Hinge assembly for smart glasses and smart glasses comprising such hinge assembly
By designing bistable and ultra-flexible hinge components in smart glasses, using support plates, cantilevers, shielding and guides, the problem of excessive stress on the flexible cable is solved, and the bistable state of the hinge is achieved. Ultra-flexible operation improves wear comfort and cable safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380042120.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-05-25
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-03
AI Technical Summary
The hinges of existing smart glasses can exert excessive stress on the flexible cable during the temples from opening to closing, causing the cable to be damaged or broken, and the ultra-flexible operating position cannot be achieved for improved wear comfort.
A bistable and ultra-flexible hinge assembly is designed to allow smooth rotation of the cable between different positions by combining support plates, cantilevers, shielding and guides and cover elements, reducing angular deviation of the cable and preventing excessive bending. , and create an angle greater than 90 degrees between temples for ultra-flexible operation.
It effectively prevents damage or breakage of flexible cables, achieves bistable and ultra-flexible operation, and improves the wear comfort of smart glasses and the safety of cables.
Smart Images

Figure CN119256261A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge assembly for smart glasses which can be used for smart glasses.
[0002] The present invention also relates to smart glasses comprising such a hinge assembly. Background Art
[0003] As is known, smart glasses (also known as smart glasses or virtual glasses or digital glasses) refer to a pair of glasses that include electronic devices suitable for operating as a computer, which can support the activities performed by the user wearing it in daily and private areas, in work and business areas, or in any other specific areas.
[0004] Smart glasses currently in use allow for displaying desired information and / or objects on the lenses or for interaction with the glasses themselves using voice commands, in order to save a lot of time and financial costs on operations, and also allow the user to work more safely with both hands free.
[0005] In more detail, smart glasses currently available on the market consist of electronic devices and software that can play videos or audios, movies, operate computer applications, and can recognize natural languages, shapes, and objects arranged in the surrounding environment.
[0006] Smart glasses are provided with a display device (such as, for example, a display) which is usually integrated into the lenses of the glasses frame or arranged thereon, and an electronic processing and control unit (such as, for example, a controller or a battery) which is usually integrated into the glasses frame or its temples.
[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to electrically connect the front part of the eyeglass frame (where the lenses are arranged) to the electronic components located on the temples of the eyeglass frame themselves. Smart glasses are generally provided with a universal hinge and a cable passing therethrough. However, in a universal hinge, during the rotation of the temple relative to the eyeglass frame from the open operating position to the closed position, the cable may bend excessively, deteriorate or even break under the stress applied by the hinge itself, or change its shape and / or size in addition to the limitation of its elasticity.
[0008] Furthermore, as is well known, smart glasses provided with a bistable hinge are available on the market.
[0009] The bistability of the hinge allows the temples of the eyeglass frame to remain stationary and stable in the open or closed operating position, preventing them from accidentally and without the user's will moving and causing discomfort to the user.
[0010] For example, document DE102020210683B3 discloses a bistable hinge for an eyeglass frame, which is formed by a first joining area and a second joining area, the first joining area being configured to connect the hinge to the front of the eyeglass frame and determine a first joining axis, the second joining area being configured to connect the hinge to the temple of the eyeglass frame and determine a second joining axis, and having a recess perpendicular to the first joining axis and the second joining axis, which serves as a guide for accommodating a cable connecting the front to the temple of the eyeglass frame.
[0011] However, such hinges do not allow reaching another flexible additional open operating position (called “super-flexible” operating position) in which, when the temples are opened, the angle formed between the front of the eyeglass frame and the temples is greater than 90 degrees.
[0012] The "super-flexible" operating position enables the user to perform an easier wearing operation due to the additional opening of the flexibility of the temples, and makes it more comfortable for the user when wearing such glasses.
[0013] A hinge providing for a "super flexible" operating position will hereinafter be referred to as being flexible.
