Automobile door hinge with door closing assistance device

Abstract

A door hinge for a motor vehicle includes a first bracket and a second bracket selectively mountable to one of a door and a body. A cam element non-rotatably mounted to the second bracket includes a cam surface configured to engage a cam follower non-rotatably housed within a first housing of the first bracket. An energy storage means stores and releases energy when the cam follower translates within the first housing in a first direction and then translates longitudinally in a second direction opposite the first direction, respectively. Relative rotation of the first bracket within a predetermined angular range with respect to the second bracket causes the cam follower to translate longitudinally such that when the door is closed, the cam follower engages the cam surface and translates longitudinally in the second direction, thereby releasing energy stored by the energy storage means to assist in closing the door.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hinges, and more particularly to automobile door hinges that facilitate closure and separation of a vehicle door relative to and from a vehicle body. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, an automobile door hinge includes a vehicle door component and a vehicle body component that are rigidly attached to the vehicle door and the vehicle body, respectively. Often, the door component is rotatably connected to the body component by means of a pivot pin that is rigidly attached to one of the door or body components, allowing the other of the door or body components to rotate freely about the pivot pin.

[0003] To close a door, a door part of a hinge rigidly attached to the vehicle door rotates relative to the body part until the vehicle door is fully latched to the vehicle body. In certain situations, a vehicle door may have difficulty fully closing due to door-slamming resistance. For example, door-slamming resistance may be caused by pressure in the vehicle compartment, such as when all windows are closed, or by the mass of the door, such as when the vehicle is parked face-down on a slope and the door is opened. Door-slamming resistance may also be caused during compression of the door seal and full engagement of the door latch mechanism with the striker. Guionic's U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,633 discloses a hinge with a detent for opening a door. This hinge does not help overcome door-closing resistance because closing the door requires a greater torque than opening the door. U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,633 discloses a door hinge, but this is also not intended to overcome door-closing resistance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] UK Patent Application Publication No. 1397776 [Patent Document 2] German Utility Model No. 202020101385 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It would therefore be advantageous to create an automobile door hinge that facilitates closing of a vehicle door relative to the vehicle body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the invention is a hinge configured to rotatably connect a vehicle door and a vehicle body, the hinge comprising: a first bracket mountable to one of the door and the body, the first bracket having a first housing; a second bracket mountable to the other of the door and the body; a cam element non-rotatably mounted to the second bracket and having a cam surface configured to engage a cam follower; a cam follower non-rotatably contained within the first housing and configured to translate longitudinally within the first housing when engaged with the cam surface; and a hinge configured to store energy when the cam follower translates longitudinally in a first direction and release energy when the cam follower translates longitudinally in a second direction opposite the first direction. and an energy storage means configured so that when the first bracket rotates relative to the second bracket within a predetermined angular range, vertical translation of the cam follower occurs, when the first bracket rotates relative to the second bracket beyond a predetermined position when the door is opened, the first horizontal surface of the cam follower and the second horizontal surface of the cam element abut each other, thereby stopping the vertical translation of the cam follower in the first direction, and when the first bracket rotates relative to the second bracket beyond a predetermined position when the door is closed, the cam follower engages with the cam surface and translates vertically in the second direction, thereby releasing energy stored by the energy storage means to assist in closing the door.

[0007] In a further aspect of the invention, the cam surface comprises at least one cam element ramp surface and the cam follower comprises at least one cam follower ramp surface configured to engage with the at least one cam element ramp surface. In a further aspect of the invention, the hinge is in a closed hinge state when the cam follower can no longer move rotationally relative to the cam element and no further energy can be released by the energy storage means, the hinge is in a first partially open hinge state when the at least one cam follower ramp surface engages the cam element ramp surface and further energy can be stored or released by the energy storage means as the door rotates, the hinge is in a second partially open hinge state when the first horizontal surface of the cam follower abuts the second horizontal surface of the cam element allowing relative rotation therebetween without further storage or release of energy by the energy storage means, and the hinge is in a fully open hinge state when the cam follower can no longer move rotationally relative to the cam element and no further energy can be stored by the energy storage means.

