also ensures that voltage is only applied to the signal lines when the control lines and thus the connector elements are completely and not just correctly connected to each other.

[0033] As an alternative to additional control contact pins and control contact sections, at least one of the two connector elements can have a proximity sensor connected via control lines to an isolation device for the individual lines. A Hall probe, for example, or another magnetic, inductive, capacitive, or optical proximity sensor can be used as a proximity sensor. This allows the correct and complete connection of the connector elements to be determined without additional control contact pins / control contact sections. These variants ensure that voltage is only applied to the signal lines when the connector elements are correctly and completely connected, thus effectively sealing the interface of the torque hinge, further improving explosion protection.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the torque hinge according to the invention can have one or more seals assigned to the first or second component group, at least at the interface between the component groups. Thus, the torque hinge according to the invention achieves at least a dust and water resistance rating according to IP65. IP stands for the International Protection Code. If necessary, additional seals, e.g., gas-tight seals between the bushing elements, can be provided to achieve a higher degree of protection, e.g., IP 69.This allows the torque hinge to be easily cleaned, enabling its use in clean rooms, particularly in combination with a further design of the torque hinge with a closed stainless steel housing that can be cleaned easily, quickly, and efficiently with almost all common cleaning and disinfection agents. A gas-tight seal ensures improved explosion protection by preventing alcohol vapors from the disinfectant from reaching the electrical contact point. The sealing of the interface is therefore dependent on the tightness required for the desired protection class. The design of the seal and sealing materials are selected accordingly from state-of-the-art sealing solutions in order to meet the requirements for dust, water, and / or gas tightness and with regard to resistance to cleaning and disinfection agents.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the first component group comprises the connecting device and the first connector element, which is received in a connection socket of the connecting device. The second component group of this embodiment accordingly comprises at least the second socket element, the hollow shaft element, the friction element, as well as the first socket element and the second connector element, which is arranged in a receptacle formed in the first socket element, which corresponds in shape and dimensions to the second connector element and is positioned on the adapter recess opposite the connection socket of the connecting device.

[0036] Of course, the second component group in particular can comprise further components that are necessary, conventional, or advantageous for forming the torque hinge and for connection, such as the connecting element for connecting the second object. In this case, the seal optionally provided at the interface can be assigned to either the first or the second component group, possibly depending on the position of a groove on the connecting device or the adapter recess that accommodates the seal.

[0037] A non-circular shape of the adapter connection device and its orientation with respect to the object connected in the usage arrangement is sufficient for a correct connection position of the two component groups, especially if the connection surface is not flat.

[0038] Furthermore, the invention relates to the torque hinge itself, which is designed in accordance with the torque hinge according to one embodiment of the device according to the invention, which consists of two objects and the torque hinge, via which the objects are pivotally connected. An internal cable guide, guided through the torque hinge, ensures an electrical and / or electronic connection of the objects. The torque hinge is a torque hinge according to the invention according to one of the above embodiments, which enables reversible separation and connection of the objects.

[0039] A method according to the invention using a torque hinge according to the invention with internal cable routing provides a pivotable, electrical and / or electronic connection between two objects. The torque hinge, which is divided into component groups, enables reversible separation and connection of the objects at an interface by assigning a first component group to the first object and a second component group to the second object. The component groups are mechanically connected to the respective object and provide an electrical / electronic connection of the respective object to the internal cable routing.The reversible separation and connection of the component groups comprises the reversible separation and connection of at least one pair of electrical and / or electronic connector elements of the internal cable guide at the interface, which consists of a first connector element assigned to the first component group and a corresponding / complementary second connector element assigned to the second component group.

[0040] Further embodiments, as well as some of the advantages associated with these and other embodiments, will become clearer and more easily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures. Items or parts thereof that are substantially the same or similar may be provided with the same reference numerals. The figures are merely schematic representations of embodiments of the invention.

[0041] Showing: Fig. 1 perspective views of two objects pivotally connected by a torque hinge a) in the operating position and b) objects separated by separating the component groups, Fig. 2 perspective views of an alternatively designed torque hinge according to the invention a) in use arrangement with a connected object and b) separated into component groups, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a device comprising two objects connected by a torque hinge in use arrangement and separate arrangement, Fig. 4 a perspective exploded view of a torque hinge according to an embodiment, Fig. 5 a schematic side view of a torque hinge according to Fig. 3 , Fig. 6 a schematic side view of the hollow axle element with a first bushing element of a torque hinge according to Fig. 3 with different connection and sealing solutions, Fig. 7 schematic detailed sectional views of the detachable connection of the hollow axle element to the first bushing element by a) a spring pin engaging in a groove and b) a magnetic connection, Fig. 8 a perspective exploded view of a torque hinge according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 9 a schematic side and partial sectional view of a torque hinge according to Fig. 7 , Fig. 10 a schematic detailed sectional view of the arrangement of the hollow axle element from Fig. 7 , 8 , Fig. 11 a schematic front view of the interface of a torque hinge according to Fig. 7 , 8 with an alternative interface seal, Fig. 12 a schematic representation of a magnetic coding of the connector elements in a) top view of the front sides and b) side view, Fig. 13 a schematic representation of the arrangement of control and signal contact pins or sections of a pair of connector elements, Fig. 14 schematic top and side view of a single-axis pivoting torque hinge and Fig. 15 Schematic top and side view of a torque hinge that can pivot around two axes.