[0014] However, the bistable flexible hinge should also allow for the accommodation of a flexible cable therein for data communications and / or power between the front portion and the temple, preventing it from being damaged or breaking under the stress of the hinge itself when the eyeglass frame is transformed from an open operating configuration to a closed operating configuration or an "ultra-flexible" configuration, or vice versa. Summary of the invention
[0015] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and in particular to design a hinge assembly for smart glasses that allows to accommodate a flexible cable therein while preventing the hinge from exerting excessive stress on the cable itself causing damage or breakage of the cable.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge assembly for smart glasses that is bistable and at the same time "ultra-flexible".
[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to manufacture smart glasses ensuring that the risk of damaging or breaking the flexible cables is avoided.
[0018] These and other objects according to the present invention are achieved by manufacturing a hinge assembly for smart glasses as set forth in claim 1 and smart glasses as defined in claim 11.
[0019] Further features of the hinge assembly for smart glasses and the smart glasses are the subject of the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The features and advantages of the hinge assembly for smart glasses and the smart glasses according to the present invention will become more apparent through the following exemplary and non-limiting description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0021] - Figure 1a is a first stereoscopic view of a hinge assembly for smart glasses according to the present invention in a first stable open position;
[0022] - Figure 1b yes Figure 1a A second stereoscopic view of a hinge assembly for smart glasses;
[0023] - Figure 1c yes Figure 1a A first front view of a hinge assembly for smart glasses, taken from the space between the temple and the front of the glasses;
[0024] - Figure 2a , 2b , 2c, 2d, and 2e are respectively along Figure 1c Five cross-sectional views along lines IIa-IIa, IIb-IIb, IIc-IIc, IId-IId, and IIe-IIe of a hinge assembly for smart glasses;
[0025] - Figure 3a is a third perspective view of the hinge assembly for smart glasses according to the present invention when in an intermediate position between the first stable open position and the second stable closed position;
[0026] - Figure 3b yes Figure 3a A fourth perspective view of a hinge assembly for smart glasses;
[0027] - Figure 3c yes Figure 3a A second front view of a hinge assembly for smart glasses, taken from the space between the temple and the front portion;
[0028] - Figure 4a , 4b , 4c, 4d, and 4e are respectively along Figure 3c Five cross-sectional views of lines IVa-IVa, IVb-IVb, IVc-IVc, IVd-IVd, and IVe-IVe of a hinge assembly for glasses;
[0029] - Figure 5a is a fifth stereoscopic view of the hinge assembly for smart glasses according to the present invention when it is in a second stable closed position;
[0030] - Figure 5b yes Figure 5a A sixth perspective view of a hinge assembly for smart glasses;
[0031] - Figure 5c yes Figure 5a A third front view of a hinge assembly for smart glasses, taken from the space between the temple and the front portion;
[0032] - Figure 6a , 6b , 6c, 6d, and 6e are respectively along Figure 5c Five cross-sectional views of lines VIa-VIa, VIb-VIb, VIc-VIc, VId-VId, and VIe-VIe of a hinge assembly for smart glasses;
[0033] - Figure 7a is a seventh stereoscopic view of the hinge assembly for smart glasses according to the present invention when it is in a third unstable additional open position;
[0034] - Figure 7b yes Figure 7a An eighth perspective view of a hinge assembly for smart glasses;
[0035] - Figure 7c yes Figure 7a A fourth front view of a hinge assembly for smart glasses, taken from the space between the temple and the front portion;
[0036] - Figure 8a , 8b , 8c, 8d, and 8e are respectively along Figure 7c Five cross-sectional views of lines VIIIa-VIIIa, VIIIb-VIIIb, VIIIc-VIIIc, VIIId-VIIId, and VIIIe-VIIIe of a hinge assembly for smart glasses;
[0037] - Fig. 9 is a ninth exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly for smart glasses according to the present invention;
[0038] - Fig.10a and 10b 2 are two partial stereoscopic schematic diagrams of the smart glasses according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Referring to the drawings, a hinge assembly, generally designated 100 , for smart glasses is shown.
[0040] The hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses can be advantageously installed in a pair of smart glasses 300, such as Fig.10a and Fig.10bSuch smart glasses 300 include a frame 310, which further includes a front portion 311 suitable for carrying two lenses and two temples 312 suitable for allowing a user to wear the smart glasses 300, and two hinge assemblies 100 for smart glasses respectively connect the corresponding temples 312 to the front portion 311.
