Hinge assembly

Abstract

A hinge assembly comprising a hinge cup and a hinge arm 32 pivotally connected to the hinge cup about a pivot axis via a hinge link. The assembly further comprises a damping assembly including a dampi

Description

Hinge Assembly Technical Field The present arrangement relates to a hinge assembly. Whilst in no way its sole use, the present arrangement takes particular utility to cupboards, and in providing a hinge assembly to allow the opening and closing of a cupboard door mounted on a cupboard carcass. Background Hinge assemblies typically comprise a hinge arm and a hinge cup. The two components are connected via a hinge link. The hinge cup typically comprises a hinge flange and a hinge flange attachment. In use, the hinge flange sits flush to an interior surface of a cupboard door. The hinge flange attachment comprises means to allow the hinge cup to be connected to the door, and typically sits proud of the interior surface of the cupboard door. Such features are known in the art. It is desirable to provide a robust hinge that can incorporate a damping function. It is particularly advantageous if the damping function can be retro-fitted into an existing hinge arrangement. It is particularly desirable to provide a damping arrangement of compact size, so that the hinge assembly can be made as streamlined as possible. It is also desirable to provide a hinge assembly and an associated damping assembly that is robust in terms of both surviving heavy impact door closures and long lifetime. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a hinge assembly comprising: a hinge cup; a hinge arm pivotally connected to the hinge cup about a pivot axis via a hinge link, wherein the hinge assembly may move from an open position to a closed position, and a damping assembly, comprising: a damping device; and an actuator pivotally mounted above the hinge cup so as to be able to rotate about an axis parallel to the pivot axis, the actuator being operable to engage with the hinge arm during closing of the hinge assembly so as to activate the damping device. The hinge cup preferably comprises a hinge flange, and it is preferred that the actuator is pivotally mounted substantially above the hinge flange. The present arrangement uses the hinge arm, rather than the hinge link to activate the damper. The hinge arm is more robust than the hinge link, and hence provides a stronger arrangement for long-term use. The arrangement of having the axis of rotation of the actuator above the hinge flange is particularly advantageous as the depth of the hinge cup does not need to be increased. Furthermore, by locating the actuator above the hinge flange more space in the hinge assembly is provided. Additionally, the actuator may be made smaller than conventional designs. It is preferred that the hinge assembly comprises transmission means to convert rotary motion of the actuator into compression of the damping device. Preferably the transmission means comprises a rotatable cam positioned between the actuator and the damping device. It is preferred that the cam is operable to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the pivot axis. In an alternative arrangement, the cam could be replaced with a slider than moves along a linear path. Preferably the slider comprises a sloped surface that is operable to cooperate with a complimentary sloped surface on the damping device. Thus, as the slider is urged forwards, the damping device is compressed. It will be appreciated that the transmission means could comprise multiple components. Preferably the hinge cup comprises a width in the direction of the pivot axis, and wherein the actuator is mounted within substantially the width of the hinge cup. Furthermore, it is preferred that the cam is positioned within substantially the width of the hinge cup. It will thus be appreciated that both the actuator and the cam may be positioned within substantially the width of the hinge cup. Accordingly, the means to translate the movement of the hinge arm into a damping force is of compact design. By providing a compact system there is more room for other components in the hinge assembly. There is less likelihood of injury to a person cleaning or maintaining the hinge assembly. Furthermore, there is less likelihood of breakage to any aspect of the damping arrangement. Preferably the actuator comprises a camming surface operable to engage with the transmission means. Preferably the hinge cup further comprises a hinge attachment flange. It is preferred that the hinge attachment flange comprises a length, orthogonal to the hinge cup width, and wherein the axis of rotation of the actuator is substantially half way along the length of the hinge attachment flange. The middle position allows for the actuator to comprise a short lever that reduces a re-bounce effect when closing doors that incorporate damped hinge assemblies. It is preferred that when the hinge assembly is in the open position, the actuator is disengaged with the transmission means. Alternatively, the actuator may be engaged with the transmission means in the open position. Preferably the hinge link urges the actuator into contact with the cam during a first section of the closing motion of the hinge assembly, and whereby the hinge arm engages the actuator during a second section of the closing motion to begin damping of the hinge assembly. Preferably the hinge arm engages with the actuator only during a section of the closing action of the hinge assembly. An arrangement whereby the actuator and transmission means are in engagement at all times is also contemplated. In this arrangement the actuator’s starting position is more upright, and does not engage with the hinge link during the closing action. In this arrangement there is typically only engagement between the hinge arm and the actuator. The hinge arm travels a first distance in its closing action before coming into engagement with the actuator. In preferred embodiments the hinge assembly may comprise a second cam engagable by the actuator. It is preferred that the two cams work cooperatively to compress the damping device. The two cams can operate to squeeze the damping device. By providing a second cam the damping function can be enhanced without excessively increasing the size of the damping assembly. Preferably the actuator comprises a return means to return the actuator to an initial position after the hinge assembly moves from a closed position to an open position. Such means would typically be a coil spring that biases the actuator