[0042] The invention relates to a torque hinge with internal cable routing that is easy to connect and disconnect, making it particularly easy to maintain, for example, for replacing the hinged objects. A further aspect of the invention relates to a device consisting of two objects connected by such a torque hinge, and to the use of the torque hinge for detachably connecting the objects.

[0043] As in Figuren 1 , 2 , 3 und 8As shown by way of example, the objects G1, G2 connected by the torque hinge 1 can be electronic devices such as a tablet or keyboard G1 and a monitor G2. However, the invention is not limited to these examples - a torque hinge 1 according to the invention can be used to connect any objects that are intended to be adjustably pivotable and require an electrical and / or electronic connection. In this case, a holder or a support arm that has an electrical and / or electronic cable can also represent an object that can be pivotably and electrically / electronically connected to an electronic device such as a keyboard or a tablet via a torque hinge 1 according to the invention, so that the electronic device can be ergonomically adjusted to the respective user.Furthermore, an arrangement comprising a support arm having an electrical line (first subject matter) and an electrical device such as a lamp (second subject matter) is also considered to be a device according to the invention if the lamp is pivotable and electrically connected to the support arm or to the line via a torque hinge according to the invention.

[0044] The torque hinges 1 shown have two or three socket elements 30, 40 for connecting to the pivotable and electrically / electronically connected objects G1, G2. The socket elements 30, 40 are connected via a hollow shaft element 10, which allows for the cable feedthrough (see Fig. 4 bis 10 ), pivotally connected to each other. Fig. 4 bis 7 In the devices shown, the hollow axle element 10 is connected in a first section 11 to one of the bushing elements 30 in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein a friction element 20 is arranged in the region between the bushing elements 30, 40 on a second section 12 of the hollow axle element 10, which extends rotatably into the second bushing element 40. The friction element 20 ensures mechanical self-locking and continuous adjustability in a desired angular position of the objects G1, G2. The friction element 20 in the Fig. 4 and 5The device shown has an arrangement consisting of a friction ring 21 and a disk 23 arranged between two seals 22. The friction ring 21 is anchored in the receiving opening 44 of the second bushing element 40 and arranged on the second section 12 of the hollow axle element 10 such that, upon rotation, a frictional moment is generated between the inner surface of the friction ring 21 and the outer surface of the hollow axle element 10. The arrangement of the disk 23 improves the sealing between the bushing elements 30, 40 by arranging the two seals 22, one of which is arranged on the second bushing element 40 in an annular groove 43 and the other on the disk-shaped stop 13 of the hollow axle element 10 between the sections 11 and 12.

[0045] A torque hinge according to the invention may also have another friction element, not shown figuratively here, which may be a friction element known from the prior art.

[0046] In order to enable easy connection and separation of the torque hinge 1 with internal cable routing, the torque hinge 1, as shown in Fig. 3 is schematically sketched, from two component groups B1, B2 which can be reversibly separated and connected at an interface T and which are assigned to the objects G1, G2, wherein each component group B1, B2 has at least one electrical / electronic connector element 2, 3 at the interface T. The two connector elements 2, 3 are designed to be complementary in order to Fig. 3 In the above-described usage arrangement, when the two component groups B1, B2 are joined together, a detachable connection is formed, which establishes the electrical / electronic contact of the cable guide sections K, K' to provide the internal cable guide. The connector elements 2, 3 can, as for example in Fig. 4 As can be seen, their shape allows them to be properly aligned and releasably secured. For proper alignment, the connector elements 2, 3 have a cross-section that deviates from the circular shape, which in this case is based on a circular shape with a bulge on one side.

[0047] Alternatively (or additionally) to a special shape of the connector elements 2, 3, the correct position of the connector elements 2, 3 when assembling the torque hinge 1 can be ensured by designs of the connector elements 2, 3 with a magnetic coding or specific arrangement of additional control contacts, each of which Fig. 12 und 13 are outlined.

[0048] Not shown in the figures is that the cable guide K, K' typically comprises several individual lines that serve to electrically and / or electronically connect the objects and are also referred to below as signal lines. The connector elements 2, 3 each have a contact pin P or contact sections A for each individual line on the respective end face 2', 3', so that when the connector elements 2, 3 are joined together, a contact is established between a contact pin P and a contact section A.

