Patent Grant
7845053
The present invention relates to a hinge assembly suitable for use with a vehicle hood or trunk, airplane door or other closure panel. More particularly, the hinge assembly includes a prop arm which is operable to secure the closure panel in an open position to prevent the unintentional closing of the hinge arms against a closing force selected less than a predetermined threshold force, without the use of conventional gas-charged struts or conventional prop rods.
In automobile manufacture, hinge assemblies are used to pivotally secure closure panels such as tail gates, trunk lids, bonnets and/or hoods to the vehicle frame, or any other type of closure. Conventional car hinges consist of a pair of steel hinge arms which are movably connected to each other by one or more pivots, and which are bolted respectively to one of the closure panel and the car frame. To maintain the car hood in an open position, as for example to permit servicing of the engine, it is known to provide either supplementary gas-charged struts or a prop rod in conjunction with the hood hinges.
The use of hinge mechanisms in conjunction with gas-charged struts advantageously enables the hood to be opened or closed by only one hand of the user. As the hood is opened, gas pressure within the strut acts as a counterbalance to the weight of the hood, and helps to open and hold open the hood/closure panel by supporting the weight of the hood through the force generated by gas pressures within the struts. To close the hood, the user merely applies an added minimum downward pressure on the hood which is sufficient to overcome the resistive force of the struts. Gas struts suffer disadvantages, however, in that over time as a result of wear and seal failures, the struts tend to lose their effectiveness and may require replacement. In addition, as a practical matter, the increased manufacturing costs of gas struts has resulted in their limited use to date. In particular, gas struts are used almost solely with more expensive luxury automobiles, sport utility vehicles and/or vehicles designed with ergonomic difficulties for the end user to open or close the closure panel.
Conventional hood hinge assemblies used with less expensive vehicles are most often provided in conjunction with an elongated prop rod which is hingely mounted along the front of the vehicle under the hood. These hinge systems suffer the disadvantage in that they require two handed operation. In particular, in use, it is necessary to hold open the hood with one hand, and thereafter release, raise and position the prop rod with the other hand, typically orienting the end of the prop rod within a slot or opening formed in a forward underside portion of the hood. When closing the hood, two hands must again be employed, with one hand used to partially raise the hood a certain amount to allow the upper end of the prop rod to be disengaged from the hood slot, and the other to simultaneously lower and reposition the prop rod in a storage operation.
In an effort to attempt to overcome some of the disadvantages of prior art devices, U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,843 B2 to Schillaci et al describes a prop assembly for use in securing a vehicle hood in an open orientation, without the use of a conventional prop rod. In Schillaci, the hinge itself is provided with a rigid prop member which is pivotally connected at an upper end to the hood hinge arm. The lower end of the prop rod is slidably received within a guide slot which extends in an inclined orientation along the car body away from the hinge pivot, and which includes at a proximal most downwardly extending detent. The lower end of the prop rod drops into the detent as the hood is fully opened, to thereby brace the hinge arm in the open orientation.
Schillaci suffers a disadvantage in that to release the hinge and close the hood, it is necessary for an individual to stand to the side of the car adjacent to the hinge, and manually raise both the hood and the end of the prop rod from the detent by means of a release lever. Schillaci therefore continues to require a two-handed operation of the hinge assembly in closing operation. In addition, because the prop rod is released from its position with the user standing beside the vehicle, Schillaci suffers further disadvantages in that it is difficult for shorter and/or physically weaker users to raise the hood when standing to the vehicle side, as in such a position almost the entire weight of the hood is forward from the user. In addition, with Schillaci once the prop rod is released, it may be necessary for the user to reposition him or herself in front of the car to thereafter secure the hood closed in a fully latched configuration.
To at least partially overcome some of the disadvantages associated with prior art devices, the present invention seeks to provide a hinge assembly suitable for use in the opening and closing of not only vehicle hoods, trunks, or deck lids, hatchbacks, tail and tailgates, but also baggage compartment doors, airplane doors, furniture lids or other such closure panel (hereinafter generically referred to as closure panels). Most preferably, the hinge assembly is operable by a user using only one hand, and without the need for either gas-charged struts or conventional prop rods to secure the raised closure panel in place in an open position against closure or downward forces which are less than a selected predetermined threshold force.
Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge assembly which is adapted to secure a vehicle closure panel in an open position over an opening, and which may be quickly and easily locked in place and/or released through one-handed operation.
Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge assembly for a vehicle which includes a prop arm which is provided with a releasable toggle, locking tab member or pawl operable to secure the vehicle hood and/or trunk in an open position against accidental closure, and which may be released by applying a simple downward force greater than predetermined threshold force, to thereby allow closing in final securement of the hood/trunk with a user standing in front or behind the vehicle.
A further object of the invention is to provide a hinge assembly in which the prop arm includes a spring biased guide pin, movable pawl or tab which is slidable to assist in the securement of a prop arm in an engaging position, where the prop rod prevents against accidental hinge closure. The pin, pawl or tab is movable relative to a guide track or slot from an operational section which allows for manual opening and closing of the closure panel in a conventional manner, without the spring significantly affecting hinge operation, into an engaged section, whereby the spring supplies at least a partial force on the prop arm to urge the hinge towards an open orientation.
Another object of the invention is to provide one or more locking hinge mechanisms for use in securing a vehicle bonnet, hood, trunk or deck lid, hatchback, lift back, lift or other closure panel in a locked open orientation, and which in operation provides an upward counterbalancing force, to at least partially offset the dead weight of the closure panel in a manner similar to that of a conventional gas strut.
A further object of the invention is to provide a pair of automobile hinge assemblies for coupling a vehicle hood to the vehicle frame. In operation, the hinge assemblies provide a counterbalancing force greater than the downward force applied by the vehicle hood weight once the hood has been manually raised to a pre-selected angle, to effect further opening of the hood either with minimal further manual lifting force, or more preferably without requiring any further manual lifting force by the user.
Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge assembly for use in connecting a closure panel to a frame, and which includes a pair of pivotally movable hinge arms, and a spring biased prop arm assembly for securing the hinge arms in an open orientation, and wherein the hinge spring is tunable to permit adjustment of the spring force applied to the prop arm.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a hinge assembly which is adapted for use in securing a vehicle deck lid or tailgate to a vehicle frame, and which is tunable for use on a variety of different automobiles to provide a counterbalancing force which has a similar feel to gas charged struts.
A further object of the invention is to provide a locking hinge assembly which possesses a simplified construction for use in securing a closure panel in a locked open orientation, and which may be unlocked by the one-handed application of a predetermined minimum threshold downward force, allowing the closure panel to be closed in a simplified downward movement.
The present invention provides a biasing or prop mechanism which includes a pair of movable plates or arm members which are engaged by a sliding member. Most preferably, the prop/biasing mechanism may be used as part of a hinge, tensioner, or other structure where a force is applied on a prop rod to create an opening, closing or tensioning motion. Most preferably, the prop mechanism comprises a hinge assembly for use with a pivotally movable closure panel such as a vehicle hood or trunk, airplane or railcar door, or other furniture lid or component. More particularly, one or more hinge assemblies are adapted to pivotally secure the closure panel to a frame, allowing it to be opened or closed. In use, the hinge assembly is operable to provide a counterbalancing force to lock or hold the closure panel in an open configuration relative against a predetermined threshold closure force without the need of separate support components, such as gas-charged struts or prop rods. Most preferably, the hinge assemblies are selected such that the total counterbalancing force applied by the hinge assemblies exceeds the closure force applied by the weight of the closure panel.
Each hinge assembly is provided with upper and lower hinge brackets, plates or arms (hereinafter generally referred to as hinge arms), which respectively are either integrated into or positioned for coupling directly or indirectly to the closure panel and the adjacent frame. The upper and lower hinge arms are pivotally connected towards their rearward ends for movement relative to each other either by one or more hinge pivots or pins, or for compound pivotal movement about a hinge pivot axis by way of one or more linkage arms pivotally connected to each other at points along the hinge arms.
A generally elongated slot, track or other guidance member (hereinafter collectively and generally referred to as a guide slot) is formed either as a separate member connected to the closure panel or frame, or more preferably is formed on or in the second other hinge arm, with the hinge assembly formed as a pre-manufactured integral unit.
