Miscellaneous hardware (e.g. – bushing – carpet fastener – caster – Hinge – Including means to hold or retard hinged members against...
Reexamination Certificate
2001-10-15
2004-02-03
Estremsky, Gary (Department: 3676)
Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,
Hinge
Including means to hold or retard hinged members against...
C016S328000, C016S337000, C016S341000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06684455
ABSTRACT:
The invention relates to an articulated joint, in particular a door hinge, having a device for fastening a first movement element which is coupled movably to a second movement element,
having a fastening unit
which has at least one first and one second braking element, the first braking element (for example, outer discs) being connected to the first movement element and the second braking element (for example, inner discs) being connected to the second movement element,
the braking elements being able, by the action of a force generated by a force application element, to be engaged with one another in such a manner that they are fastened to one another, and via the connection of the braking elements to the movement elements, in this case the movement elements are also fastened to one another,
and having a mechanical switching unit.
At present fastening devices are known which comprise
a latching unit,
which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a first movement element, and
is in engagement with a latching projection mounted on a second movement element.
This type of fastening describes a mechanical door-holding system for motor vehicles which is customary in practice. These door-holding systems have defined latching points which are specified by the latching unit used. These latching points define the door-opening angles in which the position of the door, relative to the frame, is secured against slamming shut or opening. Fastening the door at any desired opening angle cannot be achieved using the known mechanical door-holding systems. In everyday life this has the consequence that in the event of an obstacle, for example another vehicle, a wall or the like, being situated in the predetermined latching position of the door, the door has to be fastened in the next smaller latching position, as a result of which, however, getting in or out is made substantially more difficult. Alternatively, there is only the option of holding the door open. However, this generally results in there being collisions with the object which result in unwanted damage.
A further disadvantage of the known door-holding systems resides in the fact that the doors are accelerated by their own latching system in the direction of the nearest latching. This has the result that the door, after being released outside the latching points, is accelerated in the direction of a possible obstacle and the door collides with the obstacle. Depending on the magnitude of the impact speed, these collisions cause damage, in particular damage to the paint, which has to be repaired at high cost.
Known catches which make it possible to lock the door in any desired position, require an electric or hydraulic auxiliary device in order to actuate braking elements which serve to fix the door. These systems are very susceptible to faults, have a high inherent weight and cause high manufacturing costs.
From document DE 41 03 198 a device is known which corresponds to the type of articulated joint the most important features of which are described in the beginning above. Said document discloses a door of a motor vehicle provided with a brake which holds the door in the open position. The brake consists of an arm attached to the hinge pin. The arm is provided with two radially adjustable blocks which have recesses to receive the rounded heads of brake shoes. Each brake shoe can swing around an axis, which is parallel to the hinge axis, and the brake shoe is in permanent contact with the inside surface of a bushing. Thus in case of a sufficient pressure between the brake shoe and the inside surface of the bushing to secure the desired opening position of the door it is not possible to freely pivot the door with respect to a frame because the pressure can not be reduced. Vice versa a reduction of the pressure which makes it possible to pivot the door with respect to the frame would have the undesired effect that the opening positions of the door are not sufficiently secured. Further a sufficient high pressure on the brake shoe, i.e. sufficiently high for holding the door, would necessarily cause a damage of the inside surface of the bushing.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide, with the abovementioned disadvantages being avoided, a fastening device of the type mentioned at the beginning which makes it possible for the movement elements to be locked in any desired relative position with respect to one another in a mechanical manner.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by use being made of the mechanical switching unit,
which can take up a coupling state and at least one separating state,
the switching unit switching over from the coupling state into the separating state when the movement elements move relative to one another,
in the coupling state the switching unit releasing the action of a force on the braking elements, so that said braking elements enter into engagement with one another,
and the switching unit comprising
a first and second actuating element, the first actuating element (for example, upper lifting washer) being connected to the first movement element and the second actuating element (for example, lower lifting washer) being connected to the second movement element in such a manner that the movement of the movement elements causes a rotational movement of the actuating elements, which are mounted on one another in such a manner that when there is a mutual change in their position they execute a switching movement taking place in a direction which is parallel to the axis of rotation and the actuating elements change their distance apart which causes the switching unit to switch over from the coupling state into the seperating state in which the action of the force on the braking elements is blocked, so that said braking elements become detached from one another and
at least one coupling element like a rolling or tilting body (for example balls) which converts the relative movement of the movement elements into a switching movement of the actuating elements, the coupling element returning automatically into its starting position releasing the action of the force on the braking elements, so that said braking elements reenter into engagement with one another.
Movement elements may be all of the parts which can be moved relative to one another and which are connected to one another. Movement elements can, in particular, be motor-vehicle doors which are connected to the vehicle body at a frame.
Locking of the movement elements with respect to one another, for example the fastening of a motor-vehicle door with respect to the body, takes place with the aid of the braking elements. These braking elements are connected to the associated movement elements in such a manner that the fastening of the braking elements leads to the fastening of the associated movement element.
In order to lock the movement elements in their relative position, the braking elements can be brought into mutual engagement. The type of connection between the particular braking elements can be selected in accordance with the particular application. Frictional or interlocking connections, inter alia, can thus be used.
In order to secure the connection of the engaged braking elements, said braking elements are acted upon with a force. The size of the force determines, inter alia, the counter-force which is necessary in order to detach the connection between the braking elements.
The mechanical switching unit, which is actuated by a movement of the movement elements relative to one another, is the central point of the invention. The movement of the movement elements causes the mechanical switching unit to be switched over from the coupling state, in which a force acts on the braking elements so that said braking elements enter into engagement with one another, into the separating state, as a result of which the action of the force on the braking elements is interrupted and the latter become detached from one another. Referring to the example of a motor-vehicle door, this means that by means of a door movement
Estremsky Gary
ISE Industries GmbH
Leydig , Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
Williams Mark
LandOfFree
Articulated joint, in particular a door hinge, having a... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Articulated joint, in particular a door hinge, having a..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Articulated joint, in particular a door hinge, having a... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3354588