[0049] In order to achieve a mirror-symmetrical arrangement of the contact pins P and contact sections A, as in Fig. 12a To avoid incorrect joining of the connector elements 2, 3, the connector elements 2, 3 shown each have two permanent magnets S, N. In this case, one permanent magnet S with the south pole and one permanent magnet N with the north pole are arranged on the respective end face 2`, 3` in such a way that when the connector elements 2, 3 are correctly joined, the north poles and south poles of the permanent magnets S, N meet. Thus, the arrangement of the permanent magnets S, N allows the connection of the two connector elements 2, 3 only in the correct position in Fig. 12b , in which there is an attraction between the oppositely polarized permanent magnets S, N. In addition, the magnetic attraction ensures the connection of the connector elements 2, 3. If the same poles meet due to incorrect positioning of the connector elements 2, 3, the repulsion ensures that a connection of the connector elements 2, 3 is not successful.

[0050] In principle, the contact pins P can be designed as plug pins and the contact sections A as sockets. Advantageously, the contact pins P can be designed as spring contact pins, so that the contact sections A can be realized by conductive surface sections that are contacted by contacting the spring-supported contact pin.

[0051] Fig. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the connector elements 2, 3 with additional control contact pins P control and control contact sections A control, the arrangement of which in relation to the contact pins P or contact sections A determines the correct connection position. The control contact pins P control and control contact sections A control are connected via control lines to an activation device (not shown), which can include a resistance measurement. Of the seven contact pins P and contact sections A, only one is indicated for the sake of clarity. When the connector elements 2, 3 are correctly joined together, the contact pins P contact the contact sections A and the control pins P control contact the control contact sections A control. Through the contact of the control pins P control with the control contact sections A control, the individual or signal lines to the contact pins P orContact sections A are released so that voltage is only applied to the contacts when the connector elements 2, 3 are correctly connected.

[0052] In order to further facilitate the correct joining of the connector elements 2, 3, shaped elements F 1 , F 2 and corresponding or complementary counter-shaped elements F 1 ', F 2 ' can also be provided on the end faces 2', 3' of the connector elements 2, 3 intended to rest against each other. Fig. 13 the control contact pins P control are assigned ring-shaped form elements F 1 with a smaller diameter (dashed line) and the contact pins P ring-shaped form elements F 2 with a larger diameter (dotted line) and correspondingly the control contact sections A control ring-shaped counter-form elements F 1 ' with a smaller diameter (dashed line) and the contact sections A ring-shaped counter-form elements F 2 ' with a larger diameter (dotted line).

[0053] Of course, designs of shaped and counter-shaped elements that deviate from the embodiments shown are also conceivable, as is an optional design of the control contact pins and control contact sections in a shape (or counter-shape) that deviates from a shape of the contact pins and counter-shape of the contact sections.

[0054] The control contact pins P control and control contact sections A control can be designed as a lagging contact with respect to the contact pins P and contact sections A in order to avoid a spark when joining, by the individual lines only being disconnected when the connector elements 2, 3 are completely connected to one another.

[0055] Another example for ensuring complete contact between the connector elements 2, 3 before voltage is applied to the individual lines in order to prevent sparking comprises a proximity sensor H, which is connected via control lines to an isolation device for the individual lines (not shown and arranged on one of the connector elements 2, 3). In the example of Fig. 11 A proximity sensor H can be seen on the connector element 2, which is accommodated in the socket element 30. The proximity sensor H detects the approach of the connector element 3, which in this example is accommodated in a connection device 9, so that the individual lines are only released when contact is established. Of course, a proximity sensor can alternatively also be arranged in the connector element 3.

[0056] As in Fig. 1 As shown by way of example, a torque hinge 1 which, with an internal cable guide, ensures the electrical and / or electronic connection of the objects G1, G2 - here keyboard G1 and monitor G2 - in a usage arrangement ( Fig. 1a ) provides the pivoting connection and, by subdividing it into reversibly separable and connectable component groups B1, B2, allows the separation ( Fig. 1b ) of the objects G1, G2 at a predetermined interface, which here lies between the two socket elements 30, 40 or between the first socket element 30 and the hollow axle element 10, wherein the hollow axle element 10, of which the first section 11 can be seen, is assigned to the component group B2 with the second socket element 40. The electrical / electronic connection is also separated, wherein the connector pair at the interface in Fig. 1b only the connector element 3 can be seen, which is assigned to the component group B1 with the first socket element 30.