The hinge assembly further includes a prop arm which may be pivotally coupled towards its first end to either the closure panel, the vehicle or furniture frame. More preferably, however, the first end of the prop arm is pivotally secured to a forward portion of a first one of the hinge arms at a point spaced a distance forwardly from one or more of the hinge pivot axis. A guide pin, boss, tab member, prong or pawl (hereinafter collectively generally referred to as a sliding member) is secured toward the second other end of the prop arm. The sliding member engages the guide slot so as to be reciprocally movable therealong as the hinge arms are moved between a fully closed and fully open positions. As will be described, the relative positioning of the sliding member along the guide slot is used to achieve either free movement or locking the hinge assembly in an open position under normal load forces.
The applicant has appreciated that by introducing minor changes to the orientation and curvature of the guide slot and/or the position of pivotal coupling of the prop arm, adjustments may be made to the hinge assembly to permit its tuning without changing or altering spring tension. This enables the use of the hinge assembly to provide a suitable counterbalancing force on a variety of different vehicle models and/or makes.
In a simplified design, the guide slot includes a free operational section where the hinge assembly operates so as to allow the closure panel to be manually opened and closed in a conventional manner, and an engaged section where the hinge assembly moves to provide a positive counterbalancing force on the closure panel, as for example, to assist in preventing movement of the closure panel from open orientation under its own weight.
The operational section is generally elongated and extends forwardly from a rearwardmost bight spaced towards the hinge pivot axis to merge at its forwardmost end with the engaged section. The operational section may be straight, angled and/or curved. Most preferably, the operational section is formed as a parallel sided guide slot and is oriented to allow reciprocal movement of the sliding member therealong. In a preferred construction, the engaged section of the guide slot extends in a generally arcuate or otherwise partially transverse direction to the operating section. Optionally, the engaged portion may also include upper and/or lower detent portions which physically allow the sliding member to move therein to assist in allowing the closure panel to move to a more fully open position, allowing greater access to the vehicle.
Preferably, the hinge assembly also includes a resilient biasing member which is used to selectively assist in biasing the sliding member forwardly relative to the guide slot. Suitable biasing members may include without limitation electric motors, torsion springs, helical compression spring, extension springs, coil springs, or in an alternate construction gas-charged struts. Although not essential, preferably the biasing member is configured to either disengage from or largely passively engage the sliding member as it moves along the operational section of the guide slot, with the hinge assembly operating as a largely conventional hinge as the sliding member locates therein. Most preferably, in the operational section, the sliding member does not place increased stresses on the biasing member, as for example so not to otherwise overtension a biasing spring or the like. The applicant has appreciated that by limiting the biasing force on the sliding member in the operational section, the closure panel is not placed under significant stress and thereby, for example, allowing the vehicle hood, lift gate or the like to be manufactured less robustly and more inexpensively.
As the sliding member moves into the engaged section of the slot, the biasing member actively engages the sliding member to provide a gradually increasing positive biasing force thereon, urging the sliding member forwardly. It is to be appreciated that the biasing force between the member or spring and the slidable second end of the prop arm results in a forward force thereon. Preferably, the forward force increases to a point which is selected to act as a counterbalance weight of the closure panel and assist in moving the closure panel to and from the open configuration.
It is furthermore to be appreciated that comparatively smaller spring constructions may be used with differential coil spacing and/or thicknesses to provide variable counterbalancing effects, as for example, the hinge assembly is opened past and/or between predetermined threshold amounts.
In a simplified construction, the hinge assembly is used as a vehicle hood hinge. The guide slot is formed in the lower hinge arm so as to extend forwardly from a rear portion spaced towards the pivot axis, to a forwardmost end portion, with the prop arm being pivotally connected towards a forward end of the upper hinge arm. It is to be appreciated, however, that the hinge assembly could equally be provided in the reverse orientation, with the prop arm pivotally fixed to the lower hinge arm or even the vehicle frame, and the guide slot provided along the length of the upper hinge arm or formed in the hood. As the hood is raised, and the upper hinge arm is pivoted relative to the lower arm about the hinge pivot and pivot axis, the relative movement of the hinge arms results in the second end of the prop arm and the sliding member being slid forwardly along the operational section of the guide slot.