[0041] Furthermore, the smart glasses 300 further comprise a cable 220 , which is preferably flexible and is suitable for electrically connecting the electrical and / or electronic devices mounted in the front part 311 and the temples 312 to each other.
[0042] In the present disclosure, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, reference will be made to a Cartesian axis system xyz including a horizontal axis x, a longitudinal axis y and a vertical axis z as depicted in the drawings. Fig. 9 Orientation of hinge assembly for smart glasses 100 is shown.
[0043] The hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses includes a support plate 110, which is provided with a substantially flat first face 111 and a substantially flat second face 112 opposite and parallel to the first face. In particular, the first face 111 is intended to be applied to the front portion 311 of the frame 310. In addition, the support plate 110 includes a first cantilever portion 113 and a second cantilever portion 114 that are parallel and opposite to each other, and they extend from the second face 112 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second face, that is, in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse axis x.
[0044] The two cantilever parts 113 , 114 define a free space between them, which forms a receiving seat 117 .
[0045] Furthermore, the support plate 110 further comprises two side walls 128 , 129 connecting the first cantilever portion 113 to the second cantilever portion 114 .
[0046] Furthermore, the support plate 110 further comprises an opening 190 , which is located between the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114 along the vertical direction z and between the two side walls 128 , 129 along the longitudinal direction y.
[0047] The hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses also includes a support body 130 intended to be applied to the temple 312. Specifically, the support body 130 is box-shaped and has a substantially flat first face 131 intended to be fixed to the temple 312.
[0048] Advantageously, the support body 130 is rotatably connected to the support plate 110 so as to be rotatable between a first stable open position of the hinge assembly 100 for the smart glasses and a second stable closed position of the hinge assembly 100 for the smart glasses, wherein the first stable open position corresponds to a position in which the temples 312 of the glasses 300 are open and the glasses 300 can be worn, and the second stable closed position corresponds to a position in which the temples 312 of the glasses 200 are closed and the glasses 300 cannot be worn.
[0049] The hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses also includes a shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220, which extends along the axis z between the first end 181 and the second end 182. This shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 is inserted between the two cantilever parts 113, 114, in the receiving seat 117, so that the first end 181 faces the first cantilever part 113 and the second end 182 faces the second cantilever part 114.
[0050] In addition, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 includes a first resting portion 183 and a second resting portion 184 extending in length between the first end 181 and the second end 182 and spaced apart from each other, and at least one bridging element 185 connecting these resting portions 183, 184 to each other. Therefore, the two resting portions 183, 184 face each other and define a movable gap between them.
[0051] The hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses further comprises a cover element 230, which can be coupled to the support body 130 or made in one piece with such a support body 130. In any case, the cover element 230 is integral with the support body 130.
[0052] Advantageously, the support 130 comprises at least one anchoring protrusion 231 suitable for being fixed on a temple 312 of the spectacles 300. In detail, the temple 312 is interposed between the at least one anchoring protrusion 231 of the support 130 and the covering element 230.
[0053] In detail, the cable 220 from the front portion 311 of the glasses 300 passes through the opening 190 of the support plate 110 and the gap between the rest portions 183 , 184 engaged with the engagement portion 232 of the cover member 230 .
[0054] When the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses is in the first stable open position, at least one bridging element 185 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 contacts and abuts against the first side wall 128 of the support plate 110; in addition, the cable 220 contacts and abuts against the surface of the first resting portion 183 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220.
[0055] When the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses is in the second stable closed position, at least one bridging element 185 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 contacts and abuts against the second side wall 129 of the support plate 110; in addition, the cable 220 contacts and abuts against the surface of the second rest portion 184 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220.