[0057] In Fig. 2 An alternative embodiment of a torque hinge 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein for reasons of clarity, only one connected object G1 is shown. The torque hinge 1 is designed here with a first bushing element 30 and two second bushing elements 40, which are each pivotally connected to the first bushing element 30 via an axle element, wherein at least one axle element is designed as a hollow axle element 10, through whose longitudinal axial passage opening the internal cable guide for the electrical / electronic connection of the objects extends. Unlike in the Fig. 1 In the example shown, the interface of the torque hinge 1 is Fig. 2 not between the socket elements 30, 40, which are combined here with the hollow axle element (not shown) in the second component group B2. The first component group B1 here comprises a connecting device 9 designed as an adapter, which is designed for electrical and / or electronic connection to the first object G1, and the first connector element 3, which is connected to the connecting device 9.

[0058] Out of Fig. 4 und 5 The structure of a torque hinge 1, which also Fig. 1 refers, with an interface T between the hollow axle element 10 and the first socket element 30. The first component group B1 has the first socket element 30, which is formed with a connection surface 31 for connection to an object not shown, a connection device 9, which is designed here as a circular plug, and the first connector element 3, which is connected to the connection device 9 via a corresponding section K` of the internal cable guide K, K'. The seal 4, which in the use arrangement of the torque hinge 1 seals between the hollow axle element 10 or the stop 13 formed there and the first socket element 30, also belongs to the first component group B1.

[0059] The first bushing element 30 has corresponding receiving recesses 30', 30", 31', 34 for receiving the first section 11 of the hollow axle element 10, the first connector element 3 and the connection device 9 as well as the seal 4, as also shown in the schematic representation in Fig. 7a The receptacle 30' for the first section 11 of the hollow axle element 10 is adapted in shape and dimensions to the first section 11, which in the example shown is Fig. 4 has a cross-section deviating from the circular shape with a flattened portion 16. Due to this non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section, the two component groups B1, B2 can only be connected in a manner that inherently provides the correct connection position of the connector elements 2 and 3 of the two component groups B1, B2. Sealing between the hollow axle element 10 and the first bushing element 30 is provided by the seal 4, which is located in an annular groove 34, see also Fig. 7a ,which is arranged in the first bushing element 30 around the receptacle 30' - corresponding to the annular groove 43 around the receiving opening 44 in the second bushing element 40 in Fig. 4 - is trained.

[0060] Adjacent to the receptacle 30' is a recess 30" for the first connector element 3, which is received in the recess 30" in such a way that the connector element 3 remains in the recess 30" when it is separated from the second connector element 2 upon separation of the component groups B1, B2. For this purpose, the recess 30" can be designed to be adapted in shape and dimensions to the first connector element 3, so that a positive connection is present, and can optionally have further fastening means. Adjacent to the recess 30" is a passage opening D2 for the cable guide section K', which supplements the cable guide section K to form the internal cable guide K, K' and extends to the connecting device 9, which is arranged in a correspondingly designed receiving recess 31' on the connection surface 31, to which the first component group B1 is connected to the object (not shown).

[0061] The (threaded) bolt 5, which in the use arrangement of the torque hinge 1 ensures the detachable connection of the bushing element 30 to the hollow axle element 10 by engaging with the (threaded) bore 15 in the end face of the first section 11 of the hollow axle element 10, as well as the cover 6, which supplements the closed housing surface of the torque hinge 1 for the desired dust and water resistance as well as cleanability, are also counted as part of the first component group B1.

[0062] The second component group B2 of the torque hinge 1 in Fig. 4 und 5 comprises, as essential components, the hollow axle element 10, the friction element 20, the second bushing element 40, and the second connector element 2, which is arranged in a receiving recess 14' on the hollow axle element 10. There, the receiving recess 14' is formed by a section of the through-opening D1 on an end face 14 of the first section 11 (cf. Fig. 5 ) . The receiving recess 14' corresponds in shape and dimensions to the second connector element 2, which has a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section deviating from the circular cross-section, so that the second connector element 2 is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the receiving recess 14'. Accordingly, the connector element 3 is also designed with a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section deviating from the circular cross-section, which requires a corresponding shape of the receptacle 30" for the first connector element 3 in the first socket element 30. The receiving recess 14' and the receptacle 30" are positioned such that they face each other in the use arrangement, so that the connector elements 2, 3 connect when the component groups B1, B2 are joined together.

[0063] For a closed housing surface of the second socket element 40 (for closing a Fig. 4 invisible mounting opening on the side facing away from the receiving opening 44) a cover not shown (corresponding to cover 6` in Fig. 8 ), which is also counted as part of the second component group B2. The friction element 20, consisting of friction ring 21 and the disc 23 arranged between two seals 22, is arranged on the second section 12 of the hollow axle element 10, which extends from the stop 13 in the opposite direction to section 11. The friction ring 21 is fastened, e.g. pressed, in the receiving opening 44 of the second bushing element 40, so that upon rotation a friction moment is generated between the inner surface of the friction ring 21 and the outer surface of the second section 12 of the hollow axle element 10. The axial fixation of the friction element 20 takes place in the example of Fig. 4 und 5by means of disc spring 7 or disc spring assembly and screw nut 8, which also belong to the second component group B2. The disc spring 7 ensures a constant axial contact pressure.