[0008] In a further aspect of the invention, the cam element further comprises a first shaft housed within the first housing, the first shaft being cylindrical, the energy storage means configured to surround the first shaft, and the cam follower configured to surround the first shaft for longitudinal slidable coupling with and rotation relative to the first shaft. In a further aspect of the invention, the hinge further comprises a retaining means for engaging the first shaft to restrict longitudinal translation of the cam element within the first housing. In a further aspect of the invention, the retaining means further causes the energy storage means to store an initial amount of energy to apply at least a predetermined amount of preload to the cam follower. In a further aspect of the invention, the retaining means comprises a pin non-rotatably connected to the first shaft and rotating within a bushing when attached to the first housing.

[0009] In a further aspect of the invention, the cam element further comprises a second shaft projecting opposite the first shaft, the second shaft non-rotatably mounted within a second housing of the second bracket, and fastening means attached to the second shaft secures the cam element to the second housing. In a further aspect of the invention, the second shaft comprises a threaded portion, and the fastening means comprises a threaded fastener configured to engage a corresponding threaded portion of the second shaft, whereby the first bracket is separable from the second bracket by removing the fastener and releasing the second shaft from within the second housing.

[0010] In a further aspect of the invention, the cam element includes a first anti-rotation feature and the second bracket includes a second anti-rotation feature configured to engage the first anti-rotation feature to prevent rotation between the cam element and the second bracket. In a further aspect of the invention, the first anti-rotation feature includes a male polygonal tapered mating surface of the conical joint and the second anti-rotation feature includes a female polygonal tapered mating surface of the conical joint.

[0011] In a further aspect of the invention, the hinge further comprises at least one longitudinal groove recessed into one of the inner cylindrical surface of the first housing and the circumferential surface of the cam follower, and at least one spline extending longitudinally from the other of the inner cylindrical surface of the first housing and the circumferential surface of the cam follower, the at least one spline configured to engage with and translate longitudinally within the at least one groove to facilitate longitudinal translation of the cam follower within the first housing while preventing rotation of the cam follower within the first housing.

[0012] In a further aspect of the invention, the hinge operates in conjunction with a door checker configured to hold the door in a plurality of rotational positions relative to the body. In a further aspect of the invention, a second hinge connecting the door to the body includes the door checker.

[0013] In a further aspect of the invention, the energy storage means comprises a spring. In a further aspect of the invention, the spring comprises a coil spring.

[0014] In a further aspect of the invention, friction between the first horizontal surface of the cam follower and the second horizontal surface of the cam element provides a door checking function.

[0015] In a further aspect of the invention, the hinge further comprises releasable fastening means configured to hold the first bracket and the second bracket in assembly.

[0016] Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a vehicle door rotatably connected to a vehicle body using a hinge. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a vehicle door rotatably connected to a vehicle body using a hinge.

[0018] [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates parts of a hinge according to some embodiments.

[0019] [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates an assembly of parts of a hinge according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates an assembly of parts of a hinge according to some embodiments. [Figure 3C] 1 illustrates an assembly of parts of a hinge according to some embodiments. [Figure 3D] 1 illustrates an assembly of parts of a hinge according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates an assembly of parts of a hinge according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates an assembly of parts of a hinge according to some embodiments.

[0020] [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates the function of a hinge according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates the function of a hinge according to some embodiments. [Figure 5C] 1 illustrates the function of a hinge according to some embodiments.

[0021] [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a process for separating and rotatably reconnecting a vehicle door to a vehicle body according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates a process for separating and rotatably reconnecting a vehicle door to a vehicle body according to some embodiments. [Figure 6C] 1 illustrates a process for separating and rotatably reconnecting a vehicle door to a vehicle body according to some embodiments. [Figure 6D] 1 illustrates a process for separating and rotatably reconnecting a vehicle door to a vehicle body according to some embodiments.

