Elastic part for optical or sunglasses frame hinge and optical or sunglasses frame hinge

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a one-piece elastic part for a hinge of optical or sunglasses, extending along a principal axis (X) and comprising a first wall (21) and a second wall (22) articulated by means of a third wall (23) having an inner face (26) connecting the first wall (21) to the second wall (22), the elastic part (1) comprising a mounting recess having: a first portion (24) passing through the first wall (21) and the second wall (22) perpendicularly to the principal axis (X), adapted to receive a support axis (6) of the hinge, a second portion (25) connecting the first portion (24) to an outer face (27) of the third wall (23) opposite the inner face (26), the second portion (25) dividing the third wall into two disjoint portions,a dimension of the mounting recess along the principal axis (X) being smaller in the second part (25) than in the first part (24) so ​​as to allow the elastic part to snap onto the support axis (6) of the hinge. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 3,

Description

Title of the invention: Elastic part for a hinge of optical or sunglasses frame and hinge of optical or sunglasses frame technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of optical or sunglass glasses, and more particularly to hinges that allow the arms of a glasses frame to pass between an open position and a closed position. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Several solutions are known in the prior art for allowing the temples of an optical frame to pivot relative to a front piece configured to hold the lenses, so as to allow the glasses to move from a closed position, in which they are as compact as possible and can be stored in a case, to an open position, in which they can be placed on the user's face. Typically, in the closed position, the temples extend substantially parallel to the front piece, while in the open position, the temples extend substantially perpendicular to the rest of the frame.

[0003] A classic solution is the so-called "screw hinge." This type of hinge comprises two sets of rings, the first set of rings projecting from one end of one of the temples, and the corresponding second set of rings projecting from one end of the front portion of the frame that includes the lenses. When assembled, the two sets of rings are arranged alternately, allowing a screw to pass through the central holes of each ring. Such hinges offer simplicity that allows for easy installation and a certain degree of robustness. Their cost is also relatively low, making them a common choice for inexpensive frames.

[0004] However, screw hinges offer no assistance in opening or closing the frame. In other words, when the user wishes to move the frame from the open to the closed position or vice versa, they must manually push the temples into the desired position. Opening or closing the frame is therefore slow and requires effort from the user.

[0005] Another common type of hinge is often called a "flex hinge," or "spring hinge." This type of hinge includes at least one spring, typically placed In a housing located in the part of the temple closest to the front piece, the spring can exert a restoring force when the temple is over-opened and / or slightly rotated around the Y-axis, without compromising the structural integrity of the hinge. The spring is attached at one end to the front piece or to a protruding portion of the front piece extending from the temple, and at the other end to the housing. Some spring hinges also provide assistance when opening and closing the frame.

[0006] Under the effect of repeated cycles of use, which put stress on the spring, it is possible that the spring itself or the fasteners securing the spring to the hinge may break due to mechanical fatigue. It is then necessary to replace the spring or the affected parts. Furthermore, due to the complexity of spring hinges, they are expensive to produce, which negatively impacts the selling price of glasses incorporating this type of hinge. The presence of at least one spring in the hinge makes it somewhat bulky, due to the size of the spring in its principal direction. The hinge therefore encroaches on the inside of the temple, and it is necessary to provide a housing within the temple, which compromises its structural integrity.Specifically for sunglasses, spring hinges are rarely used because the over-opening phenomenon associated with them does not allow for a stable hold of the glasses when the user places them on top of their head. EXPOSED

[0007] One purpose of this disclosure is to provide an optical glasses hinge that provides assistance in opening and closing while remaining capable of withstanding repeated stress without breaking.

[0008] Another purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an optical eyeglass hinge comprising a particularly compact return element so as not to increase the bulk of the temple.

[0009] To this end, according to a first aspect of this disclosure, a one-piece elastic part for a hinge of optical or sunglasses is proposed, extending along a principal axis and comprising a first wall and a second wall articulated by means of a third wall, an inner face of which connects the first wall to the second wall, the elastic part comprising a mounting recess having: - a first part passing through the first wall and the second wall perpendicularly to the main axis, adapted to receive a hinge support axis, - a second part connecting the first part to an external face of the third wall opposite the internal face, the second part dividing the third wall in two disjointed portions,

