DE102004043899A1 - Arrangement for adjusting a frictional force - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an arrangement 1 for adjusting a frictional force, comprising a shaft 10, a bearing 30, 32 for supporting the shaft 10, wherein the shaft 10 with respect to the bearing 30, 32 is rotatable, and a helical torsion spring 40, which around the Shaft 10 is wound around to exert an adjustable frictional force on the shaft 10, wherein the torsion spring 40 with respect to the bearing 30, 32 is held adjustable. Instead of a rotatable shaft 10, an axially displaceable rod 20 can be used.

Description

 Field of the invention

The The present invention relates to an arrangement for adjusting a Frictional force on a rotatable shaft or axially displaceable Pole. Such an arrangement can be used for different purposes preferably for damping be used by movements in the automotive industry while keeping the function of hinges, hinges or gas pressure regulators.

in the State of the art are known various ways mechanical To dampen movements, preferably pivotal or axial movements. So For example, the movements of hoods or tailgates supported by gas pressure regulators and at the same time their opening and closing movement attenuated. In the interior of a motor vehicle, for example, swivel movements folding handles or opening movements of glove compartments or storage compartments mechanically damped.

Also in other industries, such as in the electronics industry, such damped joints are used. For example, shows the US 5,771,539 a spring hinge for the display of a notebook computer, wherein a coil spring is wound around a shaft and generates a torque and a frictional force. In this arrangement, a first end of the coil spring is connected to the lower part of the notebook computer and the other end of the coil spring with the pivotal display, so that the opening movement is supported by the spring action and at the same time increases the frictional force when opening.

The Document US 2002/0042971 A1 shows a friction hinge for an electronic Device, for example a notebook computer or a PDA, which includes a sleeve-shaped friction element between a rotatable pin and a bearing body. The friction element is in the bearing body pressed, whereby the rotatable pin undergoes a frictional force.

The described solutions show possibilities In some way To dampen pivotal movements by means of friction, but these possibilities are sufficient for certain mechanical applications are not enough. For example, a change could the friction force in dependence the pivot position undesirable be.

Also becomes in conventional pressed sleeve-shaped friction elements in the course the life of the friction force through fatigue and wear effects decrease, so the damping becomes less over time. Furthermore, the friction and thus the damping at the previously known joints after assembly not adjustable or adjustable but fixed. Furthermore, the described Joints only for a type of movement either rotational or translatory.

Therefore it is desirable the damping effect to be able to precisely dose an arrangement and over the entire range of motion to keep constant. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a free rotation to ensure the wave and not just a pivoting movement of <360 ° allow. It is also desirable to provide an arrangement with both rotary and also for translational movements or both types simultaneously with one single arrangement damped can be. Also, the arrangement is technically uncomplicated and easy be to increase the life of the assembly and the manufacturing cost preferably keep low. Also should the desired damping effect as possible easy to adjust.

Summary of the invention

The present problems are solved by an arrangement for adjusting a frictional force according to claims 1 or 4. In particular, they are solved by an arrangement for adjusting a frictional force, comprising a shaft, a bearing for supporting the shaft, the shaft in terms of the bearing is rotatable, and a helical torsion spring which wrapped around the shaft to an adjustable frictional force to exercise the wave wherein the torsion spring with respect the storage is held adjustable.

With such an arrangement is the rotational movement of the shaft from the setting the torsion spring independent, so the movement of the shaft does not adjust the torsion spring affected. The friction effect and thus the damping can be set as desired and later adapted or changed become. By using a helical torsion spring takes place This setting continues to be infinitely variable, from very low attenuation to strong damping. Also, the claimed arrangement is very simple in construction, So that it has a high reliability and inexpensive to produce is.

In a preferred embodiment may The shaft rotate freely with respect to the bearing. Thus, free pivoting or rotating movements of more than 360 ° are possible without any problems. It can be selectively braked or damped any rotational movements of a wave.

In a further preferred embodiment is the wave re the storage additionally axial displaceable. Thus, the shaft can both a rotational movement as also perform an axial displacement with respect to the storage. The Arrangement offers the possibility simultaneously rotational movements as well as linear movements with only to dampen a single arrangement. This opens diverse options for damping of mechanical movements, preferably in the automotive sector. So can For example, with mechanically simple means the movement of Flap of the glove box or the Schwenkbewe movement of a handle muted become. Furthermore, it is possible to use the arrangement where previously much more expensive gas pressure lifts be used.

Farther the problems are solved by an arrangement for adjusting a frictional force, comprising a rod, a bearing for storage of the rod, the rod in terms of the bearing is axially displaceable and a helical torsion spring, which is wrapped around the rod to an adjustable frictional force to exercise on the pole, wherein the torsion spring with respect the storage is held adjustable. With such an arrangement Is it possible, also purely axial movement of a rod by an adjustable friction force to dampen.

