| 摘要 |
A hinge assembly, eg for a vehicle door that lifts as it opens (dihedral or butterfly door), comprises a tubular support member 21 having a cross-section with a minor dimension along a first axis Y2 and a major dimension along a second axis X2, at least a portion of the tubular support member 21 being twisted about its longitudinal axis Z2. The cross-section may be elliptical, oval, rectangular or polygonal. The tubular support member may extend between a hinge mount 3 located in front of the A-pillar (6, fig.5A) and door support member 5. A first coupling 19 is located at a first end of the tubular support member 21 and defines a hinge pivot axis X1. The tubular support member 21 may be made in two sections, eg from carbon fibres in resin, then joined together eg lengthwise. The hinge assembly may be used for a vehicle bonnet (hood), boot (trunk) cover panel, convertible hood or folding hardtop. It may be part of a more complex articulation, eg a four bar hinge. |