[0022] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or their respective individual features, may be taken alone or in any combination. Features described in relation to one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, except where such features are incompatible. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] One aspect of the invention includes a hinge configured to rotatably connect a vehicle door and a vehicle body. The hinge includes a first bracket and a second bracket, each bracket being mountable to either the door or the body using either fixed fasteners, welding, gluing, riveting, or other means. In some embodiments, the first bracket can be mounted to the door and the second bracket can be mounted to the body. In other embodiments, the first bracket can be mounted to the body and the second bracket can be mounted to the door. A cam follower is non-rotatably housed within a first housing of the first bracket and configured to translate longitudinally within the first housing. In some embodiments, the cam follower can include a reciprocating plunger. A cam element is non-rotatably mounted to the second bracket and includes a cam surface configured to engage the cam follower. An energy storage means is configured to store energy when the cam follower translates longitudinally in a first direction and release energy when the cam follower translates longitudinally in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the energy storage means may include an elastic element such as a spring. The spring may be a linear or non-linear spring. In a preferred embodiment, the energy storage means is a coil spring. Other possible energy storage means include compressible elastic rubber or plastic parts, compressed gas (e.g., gas cylinders), and thermal energy storage, although other energy storage means may also be used.

[0024] The cam follower translates longitudinally as the first bracket rotates within a predetermined range of angles relative to the second bracket. When the door is opened, the cam follower rotates and engages the cam surface as the first bracket rotates. When the cam follower engages the cam surface, the cam follower translates longitudinally in a first direction within the first housing, causing the energy storage means to store energy. In a preferred embodiment, the first bracket rotates a predetermined amount (e.g., 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 7 degrees, or other amount) relative to the second bracket before the cam follower engages the cam surface. The rotational clearance allows the door to be partially opened without any counteracting cam force between the cam follower and the cam surface of the cam element. This rotational clearance may be useful during removal of the door, where the first bracket and the second bracket are separated. The rotational clearance may also constitute an overslam. When the first bracket rotates past a predetermined position relative to the second bracket (e.g., 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, or other amount) while the door is being opened, the first horizontal surface of the cam follower and the second horizontal surface of the cam element come into abutment, which stops the longitudinal translation of the cam follower. In a preferred embodiment, friction between the first horizontal surface of the cam follower and the second horizontal surface of the cam element provides a door check function that helps to keep the door open. Meanwhile, when the door is being closed, when the first bracket rotates past a predetermined position relative to the second bracket, the cam follower engages the cam surface and translates longitudinally in the second direction. When the cam follower translates longitudinally in the second direction, the energy storage means releases energy, which applies a load to the cam follower that assists in closing the door.

[0025] The door closing assist energy may be useful in situations that require additional force to close the door. For example, the door closing assist energy may be useful to overcome the door closing resistance resulting from the pressure in the vehicle cabin (e.g., when all windows are closed) or the mass of the door (e.g., when the vehicle is parked face down on a slope and the door opens). The door closing assist energy may also be useful to overcome the door closing resistance during the compression of the door seal and the full engagement of the door latch mechanism with the striker. In some embodiments, when the door has an opening angle of 30 degrees relative to the body, 3.5 J of door closing assist energy may be generated.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cam element includes at least one cam element ramp (e.g., one, two, four, or another number of cam element ramps). In some embodiments, the cam follower includes at least one cam follower ramp (e.g., one, two, four, or another number of cam follower ramps) configured to engage with at least one cam element ramp. The number of cam follower ramps typically matches the number of cam element ramps. The hinge is in a closed hinge state when the cam follower can no longer rotate relative to the cam element and no further energy can be released by the energy storage means. The hinge is in a partially open hinge state when at least one cam follower ramp engages with the cam element ramp and further energy can be stored or released by the energy storage means as the door rotates. The hinge can remain in a partially open hinge state when the first horizontal surface of the cam follower abuts the second horizontal surface of the cam element, allowing relative rotation therebetween without further energy storage or release by the energy storage means. Typically, the maximum energy is stored in the energy storage means at this partially open hinge stage. When the cam follower can no longer rotate relative to the cam element and no more energy can be stored by the energy storage means, the hinge is in the fully open hinge state. The hinge is in the fully open hinge state when the first bracket rotates relative to the second bracket by more than a predetermined amount (e.g., more than 25 degrees or more than 30 degrees). In some embodiments, the at least one cam follower ramp is configured to engage with the at least one cam element ramp after the door has been rotated open a predetermined amount (e.g., 3 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, or other amount).