Prefers is the bar re additional storage rotatable. As already explained above is also a combination of rotational and translational movement simultaneously dampened.

In a further preferred embodiment the bearing is stationary and the shaft or rod is rotatable and / or axially displaceable. In this arrangement, the storage is held and the shaft or rod can move in it.

In another preferred embodiment the shaft or rod is fixed and the bearing is rotatable and / or axially displaceable. In this embodiment, the shaft or Rod held and the storage moves together with friction adjustment yourself.

In a further preferred embodiment be used to adjust the friction force on the shaft or Rod two ends of the torsion spring twisted against each other, so that the torsion spring expands or contracts in diameter. Thus, the adjustment of the frictional force by a simple Twisting the ends of the torsion spring, which is on the shaft or rod with presses a variable normal force, such that when the shaft or rod moves, generates a frictional force becomes.

In a further preferred embodiment The storage comprises at least two bearing bodies which are in or on one casing are arranged. Preferably, the arrangement further comprises at least a, preferably two adjusting elements which are connected to the ends of the Torsion spring are engaged and the adjustment of the torsion spring are rotatably arranged. The adjusting elements thus serve to rotate the ends of the torsion spring against each other, causing the friction force can be varied on the shaft or rod.

In a further preferred embodiment the adjusting elements are connected to the bearing bodies or with them one piece educated. Thus, the adjusting elements with the bearing bodies form a Unit, allowing the torsion spring by twisting the combination from bearing bodies and adjusting elements can be adjusted against each other. This can be done for example by manually rotating the bearing body, so the adjustment of the damping can be done quickly and easily and without tools.

In a further preferred embodiment the arrangement is between the torsion spring and the shaft or the rod arranged at least one bearing shell. The bearing shell serves for a uniform distribution the normal force of the torsion spring on the shaft or the rod and second, to define the frictional forces generated. The Bearing shell is preferably made of a material with a low Coefficient of friction, allowing a movement of the shaft or rod be carried out smoothly and evenly can.

In a further preferred embodiment The bearing shell also extends between at least one of bearing body and the shaft or the rod. In this embodiment, the bearing shell serves also improving the plain bearing of the shaft or rod in the bearing body. Farther must be the bearing body not made of a material with good sliding properties, whereby material costs can be saved.

In a further preferred embodiment, the torsion spring consists of a wire with a square or rectangular cross-section. Thus, the turns of the torsion spring virtually form a continuous cylindrical inner surface, which applies a normal force particularly uniformly on the shaft or the rod. Thus, a wear of the torsion spring and the shaft or the Rod avoided. Furthermore, the friction force is very precisely definable, since the entire inner surface of the torsion spring presses particularly evenly on the shaft or rod.

In a further preferred embodiment the rod has an angular, preferably square or hexagonal or octagonal cross section. The pole can not only one have round cross-section, but if desired and for example none Rotational movement should be provided, a square cross-section exhibit. Depending on the cross section of the rod then the bearing shells trained accordingly.

Further preferred embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

 Short description of drawings

in the The following are preferred embodiments of the invention explained with the aid of the drawings. It shows:

1 a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of an inventive arrangement for adjusting a friction force in the assembled state;

2 a three-dimensional exploded view of the arrangement of 1 and a housing, with lid;

3 a three-dimensional view of a shaft or rod including two bearing shells of a first embodiment;

4 a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a shaft or rod with angular cross-section including two matching bearings;

5 a three-dimensional view of a bearing body and an associated adjusting element;

6 a three-dimensional view of a torsion spring;

7 a three-dimensional view of a cylindrical housing; and

8th a disc-shaped lid, for closing the housing 7 ,

 Description of preferred embodiments

1 shows an arrangement 1 which for adjusting a frictional force on a shaft 10 or a pole 20 can be used. The order 1 includes a wave 10 or a pole 20 , a first bearing body 30 , a second bearing body 32 , a first adjusting element 60 , a second adjusting element 62 , a torsion spring 40 as well as two bearing shells 70 and 72 ,

The bearing bodies 30 . 32 serve to support the shaft 10 or the pole 20 that is here as a wave 10 or rod 20 is shown with a round cross-section. In this embodiment, the shaft can 10 or rod 20 both in the bearing body 30 . 32 turn as indicated by the arrow 80 indicated, as well as move axially, as indicated by the arrow 85 indicated.

The torsion spring 40 that also in 6 has an inner diameter that can be varied by having ends 42 . 44 be twisted against each other. The torsion spring 40 it almost contracts or expands.