[0064] Examples of alternative axial fastening and sealing options are given in Fig. 6 on a single hollow axle element 10. This combination of fastening and sealing options is not intended for implementation, but is only intended to illustrate various known axial fastening and sealing options in a space-saving manner. Naturally, individual fastening and sealing options shown can be used in the embodiments of the other examples, and the person skilled in the art will also recognize sensible combinations of the fastening and sealing options shown. Thus, in the illustration in Fig. 6 Different examples are shown above and below the rotation axis, as well as to the right and left of the stop 13. For axial fastening to the second section 12, a groove 12" (example above the rotation axis) is shown as an alternative to the previously mentioned screw connection using a thread 12' (example below the rotation axis), which is intended for engagement with a pin (not shown).

[0065] To seal the friction element 20 or the disc 23 against the stop 13 of the hollow axle element 10, not only as in Fig. 4 As shown, a single sealing ring can be used as seal 22, it can also be a multi-stage seal 22 with two concentric sealing rings (in Fig. 6 Example above the rotation axis), which are arranged in receiving grooves 13' on the end face of the stop 13 adjacent to the section 12, or more concentric sealing rings with corresponding receiving grooves. The example below the plane of symmetry in Fig. 6 shows as seal 22 a sealing disc which is pressed against sealing ribs 13" which are formed in the end face of the stop 13 adjacent to the section 12.

[0066] As an alternative to the arrangement of an interface sealing ring 4 between the end face of the stop 13 adjacent to the section 11 and the first bushing element 30 (or its end face facing the stop 13, as in Fig. 4 , 5 and 7a shown, shows Fig. 6 a sealing ring 4 for sealing the interface with the bushing element 30, which is only partially shown schematically, in a circumferential groove 14" on the first section 11 of the hollow axle element 10. Additionally or alternatively, one or more interface sealing rings 4 (in the example shown, two sealing rings 4) can be arranged in corresponding circumferential grooves 34' in the receiving recess 30' of the first bushing element 30 in order to seal the interface after the first section 11 has been pushed into the receiving recess 30'.

[0067] By designing a torque hinge according to the invention with smooth and sealed transitions between the individual housing components, i.e., all components that provide an outer surface of the torque hinge (socket elements 30, 40, disc 23, stop 13, covers 6), and their preferred design made of stainless steel or with a stainless steel surface, cleaning a torque hinge according to the invention, even with disinfectants, is considerably simplified. Of course, the scope of protection is not limited to this particularly preferred and advantageous embodiment of the torque hinge.Rather, the scope of protection also extends to all torque hinges with internal cable routing that do not have smooth transitions between the housing components, do not have a closed housing, and do not have covers and are not made of stainless steel, as long as the torque hinge is divided into two reversibly separable component groups as claimed.

[0068] Fig. 7a und 7b show first bushing elements 30 connected to the hollow axle element 10 by means of detachable connection techniques, which alternatively or in addition to the Fig. 4 and 5 shown connection technology with bolt 5 and bore 15 can be used to detachably connect the component groups when transferring to the operating arrangement of the torque hinge 1. In the schematic representations of Fig. 7a und 7b However, only the section of the first socket element 30 is shown, which has the receptacle 30` for the first section 11 of the hollow axle element 10, receptacle 30" for the first plug element 3 and the through-opening D2 for the cable guide section K', which supplements the cable guide section K through the through-opening D1 in the hollow axle element 10 upon contact of the plug elements 3, 4 to provide the internal cable guide K, K'.

[0069] In Fig. 7a As an example of a detachable connection technology, a spring pin 5' is shown mounted in the first socket element 30 for engaging in a groove 11' formed in the first section 11 of the hollow axle element 10. Since the spring pin 5' automatically engages when the first section 11 is inserted into the receptacle 30', the connection can be made very quickly and easily. To release the locking engagement, a retraction mechanism (not shown) can be provided which retracts the spring pin 5' from the groove 11' so that the hollow axle element 10 with the first section 11 can be separated from the first socket element 30. Alternatively, the spring pin 5' and groove 11' can be shaped, for example, with a bevel such that the spring pin 5' is pushed out of the groove 11' following the bevel when sufficient tension is applied to the hollow axle element 10 until the locking engagement is released.