[0056] When the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses moves from the first stable open position to the second stable closed position, the cable 220 is driven by the cover element 230 to rotate, so that it is separated from the first resting portion 183 until it contacts the second resting portion 184. At this time, the cable 220 drives the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 to rotate, and the at least one bridging element 185 is separated from the first side wall 128 and rotates toward the second side wall 129 of the support plate 110 together with the shielding and guiding body 80 for the cable 220. In the initial stage of the rotation of the support body 130, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 does not rotate until the cable 220 abuts against the second resting portion 184. Therefore, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 rotates with a first angle delay relative to the support body 130. At the end stage of the rotation of the support body 130, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 does not rotate because the at least one bridging element 185 abuts against the second side wall 129, but the support body 130 continues to rotate, thereby determining a second angular delay of the shielding and guiding body 80 for the cable 220 relative to the support body 130.
[0057] Preferably, the first angular delay is between 1° and 45°.
[0058] Preferably, the second angular delay is between 1° and 45°.
[0059] Preferably, the first angular delay is substantially equal to the second angular delay.
[0060] When the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses moves from the second stable closed position to the first stable open position, the cable 220 is driven by the covering element 230 to rotate, thereby separating from the second resting portion 184 until it contacts the first resting portion 183. At this time, the cable 220 drives the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 to rotate, and the at least one bridging element 185 is separated from the second side wall 129 and rotates toward the first side wall 128 of the support plate 110 together with the shielding and guiding body 80 for the cable 220.
[0061] Therefore, in the initial stage of the rotation of the support body 130, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 rotates with a second angular delay relative to the support body 130. In the final stage of the rotation of the support body 130, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 does not rotate because the bridging element 185 abuts against the first side wall 128, but the support body 130 keeps rotating, thereby determining the first angular delay of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 relative to the support body 130.
[0062] Therefore, the distance between the side walls 128 and 129 is set to determine a first angular delay between the rotation of the support body 130 and the rotation of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220, and a second angular delay between the rotation of the support body 130 and the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220.
[0063] In a particular embodiment of the invention, such as shown in the drawings, the cantilevered parts 113, 114 have a first through hole 115 and a second through hole 116 which are opposite and aligned to each other along a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis z.
[0064] In this case, the support body 130 and the support plate 110 include corresponding interaction elements 118, 119, 134, and 135, which are suitable for guiding the reciprocating rotation of the support body 130 and the support plate 110 between a first stable open position of the hinge assembly 100 for the smart glasses and a second stable closed position of the hinge assembly 100 for the smart glasses.
[0065] The support body 130 includes a third through hole 132 and a slot-type through hole 133. The third through hole 132 and the slot-type through hole 133 have axes that are parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the vertical axis z.
[0066] The support body 130 further includes at least one accommodation chamber 138 which is open to the outside and communicates with the slot-type through hole 133 .
[0067] Preferably, there may be more than one at least one receiving chamber 138 .
[0068] In the embodiment shown, the support body 130 comprises two of said receiving chambers 138 which are parallel to each other and arranged successively along the vertical axis z.
[0069] The hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses further includes a first arm element 140 and a second arm element 150. The first arm element 140 and the second arm element 150 have first perforated end portions 141, 151 and second perforated end portions 142, 152, respectively. The first perforated end portion 141 of the first arm element 140 is disposed at the first through hole 115 of the first cantilever portion 113. The first perforated end portion 151 of the second arm element 150 is disposed at the second through hole 116 of the second cantilever portion 114.
[0070] The hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses also includes a first connecting element 122 and a second connecting element 123, which respectively at least partially pass through the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116 of the cantilever parts 113 and 114 of the support plate 110, and are connected to the first perforated end parts 141 and 151 of the first arm element 140 and the second arm element 150.
[0071] The second perforated end portions 142 , 152 of the first arm element 140 and the second arm element 150 are received in the support body 130 such that they are coaxial with respect to the third through hole 132 .
[0072] The hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses further includes a first coupling pin 136 that passes through the third through hole 132 of the support body 130 and the second perforated end portions 142 , 152 of the first arm member 140 and the second arm member 150 .
[0073] The second perforated end portions 142 , 152 are freely rotatable relative to the first coupling pin 136 .
[0074] The first coupling pin 136 allows the support body 130 to rotate.