The first end 42 the torsion spring 40 is by an axially projecting fork 64 of the first adjusting element 60 taken. In the same way, the second end 42 the torsion spring 40 from a fork 64 (in 1 not shown) of the second adjusting element 62 taken. The adjusting elements 60 . 62 so can the ends 42 . 44 the torsion spring 40 rotate against each other, reducing the diameter of the torsion spring 40 is set. The adjusting elements 60 . 62 themselves may, for example, be moved by hand or by mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic or other suitable means (not shown).

In 1 are still two bearing halves 70 . 72 shown between the torsion spring 40 and wave 10 or rod 20 are arranged. They are preferably made of a material having suitable friction properties. Suitable materials are, for example, thermoplastics (PA, POM, PEEK, PI, PBT), which, if desired, a glass fiber content to increase strength or a proportion of PTFE or SO ₂ to improve the sliding properties. The bearings could also be made of a metal such as copper, steel or bronze, which may be provided with a PTFE coating if desired.

As in 3 shown, the bearing shells 70 . 72 prefers a covenant at one end 74 respectively. 75 on, the axial displacement of the bearing shells 70 . 72 prevented. It is also possible that the bearing shells 70 . 72 a waistband at both ends 74 . 75 exhibit.

3 shows a wave 10 or rod 20 With circular cross section, causing the shaft 10 or the pole 20 both axially movable, and is rotatably mounted.

In 4 is shown a further preferred embodiment, wherein the shaft 10 ' or rod 20 ' has a square cross section so that they are relative to the bearing cups adapted thereto 70 ' . 72 ' can not turn but can move axially. Even so, could also be with a wave 10 ' or rod 20 ' With square cross-section a rotational movement ermöglichst be possible when the bearing shells 70 ' . 72 ' in turn in the camp bodies 30 . 32 are rotatably mounted. Are the cups 70 ' . 72 ' with respect to the bearing bodies 30 . 32 rotatably held, can the shaft 10 ' or rod 20 ' only move axially damped.

The bearing shells 70 . 72 be through the torsion spring 40 on the surface of the shaft 10 or rod 20 pressed. Consequently, a normal force, ie a force perpendicular to the desired direction of movement of the shaft 10 or rod 20 , generated. This normal force causes a desired movement of the shaft 10 or rod 20 a frictional force opposing this movement with an amount proportional to the applied normal force (F _R = μ × F _N ). In this case, both a rotational movement of the shaft 10 as well as a translatory movement of the rod 20 be steamed.

The damping is adjustable by changing the normal force. The normal force is caused by a change in the diameter of the torsion spring 40 changed, with just the ends 42 . 44 the torsion spring 40 must be rotated against each other or each other. The torsion spring acts 40 evenly over all turns on the shaft 10 , Pole 20 or the bearing shells 70 . 72 ,

In 5 is shown that the bearing body 30 . 32 preferably with the adjusting elements 60 . 62 are connected, or formed integrally with them. The bearing bodies are cylindrical elements with a suitable opening for receiving the shaft 10 or rod 20 , It prefers within a housing 70 or any other housing rotatably arranged. Then let the torsion spring 40 by a rotation of the bearing body 30 . 32 in their diameter, so as to reduce the frictional force on the shaft 10 or the pole 20 to change. After this adjustment, the bearing bodies 30 . 32 suitably fixed, for example by a second housing half or a housing cover is screwed onto the housing, which or which an unwanted rotation of the bearing body 30 . 32 prevented.

Furthermore, the adjusting serve 60 . 62 to the torsion spring 40 hold, so that the frictional force generated in the bearing body 30 . 32 and thus in the housing 50 can be initiated.

An exemplary case 50 and a matching housing cover 52 are in the 6 and 7 shown. The housing 50 preferably has a cylindrical shape, with a cylindrical inner opening 55 into which the arrangement 1 according to 1 can be pushed in axially. The diameter of the opening 55 is preferably designed so that the bearing body 30 . 32 not be able to twist unintentionally against each other. This can be achieved, for example, by a slight interference fit of the bearing bodies 30 . 32 in the opening 55 is given, or for example in that the bearing body 30 . 32 on its outside a toothing (not shown) having a toothing (not shown) on the inside of the opening 55 corresponds.

For mounting the arrangement according to 1 in the case 50 first becomes the first bearing body 30 in the opening 55 introduced, then the second bearing body 32 opposite the housing 50 twisted until the desired frictional effect is achieved, and then the second bearing body 32 in the opening 55 introduced. After that, the case becomes 50 with a lid 52 according to 7 locked. These are preferably screws or similar fasteners in the openings 56 and 57 screwed. Other attachment options, such as clips, etc., to the lid 52 on the housing 50 to fix are of course possible.

