What Is a Torque Hinge?
A torque hinge is a type of hinge used for opening and closing doors.
A mechanism is provided at the hinge portion, and in addition to its function as a simple door opening/closing axis, it has an additional function to assist in opening and closing. For example, when closing a large and heavy lid, this function prevents the lid from closing too vigorously due to the weight of the lid.
Such a function could be attached as a separate component from the hinge, but by incorporating the function into the hinge, design labor and space can be effectively utilized. Also, since no separate parts are attached, a cleaner design can be expected.
Uses of Torque Hinges
Torque hinges are used to adjust the angle of monitors and lighting on a variety of machine covers, machine tools, and measuring instruments. They are also used in doors for housing construction materials because they allow doors to open and close slowly, creating a sense of luxury.
Principle of Torque Hinges
Torque hinges come in several constructions. Three typical structures are as follows:
1. Spring Loaded Type
Spring-loaded torque hinges are used when a heavy door is to be opened and closed with little force, or when a door is to be forcibly closed to prevent it from remaining open.
The principle of the spring-loaded type is that a torsion coil spring is inserted around the central axis of the hinge, so that force is always applied to one side. When mounted in the opening direction, it assists in opening heavy doors.
Conversely, when installed in the closing direction, it can automatically close an open door.
2. Type With Damper
Torque hinges with dampers are used when you want the door to open and close slowly. The purpose is to prevent accidental pinching of fingers when opening and closing doors.
Torque hinges of the damper-equipped type have a rotary damper or other mechanism at the center of the hinge that provides damping force. However, since it is only a damper, its function is only to limit the speed of movement.
Some dampers are bi-directional and some are uni-directional. The one-directional damper is easier to use because it works in both directions, so it also works when opening the door.
3. Torque Adjustable Type
Torque hinges of the adjustable torque type are used to fix the angle of a door position, LCD display, or lighting. It has a disk-type torque limiter-like mechanism in the center of the hinge, and the angle of the door will not change unless a force greater than the torque limiter is applied to the door.
The amount of torque required depends on the weight of the door and the application, so most have a torque adjustment mechanism. Depending on the adjustment value, it may also work to limit the speed of operation, similar to a damper type.
However, since the structure is only like a brake, it stops in the middle of opening or closing the door and is not suitable for speed limiting applications.
Other Information on Torque Hinges
1. Advantages of Torque Hinges
There are three main advantages of torque hinges:
- Increased Work Efficiency
For example, if the top of a storage box has a lid, such as the trunk or hatchback of a car, the lid can be kept open without having to support the door with your hand. - High Design Quality
Since stays to stop door movement are not needed, the design is clean and uncluttered. Also, the stays do not reduce storage space. - Increased Safety
Accidents such as a heavy lid suddenly closing and pinching fingers and hands can be prevented.
2. Additional Features of Torque Hinge
Torque hinges not only allow doors and other devices to operate slowly but also have the following additional functions:
- One-Way Torque Hinge
For example, in the case of a door that lifts open, torque is generated only in the direction of door closing and not in the lifting motion. - Torque Hinge With Adjustable Function
Torque hinges with an adjustable function allow the amount of torque generated on the door to be adjusted according to the weight and operating feel of the door. - Detent Torque Hinges
Detent torque hinges are useful when you want to close a door snugly. If torque is always applied, springback causes a torque in the direction of the door opening when the door is tightened (springback).With detent torque hinges, the torque is released when the door is tightened, and no springback occurs.