Friction Hinges

FRICTION HINGES (CONSTANT TORQUE HINGES)

Friction hinges (constant torque hinges, positioning hinges) are pure mechanical components, used to hold an object in the desired position. Typical applications are monitors in laptop and industrial applications, special suitcases, office equipment, safety equipments, lids, doors, arms, seat rests, etc.

The working principle is based on friction between input and output shaft; that's why position hinges are also called friction hinges; to generate the desired torque an according number of clips is put on the shaft. Precision clips and shaft components, a proprietary lubricant, and a proprietary manufacturing process form the basis for Reell’s technology for providing consistent torque over life. Torque increments are achieved through the addition of clips and allow custom torque specifications with standard components. Standard torque tolerance over life is a maximum of +/-15% with zinc and +/- 20% with insert plastic molded parts.

One of the main qualitiy aspects of friction hinges is the difference between static and dynamic torque. Clip technology allows a close and predictable relationship between static and dynamic torque, and specification of higher torques without compromising torque tolerance or life. The breakaway torque in our hinges is really close to the dynamic torque which provides a convinient jerkfree movement - and due to "Reell's Torque Engine" with clip technology the torque remains consistent over life.

The main features of our friction hinges:

• constant torque over whole angular range
• extremely small volume
• no backlash (only small spring back after taking back the driving torque)
• designed for indoor applications (for outdoor applications special corrosion protection required)
• high lifetimes
• custom designs possible

The mounting area requires special consideration because our friction hinges provide high torque in a small package. Therefore the mounting must be able to support the high forces and torques without being distorted or suffer from material fatigue.

Positioning hinges are available for external mounting or torque insterts for integration into the rotating axis. Additional versions include VESA-Monitor-Mounts and spherical joints with swivel function used as a tablet holder or for lighting applications . With 60 degrees free movement in all directions perfect for stabilizing tablets and lights in the right position!

FRCITION HINGES FOR EXTERNAL MOUNTING (RT / PHx / MHx)

The constant torque hinges on this page are suited for mount to a customer mechanics.

Special care has to be taken in the mounting area. The friction hinges provide a lot of torque in a small package which has to be supported by a fairly small mounting area. So this area has to be designed in a way that the torque can be supported without distortion or material breakage due to fatigue.

• various models
• equal torque in either direction standard
• PHK, PH35, MH15 and MH18 with optionally reduced torque in one direction
• NEW: friction hinges in stainless steel (PHCS) and Aluminum (PHCA)

FRICTION HINGES AS TORQUE INSERTS (TI)

The constant torque hinges on this page are prepared to be integrated into the rotating axis which means they become integral part of the customer mechanics.

Special care has to be taken in the mounting area. The friction hinges provide a lot of torque in a small package which has to be supported by a fairly small mounting area. So this area has to be designed in a way that the torque can be supported without distortion or material breakage due to fatigue.

• 5 models
• torque range from 0.2Nm to 8Nm per hinge
• two torque levels for TI200 series (one direction 65% of the other)

Monitor Mounts

We offer Monitor Mounts from two of our manufatuers. On the one hand friction hinges as vesa monitor mount (vTilt) or as spherical joint (SI), or Hollow shaft firction hinge (HTH60) of our supplier Reell. On the other hand the monitor holders KA-TLG of our partner Sugatsune, which are available as one-axis and two-axis versions.

On the subject of monitor mounts, our manufacturer Reell Precision now offers a hollow shaft friction hinge: the HTH60 Hollow Shaft Friction Hinge; like all Reell friction hinges, the HTH60 Hollow Shaft Friction Hinge features compactness, durability and good haptic experience. The Reell HTH60 Hollow Shaft Friction Hinge provides designers with an easy-to-install hollow torque hub that allows wire (and other media tubes) feed-through to electronic equipment and monitors. The HTH60 can rotate 360° and attaches to any surface from one side. The large 18mm inner diameter allows cables, hoses and connectors to pass through to monitors and other electrical equipment within the axis of rotation, keeping cables out of sight and protected, and simplifying the overall assembly process. Applications for the HTH60 Hollow Shaft Friction Hinge can be found wherever cables or other media hoses need to be routed from a stationary system to a moving end piece via one or more joints, such as in lighting systems (e.g., surgical lights), medical systems (e.g. dental chairs), laboratory equipment, and even robotic joints.

2-axis friction hinges for tray tables and panel positioning

The DX100 positioning hinge of our supplier Reell Precision Manufacturing features a unique dual-axis design that allows for full fold-over performance in panels as thin as 8mm - thinner than traditional bifold or articulating hinges. This enables tables and panels to fold and stow in narrower spaces, allowing for mor compact designs with less weight. The DX100 friction hinge is ideal for airline and vehicle meal trays or fold-away work surfaces in applications such as medical carts and equipment.

The DX100 friction hinge uses Reell's ReellTorq™ technology that provides long life, premium feel motion that holds solidly in any position along its full range of motion, rotation without rattle or position creep.

The DX100 positioning hinge is available with two torque profiles:

• An equal torque profile with either 0.5 N-m, 1.0 N-m, or 1.5 N-m of holding force around both axes.
• A mixed torque profile with 0.5 N-m around one axis and 1.5 N-m around the other. This allows for sequencing in motion as the panel folds. The lower torque axis will rotate first, followed by the second axis after a stop is reached on the first axis.