back to a starting position. In an equally desirable arrangement, the actuator could be returned to its initial position using a return spring within the damper. In preferred embodiments the hinge assembly comprises means to adjust the level of damping provided by the damping device. Such an arrangement may be provided by an adjusting knob that determines the starting point of the piston rod. The hinge assembly may comprise a base plate on which at least one of the actuator and the damping device is located. In use, the base plate is mounted on the hinge cup. A lid covering the base plate may be provided. By providing a base plate the damping assembly may be retro-fitted to existing hinge assemblies. In such arrangements means to securely attach the base plate to the hinge cup is typically provided. In a preferred arrangement, the damping arrangement may function in a two-stage arrangement. Particularly, during the closing arrangement, the hinge arm may travel, with respect to the hinge cup, in first portion of travel from the open position to a mid-way closed position, and in a second portion of travel from a mid-way closed position to a closed position. In the first portion of travel a first damping action may be instigated, whilst in the second portion of travel a second damping action may be instigated. It is preferred that the second damping action is stronger than the first damping action. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the first damping action is typically 30% of the strength of the second damping action. It is preferred that actuator may be engaged by the hinge link on the first portion of travel, and by the hinge arm in the second portion of travel. Whilst the hinge link is not as robust as the hinge arm, it is capable of activating a first stage damping action that is of lower strength than a second stage whilst maintaining a long lifetime of the hinge assembly. In order that the present invention be more readily understood, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lid section and a base section for a hinge cup. Figure 2 shows the arrangement of figure 1, with a lid section and a base section in exploded view. Figure 3 shows the arrangements of figures 1 and 2, with the base section connected to a hinge cup and a hinge arm. Figure 4 shows a variant of the arrangement of figure 3. Figure 5 shows a hinge assembly in a closed position. Figure 6 shows an actuator. Figure 7 shows the base plate. Figure 8 shows a cam. Figure 9 shows a lid section with an adjusting knob. Figure 10 shows an example of a known hinge cup. Description of specific embodiments The present arrangement relates to a hinge assembly. The basic design for hinge assemblies, including those for cupboard doors, is known in the art. Furthermore, the terms hinge cup, hinge flange, hinge link and hinge arm are known in the art. Figure 10 shows a typical hinge cup 30 in accordance with the prior art. Typically, the whole section is referred to as the hinge cup. Section 46 is a hinge flange 46 partially or substantially surrounds the hinge cup, and, in use, sits flush to the interior surface of a cupboard door. A hinge flange attachment 48 is also provided. This section typically comprises apertures to allow screws to attach the hinge cup to the cupboard door. The hinge flange attachment 48, in use, typically sits higher than the interior surface of the cupboard door. Accordingly, the hinge flange attachment 48 is higher than the hinge flange 46. The embodiments described show a base plate having a damping assembly mounted thereon. The base plate is sandwiched between the hinge cup and a lid section. However, it is to be understood that the damping assembly could be readily mounted directly on the hinge cup, and that therefore a base plate would not be required. The advantage of the base plate arrangement is that a damping function may be retro-fitted to hinge assemblies that do not have a damper. However, a bespoke hinge arrangement incorporating a damping assembly is contemplated. Figures 1 and 2 show a base plate 10 and lid section 12. The lid section 12 is configured to fit over the base plate 10. The base plate comprises means 14 to engage with a hinge cup 30. In this arrangement, said means 14 comprises a pair of hooks. A linear damper 16, comprising a damper housing 18 and a piston rod 20 is mounted on the base plate 10. The piston rod 20 is operable to move in an out of the damper housing 18 to cause the damping action. Such linear dampers are known and will not be described further here. The piston rod 20 is operable to perform reciprocating movement in a direction along a first axis. An actuator 24 is mounted on the base plate 10. Typically, the base plate 10 comprises means 22 to engage with the actuator 24 to allow the actuator to rotate. The axis of rotation of the actuator 24 is along the first axis, and hence is parallel to the direction of reciprocating movement of the piston rod 20. Transmission means is provided to convert rotary motion of the actuator 24 into a force to compress the damper 16. In preferred arrangements a cam 26 is provided. The cam 26 is mounted on the base plate 10, and is operable to rotate about a second axis. The second axis is substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The cam 26 is operable to convert rotary movement of the actuator into a compressing force on the damper 16. Thus the cam squeezes the damper to cause the damping action. The actuator 24 is operable to move from an initial first position to a second position. In the second position the actuator has engaged with the cam and fully depressed the linear damper. A return spring 28 may be provided to urge the actuator back towards the first position. Alternatively, the return force of the damper 16 could be used. Figure 3 shows a hinge assembly comprising the base plate 10. The base plate is mounted on a hinge cup 30. The hinge cup 30 comprises a hinge flange 46, as is known in the art. In use, the hinge flange 46 is typically positioned to be substantially flush with the interior surface of a door. A hinge arm 32 is pivotally connected to the hinge cup 30 via a hinge link 34. The hinge assembly may open and close in a known manner. Figure 3 shows the hinge assembly is a partially closed position. Figure 6 shows a close-up of the actuator 24. The actuator 24 is substantially U-shaped, with a crosspiece 36. The crosspiece 36 is operable to engage with the hinge arm 32 during closure of the hinge assembly. The actuator 24 further comprises a pair of arms 38a, 38b. The