CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application

61/663,025 having a filing date of 22 June 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to, and is a continuation-in-part of, copending U.S. Patent Application 13/322,976 filed 29 November 2011 which is a national stage filing under 35 U.S. 371 of PCT/US2010/034630 filed 13 May 2010 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/183,608 having a filing date of 3 June 2009, the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to movement damper devices and, more particularly, to small dampers adapted to provide controlled rotation of structures such as storage bins, glove boxes, and the like, as may be found in automotive and other applications.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Small dampers have many applications and uses for controlling the movement of various structures. A highly functional damper assembly for use in conjunction with rotatable bins and other structures is disclosed in commonly owned US Patent Publication 2012/0073919, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. By way of example only, dampers are found in various automotive applications including glove box doors, sunglass bins, cup holders, assist handles, and the like. Dampers are used in conjunction with such structures to control the natural gravitational movement of rotatably displaceable components and to provide a desired controlled movement of rotating components. Of course, uses for dampers in assemblies other than automobiles are also known. By way of example only, and not limitation, such alternative environments of use include furniture, appliances, electronic equipment and other assemblies with hinging moveable components.

[0005] In typical dampers, a damper rotor is operatively connected to a pivot shaft supported on a bin or other structure to be rotated such that rotation of the bin is translated to the rotor. The rotor is held within a housing with an oil or other damping liquid of defined viscosity. As the rotor undergoes rotation, vane elements supported on the rotor move through the damping fluid. The resistance provided by the damping fluid acts to restrain the rate of rotation of the rotor thereby controlling the rotation of the bin.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present disclosure provides advantages and alternatives over prior known assemblies by providing a hinge damper with a housing perimeter profile of less than 360 degrees such as a semi-circular or wedge-shaped (i.e. partial circular) perimeter. The damper includes a rotor which is operatively connected to a bin or other structure being controlled. The damper is moveable through a damping fluid in the housing along an arc to provide resistance as the bin or other device is being manipulated. The drag on the rotor thereby slows the rotation of the operatively engaged bin or other structure being controlled. Variable damping torque may be applied throughout the rotation by varying the gap between the rotor and the surrounding housing.

[0007] In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides a damper assembly adapted for mounting on a frame adjacent to a pivoting structure for engagement with a pivot shaft operatively connected to the pivoting structure. The damper assembly includes a rotor assembly including a rotor and a rotatable hub in fixed relation to the rotor. The rotor is disposed within a fluid containment housing in spaced apart relation from interior surfaces of the fluid containment housing at least partially surrounded by a damping fluid. The rotatable hub includes a proximal nipple portion extending outwardly away from the fluid containment housing to a proximal end remote from the rotor. The rotatable hub has an axis of rotation oriented transverse to the rotor. The nipple portion is adapted to matedly engage the pivot shaft in fixed relation such that the pivot shaft, the rotatable hub and the rotor will rotate conjunctively relative to the fluid containment housing about a common axis. The fluid containment housing is characterized by a semicircular or wedge-shaped profile such that upon rotation of the rotatable hub, the rotor will sweep through an arc within the fluid containment housing of about 30 degrees to 180 degrees.

[0008] Other features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and drawings in the various views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a partial cut-away view illustrating a hinge damper in accordance with the present disclosure in operative relation to a rotatable bin;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment for a hinge damper in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the hinge damper of FIG. 2;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment for a hinge damper in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the hinge damper of FIG. 4;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cut-away view illustrating the damper rotor in a fluid-containing housing; [0015] FIG. 7 is a section view taken generally along line 7-7 in FIG 6; and

[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating an exemplary wedge shape for a hinge damper in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. Thus, the use of "including", "comprising", and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein to the extent possible, like elements are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various views. By way of overview, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary rotatable bin assembly such as a sunglasses bin, glove box or the like as will be well known to those of skill in the art. As shown, in the illustrated exemplary construction a hinge damper 10 (shown in partial section with the backing removed for ease of reference) is mounted in operative relation to a rotatable bin 12. The hinge damper 10 includes a fluid containment housing 14 of semi-circular configuration which may be mounted at the interior of a frame 16 supporting the bin 12 while providing a relatively low profile projecting away from the frame 16. In the attached condition, the housing 16 is blocked against rotational movement. Thus, as the bin 12 rotates, this rotation may be translated to a rotor 18 such that the rotor pivots relative to the housing 14 without causing the housing to move. Due to the non-circular shape of the housing 14, the damper 10 occupies very little space and will fit within the assembly without interference. Nonetheless, either continuous or variable damping may be applied as the bin 12 is rotated and the rotor 18 moves through a surrounding damping fluid.