[0027] In some embodiments, the cam element includes a first shaft housed in a first housing. The first shaft is preferably cylindrical to facilitate rotation of the cam follower about the first shaft. The cam surface is advantageously located at an end of the first shaft and is separated from the energy storage means by the cam follower. In some embodiments, the energy storage means is configured to surround the first shaft. A spring, in particular a coil spring, is an example of such an energy storage means. In some embodiments, the cam follower is configured to surround the first shaft for longitudinal slidable coupling with and rotation relative to the first shaft. In such a case, the first shaft is preferably cylindrical and the cam follower has a corresponding hollow cylindrical core. In some embodiments, a retaining means is used to engage the first shaft and restrict the cam element from translating longitudinally within the first housing. The retaining means can cause the energy storage means to store an initial amount of energy to preload the cam follower. In some embodiments, the retaining means includes a bushing mounted in the first housing and a pin configured to fit into and rotate relative to the bushing. In some embodiments, the pin is press-fitted onto the first shaft, causing the energy storage means to store an initial amount of energy and preload the cam follower. Alternatively, other retaining means, such as a clip or nut, may be used. In some embodiments, the cam element includes a second shaft configured to be non-rotatably positioned within the second housing of the second bracket, and a fastening means connected to the second shaft secures the cam element to the second housing. In some embodiments, the second shaft is threaded at a second shaft end adjacent an outer end of the second housing distal from the first bracket. Thus, the second shaft end is also distal from the first shaft. The fastening means may comprise a threaded fastener configured to engage a correspondingly threaded second shaft end. In some embodiments, the first bracket is separable from the second bracket by removing the fastener and releasing the second shaft from within the second housing.In other embodiments, other fastening means, such as clips or nuts, can be used to non-rotatably secure the cam element to the second housing. The cam element can include a disk-shaped feature configured to be located between the first housing and the second housing. In some embodiments, a bushing is disposed between the disk-shaped feature and the first housing.

[0028] The cylindrical interior surface or bore of the first housing can include at least one longitudinal groove and the cam follower can include at least one spline extending longitudinally from a circumferential surface of the cam follower. The at least one spline is configured to engage with and translate longitudinally within the at least one longitudinal groove to facilitate longitudinal translation of the cam follower within the first housing while preventing rotation of the cam follower relative to the first housing. In other embodiments, the same effect is achieved when the circumferential surface of the cam follower includes at least one longitudinal groove and the cylindrical interior surface or bore of the first housing includes at least one spline.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cam element includes a first anti-rotation feature and the second bracket includes a second anti-rotation feature. The second anti-rotation feature is configured to engage with the first anti-rotation feature to inhibit, and preferably prevent, rotation between the cam element and the second bracket. In a preferred embodiment, the first anti-rotation feature includes a male polygonal tapered mating surface of the conical joint and the second anti-rotation feature includes a female polygonal tapered mating surface of the conical joint. In a further preferred embodiment, the first anti-rotation feature includes one of the female square tapered mating surface and the male square tapered mating surface and the second anti-rotation feature includes the other of the female square tapered mating surface and the male square tapered mating surface. Other means may be used to prevent rotation between the cam element and the second bracket. For example, in one embodiment, the first anti-rotation feature includes a protrusion and the second anti-rotation feature includes a recess configured to receive the protrusion and prevent rotation between the cam element and the second bracket. In some embodiments, the first anti-rotation feature and the second anti-rotation feature are also useful for aligning the door bracket with the body bracket during assembly of the door to the body.

[0030] In some embodiments, the hinge works in conjunction with a door checker to hold the door in multiple rotational positions. A second hinge connecting the door to the body can include the door checker. An example of such a door checker is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,481,056.