In a preferred embodiment, the engaged section of the guide slot extends forwardly along a generally arcuate curving path which extends radially about a path axis. A spring biased toggle arm is pivotally secured to the hinge assembly. Although not essential, most preferably the toggle arm is provided with a generally non-linearly or curving engagement surface which is configured for engaging contact with the sliding member as it reciprocally moves along the slot. The toggle member is resiliently movable between an initial biased position, where the engagement surface of the toggle arm is moved adjacent to a side of the operational section of the guide slot so as not to substantially interfere with the sliding movement of the guide member thereon, to an engagement position, wherein the engagement surface is positioned in an orientation at least partially transverse to the direction of elongation of the slot. As the sliding member moves from the operational section of the slot into the engaged section, the rotational movement of the toggle member and contact between the engagement surface and sliding member applies an increasing forward force on the sliding member, reaching a predetermined force to urge the sliding member to move forwardly along the guide slot. This forward movement of the guide member results in the prop arm forcing the hinge arms apart, moving the closure panel towards the open position.
The applicant has appreciated that by adjusting the curvature or angle of the guide slot path and/or the shape of the contact surface of the toggle member or length of the pivot arm may also be used to tune the hinge for use in different applications and/or with different vehicle hoods, lift gates or the like. As such, the present hinge construction provides greater versatility enabling the same hinge parts to be used on a variety of different vehicle types or models with minor adjustment to one or more hinge components such as the spring, guide slot, prop arm and/or toggle arm.
Optionally, the engaged section of the guide slot may include an upper extending detent at its forwardmost end. As the hinge arms move to the fully opened position, the guide member is urged into alignment with the detent, so as to be movable therein to allows the hood to be opened to a greater than normal angle to facilitate access.
In another possible construction, a keeper recess, catch arm, locking hook or other catch member may be used to engage the guide member as it moves to the forward end of the slot, to assist in locking the hinge arms in an open configuration.
To close the vehicle hood, a manual downward force is applied on the hood which is sufficient to move the sliding member downwardly out of alignment with the detent, if any, and rearwardly along the slot, and which exceeds the upward counterbalancing force applied thereagainst the toggle arm. The downward movement of the upper hinge arm results in the sliding member returning rearwardly along the engaged section of the guide slot against the bias of the toggle and spring. Movement of the sliding member along the slot most preferably results in the toggle arm being repositioned to reassume an orientation with its engagement surface parallel to a section of the slot. As the sliding member returns towards the operational section of the slot, most preferably the toggle member provides a gradually decreasing forward force on the sliding member, most preferably reaching a neutral or zero forward force thereon as the sliding member returns into the operational section of the slot. Once so positioned, the sliding member is again passively engaged, so as to freely move along the operational section of the slot without being subjected to significant forward forces. The applicant has appreciated that while not essential, here the effect of the spring on the guide pin is minimized eliminating the need of overtensioning the spring and lengthening spring life. In addition, the present construction advantageously permits the use of comparatively smaller springs as contrasted with conventional spring triggered hood release mechanisms, enabling the entire hinge assembly to be formed with an overall more compact design. Optionally, the sliding member may be provided with a live bearing to minimize any frictional wear, resulting from the contact forces applied by the toggle arm thereon as it moves long the guide slot.
In an alternate possible construction, the engaged section of the guide slot includes a blind end portion which includes upper and lower detents, such that the blind end is elongated in a direction generally transverse to the direction of elongation of the operational section. Here the sliding member may be formed as a locking pawl having an oval or generally elliptical shape, and a width and length selected to enable it to be slidably retained in or along the guide slot. The locking pawl is rotatably coupled towards one of its ends to the second end portion of the prop arm so as to extend forwardly therefrom when the pawl is positioned adjacent to the rearwardmost bight of the guide slot. Preferably, the pawl is provided as a generally elongated member which has an overall length selected to enable its positioning fully within the blind end portion of the slot. Although not essential, the upper detent extends vertically upward relative to the operational section of the guide slot, with the lower detent extending downwardly therebelow. The relative sizing of the pawl and blind end of the slot are selected to allow the substantially reorientation of the pawl therein to a locking position whereby the pawl is moved substantially angularly to the direction of elongation of the operational section.
Because the prop arm is rotatably mounted at its first end to a forwardmost end of the upper hinge arm, its other second end and the locking pawl are slidably movable along the guide slot as the closure panel is raised. In particular, as the hinge arms move open, the locking pawl slides forwardly along the operational section of the guide slot from the rearwardmost bight and into the blind end. As the locking cam moves forwardly, it moves from the operational section into the blind end where engagement between the sides of the detents and the locking pawl, effects the repositioning of the pawl in the locking orientation. Although not essential, most preferably, in the locking orientation the pawl is repositioned with its longitudinal length moved at an angle of 90°±10° relative to its positioning when in the operational section of the guide slot.