[0075] The hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses further includes a third arm element 160 and a fourth arm element 170. The third arm element 160 and the fourth arm element 170 have third perforated end portions 161, 171 and fourth perforated end portions 162, 172, respectively.
[0076] The third perforated end portions 161, 171 are rotatably coupled to the first perforated end portions 141, 151 of the first and second arm elements 140, 150, respectively. The fourth perforated end portions 162, 172 of the third and fourth arm elements 160, 170 are received in the support body 130 at the slotted through hole 133.
[0077] In addition, the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses includes a second coupling pin 137 that passes through the slotted through hole 133 of the support body 130 and the fourth perforated end portions 162, 172 of the third arm element 160 and the fourth arm element 170. The fourth perforated end portions 162, 172 can rotate freely relative to the second coupling pin 137.
[0078] The hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses further includes at least one elastic element 139 accommodated in the at least one accommodation chamber 138. In more detail, the at least one elastic element 139 contacts the bottom wall of the at least one accommodation chamber 138 on one side and contacts the second coupling pin 137 on the other side.
[0079] Preferably, the at least one elastic element 139 can be more than one, and in particular, its number can be equal to the number of accommodation chambers 138. In a specific embodiment, such as shown in the drawings, the at least one elastic element 139 is two springs, each spring is accommodated in a corresponding accommodation chamber 138.
[0080] When the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses is in the first stable open position, it can be moved to the third unstable additional open position, in which the temple 312 is opened beyond the first stable open position, pushing the support body 130 to rotate in the direction opposite to the direction performed when reaching the second stable closed position. Therefore, in fact, the support body 130 abuts against the second face 112 of the support plate 110. The support body 130 is forced to rotate, and the support body 130 is forced to rotate around the axis passing through the third through hole 132, and no longer around the axis passing through the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116.
[0081] In the transition from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position, the second connecting pin 137 slides in the slotted through hole 133 to the first end stroke end 133' which defines the third unstable additional open position. As a result, the second connecting pin 137 compresses the at least one elastic element 139 accommodated in the at least one accommodating chamber 138; therefore, once the support body 130 is released, the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses returns from the third unstable additional open position to the first stable open position due to the restoring elastic force of the at least one elastic element 139, and the at least one elastic element pushes the second connecting pin 137 when it is extended, so that the second connecting pin slides in the slotted through hole 133 toward the second end stroke end 133" opposite to the first end 133'.
[0082] Thus, the second coupling pin 137 controls the translation and thereby opening of the temple 312 in the third unstable additional open position.
[0083] Preferably, the interaction element 118 , 119 , 134 , 135 includes a first guide groove 118 formed on the first cantilever portion 113 and a second guide groove 119 formed on the second cantilever portion 114 , which form a shape of a circular arc.
[0084] Each such guide slot 118, 119 comprises a first end-stroke abutment 120, 120' and a second end-stroke abutment 121, 121' respectively.
[0085] Preferably, the guide grooves 118 , 119 are similar to cams and are arranged at peripheral ends of the cantilevered portions 113 , 114 around the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116 , respectively.
[0086] The interaction elements 118, 119, 134, 135 also include a first protrusion 134 and a second protrusion 135, which are similar to stop rollers, formed on the support body 130, and are respectively placed in the first guide groove 118 and the second guide groove 119, and when the support body 130 rotates relative to the support plate 110 around the axis of the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116 passing through the cantilever parts 113, 114, the first protrusion 134 and the second protrusion 135 are suitable for sliding in the first guide groove 118 and the second guide groove 119 between the first end stroke abutment 120, 120' and the second end stroke abutment 121, 121'.
[0087] In more detail, when the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses is in a first stable open position, the first protrusion 134 and the second protrusion 135 contact and abut with the first end stroke abutment portions 120 and 120' of the first guide groove 118 and the second guide groove 119, respectively; when the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses is in a second stable closed position, the first protrusion 134 and the second protrusion 135 contact and abut with the second end stroke abutment portions 121 and 121' of the first guide groove 118 and the second guide groove 119, respectively.