[0010] a dimension of the mounting recess along the main axis being smaller in the second part than in the first part so as to allow the elastic part to snap onto the hinge support axis.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first wall is substantially parallel to the second wall when the elastic part is not subjected to any external force.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the elastic part comprises a material selected from elastomers, metals and / or composite materials.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the elastic part comprises a fourth wall articulated to the second wall on a side opposite to the first wall by means of a fifth wall, the first part of the mounting recess passing through the fourth wall.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to an optical eyeglass hinge, comprising: - a protruding part of the front of a spectacle frame, the protruding part being provided with a recess, - a support axis configured to extend partially into a housing of a frame arm and comprising a head extending outside the housing as well as a compression portion extending into the housing, the head being configured to be received in the recess,

[0015] a hinge shaft extending through the protruding part and through a central opening in the head, the support axis being movable in rotation around the hinge shaft between: • a closed position, in which the branch is substantially perpendicular to the protruding part and; • an open position, in which the branch is substantially aligned with the protruding part, - a one-piece elastic component as described previously,

[0016] the first part of the mounting recess of the elastic part surrounding the support axis, the elastic part being interposed between the compression part and an internal surface of the housing,

[0017] an external surface of the protruding part forming a cam whose profile is configured to compress the elastic part during the transition from the open position to the closed position and from the closed position to the open position.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first part of the mounting recess includes corners configured to accommodate edges of a connecting portion of the support axis, the connecting portion having a polygonal, preferably rectangular, cross-section.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the cam profile is configured so that the elastic part is in the free state in the closed position and / or in the open position.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the cam profile is configured so that the compressive stress on the elastic part is maximum in an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position, in particular when the arm forms an angle of substantially equal to 45° with the protruding part.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the support shaft is formed of a metal, in particular a stainless steel and / or a copper alloy.

[0022] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to an optical spectacle frame comprising a hinge as described above.

[0023] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for mounting a hinge as described above, the method comprising successive steps of: - placement of the support axis in the branch housing by translation along a direction defined by a transverse axis orthogonal to both a hinge rotation axis and a main axis of the branch, - snapping the elastic part onto the connecting portion of the support shaft by translation of the elastic part along the transverse axis, during which the connecting portion comes into contact with the first part of the mounting recess through the second part of the mounting recess.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the method, the snap-fitting includes a spreading of retaining hooks of the elastic part by pressing the connecting portion on mounting chamfers of the retaining hooks. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] Other features, purposes and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which:

[0026] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a hinge for optical glasses comprising an elastic piece, according to a first aspect, in an assembled state of the hinge and in an intermediate position of the frame;

[0027] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the optical glasses hinge of [Fig.1] in a mounted hinge state and in an open frame position;

[0028] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the optical telescope hinge shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[0029] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an elastic part for a hinge of optical or sunglasses according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an elastic part for a hinge of optical or sunglasses according to another embodiment;

[0031] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a method of mounting a hinge for optical or solar glasses according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0032] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0033] A hinge 1 of optical glasses according to the present disclosure is shown in figures 1 to 3. The hinge allows to connect, in a mobility in rotation about an axis X, a branch 3 of the glasses frame - shown partially in the figures - to a front part of the frame (not shown), the front part classically comprising the bridge, and the rims of the frame when the frame includes rims around the lenses, as well as the lenses.

[0034] For each branch, a Y axis extends perpendicularly to both the X axis and the main direction of branch 3.

[0035] The hinge comprises a projecting part 2 extending outward from the front portion and integral with it. The projecting part 2 extends substantially perpendicularly to the front portion, regardless of the position of the arms. The projecting part 2 comprises a recess 10 open on only one side of the projecting part 2 along the Y-axis, as shown in [Fig. 1], or a recess 10 open on both sides of the projecting part 2 along the Y-axis such that the recess 10 passes completely through the projecting part 2.

[0036] The hinge also includes a support pin 6. In an assembled state of the hinge, the support pin 6 includes a head 9 which extends out of the arm 3, as well as a connecting portion 12 received partly in a housing 4 of the arm 3. The connecting portion 12 passes through a connecting hole 14 provided in an end of the arm 3 located closest to the protruding part 2. The connecting hole 14 is dimensioned so that the head 9 cannot pass through it.

[0037] The end of the support shaft 6 opposite the head 9 includes a compression portion 7. This compression portion has a dimension along the X axis and / or along the Y axis greater than that of the connecting portion 12. In particular, the compression portion 7 may have a dimension along the X axis and / or Y slightly less than that of the housing 4, so as to be able to slide in the housing 4 along the main direction of the branch 3 without excessive movement of the compression portion 7 along the X axis and / or Y axis.

[0038] The head 9 is received, in the mounted state of the hinge, between two portions of the projecting part 2 separated by the recess 10. Each of these two portions of the projecting part includes an orifice extending along the axis X, so that a hinge shaft 8 can be received through these orifices and through a central orifice 11 of the head 9.