arms connect to the base plate 10 to allow the actuator 24 to rotate. Figure 7 shows the base plate 10 without the damping assembly. The means 22 to connect the actuator 24 are visible. Complimentary apertures are provided on the means 22 and the arms 38a, 38b. Pins or the like may be inserted to connect the actuator 24 to the base plate 10. It will be noted that the means 22 sit high on the base plate, and thus is use are located above the surface of the hinge flange 46. Therefore, the axis of rotation of actuator 24 is positioned above the surface of the hinge flange 46. Thus, in use, the axis of rotation is also substantially above the interior surface of the door. In an arrangement without the base plate 10, the means 22 would typically be integrally formed on the hinge cup, typically on either the hinge flange 46 or the hinge flange attachment 48. In such an arrangement the means 22 would project upwards from the surface of the hinge flange 46. The actuator 24 comprises a camming surface 40 that is operable to engage with cam 26. The arms 38a, 38b may be manufactured from the same or different materials. Figure 8 shows the cam 26. Said cam 26 comprises a camming surface 42 that is operable to cooperate with camming surface 40 on the actuator 24. Figure 3 shows a gap G between cam 26 and actuator 24. As the hinge assembly closes, the hinge link 34 engages the actuator and moves it towards cam 26. During closure, the actuator rides along the hinge link 34. At the point that the camming surface 40 on the actuator 24 engages with the camming surface 42 on the cam 26, the crosspiece of the actuator 24 is engaged with the hinge arm 32. It is desirable to use the hinge arm 32 to activate the damping assembly because the hinge arm is more durable than the hinge link 34. Figure 4 shows an alternative arrangement. The first position of actuator 24 is set further forward, towards the cam 26. Thus, the hinge arm has to travel further to engage with the actuator 24. Accordingly, there is no engagement by the hinge link 34 with the actuator 24. Figure 5 shows the hinge assembly in a closed position. This position is the same for both embodiments shown in figures 3 and 4. The hinge arm 32 urges the actuator towards the damper 16, and, via cam 26, causes compression of the piston rod 20 into the damper housing 18. The hinge cup attachment flange 48 comprises a length L, whilst the hinge cup comprises a width W and a depth D, as illustrated by the arrows on figures 3, 4 and 5. Line L on figure 3, 4 and 5 shows a length of the hinge cup attachment flange 48. The means 22 to connect the actuator 24 to the base plate 10 are, when the base plate 10 is secured to the hinge cup 30, are located approximately halfway along the length of the hinge cup attachment flange 48. The axis of rotation is located substantially above the surface of the hinge flange 46. Thus, the location of the axis of rotation of the actuator 24 does not increase the depth of the hinge cup 30. Further, by located axis of rotation of the actuator 24 substantially halfway along the length L of the hinge cup attachment flange 48, the arms 38a, 38b of the actuator 24 can be made smaller compared to conventional arrangements. This arrangement advantageously reduces the damping re-bounce effect of closing doors. Line W on figures 3, 4 and 5 shows the width of the hinge cup. The present arrangement confines the actuator 24 to within substantially the width of the hinge cup. This space outside of the hinge cup is saved for other components. The cam 26 is also positioned within the width of the hinge cup. The axis of rotation of the actuator 24 is above the depth D of the hinge cup flange 46. A second cam may be provided, such that each arm 38a, 38b engages with respective cams. Accordingly, the damper 16 may be compressed from each end. In an arrangement not shown in the figures, the cam 26 may be replaced with a linear slider. The slider comprises a sloped surface that is operable to engage with a compatible surface on the damper housing. In use, the actuator 24 urges the slider towards the damping assembly 16, and the cooperative sloped surfaces engage to compress the damper 16. Figure 9 shows a preferred modification, whereby an adjusting means 44 is provided. Typically the adjusting means comprises a screw that can determine the starting point of the piston rod. In such an arrangement the adjusting means may be used to disable the damping function. The damping arrangement may work in a two-stage arrangement. Particularly, during the closing arrangement, the hinge arm may travel, with respect to the hinge cup, in first portion of travel from the open position to a mid-way closed position, and in a second portion of travel from a mid-way closed position to a closed position. In the first portion of travel a first damping action may be instigated, whilst in the second portion of travel a second damping action may be instigated. The mid-way point need not be halfway during the closing action. The second damping action is stronger than the first damping action. Thus, a light damping action maybe used in the initial closing of a door; with a stronger damping action used as the cupboard door as about to close. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the first damping action is typically 30% of the strength of the second damping action. However, the specifics of the two damping actions may be determined by the requirements of the arrangement of which the hinge assembly, and the damping assembly, are mounted. The actuator may be engaged by the hinge link on the first portion of travel, and by the hinge arm in the second portion of travel. Whilst the hinge link is not as robust as the hinge arm, it is capable of activating a first stage damping action that is of lower strength than a second stage. The above described embodiments are provided for understanding, and it will be appreciated that many modifications or alterations may be contemplated and are contained within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A hinge assembly comprising: a hinge cup; a hinge arm pivotally connected to the hinge cup about a pivot axis via a hinge link, wherein the hinge assembly may move from an open position to a closed position, and a damping assembly, comprising: a damping device; and an actuator pivotally mounted above the hinge cup so as to be able to rotate about an axis parallel to the pivot axis, the actuator being operable to engage with the hinge arm during closing of the hinge assembly so as to activate the damping device.