To close the hood or closure panel, the user simply pulls downwardly on the panel with a predetermined minimum threshold force necessary to overcome the spring force and reposition the locking pawl in substantial alignment with the operational section of the slot. Preferably, as the hinge arms are pulled close, the engagement between surfaces of the guide slot return the locking pawl to its original operating configuration, aligned with the longitudinal axis of the operating section. This repositioning allows its return sliding movement along the slot towards the rearwardmost bight, and the folding of the hinge arms to the closed position.
It is to be appreciated, however, that other means of resetting the locking pawl are also possible, including without limitation, flanges, detents, or other physical constructions.
Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention resides in an automobile hinge assembly for hingely coupling an automobile hood to a vehicle frame so as to be selectively movable between open and closed positions about a hinge pivot, the hinge assembly comprising a first hinge arm coupled to one of said hood and said frame, and a second hinge arm coupled to the other of said hood and said frame, each of the hinge arms extending forwardly from a respective proximal end spaced towards said hinge pivot to a distal end remote therefrom, whereby when the hood is moved to the closed position, the distal ends of the hinge arms being moved towards a juxtaposed position, and in the open position the distal ends being moved apart relative therefrom,
a guide slot formed in said second hinge arm, the slot including a rearwardmost operational section and an engaged section forwardly from the operational section, the engaged section including a curving portion extending along a generally arcuate path radially spaced from a point axis,
a prop arm pivotally coupled at a first end to the first hinge arm at a pivot point spaced forwardly from the hinge pivot, the second other end of the arm including a sliding member slidably engaging said slot for movement therealong, whereby movement of the hood from the closed position to the open position effects sliding movement of the sliding member forwardly along the slot from a rearwardmost position in the operational section to a forwardmost position in the engaged section,
a resiliently biased engagement member mounted for engaging contact with the sliding member and being resiliently movable between a release position wherein said engagement member does not substantially interfere with rearward movement of the sliding member along said operational section of said slot, and an engaged position wherein said engagement member engages said prop arm to provide a forward force thereon to assist in forward movement of the sliding member along the engaged section towards the forward position.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in a hinge arm assembly comprising first and second hinge arms, each of the hinge arms extending from a respective proximal end to a distal free end and being coupled for pivotal movement relative to each other about a hinge pivot spaced towards the distal end for movement between a closed position, wherein the free ends of said hinge arms are moved towards juxtaposition, and an open position, wherein the free ends are moved apart,
a guide slot formed in said second hinge arm and extending forwardly from a proximalmost end spaced towards the proximal end of the second hinge arm to a distalmost end spaced towards the free end of said second hinge arm,
an elongated prop arm pivotally coupled at a first end to the first hinge arm at a pivot point spaced from the hinge pivot towards the first arm free end, a bearing member secured to the second end of the prop arm and being slidably received in the guide slot for movement therealong, whereby movement of the hinge arms from the closed position to the open position effects sliding movement of the bearing member forwardly along the slot from a first position spaced towards the proximalmost end, to a second position spaced towards the distalmost end,
a resiliently biased engagement member, the engagement member configured for engagement with the prop arm to urge the bearing member forwardly along the slot.
In a further aspect, the present invention resides in a hinge arm assembly comprising a first pivot member and a second pivot member, each of the first and second pivot members extending from a respective proximal portion to a distal portion, the first and second pivot members being coupled for pivotal movement relative to each other about a hinge pivot spaced towards their respective proximal portions,
a generally elongated guide member associated with said second pivot member, the guide member including an operational section and an engaged section, and extending forwardly from a proximalmost end spaced towards the proximal portion of the second pivot member, to a distalmost end spaced towards the second member distal portion,
a prop arm extending from a first arm end to a second arm end, the first arm end being pivotally coupled to the first pivot member for movement relative thereto about an arm pivot spaced from the hinge pivot towards the distal portion of the first pivot member, the second arm end being disposed for movement generally along the guide member as the first pivot member is moved about the hinge pivot relative to the second pivot member,
a biasing assembly for engaging the prop arm, the biasing member resiliently biasing the second arm end towards the distalmost end of the guide member as the second arm end moves along the at least part of the engaged section to restrict return movement of the second arm end from the engaged section into the operational section absent a predetermined threshold force.