[0088] When the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses moves from a first stable open position to a second stable closed position, the first protrusion 134 and the second protrusion 135 slide from the first end stroke abutment 120, 120' to the second end stroke abutment 121, 121' along the first guide groove 118 and the second guide groove 119, respectively; during such a step, the support body 130 performs a first rotational movement around the axis of the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116 of the cantilever portion 113, 114 passing through the support plate 110, which can be quantified by the determined first angular offset.
[0089] Vice versa, when the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses moves from the second stable closed position to the first stable open position, the first protrusion 134 and the second protrusion 135 slide from the second end stroke abutment 121, 121' to the first end stroke abutment 120, 120' along the first guide groove 118 and the second guide groove 119, respectively; during such a step, the support body 130 performs a second rotational movement around the axis of the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116 of the cantilever portion 113, 114 passing through the support plate 110 in a direction opposite to the previously described direction, and can be quantified by a determined second angular offset that is equal to but opposite to the first angular offset of the first rotational movement.
[0090] When moving from the first stable open position to the second stable closed position, the cable 220 does not experience the first angular offset, but rather experiences a third angular offset obtained by subtracting the first angular delay and the second angular delay from the first angular offset.
[0091] Preferably, as can be observed in the figures, the third angular offset is 45 degrees.
[0092] When the hinge assembly 100 for smart glasses moves from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position, the first protrusion 134 and the second protrusion 135 move from a state corresponding to the first stable open position (wherein these protrusions are in contact with the first end stroke abutment 120, 120') to a state corresponding to the third unstable additional open position (wherein they are not in contact but are located outside the first guide groove 118 and the second guide groove 119, respectively).
[0093] Preferably, the first perforated end portions 141, 151 have cylindrical delimiting walls 143, 153 around their holes, which protrude towards the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114 respectively, over a length of the surface of these portions; in this case, the third perforated end portions 161, 171 are placed on the first perforated end portions 141, 151 so that the corresponding holes are coaxial and the cylindrical delimiting walls 143, 153 pass through the corresponding holes of the third perforated end portions 161, 172. Thus, the third arm element 160 can freely rotate relative to the first arm element 140 around the axis of the first perforated end portion 141 of the first arm element 140 and the hole of the third perforated end portion 161 of the third arm element 160; similarly, the fourth arm element 170 can freely rotate relative to the second arm element 150 around the axis of the hole of the first perforated end portion 151 of the second arm element 150 and the third perforated end portion 171 of the fourth arm element 170.
[0094] Preferably, the first perforated end portion 141 , 151 has a threaded hole.
[0095] In this case, the first coupling element 122 and the second coupling element 123 have respective threaded ends 124 , 125 adapted to couple with threaded holes of the first perforated end portions 141 , 151 .
[0096] The first and second coupling elements 122 , 123 also have respective cylindrical portions 126 , 127 adapted to allow the coupling elements 122 , 123 to rotate within the first and second through holes 115 , 116 .
[0097] The first coupling element 122 and the second coupling element 123 are, for example, in the form of a thread having a threaded terminal portion of the shank and a middle non-threaded cylindrical portion.
[0098] Preferably, the first perforated end portion 141 of the first arm element 140 is placed between the first end 181 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 and the first cantilever portion 113. The first perforated end portion 151 of the second arm element 150 is placed between the second end 182 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 and the second cantilever portion 114.
[0099] Preferably, the rest portions 183 , 184 have two peripheral stop walls 186 , 187 which project beyond the first end 181 and the second end 182 in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis z, forming two housing seats for the first perforated end portions 141 , 151 .
[0100] Because the movement of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 in the vertical direction z is limited by the presence of the first perforated end portions 141, 151 and the third perforated end portions 161, 171, and in the transverse plane xy, its movement is limited by the interference between the peripheral stop walls 186, 187 and the corresponding first perforated end portions 141, 151 and the third perforated end portions 161, 171, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 cannot be detached from the accommodating seat 117.
[0101] In contrast, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 can freely rotate around an axis passing through the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116 .