2. A hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the damping assembly further comprises transmission means positioned between the actuator and the damping device.

3. A hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein the transmission means comprises a rotatable cam positioned between the actuator and the damping device.

4. A hinge assembly according to claim 3, wherein the cam is operable to rotate about an axis substantially orthogonal to the pivot axis. Ss. A hinge assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hinge cup comprises a width in the direction of the pivot axis, and the actuator is mounted so as to be positioned substantially within the width of the hinge cup.

6. A hinge assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the cam is positioned substantially within the width of the hinge cup. 2 A hinge assembly according to claims 2 to 6, wherein the actuator comprises a camming surface operable to engage with the transmission means.

8. A hinge assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the hinge cup comprises a hinge attachment flange, wherein said hinge attachment flange comprises a length, orthogonal to the hinge width, and wherein the axis of rotation of the actuator is substantially half way along the length of the hinge attachment flange.

9. A hinge assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein, when the hinge assembly is in the open position, the actuator is disengaged with the cam.

10. A hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein the hinge link urges the actuator into contact with the cam during a first section of the closing motion of the hinge assembly, and whereby the hinge arm engages the actuator during a second section of the closing motion to begin damping of the hinge assembly.

11. A hinge assembly according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein, when the hinge assembly is in the open position, the actuator is engaged with the cam.

12. A hinge assembly according to any of claim 1 to 11, wherein the hinge arm engages with the actuator only during a section of the closing action of the hinge assembly.

13. A hinge assembly according to any of claims 2 to 12, wherein the transmission means comprising a second cam engagable by the actuator.

14. A hinge assembly according to claim 13, wherein the two cams work cooperatively to compress the damping device.

15. A hinge assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator comprises a return means to return the actuator to an initial position after the hinge assembly moves from a closed position to an open position.

16. A hinge assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the hinge assembly comprises means to adjust the level of damping provided by the damping device.

17. A hinge assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the damping assembly is operated in a two-step action.

18. A hinge assembly according to claim 17, wherein a damping action in a first step is less than a damping action in a second step.

19. A hinge assembly according to claim 18, wherein the actuator engages the hinge link during the first step, and engages the hinge arm during the second step. 20 A hinge assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the damping assembly is mounted on a base plate.

21. A hinge assembly according to claim 20, wherein the base plate is operable to secured above the hinge cup.

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