[0019] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment for a hinge damper 10 which may be operatively mounted to a bin 12 (FIG. 1). As shown, in the illustrated

construction, the hinge damper 10 is of generally semicircular circumferential profile so as to define a perimeter arc of about 180 degrees. However, it is likewise contemplated that other circumferential geometries such as wedge shapes defining perimeter arcs in the range between about 30 degrees and about 180 degrees may likewise be used. Greater and smaller arcs also are contemplated.

[0020] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hinge damper 10 includes a fastener acceptance passageway 20 extending through a rotatable hub (i.e. bushing) 22. The rotatable hub 22 is mounted in rotatable relation within the fluid containment housing 14. In this regard, the fluid containment housing 14 may have a raised collar 24 of hollow construction supporting a distal end of the rotatable hub 22. As shown, the raised collar 24 which cradles the rotatable hub 22 may be held at the interior of an arched fluid containment body 26 containing the rotor 18 as will be described more fully hereinafter. A backing cap 28 may be secured in covering relation to the fluid containment body 26. If desired, the raised collar 24 and the backing cap 28 may be formed as a unitary molded construction from a thermoplastic polymeric material using techniques such as injection molding or the like. Alternatively, the raised collar 24 and the backing cap 28 may be formed separately and joined by techniques such as adhesive bonding, welding or the like.

[0021] As shown, a pair of ear members 30 may be disposed on either side of the raised collar 24 such that the ear members 30 project away from the arch in the fluid containment body. According to one exemplary practice, the ear members 30 may have hooked distal ends 32 which project radially away from the fastener acceptance passageway 20. In practice, the ear members 30 may snap into openings in the frame 16 with the hooked distal ends lockingly held below a surface of the frame to secure the hinge damper 10 in place. Of course, any other suitable attachment mechanism may likewise be used.

[0022] According to one exemplary practice, a male fastener 34 such as a screw or the like may be inserted into the fastener acceptance passageway 20 to engage a tapped rod 36 or other structure inserted at the interior of the rotatable hub 22. As shown, the rod 36 may be matedly inserted into a proximal nipple portion of the hub 22 which projects away from the housing 14. As will be appreciated, with the male fastener 34 in a tightened condition, the rod 36 will be secured within the hub interior such that the rod 36 and the hub 22 will rotate in conjunction with one another in substantially coaxial relation. In this regard, the rod 36 may be a pivot rod operatively connected to the side of the bin 12, such that rotation of the bin 12 is translated to the rotatable hub 22 about an axis of rotation defined by the passageway through the rotatable hub 22.

[0023] Another exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS 4 and 5 wherein like elements are designated by like reference numerals within a 100 series. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the hinge damper 110 may include a rotatable hub 122 with a splined proximal end 140 to define spaced-apart end segments which may be compressed towards one another in a spring-like manner. As shown, one or more locking teeth 142 may be disposed at the surface of the splined proximal end 140 for snap-fit insertion into a corresponding female key opening 144 in a hollow rod element 136 or other rotatable structure such that rotation is translated between the hub 122 and the rod element 136 in substantially coaxial relation. In this regard, the rod 136 may be a pivot rod operatively connected to the side of the bin 12, such that rotation of the bin 12 is translated to the rotatable hub 122 about an axis of rotation defined by the passageway through the rod 136. [0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, regardless of the attachment techniques used to establish translated rotation from the bin 12, the rotatable hub may be operatively connected to the radially projecting rotor 18, 118 disposed within the housing 14, 114. As shown, according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment the rotor 18, 118 may have a generally fan shaped or wedge shaped configuration such that the lateral sides of the rotor diverge in angled relation away from the rotatable hub. In such a fan shaped configuration, the base of the rotor may be in the form of a ring 46, 146 which is disposed about the rotatable hub 22, 122 such that rotation of the hub is translated to the ring 46, 146. Of course, other engagement arrangements between the rotor and the rotatable hub may likewise be used if desired. As shown, the outer edge of the rotor 18, 118 may extend substantially to the interior surface of the fluid containment body 26, 126 and may have a curved geometry with a radius of curvature substantially matching the curvature at the interior surface of the fluid containment body 26, 126. Accordingly, the rotor 18, 118 may sweep through an arc of curvature while maintaining close proximity to the interior surface of the fluid containment body throughout the movement. Of course, other geometries may be used for the rotor if desired.

[0025] According to one potentially desirable practice, the rotatable hub 22, 122 and the rotor 18, 118 may be formed as a one-piece molded article from a thermoplastic polymeric material using techniques such as injection molding or the like. Materials such as

Polyoxymethylene (POM), Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, polypropylene or the like may be particularly useful. However, other polymeric materials as well as non-polymeric materials including metals, ceramics or the like also may be used if desired. As shown, the rotor 18, 118 may include one or more raised detents 48,148 defining vane elements disposed in a pattern across the upper and/or lower surfaces of a substantially flat fan-shaped blade. The detents 48, 148 may be formed integrally with the blade during molding if desired.