[0102] From the description provided, the characteristics of the hinge assembly for smart glasses, which is the object of the present invention, are clear, as are the related advantages.
[0103] In fact, the hinge assembly for smart glasses according to the present invention allows for the flexible cable to be housed therein, thereby preventing the hinge from exerting excessive stress on the cable itself, causing damage or breakage of the cable.
[0104] Furthermore, the angular delay provided between the shielding for the cable and the rotation of the guide and support bodies allows the cable to be protected from critical bends that could damage the cable itself.
[0105] Furthermore, the hinge assembly for smart glasses according to the present invention is bistable and is capable of reaching additional open positions simultaneously.
[0106] Finally, it is clear that the hinge assembly for smart glasses thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the invention; moreover, all the details may be replaced with technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used and the dimensions may be any, according to the technical requirements.
Claims
1. A hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses comprises: - a support plate (110) having a substantially flat first face (111) intended to be applied to the front portion (311) of the frame (310) of the spectacles (300) and a substantially flat second face (112) opposite and parallel to the first face (111), the support plate (110) comprising a first cantilever portion (113) and a second cantilever portion (114) parallel and opposite to each other, the first cantilever portion and the second cantilever portion extending from the second face (112) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second face, the support plate (110) comprising an opening (190) positioned between the first cantilever portion (113) and the second cantilever portion (114) along a vertical direction z, the support plate (110) comprising a first side wall (128) and a second side wall (129) connecting the first cantilever portion (113) to the second cantilever portion (114); - a support body (130) intended to be applied to a temple (312) of a pair of glasses (300), the support body (30) being rotatably coupled to the support plate (110) so as to be rotatable between a first stable open position of the hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses and / or a second stable closed position of the hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses; - a shielding and guiding body (180) for a cable (220), extending along the axis z between a first end (181) and a second end (182) and interposed between the cantilever parts (113, 114) so that the first end (181) faces the first cantilever part (113) and the second end (182) faces the second cantilever part (114), the shielding and guiding body (180) for a cable (220) comprising a first resting part (183) and a second resting part (184) extending over the length between the first end (181) and the second end (182) and spaced apart from each other, and comprising at least one bridging element (185) connecting the resting parts (183, 184) to each other, the resting parts (183, 184) facing each other and having a space between them An active gap is defined, when the hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses is in the first stable open position, the at least one bridging element (185) contacts and abuts against the first side wall (128) of the support plate (110), and when the hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses is in the second stable closed position, the at least one bridging element (185) contacts and abuts against the second side wall (129) of the support plate (110), and the distance between the side walls (128, 129) is set to determine a first angular delay between the rotation of the support body (130) and the rotation of the shielding and guiding body (180) for the cable (220), and a second angular delay between the rotation of the support body (130) and the rotation of the shielding and guiding body (180) for the wire (220).
2. The hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses according to claim 1, wherein: The first angular delay is substantially equal to the second angular delay.
3. The hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first angular delay is between 1° and 45°, and the second angular delay is between 1° and 45°.
4. The hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: - the cantilever parts (113, 114) respectively have a first through hole (115) and a second through hole (116) which are opposite to and aligned with each other in the vertical direction z, - the support body (130) and the support plate (110) comprise corresponding interaction elements (118, 119, 134, 135), wherein the interaction elements are adapted to guide the support body (130) and the support plate (110) to reciprocate between the first stable open position of the hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses and the second stable closed position of the hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses, the support body (130) comprises a third through hole (132) and a slot through hole (133), wherein the axes of the third through hole and the slot through hole are parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the vertical direction z, the support body (130) comprises at least one accommodating chamber (138), wherein the at least one accommodating chamber is open to the outside and communicates with the slot through hole (133), The hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses comprises: - a first arm element (140) and a second arm element (150), the first arm element and the second arm element having respective first perforated end portions (141, 151) arranged at the first through hole (115) and the second through hole (116) of the cantilever portion (113, 114), and respective second perforated end portions (142, 152) received in the support body (130) at the third through hole (132), a first coupling pin (136) passing through the third through hole (132) and the second perforated end portions (142, 152), a first coupling element (122) and a second coupling element (123) at least partially passing through the first through hole (115) and the second through hole (116), respectively, and being coupled to the first perforated end portions (141, 151) respectively; - a third arm element (160) and a fourth arm element (170), the third arm element (160) and the fourth arm element (170), the third arm element (160) and the fourth arm element (170) having respective third perforated end portions (161, 171) rotatably coupled to the first perforated end portions (141, 151), and respective fourth perforated end portions (162, 172) received in the support body (130) at the slotted through hole (133), the second coupling pin (137) passing through the slotted through hole (133) and the fourth perforated end portions (162, 172); - at least one elastic element (139), which is accommodated in the at least one accommodation chamber (138) on one side and contacts the bottom wall of the at least one accommodation chamber (138) and the second connecting pin (137) on the other side. When the hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses moves from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position, the at least one elastic element (139) is compressed by the second connecting pin (137), and the at least one elastic element (139) pushes the second connecting pin (137) to return from the third unstable additional open position to the first stable open position.