[0039] In the assembled state of the hinge, an elastic part 1 is received on the portion of connection 12 of the support axis 6.

[0040] The support shaft 6 may include a metal. For example, the support shaft 6 may be made of a material including stainless steel, or a copper alloy.

[0041] The protruding part 2 includes, on an external surface 16 thereof disposed opposite the arm 3, a cam 13. The cam 13 includes a cam profile. The cam 13 is configured to slide on an external surface of the arm 3, disposed opposite the protruding part 2, and forming a cam follower surface 15, during a change of position of the arm 3 by rotation about the hinge shaft 8. Thanks to the cam 13, the elastic part 1 is, at least in certain positions between the open and closed positions, subjected to a compressive stress between, on the one hand, an internal surface 5 of the housing 4 and, on the other hand, the compression portion 7 of the support shaft 6.

[0042] The cam profile 13 can be configured so that the elastic element 1 undergoes maximum compression in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions. In this way, when the temple 3 is in a position close to this intermediate position, between the open and closed positions, a restoring force exerted by the elastic element 1 in reaction to the compression returns the temple 3 to the closed position. Similarly, when the temple 3 is in a position close to this intermediate position, between the open and open positions, the restoring force exerted by the elastic element 1 in reaction to the compression returns the temple 3 to the open position. The elastic element 1 thus assists in opening and closing: to open the frame, the user can place the temple 3 in any position between the open and intermediate positions.To close the frame, the user can place the temple 3 in any position between the closed position and the intermediate position. In both cases, the restoring force exerted by the elastic part 1 allows the temple 3 to return to the desired position. The user can therefore make an approximate movement over a wide angular range to open or close the frame.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the intermediate position in which the compression of the elastic part is maximal corresponds to an angle between the protruding part 2 and the temple 3 of approximately 45°. Thus, the angular ranges within which the user can position the temple 3 to open and close the frame are equal, each being approximately 45°. Alternatively, the compression of the part can be maximal at an angle between the protruding part 2 and the temple 3 of approximately 30°. This allows the user to open the frame only slightly for the restoring force exerted by the elastic part to bring the temple into the open position.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the compression of the elastic part 1 increases continuously between the open position and the intermediate position, and / or between the closed position and the intermediate position.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the profile of the cam 13 is configured so that, in the open and / or closed position, the elastic part is in a free state—that is, it is not subjected to any compressive force. Since the mount is, for the majority of its life, either in the open or closed position, this minimizes the mechanical fatigue experienced by the elastic part 1.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the outer surface 16 of the protruding part 2 is configured to abut against the temple 3 in the open position of the frame. When the temple 3 and the protruding part 2 are made of rigid materials, this prevents the frame from being over-opened beyond the open position. When the temple 3 is made of more flexible materials, for example, injection-molded plastic, over-opening may be permitted by the flexibility of the temple itself, despite the stop formed by the outer surface 16 of the protruding part.

[0047] The elastic part 1 is shown, according to a first embodiment, in [Fig. 4]. The elastic part 1 is a single piece, so as to minimize its points of mechanical weakness. The elastic part 1 is made of an elastic material, and may in particular comprise a metal—for example, stainless steel, a copper-based alloy, or a high-carbon steel—or an elastomer. The elastic part 1 may also comprise a composite material. The elastic part 1 extends along a principal axis which, in the mounted position of the hinge, coincides with the X axis of rotation of the hinge. The elastic part 1 comprises a first wall 21 and a second wall 22. These two walls 21, 22 are articulated by a third wall 23, which connects the first wall 21 and the second wall 22 by an inner face 26.During compression of the elastic element 1 between the inner face 5 of the housing 4 and the compression portion 7, the first wall 21 and the second wall 22 are compressed towards each other. Due to the presence of the third wall 23, the material forming the elastic element 1 is subjected to a tensile stress on its outer part and a compressive stress on its inner part. The elastic element 1 then exerts a restoring force on the inner face 5 of the housing and on the compression portion 7, which tends to return the arm 3 to a free position of the elastic element 1 in which the stresses acting on it are reduced or zero. The elastic element 1 is more compact than a spring in a prior art spring hinge capable of producing an equivalent restoring force, and therefore occupies less space in the arm 3.Housing 4 can therefore occupy a limited space, without compromising rigidity and strength. mechanics of branch 3.

[0048] According to one embodiment, in the free state of the elastic part 1, the first wall 21 and the second wall 22 extend substantially parallel to each other, the third wall 23 extending perpendicularly to the first wall 21 and to the second wall 22. This makes it possible to make the elastic part 1 as compact as possible in the housing 4 of the arm 3.