[0031] 1A and 1B show an embodiment of a hinge (1) configured to rotatably connect a vehicle door (2) and a vehicle body (3). The hinge includes a door bracket (4) and a body bracket (5). The door bracket (4) is mountable to the vehicle door (2) and includes a door housing (6) (see FIG. 2). The door bracket is secured to the vehicle door (2) using a fastening fastener (7). The body bracket (5) is mountable to the vehicle body (3) and includes a body housing (8) (see FIG. 2). The body bracket (5) is mounted to the vehicle body (3) and includes a fastening fastener (7).

[0032] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the parts of the hinge (1). FIGS. 3A-3D, 4A and 4B show the assembly of the parts of the hinge (1). A cam follower (9) is non-rotatably housed within the door housing (6). The cam follower surrounds a first shaft (10) of a cam element (11) that is non-rotatably mounted to the body bracket (5). The cam follower (9) is configured to translate longitudinally within the door housing (6) along the first shaft (10), similar to a reciprocating plunger. The cam follower (9) includes one or more splines (12) configured to fit within a longitudinal groove (13) of the door housing (6) to prevent the cam follower (9) from rotating relative to the door housing (6) and to allow the cam follower (9) to translate longitudinally within the door housing (6) along the first shaft (10). Cam follower (9) further includes a protrusion (14) configured to fit within groove (15) of cam element (11). Protrusion (14) includes a cam follower ramped surface (16) configured to engage with a cam element ramped surface (17) of groove (15).

[0033] A spring (18) is housed within the door housing (6) and surrounds the first shaft (10). When the door (2) is opened, the cam follower ramp (16) engages the cam element ramp (17) and causes the cam follower (9) to translate vertically in a first direction, thereby compressing the spring (18) and storing elastic energy. When the door (2) is closed, the cam follower ramp (16) engages the cam element ramp (17) and causes the cam follower (9) to translate vertically in a second direction opposite the first direction, thereby decompressing the spring (18) and releasing elastic energy.

[0034] A bushing (19) is press-fit into a hole (20) in the top surface of the door housing (6). This may be in the form of a non-friction split bushing or another suitable bushing. A pin (21) fits into the bushing (19) and is press-fit onto a first shaft (10) located within the door housing (6). Alternatively, the pin (21) may be fitted onto the first shaft (10) or may be threaded or screwed onto the first shaft (10). As a result, the door housing (6) rotates relative to the pin (21) and first shaft (10) when the door (2) is opened and closed. The pin (21) compresses the spring (18) and preloads the cam follower (9).

[0035] The cam element (11) further includes a conical feature (22) configured to mate with a conical socket (23) pressed into the body housing (8). The mating surfaces of the conical feature (22) and the conical socket (23) include a male square taper mating surface (24) and a female square taper mating surface (25), respectively. The square taper mating surfaces (24) and (25) of the conical feature (22) and the conical socket (23), respectively, prevent rotation between the cam element (11) and the body bracket (5) and aid in the alignment of the door bracket (4) and the body bracket (5) during assembly of the hinge (1). Although the square taper mating surfaces are preferred, other polygonal mating surfaces (e.g., triangular, pentagonal, etc.) may be used.

[0036] The cam element (11) further includes a second shaft (26) configured to be located within the vertical passage (27) of the main body housing (8). The second shaft (26) is threaded for engagement with a fastener (28). The threads may extend over the entire length of the second shaft as needed, or may extend only over a portion of the length of the second shaft. The fastener (28) is fixed to the threaded end of the second shaft (26) to fix the cam element (11) to the main body bracket (5) and rotatably connect the door (2) and the main body (3). The fastener (28) is an internal thread and the second shaft (26) is an external thread. Alternatively, the fastener (28) may be an external thread and the second shaft (26) may be an internal thread. Other means may be used to fix the cam element (11) to the main body bracket (5), but a threaded connection is preferred to provide for intermittent and easy removal and reattachment of the door (2) to the main body (3) as further described below. The fastener (28) serves to hold the door bracket (4) and the main body bracket (5) in an assembly. The disk-shaped feature (30) of the cam element (11) is configured to contact both the door housing (6) and the main body housing (8). A bushing (29) surrounds the cylindrical portion of the cam element (11) between the groove (15) and the disk-shaped feature (30) and is configured to be located on the surface of the disk-shaped feature (30) of the cam element (11). The bushing (29) facilitates rotation of the first housing (6) relative to the cam element (11). In various embodiments, some portions of the cam element (11) described herein may be integral and / or some portions of the cam element (11) may be structurally fixed.