5. The hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses according to claim 4, wherein: The interaction elements (118, 119, 134, 135) include: - a first guide groove (118) formed on the first cantilever portion (113), - a second guide groove (119) formed on the second cantilever portion (114), - a first protrusion (134) and a second protrusion (135) formed on the support body (130), the guide grooves (118, 119) are formed in the shape of an arc and respectively include a first end stroke abutment portion (120, 120') and a second end stroke abutment portion (121, 121'), the first protrusion (134) and the second protrusion (135) are respectively placed in the first guide groove (118) and the second guide groove (119) and are suitable for contacting the first end stroke abutment portion (120, 120') with the second end stroke abutment portion (121, 121'). When the hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses is in the first stable open position, the first protrusion (134) and the second protrusion (135) both contact and abut the first end stroke abutment (120, 120'); when the hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses is in the second stable closed position, the first protrusion (134) and the second protrusion (135) both contact and abut the second end stroke abutment (121, 121').
6. The hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The first perforated end portion (141, 151) has a cylindrical boundary wall (143, 153) around its hole, and the cylindrical boundary wall protrudes toward the first cantilever portion (113) and the second cantilever portion (114) respectively and exceeds the surface of the portion by a length, the first connecting element (122) and the second connecting element (123) have corresponding threaded ends (124, 125) suitable for connecting with the threaded hole of the first perforated end portion (141, 151), and the first connecting element (122) and the second connecting element (123) have corresponding cylindrical portions (126, 127) suitable for allowing the connecting elements (122, 123) to rotate in the first through hole (115) and the second through hole (116).
7. The hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses according to one or more of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The number of the at least one elastic element (139) is two, and the number of the at least one elastic element (139) is equal to the number of the at least one accommodation chamber (138).
8. The hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses according to one or more of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The first perforated end portion (141) of the first arm element (140) is inserted between the first end portion (181) of the shielding and guiding body (180) for the cable (220) and the first cantilever portion (113), and the first perforated end portion (151) of the second arm element (150) is inserted between the second end portion (182) of the shielding and guiding body (180) for the cable (220) and the second cantilever portion (114).
9. The hinge assembly (100) for smart glasses according to one or more of claims 4 to 8, wherein: The first rest portion (183) and the second rest portion (184) have two peripheral stop walls (186, 187), which protrude beyond the first end (181) and the second end (182) in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis z, thereby forming two receiving seats for the first perforated end portion (141, 151).
10. Smart glasses (300), comprising: - a front part (311) suitable for carrying two lenses and two temples (312), the temples (311) suitable for allowing a user to wear the spectacles (300); - two hinge assemblies (100) for smart glasses according to one or more of the preceding claims, each hinge assembly coupling a respective temple (312) to the front portion (311); - a cable (220) suitable for electrically connecting electrical and / or electronic devices installed in the front part (311) and the temples (312) to each other, the cable (220) coming from the front part (311) of the glasses (300) passing through the opening (190) of the support plate (110) and the gap between the rest parts (183, 184) to reach the corresponding temple (312).