[0026] In accordance with one exemplary practice, the housing 14, 114 may be formed as a one-piece or multi-piece molded article from a thermoplastic polymeric material using techniques such as injection molding or the like. Materials such as Polycarbonate, Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, polypropylene or the like may be particularly useful. However, other polymeric materials as well as non-polymeric materials including metals, ceramics or the like also may be used if desired. In this regard, the housing may be formed from either the same material as the hub and rotor or from a different material.

[0027] In practice, the fluid containment body 26, 126 may be filled with a damping fluid such as silicone, mineral oil or other fluids as will be well known to those of skill in the art. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an O-ring 150 or other sealing element may be disposed around the rotatable hub 122 to hold a damping fluid in place within the fluid containment body. During rotation of the hub 22, 122, the rotor 18, 118 may sweep through the damping fluid along an arc of about 30 degrees to about 180 degrees defined by the fluid containment body 26, 126. As the rotor moves through the damping fluid, a drag force is applied to the rotor due to the resistance from the damping fluid. This drag force is translated back through the rod 36, 136 to the bin 12 thereby slowing rotation.

[0028] The level of resistance encountered by the rotor 18, 118 is defined generally by the gap distances between the rotor and the opposing inner surfaces of the fluid containment body 26, 126. In general, smaller gap distances correlate to greater resistance. As will be appreciated, the gap distances may be controlled by controlling the inner surface profile of the fluid containment body 26, 126. By molding in variable profiles across the inner surfaces of the fluid containment body opposing the rotor 18, 118 during use, a variable resistance can be imparted to the rotor during different stages of the rotation. Accordingly, variable damping can be achieved which may be useful in providing a more constant opening speed for the bin 12. By changing the gap distances through the arc of rotation, different damping torques may be realized at different stages of rotation.

[0029] The application of variable torque may be used to offset differences in opening force experienced by the bin 12 at different stages of opening. By way of example only, more damping torque (i.e. greater drag) may be desired at the start of bin opening when the bin is subjected to high opening forces due to spring function and bin weight. Less damping torque (i.e. lower drag) may be desirable at the end of motion. In this regard, in the past, sunglass bins which open too fast at the start of rotation and too slowly at the end of rotation have been a common cause for complaint by users. By adjusting the drag through the opening process, opening can be more uniform.

[0030] As best illustrated through joint reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, the housing 14, 114 may be of semi-circular configuration. In the illustrated exemplary practice, the hinge damper 10, 110 be mounted at an interior surface of the frame 16 supporting the bin 12 while providing a relatively low profile projecting away from the frame 16. By way of example only, and not limitation, the hinge damper may be mounted in place by use of the outwardly projecting ear members 30 which snap into aligned slots in the frame so as to hold the housing in substantially stationary relation. However, any other suitable mounting technique such as adhesive bonding, heat welding or the like may be used. In the attached condition, a curved portion 52, 152 of the damper projecting away from the fluid containment housing may extend through an opening in the frame 16 so as to be in sunken relation below the surface of the frame 16 such that peripheral flat segments 54, 154 may rest on top of the frame surface.

[0031] As will be appreciated, in the final assembled condition the housing 14, 114 is substantially blocked against rotational movement by the obstruction with the frame. Thus, as the bin 12 rotates, this rotation may be translated to the rotatable hub 22, 122 such that the rotatable hub rotates relative to the housing 14, 114 without causing the housing to move. Due to the non-circular shape of the housing 14, 114, the hinge damper 10, 110 occupies very little space and will fit within the assembly without interference. Nonetheless, either continuous or variable damping may be applied as the bin 12 is rotated and the rotor 18, 118 moves through the damping fluid. [0032] As noted previously, while the illustrated, exemplary hinge damper 10, 110 may be substantially semi-circular, it is likewise contemplated that wedge-shaped geometries defining arcs of less than 180 degrees may likewise be utilized. In this regard, it is contemplated that virtually any wedge-shaped geometry may be used. In such configurations, a rotatable hub as previously described may be positioned substantially at the apex of the wedge with one lateral side of the wedge defining a contact surface for the frame.

[0033] By way of example only, and not limitation, FIG. 8 illustrates one exemplary wedge shape configuration wherein elements previously described in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3 are designated by like reference numerals within a 200 series. As will be appreciated, in mounting the embodiment of FIG. 8, the flat segment 254 may rest on a surface of a frame 16 supporting a bin 12 (FIG. 1). The rotor (not shown) may move through a reduced arc but will nonetheless act in a similar manner as described previously.

[0034] Of course, variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. All claims shall be construed to include alternative embodiments and equivalents to the extent permitted by the prior art.