[0037] Figures 5A-5C show the function of the hinge (1). The door bracket (4) has been purposely omitted from Figures 5A-5C so as not to obstruct the components housed within the door housing (6). Figure 5A shows the hinge (1) in a closed hinge state, in which the projections (14) are fully seated within their respective grooves (15), the cam followers (9) can no longer move relative to the cam elements (11), no further energy can be released by the springs (18), and the door (2) is closed. The projections (14) are configured to fit within the grooves (15) with a predetermined rotational clearance between the cam follower ramps (16) and the cam element ramps (17).

[0038] 5B shows the hinge (1) in a first partially open hinge state, in which the door (2) is partially open and the cam follower ramp (16) engages the cam element ramp (17) such that additional energy can be stored or released by the spring (18) as the door rotates. When the door bracket (4) rotates in a first rotational direction (32) beyond the rotational clearance, the cam follower (9), which is non-rotatably housed within the door housing (6), rotates in the first rotational direction (32) the same amount as the door bracket (4). When the door bracket (4) rotates to open the door (2), the cam follower ramp (16) engages the cam element ramp (17) and translates the cam follower (9) vertically upward into the first housing (6), compressing the spring (18).

[0039] FIG. 5C shows the hinge (1) in a second partially open hinge state, in which the door (2) is partially open, the protrusion (14) reaches the horizontal surface (33) of the cam element (11), the cam follower (9) can no longer move vertically relative to the cam element (11), and substantially maximum energy is stored by the spring (18). Friction between the horizontal surface (34) of the protrusion (14) and the horizontal surface (33) of the cam element (11) provides a door check function. The hinge (1) enters the second partially open hinge state when the door bracket (4) rotates past a predetermined position relative to the body bracket (5). The hinge (1) enters the fully open hinge state when the cam follower (9) can no longer move rotationally relative to the cam element (11), and substantially maximum energy is still stored by the spring (18). Alternatively, if a different energy storage profile is desired, the energy stored by the spring (18) in the fully open hinge state need not be the maximum energy stored during the opening of the door (2). The stored energy must be sufficient to urge the door (2) to close when a predetermined position is reached during door closure, as further described below.

[0040] During closing of the door (2), as the door bracket (4) rotates in a second rotational direction (35) opposite the first rotational direction (32) and passes a predetermined position relative to the body bracket (5), the cam follower ramp (16) engages the cam element ramp (17), translating the cam follower (9) vertically downward within the door housing (6) and decompressing the spring (18). As the spring (18) decompresses and releases its stored energy, a load is applied to the cam follower (9) that assists in closing the door (2). The spring force provides some momentum to the door (2) and helps overcome any forces resisting the door (2) from fully closing.

[0041] 6A-6D show an embodiment of a process for separating the door (2) from the body (3). In FIG. 6A, the door (2) is unlatched and the door (2) is opened. In FIG. 6B, the fastener (28) screwed onto the threaded end of the second shaft (26) is removed. In FIG. 6C, the door (2) is lifted upward until the second shaft (26) is released from within the body bracket (5). In FIG. 6D, the door (2) is set aside for storage. The door (2) is rotatably reconnected to the body (3) by lifting the door (2) and lowering the second shaft (26) into the body housing (8) of the body bracket (5) until the surface (24) of the conical feature (22) contacts the surface (25) of the conical socket (23). A fastener (28) is then secured to the threaded end of the second shaft (26) to rotatably reconnect the door (2) to the body (3).