In yet another aspect, the present invention resides in a hinge assembly for hingely coupling a closure panel to a frame so as to be selectively movable between an open and closed position about a hinge pivot, the hinge assembly comprising a first hinge arm coupled to one of said panel and said frame, and a second hinge arm coupled to the other of said panel and said frame, each of the hinge arms extending forwardly from a respective proximal end spaced towards said hinge pivot to a distal end remote therefrom, whereby when the panel is moved to the closed position, the distal ends of the hinge arms being moved towards a juxtaposed position, and in the open position the distal ends being moved apart relative therefrom,
a guide slot formed in said second hinge arm, the slot including a rearwardmost operational section and an engaged section forwardly from the operational section, the engaged section extending along a generally arcuate path radially about a path axis,
a prop arm pivotally coupled at a first end to the first hinge arm at a pivot point spaced forwardly from the hinge pivot, the second other end of the arm including a bearing member slidably engaging said slot for movement therealong, whereby movement of the hood from the closed position to the open position effects forward sliding movement of the bearing member along the slot from a rearwardmost position in the operational section to a forwardmost position in the engaged section,
a toggle member mounted for selective engaging contact with the bearing member and being movable between a release position moved relative to said slot where said toggle member passively engages the bearing member so as not to substantially interfere with rearward movement of the bearing member along the slot, and an engagement position wherein said toggle member actively engages said bearing member to provide a forward force thereon to assist in forward movement of the bearing member along the slot towards the forward position, said toggle member being operable to apply a predetermined minimum force on said bearing member selected generally equal to or greater than a rearward force on the bearing member supplied by the weight of the closure panel when said bearing member is moved along at least part of said engaged section.
Reference may now be had to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:
Reference is first made to
More particularly, as will be described, as shown best in
The hinge assembly 10 includes an upper hinge bracket or arm 18 which is adapted for securement to the hood 12 and a lower hinge bracket or arm 20 which is provided for mounting directly to the car frame 14. The upper and lower hinge arms 18,20 are preferably fabricated from steel, aluminum or other suitable metals or alloys, and extend respectively from rearwardmost ends 22,24 to forwardmost ends 23,25. The hinge arms 18,20 are pivotally coupled directly to each other towards their respective rearwardmost ends 22,24 by way of a hinge pivot 26 so as to movably support the hood 12 and be relatively movable relative to each other about a hinge axis AH-AH (
As shown best in the exploded view of
Torsion coil spring 46 is provided with end portions 52a, 52b which engage respectively the toggle arm 44, and the cap plate 48 to provide a resilient biasing spring force on the toggle arm 44. In particular, the spring 46 resiliently biases the toggle arm 44 in the direction of arrow 100 (
Although not essential, most preferably the cap plate 48 is selectively positionable relative to the hinge arm 20. As such, by altering the position of the cap plate 48, it is possible to increase or decrease the tension applied by the spring 46 on the toggle arm 44. As such, by varying the tensioning of the spring force, the hinge assembly 10 may be adjusted to selectively vary the counterbalancing force applied to the hood 12. As such, the hinge assembly 10 is suitable for use with vehicle hoods 12 of different sizes or weights, to provide differing counter balancing forces.
In operation, the toggle assembly 42 selectively provides an upward opening force on the upper hinge arm 18, as the guide bearing 64 is moved from the operational section 34 and into the arcuate engaged section 38 of the slot 30.
As the hood 12 is initially raised, the upward pivoting movement of the hinge arm 18 relative to hinge arm 20 results in the forward sliding of the guide bearing 64 along the operational section 34 of the guide slot 30. While the guide bearing 64 moves along the operational section 34, the engagement surface 50 of the toggle arm 42 is maintained in a parallel orientation to the direction of elongation of the operational section 34 by its engagement with the bearing 64. In this orientation, the toggle assembly 42 passively engages the guide bearing 64, applying a neutral or zero forward force thereon in a direction which is lateral to the slot direction, and which otherwise does not provide a significant resistive or positive force on the initial opening of the hood 12. As a result, while the guide bearing 64 locates within the operational section 34, and until the hood 12 is raised to threshold angle α, the hood 12 is lifted and lowered in a conventional manner, with the user providing the necessary manual upward lifting force thereon.