[0049] The elastic part 1 includes a mounting recess, which allows its mounting within the hinge, and more specifically around the support axis 6.

[0050] A first portion 24 of the mounting recess passes through the first wall 21 and the second wall 22 in a direction perpendicular to the principal axis X of the elastic part 1. In particular, when the first wall 21 is parallel to the second wall 22, the first portion 24 of the mounting recess extends substantially along the principal axis of the arm 3. The first portion 24 is configured to surround the connecting portion 12 of the support shaft 6 in the mounted state of the hinge. The first portion 24 can therefore have, on its inner surface, a shape complementary to the outer surface of the connecting portion 12.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first part 24 of the mounting recess comprises corners 32. This allows for a connecting portion 12 with a rectangular (or more generally polygonal) cross-section, the corners 32 engaging with edges of the connecting portion 12 in the assembled state of the hinge. This allows the elastic part 1 to slide on the connecting portion 12 in the principal direction of the arm 3 while preventing rotation of the elastic part 1 around the connecting portion 12.

[0052] The first portion 24 may also include, in addition to the corners 32, circular portions 33 which facilitate the opening of the mounting recess to accommodate the connecting portion 12 when mounting the elastic part 1 onto it. As shown in [Fig. 5], the first portion 24 may include corners 32 separated by concentric circular portions 33 of the same radius.

[0053] A second portion 25 of the mounting recess passes completely through the third wall 23, such that the second portion 25 opens on one side onto the first portion 24 and on the other side onto an external surface 27 of the third wall 23, thus dividing the third wall 23 into two disjoint portions on either side of the second portion 25 of the mounting recess. The second portion 25 extends along the same principal direction as the first portion 24. Furthermore, the second portion 25 has a dimension along the principal axis X of the elastic part 1 that is smaller than a dimension of the first portion 24 along the X axis. The second portion 25 of the mounting recess therefore forms two retaining hooks 30 in the elastic part 1, extending along the principal direction of the part Elastic element 1. During hinge assembly, the elastic element 1 can be snapped onto the connecting portion 12 of the support shaft 6 through the second part 25 of the mounting recess. The retaining hooks 30 then elastically separate from each other, and the connecting portion 12 is thus housed in the first part 24 of the mounting recess. Once positioned in this way, the elastic element 1 is held onto the connecting portion 12 by the retaining hooks 30. The elastic element 1 is then permanently fixed to the connecting portion 12 by the presence of the retaining hooks 30, resulting in a particularly robust hinge.

[0054] The snap-fit ​​mounting of the elastic part 1 onto the support shaft 6 has the advantage of not requiring any fixed attachment of the elastic part 1 to the arm 3 or its housing 4, unlike a conventional spring hinge where the spring is held inside the hinge, for example by clips arranged along the spring shaft. The absence of a fixed attachment of the elastic part 1 to the arm 3 results in a more robust hinge that is less susceptible to mechanical fatigue.

[0055] The retaining hooks 30 may include a mounting chamfer 31 on the external surface 27 of the third wall 23, so as to facilitate their elastic separation when placing the elastic part 1 on the connecting portion 12. The mounting chamfers 31 may be provided on only one side of the second part 25 of the mounting recess, or on both sides of the second part 25 of the mounting recess.

[0056] According to one embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 5], the elastic part 1 comprises a fourth wall 28. The fourth wall 28 is articulated to the second wall 22 by means of a fifth wall 29. In particular, the first wall 21, the second wall 22, and the fourth wall 28 may be parallel and extend in a plane substantially orthogonal to the principal direction of the arm 3. The first part 24 and the second part 25 of the mounting recess also pass through the fourth wall 28, so as to allow the elastic part 1 to be mounted and held on the connecting portion 12 of the support shaft 6. The addition of a fourth wall 28 makes it possible to significantly increase the restoring force exerted by the elastic part 1 in response to a compressive load, while maintaining a compactness that does not excessively encumber the arm 3.

[0057] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a spectacle frame, comprising a front piece fitted with lenses and a bridge, with temples 3 being connected to the front piece by means of a hinge as defined above. The frame may include rims surrounding the lenses, the protruding pieces 2 then being integral with the rims, or pierced lenses, the protruding pieces 2 then being directly connected to the lenses.