[0042] The particular arrangement of elements described herein may be modified as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the elements may be rearranged such that the cam element is non-rotatably housed within the door housing and rotates with the door housing as the door opens and closes. In such an arrangement, the door housing and the cam element rotate relative to the cam follower. In another example, the cam element may be integral with or structurally fixed to the door housing or the body housing. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the cam element includes two grooves and the cam follower includes two protrusions, but a different number of grooves and protrusions may be used. Additionally, the location of the grooves relative to one another and the protrusions of the cam follower relative to one another may be different than those illustrated. Similarly, a different number of longitudinal grooves and splines may be used within or on each of the first housing and the cam follower than those illustrated. Additionally, the location of the longitudinal grooves relative to one another and the splines relative to one another may be different than those illustrated.

[0043] In embodiments, the various parts of the hinge can be manufactured using a variety of manufacturing methods, such as stamping, forging, and casting. In embodiments, the various parts of the hinge can be manufactured from a variety of materials, such as metal and plastic. In some embodiments, a lubricant or a material impregnated with a lubricant can be used. For example, a lubricant can be used on a metal cam follower.

[0044] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations or modifications of the illustrated structure may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A hinge (1) configured to rotatably connect a vehicle door (2) and a vehicle body (3), comprising: a first bracket (4) attachable to one of the door (2) and the body (3), the first bracket (4) comprising a first housing (6); a second bracket (5) attachable to the other of the door (2) and the main body (3); a cam element (11) non-rotatably attached to the second bracket (5) and having a cam surface (17) configured to engage a cam follower (9), the cam element (11) having at least one shaft configured to rotatably connect the first bracket (4) to the second bracket (5); the cam follower (9) non-rotatably accommodated within the first housing (6) and configured to translate longitudinally within the first housing (6) when engaged with the cam surface (17); an energy storage means (18) configured to store energy when the cam follower (9) translates longitudinally in a first direction and to release energy when the cam follower (9) translates longitudinally in a second direction opposite to the first direction; Equipped with When the first bracket (4) rotates relative to the second bracket (5) within a predetermined angular range between the first bracket (4) and the second bracket (5), a longitudinal translation of the cam follower (9) occurs; when the door (2) is opened, when the first bracket (4) rotates in a first rotation direction (32) relative to the second bracket (5) beyond a predetermined position beyond the predetermined angular range, a first horizontal surface (34) of the cam follower (9) and a second horizontal surface (33) of the at least two horizontal surfaces of the cam element (11) come into contact with each other, thereby stopping the longitudinal translation of the cam follower (9) in the first direction; When the door (2) is closed, when the first bracket (4) rotates relative to the second bracket (5) in a second rotational direction (35) opposite to the first rotational direction (32) beyond the predetermined position, the cam follower (9) engages the cam surface (17) and translates longitudinally in the second direction, thereby releasing energy stored by the energy storage means (18) to assist in closing the door (2).

2. The cam surface (17) comprises at least one cam element inclined surface (17), 2. The hinge (1) of claim 1, wherein the cam follower (9) comprises at least one cam follower ramp (16) configured to engage with the at least one cam element ramp (17).

3. when the cam follower (9) can no longer rotate relative to the cam element (11) and no further energy can be released by the energy storage means (18), the hinge (1) is in a closed hinge state; when the at least one cam follower ramp (16) engages with the cam element ramp (17) and further energy can be stored or released by the energy storage means (18) as the door (2) rotates, the hinge (1) is in a first partially open hinge state; the hinge (1) is in a second partially open hinge state when the first horizontal surface (34) of the cam follower abuts the second horizontal surface (33) of the cam element, allowing relative rotation therebetween without further storage or release of energy by the energy storage means (18); 3. The hinge (1) of claim 2, wherein the hinge (1) is in a fully open hinge state when the cam follower (9) can no longer rotate relative to the cam element (11) and no further energy can be stored by the energy storage means (18).