The continued upward lifting of the hood 12 effects movement of the guide bearing 64 into the arcuate engaged section 38, as the hood 12 is raised to the threshold angle α. As shown best in
Most preferably, the spring 46 is provided with a spring tension which is selected such that when the guide bearings 64 are fully engaged by the toggle arm 42, the cumulative force of engaging contact between the toggle arm 44 and guide bearing 64 of the hinge arms 10 is generally equal to or greater than the rearward force applied by the downward weight of the hood 12 on the guide bearing 64 in the reverse direction. As a result, the springs 46 of the hinge assembly 10 allow the hood 12 to be manually raised with only minimum effort, or more preferably self raise the hood 12 open in movement once it has been manually raised to the threshold position α to the fully opened position shown in
To close the vehicle hood 12 and return the hinge assemblies 10 to the initial position of
It is to be appreciated that by forming the operational section 34 as an angularly extending linear section allows the hood 12 to be fully closed without over-tensioning of the torsion spring 46. It is to be appreciated that in an alternate construction, the operational section of the guide slot 30 could be formed with a curving or other arcuate configuration, or omitted in its entirety, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Similarly, although
Reference may be had to
In
The blind end 90 is provided with upper and lower detent portions 92,94 so as to be generally elongated in the direction of an axis AT-AT which extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis AL-AL of the operational section 34. Although not essential, preferably the upper and lower detents 92,94 project away from the axis AL-AL a distance past the respective upper and lower side surfaces and are defined laterally by respective front and rear shoulder surfaces. The lower detent 94 projects downwardly relative to the operational section 34 so as to preferably define a fulcrum point 105 as an angular abutment at the intersect between operational section 34 and lower detent.
A coil torsion spring 146 is mounted by way of a support bracket (not shown) to the lower hinge arm 20 as an integral unit. As will be described, the spring 146 includes an end member 146a which is provided to selectively engage and bias the locking cam 110 forwardly in the slot 28, to assist in movement of the locking cam 110 into the blind end 34 of the guide slot 28 as the hood 12 is raised. The spring 146 advantageously acts in conjunction with the cam 110 to lock the hinge assembly 10 in the open position against a downward closing force selected less than a predetermined threshold downward force. Although not essential, in a most preferred construction, the spring 146 is provided as a tunable spring so as to exert differing forward forces on the prop arm 54 and/or locking cam 110, depending on the relative movement of the hinge arms 18,20 to each other. It is to be appreciated, however, that other spring arrangements including extension springs, coil springs, as well as other types of biasing mechanisms and/or springs may also be included on the hinge assembly 10, as part of the vehicle hood 12 or frame 14.
The cam 110 preferably is provided with a rounded forward edge surface 114 which in use of the hinge assembly 10 contacts the sides of the guide slot 30 to facilitate the relative repositioning of the cam 110. In particular, the cam 110 is repositionable between an operating position where the longitudinal cam axis is aligned with the operational section axis AL-AL, and a locking position where the cam axis is aligned with the transverse axis AT-AT. In this regard, the front shoulder of the lower detent 94 most preferably is formed as a caming surface which angles away from the axis AL-AL initially forwardly and downwardly, and thereafter curves rearwardly so as to assist in effecting the rotational movement of the cam 110 about the cam pivot. The rear shoulder of the lower detent 94 most preferably has a curvature which is complementary to that of the lead edge of the cam 110 to facilitate its nesting contact seated thereagainst when in the locking orientation. Although not essential, most preferably the rear shoulder of the lower detent 94 merges with the side surface of the operational section 34 at an acute angle so as to define the fulcrum point 105 which when contacted by the cam 110, effects its repositioning with its longitudinal axis returned into re-alignment with the slot axis AL-AL.
As shown best in
When the hood is initially closed, the upper and lower hinge arms 18,20 are positioned in an approximately parallel juxtaposed orientation shown in
As the hood 12 is moved to the fully open position, initially movement of the hinge arms 18,20 about the hinge pivot 26 results in the locking cam 110 being slid forwardly along the operational section 34 of the slot 30. Once the cam pivot 102 moves forwardly past the groove 99, the biasing end 146a of the spring 146 rotates downwardly against the rear of the cam 110. As a result of the compression forces of the spring 146, the engaging contact between the spring 146 and cam 110 urges the cam 110 forwardly. The engagement of the end of the spring 146 on the locking cam 100, in turn produces a counterbalancing upward force on the hinge arm 18, to assist in the opening of the hinge assembly 10 and the raising of the hood 12.