[0070] Another example of a detachable connection technique of the first bushing element 30 with the hollow axle element 10 is shown in Fig. 7b shown, in which essentially the areas of the first bushing element 30 and the hollow axle element 10 above the axis of rotation are shown, which show the pair of magnetic elements 5", which are selected and arranged from magnetic or magnetizable inlets or materials such that an attractive force exists between the magnetic elements 5'. The first magnetic element 5' is arranged on an end face of the stop 13 adjacent to the first section 11, and the second magnetic element 5' is arranged on a corresponding surface on the first bushing element 30 adjacent to the receptacle 30'. The shape, number, and arrangement of the magnetic elements is not limited, except that the respective magnetic element pairs are positioned correspondingly and, if both magnetic elements are made of magnetic material or magnets, point towards each other with different poles.

[0071] Out of Fig. 8 und 9 the structure of a torque hinge 1 according to the invention, as shown in the example of Fig. 2 is indicated, with an interface T between the first socket element 30 and a connecting device 9 designed as an adapter. The first component group B1, which is assigned to the first object G1, has the connecting device 9 designed as an adapter and the first connector element 3, which is received in a connection socket 9' of the connecting device 9 for connection to the cable guide section K'. The connecting device 9 is designed for connection to the object G1, which has an electrical / electronic interface (not shown) and is connected to the cable guide section K' by mounting the connecting device 9 on the object G1. The seal 4 provided for sealing between the component groups B1, B2 at the interface T is assigned to the first component group B1 in this example and is received in a circumferential groove of the connecting device 9.

[0072] Here, too, alternative sealing solutions are considered. Alternatively or in addition to a seal 4 accommodated in a groove running around the connection device 9, one or more circumferential grooves for accommodating one or more interface seals 4 can be formed in a recess 31' in the first bushing element 30 designed to accommodate the connection device 9, comparable to the seals described in connection with Fig. 6 described interface sealing solutions. Alternatively, a flat seal (not shown) can be inserted between the connecting device 9 and the socket element 30 without a circumferential receiving groove being provided for this purpose on the connecting device 9 or in the recess 31'.

[0073] It is also possible to use an external molded seal 4', with which the interface between the first socket element 30 and the connection device 9 associated with the first object G1 is sealed, as shown in Fig. 11 is sketched. It can also be seen there that the connection surface 31 of the first socket element 30 is shaped to correspond to the contour of the first object G1 in the region of the associated connection device 9.

[0074] The connection device 9 in the Fig. 8 The example shown has a non-circular shape with the rounded rectangular cross-section and is aligned during assembly on object G1 so that the second component group B2 can be connected in the correct connection position to the torque hinge 1 for pivotable and electrical / electronic connection to the object (not shown) assigned to the second component group B2.

[0075] In this example, the second component group B2 comprises the second bushing element 40, the hollow axle element 10, the friction element 20, the first bushing element 30, and the second connector element 2, which is received here in a receptacle 31" in the first bushing element 30, which corresponds in shape and dimensions to the second connector element 2. The receptacle 31" for the second connector element 2 extends from an adapter recess 31', which is formed in the first bushing element 30 in a connection surface 31 provided for contact with the first object G1, for receiving the connecting device 9. The adapter recess 31' is designed to detachably receive the connecting device 9 and corresponds in shape and dimensions to the connecting device 9.The receptacle 31" for the second connector element 2 is positioned relative to the adapter recess 31' such that the receptacle 31" of the connection socket 9' is opposite the connecting device 9 when the connecting device 9 is received in the adapter recess 31' for connecting the component groups B1, B2. In this way, in this embodiment too, the internal cable guide K, K', which connects the objects by means of the torque hinge 1, is produced by the interconnected connector elements 2, 3, wherein the section K', which extends through the first component group B1, supplements the cable guide section K, which extends through the second component group B2.

[0076] Further components, such as a connecting element 42 in the connection surface 41 for connecting the second object, covers 6' for creating a closed housing surface and fastening means for axially fixing the friction element 20, such as disc spring 7 and screw nut 8, also belong to the second component group B2.

[0077] Deviating from the embodiment described in Fig. 4 As shown, the hollow axle element 10 in the example of Fig. 8, 9 and 10no disc-shaped stop and a different friction element 20. The hollow axle element 10 with the longitudinal axial passage opening D1 here has a first section 11 which is designed as a head section 17 with a non-circular, here hexagonal cross-section as a screw head. In this embodiment, the head section 17 is not fixed in the bushing element 30 in a rotationally fixed manner, but the hollow axle element 11 is designed as a free-running axle which is pressed on both sides in order to generate the friction torque with the friction element 20. During assembly, the hollow axle element 11 inserted through the assembly opening 33 of the first bushing element 30 is clamped against the nut 8 by holding engagement with the screw head 17, wherein the disc spring 7 (orThe disc spring assembly (the disc spring assembly) acts as an axial tensioning device, providing a constant contact pressure acting on the friction element 20, which is arranged on the second section 12 of the hollow axle element 10 in the area between the bushing elements 30, 40. In alternative embodiments, the axial fixation can be provided, for example, by a connecting pin engaging in a groove instead of a nut. The cable section K is guided from the through-opening D1 of the hollow axle element 10 to the second connector element 2, which is accommodated in the receptacle 31".