[0058] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method 100 of mounting a hinge as defined above, illustrated in [Fig.6]. The method includes a step 101 of placing the support shaft 6 into the housing 4 of the arm by translation along the Y-axis. The connecting portion 12 of the support shaft 6 is placed in the housing 4, and through the connecting hole 14, so that the head 9 is located on the side of the connecting hole 14 opposite the housing 4. The assembly method then includes a step 102 of snapping the elastic part 1 onto the connecting portion 12. During snapping, the retaining hooks 30 are spread apart, either by manual action of the user on them and / or by pressing the connecting portion 12 against the mounting chamfers 31 of the retaining hooks 30, so as to spread the retaining hooks 30 apart from each other along the principal direction X of the elastic part 1.The connecting portion can then pass through the second part 25 of the mounting recess so as to fit into the first part 24, so that the retaining hooks 30 snap into place around the connecting portion 12. The elastic part is then permanently mounted on the support shaft 6.

Claims

Claims

1. One-piece elastic part for a hinge of optical or solar glasses, extending along a main axis (X) and comprising a first wall (21) and a second wall (22) articulated by means of a third wall (23) of which an internal face (26) connects the first wall (21) to the second wall (22), the elastic part (1) comprising a mounting recess having: - a first part (24) passing through the first wall (21) and the second wall (22) perpendicular to the main axis (X), adapted to receive a support axis (6) of the hinge, - a second part (25) connecting the first part (24) to an external face (27) of the third wall (23) opposite the internal face (26), the second part (25) dividing the third wall into two separate portions,a dimension of the mounting recess along the main axis (X) being smaller in the second part (25) than in the first part (24) so ​​as to allow the elastic part to be snapped onto the support axis (6) of the hinge.,

2. A single-piece elastic part according to claim 1, in which the first wall (21) is substantially parallel to the second wall (22) when the elastic part (1) is not subjected to any external force.

3. One-piece elastic part according to any one of claims 1 and 2, comprising a material chosen from elastomers, metals and / or composite materials.

4. Elastic part according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a fourth wall (28) articulated to the second wall (22) on a side opposite the first wall (21) by means of a fifth wall (29), the first part (24) of the mounting recess passing through the fourth wall (28).

5. Optical eyeglass hinge, comprising: - a projecting part (2) of a front part of an eyeglass frame, the projecting part (2) being provided with a recess (10), - a support axis (6) configured to extend partially into a housing (4) of a branch (3) of the frame and comprising a head (9) extending outside the housing (10) and a compression portion (7) extending into the housing (4), the head (9) being configured to be received in the recess (10), a hinge shaft (8) extending through the protruding part (2) and through a central orifice (11) of the head (9), the support axis (6) being rotatable about the hinge shaft (8) between: • a closed position, in which the branch (3) is substantially perpendicular to the protruding part (2) and;• an open position, in which the branch (3) is substantially aligned with the projecting part (2), - a single-piece elastic part according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the first part (24) of the mounting recess of the elastic part (1) surrounding the support axis (6), the elastic part (1) being interposed between the compression part (7) and an internal surface (5) of the housing (4), an external surface of the projecting part forming a cam (13) whose profile is configured to compress the elastic part when passing from the open position to the closed position and from the closed position to the open position.;

6. An eyeglass hinge according to claim 5, the first portion (24) of the mounting recess comprising corners (32) configured to receive edges of a connecting portion (12) of the support axis, the connecting portion (12) having a polygonal, preferably rectangular, section.

7. A spectacle hinge according to any one of claims 5 and 6, the profile of the cam (13) being configured so that the elastic part (1) is in the free state in the closed position and / or in the open position.

8. Eyeglass hinge according to any one of claims 5 to 7, the profile of the cam (13) being configured so that the compressive stress of the elastic part (1) is maximum in an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position, in particular when the branch (3) forms with the projecting part (2) an angle substantially equal to 45°.

9. An eyeglass hinge according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the support shaft (6) is formed from a metal, in particular stainless steel and / or a copper alloy.

10. An optical eyeglass frame comprising a hinge according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

11. A method of mounting a hinge according to any one of claims 5 to 9 taken in combination with claim 6, comprising successive steps of: - placing the support axis (6) in the housing (4) of the branch (3) by translation along a direction defined by a transverse axis (Y) orthogonal to both an axis of rotation of the hinge and a main axis of the branch (3), - snapping the elastic part (1) onto the connecting portion (12) of the support axis (6) by translation of the elastic part along the transverse axis (Y), during which the connecting portion (12) engages with the first part (24) of the mounting recess through the second part (25) of the mounting recess.

12. Mounting method according to the preceding claim, the snap-fastening comprising a spacing of retaining hooks (30) of the elastic part (1) by pressure of the connecting portion (12) on mounting chamfers (31) of the retaining hooks (30).

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