As the hood 12 continues to be raised, the forward edge 114 of the locking cam 110 is brought into bearing contact against the angular caming shoulder surface of the detent 94. This contact, combined with the forward force applied by the end of the spring 146, results in the cam 110 rotating about the pivot 102 in the direction of arrow 200 (
To close the hood 12, the user merely applies a downward force on the hood 12 which is sufficient to overcome the predetermined minimum threshold force applied by the spring 146 and which is necessary to effect the repositioning of the cam 110 in alignment with the axis AL-AL. The downward force on the hood 12 results in the movement of the hinge arms 18,20 about the hinge pivot 26. The relative movement of the hinge arms 18,20 in turn results in the prop arm 54 urging the locking cam 110 rearwardly against the fulcrum point 105. This contact in turn effects a reorientation of the cam 110 to resume a position aligned with the axis AL-AL, allowing the cam 110 and cam pivot 102 to slide rearwardly into and along the operational section 34 of the guide slot 30. The continued rearward movement of the cam 110 along the guide slot 30 initially moves against the bias of the spring 146, providing a counterbalancing force to the weight of the hood 12 up to the point where the spring is slid to the side of the cam 110 into the groove 99. The inventors have appreciated that by repositioning the spring end 146a into the groove 99 when the hood 12 is in the normally closed position, the spring 146 is typically maintained in a less distorted state, as contrasted, for example, when the spring 146 is used to continuously provide a biasing force on the cam member 110, prolonging spring life.
The construction of the present invention advantageously enables use of multiple hinge assemblies 10 in vehicle or other closure panel applications.
Although the detailed description describes the hinge assembly 10 as being used in the securement of a vehicle hood 12, it is to be appreciated that the hinge assembly 10 is equally suitable for other applications. By way of non-limiting example, the hinge assembly could also be used in the hinged coupling of lift gates, hatchbacks, vehicle doors, trunks, or other closure access panels used in trucks, buses, automobiles, aircraft, railcars, furniture and the like, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
While the preferred embodiment describes the presence of a guide slot 30 formed in the lower hinge arm 20 as presenting a simplified construction, it is to be appreciated that the guide slot 30 could be provided in the upper hinge arm 18 or as a separate part or component altogether. Similarly, if desired, the prop arm 54 could be pivotally secured either directly to the hood 12 or closure panel, or to other closure panel elements apart from the upper hinge arm 18 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
While the Figures have described the integrated hinge assembly 10 as including upper and lower hinge arms 18,20 for simplification, it is to be appreciated that the hinge could be equally provided in inverted arrangement to that shown.
Although the preferred embodiment of the invention describes a hinge assembly 10 as having two pivot arms 18,20, the present invention could equally be used with other hinge assemblies having multiple hinge bar constructions, including those having pivotally connected linkage arms. Reference may be had to
In
Although the detailed description describes the hinge assembly 10 as including a pair of hinge arms 18,20 which are provided for mechanical coupling to the vehicle hood 12 and frame 14, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that the hinge assembly 10 could equally be provided with either the hood 12 or frame 14 functioning as the equivalent to a hinge arm, with the guide slot 30 or a corresponding guide groove or member provided therein.
Although
Although the detailed description describes and illustrates various preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. Many modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the art. For a definition of the invention, reference may be had to the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) to the applicant's earlier filed U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/831,470 filed 18 Jul. 2006; U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/841,533 filed 1 Sep. 2006; U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/846,092 filed 21 Sep. 2006; U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/875,815 filed 20 Dec. 2006; and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/881,135 filed 19 Jan. 2007.
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| 42 40 790 | Feb 1994 | DE |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20080016651 A1 | Jan 2008 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60831470 | Jul 2006 | US | |
| 60841533 | Sep 2006 | US | |
| 60846092 | Sep 2006 | US | |
| 60875815 | Dec 2006 | US | |
| 60881135 | Jan 2007 | US |