[0078] The friction element 20 arranged on the second section 12 of the hollow axle element 10 in the area between the bushing elements 30, 40 has in this Fig. 8, 9 and 10In the example shown, a bearing ring 21' extends into the receiving openings 33', 44 of the bushing elements 30, 40 and accommodates the friction disc 23' therebetween, which is preferably made of a PTFE material or a comparable material, in which the static friction advantageously corresponds to the sliding friction, so that no friction losses occur. During rotation, the axial contact pressure provided by the disc spring 7 generates a frictional moment between the friction disc 23 and the adjacent surfaces of the bushing elements 30, 40 or the seals 22 arranged therebetween, which are each arranged in a corresponding sealing groove on the respective bushing element 30, 40 (annular groove 43 on the second bushing element 40 and annular groove 34 on the first bushing element 30).

[0079] Of course, the information related to Fig. 4 and 8The different hollow axle element and friction element variants described are not limited to the respective design of the interface position. Thus, a torque hinge with the interface between the hollow axle element and the first bushing element can also be equipped with an alternative friction element (friction disc and bearing ring as in Fig. 8 or another friction element from the prior art). Conversely, a torque hinge with the interface between the first bushing element and a connecting device with a hollow axle element fixed in a bushing element in a rotationally fixed manner or the Fig. 4 described friction element 20 (or another friction element from the prior art) or both.

[0080] Fig. 14 clarifies the pivot axis provided by the torque hinge 1 according to the invention through the schematic representation of two bushing elements 30, 40 connected (via a hollow axis element not shown). Fig. 15 The indicated further development of a device according to the invention provides two pivot axes formed perpendicular to one another by, so to speak, connecting two torque hinges 1 according to the invention "in series," with only a second bushing element 40 being provided, which is connected on both sides via a hollow axis element to a first bushing element 30. This can also be regarded as a special form of a device according to the invention, which consists of two objects G1, G2 that are pivotally and electrically / electronically connected via at least one torque hinge 1 according to the invention, with one of the first bushing elements 30 being defined as one of the objects G1, G2. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0081] 1Torque hinge 2, 3, 2`, 3`Connector elements, end faces 4, 4`(Interface) seal, molded seal 5, 5', 5"Bolt, spring pin, magnet pair 6Cover 7, 8Disc spring (package), nut 9, 9`Connector, connection socket 10Hollow axle element 11, 11'First section, locking recess 12, 12', 12"Second section, thread, groove 13, 13`, 13"Stop, annular groove, rib 14, 14', 14"End face, receiving recess, groove 15Bore 16Flatten 17Head section D1Through opening 20Friction element 21, 22, 23Friction ring, seal, disc 21', 23`Sliding / bearing ring, friction disc 30First socket element 30', 30"Receptacles first section first connector element 31Connection surface 31`, 31"Receptacles adapter, first connector element 32Borehole 33, 33`Opening, through-opening 34, 34`Receiving groove 40Second socket element 41Connection surface 42Connection element 43Annular groove 44Receiving opening B1, B2First component group, second component group TInterface K, K'Cable guide G1, G2Object D1,D2 Passage openings hollow axis element, first socket element P, A Contact pin, contact connection N, SPermanent magnet north pole, south pole HNeargency sensor F 1 , F 2 Form elements,