For fastening the housing 50 on the desired object, this can with fastening straps 54 be equipped. The lid 52 preferably has a suitable passage opening 58 on, through which the wave 10 or the pole 20 can pass through. Furthermore, on the lid 52 mounting elements 59 be provided to the housing 50 with lid 52 to mount on the desired object.

An inventive arrangement 1 can be used to decelerate or damp any type of rotational movement or axial movement of two elements relative to one another by means of an adjustable friction force. For example, the bearing bodies 30 . 32 be attached to the dashboard of a motor vehicle, and the rod 20 on the lid of a glove box. With this arrangement, the glove box can not open suddenly, but with a muffled, slow movement, so that injuries are avoided.

The order 1 could also be incorporated into any other kind of joints to such a to cause subdued movement. This could be, for example, the hinges of a handbrake lever or pedals and also the hinges of folding handles or sun visors.

The attenuation of a linear motion through an arrangement 1 could also be used in the height adjustment of headrests in a motor vehicle seat use. Furthermore, the lid of armrests or other shelves can be opened and closed steamed.

Due to the unlimited possibility of rotation or displacement of the shaft 10 or the pole 20 Of course, further applications may result in the automotive sector or in other fields of application.

1

arrangement

10

wave

20

pole

30

first bearing body

32

second bearing body

40

torsion spring

42

first The End

44

second The End

50

casing

52

housing cover

54

flap

55

opening

56

drilling

57

drilling

58

Through opening

59

mounting element

60

first adjustment

62

second adjustment

64

fork

70

first bearing shell

72

second bearing shell

74.75

Federation

80 85

arrow

Claims (15)

Arrangement ( 1 ) for adjusting a frictional force, comprising: a. a wave ( 10 ); b. a storage ( 30 . 32 ), for storing the shaft ( 10 ), where the wave ( 10 ) with regard to storage ( 30 . 32 ) is rotatable; and c. a helical torsion spring ( 40 ) around the shaft ( 10 ) is wrapped around an adjustable frictional force on the shaft ( 10 ), the torsion spring ( 40 ) with regard to storage ( 30 . 32 ) is held adjustable. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the shaft ( 10 ) with regard to storage ( 30 . 32 ) can rotate freely. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the shaft ( 10 ) with regard to storage ( 30 . 32 ) is additionally axially displaceable. Arrangement ( 1 ) for adjusting a frictional force, comprising: a. a pole ( 20 ); b. a storage ( 30 . 32 ), for storage of the rod ( 20 ), whereby the rod ( 20 ) with regard to storage ( 30 . 32 ) is axially displaceable; and c. a helical torsion spring ( 40 ), which around the rod ( 20 ) is wrapped around an adjustable frictional force on the rod ( 20 ) to exercise; the torsion spring ( 40 ) with regard to storage ( 30 . 32 ) is held adjustable. Arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the rod ( 20 ) with regard to storage ( 30 . 32 ) is additionally rotatable. Arrangement according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the storage ( 30 . 32 ) is stationary and the shaft ( 10 ) or rod ( 20 ) is rotatable and / or axially displaceable. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the shaft ( 10 ) or rod ( 20 ) and the storage ( 30 . 32 ) is rotatable and / or axially displaceable. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 7, wherein for adjustment of the frictional force on the shaft ( 10 ) or the rod ( 20 ) two ends ( 42 . 44 ) of the torsion spring ( 40 ) are rotated against each other, so that the torsion spring ( 40 ) expands or contracts in diameter. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the storage ( 30 . 32 ) at least two bearing bodies ( 30 . 32 ) in or on a housing ( 50 ) are arranged. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 9, further comprising at least one, preferably two, adjusting elements ( 60 . 62 ), with the ends ( 42 . 44 ) of the torsion spring ( 40 ) are engaged and for the adjustment of the torsion spring ( 40 ) are rotatably arranged. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 10, wherein the adjusting elements ( 60 . 62 ) with the bearing bodies ( 30 . 32 ), or are integrally formed with them. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 11, wherein between the torsion spring ( 40 ) and the wave ( 10 ) or the rod ( 20 ) at least one La gerschale ( 70 . 72 ) is arranged. Arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the bearing shell ( 70 . 72 ) between at least one of the bearing bodies ( 30 . 32 ) and the wave ( 10 ) or the rod ( 20 ). Arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 13, wherein the torsion spring ( 40 ) consists of a wire with a square or rectangular cross-section. Arrangement according to one of claims 4 - 14, wherein the rod ( 20 ) has a square, preferably square or hexagonal or octagonal cross-section.