4. The at least one shaft further comprises a first shaft (10) housed within the first housing (6); The first shaft (10) is cylindrical; The energy storage means (18) is configured to surround the first shaft (10); 2. The hinge (1) of claim 1, wherein the cam follower (9) is configured to surround the first shaft (10) so as to be longitudinally slidably coupled to the first shaft (10) and to rotate relative to the first shaft (10).

5. 5. The hinge (1) of claim 4, further comprising a retaining means (21) for engaging said first shaft (10) to limit longitudinal translation of said cam element (11) within said first housing (6).

6. 6. The hinge (1) of claim 5, wherein the retaining means (21) further causes the energy storage means (18) to store an initial amount of energy to apply at least a predetermined amount of preload to the cam follower (9).

7. 6. The hinge (1) of claim 5, wherein the retaining means (21) comprises a pin (21) non-rotatably connected to the first shaft (10) and rotating within a bushing (19) when mounted within the first housing (6).

8. At least one shaft of the cam element (11) further comprises a second shaft (26) protruding opposite the first shaft (10); The second shaft (26) is non-rotatably mounted within a second housing (8) of the second bracket (5); 2. The hinge (1) of claim 1, wherein a fastening means (28) attached to the second shaft (26) secures the cam element (11) to the second housing (8).

9. the second shaft (26) having a threaded portion; 9. The hinge (1) of claim 8, wherein the fastening means (28) comprises a threaded fastener configured to engage a corresponding threaded portion of the second shaft (26), whereby the first bracket (4) is separable from the second bracket (5) by removing the fastener and releasing the second shaft (26) from within the second housing (8).

10. The cam element (11) comprises a first anti-rotation mechanism (22); 2. The hinge (1) of claim 1, wherein the second bracket (5) comprises a second anti-rotation mechanism (23) configured to engage with the first anti-rotation mechanism (22) to prevent rotation between the cam element (11) and the second bracket (5).

11. The first anti-rotation feature (22) comprises a male polygonal tapered mating surface (24) of a conical joint; 11. The hinge (1) of claim 10, wherein the second anti-rotation feature (23) comprises a female polygonal tapered mating surface (25) of the conical joint.

12. at least one longitudinal groove (13) recessed into one of the inner cylindrical surface of the first housing (6) and the circumferential surface of the cam follower (9); at least one spline (12) extending longitudinally from the other of the inner cylindrical surface of the first housing (6) and the circumferential surface of the cam follower (9); 2. The hinge (1) of claim 1, further comprising: at least one spline (12) configured to engage with and translate longitudinally within the at least one groove (13) to facilitate longitudinal translation of the cam follower (9) within the first housing (6) while preventing rotation of the cam follower (9) within the first housing (6).

13. 10. A hinge assembly, comprising: a hinge (1) according to claim 1, which operates in conjunction with a door checker configured to hold the door (2) in a plurality of rotational positions relative to the body (3).

14. A hinge assembly as described in claim 13, wherein the door checker is a component of a second hinge connecting the door (2) to the main body (3).

15. The hinge (1) according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage means (18) comprises a spring.

16. The hinge (1) according to claim 15, wherein the spring comprises a coil spring.

17. 2. The hinge (1) of claim 1, wherein friction between the first horizontal surface (34) of the cam follower (9) and the second horizontal surface (33) of the cam element (11) provides a door checking function.

18. 2. The hinge (1) of claim 1, further comprising releasable fastening means (28) configured to hold the first bracket (4) and the second bracket (5) in assembly.

19. The cam surface (17) comprises at least one cam element inclined surface (17), the cam follower (9) comprises at least one cam follower ramp (16) configured to engage with the at least one cam element ramp (17); The hinge (1) of claim 1, wherein the energy storage means (18) comprises a coil spring.

20. The cam element (11) further comprises a cylindrical first shaft (10) accommodated within the first housing (6), The coil spring is configured to surround the first shaft (10); 20. The hinge (1) of claim 19, wherein the cam follower (9) is configured to surround the first shaft (10) so as to be longitudinally slidably coupled to and rotate relative to the first shaft (10).

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