Claims

1. A device consisting of two objects (G1, G2), which are pivotably connected via at least one torque hinge (1), whereby the torque hinge (1) has an inner cable guide (K, K'), which provides in a use arrangement of the torque hinge (1), in which the objects (G1, G2) are connected via the torque hinge (1) for an electrical and / or electronic connection of the objects (G1, G2), whereby - the torque hinge (1) has a hollow-pin element (10) and at least one first bush element (30) and at least one second bush element (40), which are formed for connection to the objects (G1, G2), - the hollow-pin element (10) has a first section (11), which is arranged in the first bush element (30), and a second section (12), which extends into the second bush element (40), and whereby the inner cable guide (K, K') extends through a longitudinally axial passage opening (D1) of the hollow-pin element (10), and - the torque hinge (1) has a connection device (9) formed for the electrical and / or electronic connection to the first object (G1) and a connection element (42) formed for the electrical and / or electronic connection to the second object (G2), whereby the connection device (9) is arranged in the first bush element (30) and is connected to the first connector element (3), and the connection element (42) is arranged in the second bush element (40) and is connected to the second connector element (2), characterised in that the torque hinge (1) has at least two component groups (B1, B2) that are reversibly disconnectable and connectable at an interface (T), of which a first component group (B1) is allocated to the first object (G1) and a second component group (B2) is allocated to the second object (G2) in the use arrangement, whereby whereby the interface (T) is provided between the first bush element (30) and the connection device (9), which is formed as an adapter being releasably arranged in the first bush element (30) in an adapter recess (31 '), which corresponds in shape and dimension to the connecting device (9) and is formed in a connecting surface (31) of the first bush element (30) provided for connection to the first object (G1), the inner cable guide (K, K') has, at the interface (T), at least one reversibly disconnectable and connectable electrical and / or electronic connector element pair of a first connector element (3) allocated to the first component group (B1) and a second connector element (2) corresponding thereto and allocated to the second component group (B2), and the torque hinge (1) has a friction element (20), which is arranged on the second section (12) in a region between the first and the second bush element (30, 40), and whereby the hollow-pin element (10) - is connected, at the first section (11), in a rotationally fixed manner to the first bush element (30), and the second section (12) of the hollow-pin element (10) is pivotably received in the second bush element (40), or - is formed as free-running pin, which is pivotably received with the first section (11) in the first bush element (30) and with the second section (12) in the second bush element (40).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that one of the two connector elements (2, 3) has, on an end face (2', 3') facing the other connector element (2, 3), a number of contact pins (P), which corresponds at least to the number of individual lines of the cable guide (K, K'), and the other connector element (2, 3) has, on its end face (2', 3') facing the connector element (2, 3), a correspondingly corresponding number of contact sections (A), whereby - both connector elements (3, 2) have an identical non-circular, preferably non-rotationally symmetrical, cross-section, and / or - each connector element (3, 2) has, on the end face (3', 2'), at least two permanent magnets (N, S) with a predetermined arrangement of north and south pole.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterised in that - the connector elements (2, 3) have additional control contact pins (Pcontrol) and control contact sections (Acontrol), the arrangement of which on the respective end face (2', 3') is predetermined with respect to the contact pins (P,) and contact sections (A) allocated to the individual lines, whereby control lines, which are allocated to the control contact pins (Pcontrol) and control contact sections (Acontrol), are connected to a disconnecting means for the individual lines, or - at least one of the two connector elements (2, 3) has a proximity sensor (H), which is connected via control lines to a disconnecting means for the individual lines.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterised in that - the control contact pins (Pcontrol) and control contact sections (Acontrol) differ in their shape from a shape of the contact pins (P) and contact sections (A), or that - on the end face (3'), the first connector element (3) has first mating shaping elements (F1') allocated to the control contact sections (Acontrol) and second mating shaping elements (F2') allocated to the contact sections (A), and, on the end face (2'), the second connector element (2) has first shaping elements (F1) allocated to the control contact pins (Pcontrol) and second shaping elements (Fz) allocated to the contact pins (P), whereby the mating shaping elements (F1', F2') and the shaping elements (F1, F2) are formed to correspond to one another in dimensions and position on the end faces (2', 3').

5. The device according to claim 4, characterised in that the control contact pins (Pcontrol) and control contact sections (Acontrol) are formed as lagging contact with respect to the contact pins (P) and contact sections (A).

6. The device according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the torque hinge (1) has, at the interface (T), at least one seal (4), which is allocated to the first or the second component group (B1, B2).

7. The device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the first component group (B1) comprises the connection device (9) and the first connector element (3), which is accommodated in a connection socket (9') of the connection device (9), and the second component group (B2) comprises the second bush element (40), the connection element (42), the hollow pin element (10), the friction element (20), the first bush element (30) and the second connector element (2), which is arranged in a receptacle (31") formed in the first socket element (30), which corresponds in shape and dimensions to the second connector element (2) and is positioned on the adapter recess (31') opposite the connection socket (9') of the connection device (9).

8. A torque hinge (1) for the pivotable connection of two objects (G1, G2), wherein an inner cable guide (K, K') provides electrical and / or electronic connection of two objects (G1, G2), characterized in that the torque hinge (1) is a torque hinge (1) of a device according to at least one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for the pivotable as well as electrical and / or electronic connection of two objects (G1, G2), using a torque (1) hinge with inner cable guide (K, K') according to claim 8, whereby a reversible disconnecting and connecting of the objects (G1, G2) at an interface (T) is provided by the torque hinge (1), which is divided at the interface (T) into the component groups (B1, B2), of which the first component group (B1) is allocated to the first object (G1) and the second component group (B2) is allocated to the second object (G2), and comprises a reversible separating and connecting of the at least one electrical and / or electronic connector element pair of the internal cable guide (K, K') at the interface (T), which consists of the first connector element (3) allocated to the first component group (B1) and the corresponding / complementary second connector element (2) allocated to the second component group (B2).